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ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A medical professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and your family members close to you, such as a spouse, sibling or a friend for adults -- about symptoms. This can provide insight that questionnaires cannot.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood can be a challenge because the diagnostic guidelines are targeted at children. It is essential to find a doctor who specializes in the field who takes their time when evaluating you.
Symptoms
To conduct an ADHD assessment, the first step is to allow the patient to discuss openly and honestly about his symptoms and how they affect his life. Adults might not want to admit that they struggle with paying attention, following instructions or organizing tasks. But getting an accurate diagnosis will help you control symptoms and live a happier life.
The evaluator will ask the person to share their medical history and personal life from childhood up to now. The evaluator also reviews the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines for the disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
To meet criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD, an adult must have a history of at least six established symptoms in one or both of two main categories--inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity--for six months. Symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at least two major environments, such as school or work. In addition, the person evaluating must rule out any other conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD like depression, anxiety, or an intellectual disability.
In addition to an interview, a doctor may utilize behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to collect information about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory skills, and spatial and visual reasoning can be helpful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may ask for permission depending on the situation to speak with family members or friends who may offer valuable advice and support. They might ask for the names and contact information of the spouse, parents, or siblings in order to talk with them about the person's challenges at home and at the workplace.
A physical examination is typically part of an ADHD evaluation. It helps rule other disorders out that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can trigger symptoms that look a lot similar to ADHD. The evaluator could conduct a neurological examination to see whether there is any indication of damage or injury to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator might also recommend urine and blood tests to check for the presence of other medical conditions that may hinder treatment, such as depression or alcohol and addiction.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will be able to examine symptoms that can be seen in different environments, such as at work, home, or school. The symptoms must last for a long period of time. The doctor will determine how much these symptoms interfere with your daily routine. If they cause a lot of trouble, it's likely that you or your child will meet the criteria for a diagnosis of either inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive ADHD.
Doctors utilize the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition to diagnose children. They will assess the symptoms of your child and how they impact their lives. They may also conduct a clinical interview. The interview will comprise a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. They will also ask questions about the impact of your child's behavior on their daily mood, behaviors and productivity.
For adults, it is trickier to make an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is geared towards diagnosing children. However, there is some debate over whether these criteria still apply to adults. To meet the criteria for a diagnosis, an adult must have 6 or more symptoms of inattentive ADHD or 7 or more symptoms of hyperactive-impulsive ADHD. These symptoms must be present for a long time and must interfere with the daily activities at school, work, or at home.
Your doctor might also recommend additional tests in addition to a clinical interview to determine the extent and severity of your symptoms or the child's. This could include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests may help determine if a condition is similar to depression or learning disabilities.
The suggestion of asking your family physician to recommend you to an expert who will evaluate your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is the best place to begin. You can also call your insurance provider to see whether there are any specialists that are covered by your plan and who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to reach out to an organization that supports local residents and solicit recommendations. You can also contact an institution of higher education or a medical or graduate school to get the names of specialists who can conduct ADHD assessments.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can cause serious issues at work and in school and interfere with relationships. Being diagnosed and taking medication can improve functioning and decrease symptoms. Patients with ADHD might also need to change their lifestyle, such as adjusting the time of their sleep, using a daily planner or increasing exercise.
A person with ADHD should see the primary care physician or a mental health professional or both to receive an assessment. In this in-person consultation the doctor will discuss topics including the development of the disorder of the person's family and lifestyle, and current symptoms and issues. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance, productivity, and if they are having issues with impulsive or focus-focused actions. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when they began, and from where, and the amount of distress they cause.
The evaluator will likely want to talk to other people in the patient's life, for example, parents, spouses or siblings for adults, as well as coaches, teachers, daycare providers or friends for children. These people can offer insights that questionnaires cannot, such as the fact that the person often forgets or stops work in mid-stream. They can also reveal what triggers symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medicines are used to treat ADHD. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase blood flow to the brain and reduce the impulse to act, allowing people to pay attention and follow directions. They can be taken orally or intravenously, and are usually well tolerated.
Alongside medication Therapy can help those with ADHD discover strategies to compensate for their difficulties. Therapists can assist people with learning techniques to manage their lives and track their appointments, and provide assistance and advice in dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on home and at work. Therapy for families and marriage is a great way to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach how to manage stress and resolve conflicts that might arise.
Medication
For a medical professional to identify ADHD, they must evaluate many things. They will ask about your child's symptoms at home, at school, and in other settings. They will also use scales and questionnaires that are specific to ADHD. They may also inquire about family history. They may also search for other conditions that could be the cause of the symptoms, like mood disorders and learning disabilities. They will also add diagnosis in adults determine the severity of the symptoms and if they affect your child's daily life.
There is no physical test for ADHD that is comparable to a blood test or an X-ray. To get a diagnosis the healthcare provider for your child will follow guidelines that were developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines were designed for children between 4 and 18 years of age. It is difficult to determine ADHD in adults. The symptoms of ADHD can change as time passes. People who have ADHD can be diagnosed as predominately inattentive, predominately hyperactive-impulsive or a combination of the two.
A child must display six or more of the symptoms described in the guidelines in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. The guidelines also state the symptoms must be present for a minimum of six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD It is crucial that someone familiar with them interviews them. This includes their teachers as well as coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. They should also be questioned about how the symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they compare to other children of their age.
Medication is the most popular form of treatment for ADHD. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medication are available to treat ADHD. Stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs balance and increase levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Antipsychotics and Atomoxetine are drugs that treat ADHD. They are less potent than stimulants, but they can be beneficial for people who are unable to take stimulants due to serious side effects or health problems. They can be combined alongside other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral treatment.