ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional conducting an ADHD assessment will question you and your family members close to you -- a spouse, sibling or a friend for adults -- about their symptoms. This can provide insight that questionnaires can't uncover.
It is more difficult to determine ADHD in adults, since the guidelines for diagnosis are developed for children. It's crucial to find an ADHD specialist who will take the time to evaluate you.
Symptoms
The first step in an ADHD assessment is to let the patient talk honestly and openly about his issues and how they affect his daily life. Many adults are reluctant to admit that they have difficulty paying attention and following directions or organising tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best way to gain control of symptoms and live an enjoyable life.
The person being evaluated is asked to share their medical and personal history from childhood up to now. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for clinical care 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. The symptoms must have led to significant impairment in at least two major settings, such as school or work. In addition, the person evaluating must rule out other disorders that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD, such as depression, anxiety, or an intellectual disability.
A doctor may also use ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales in addition to an interview to gather data on the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning, and working memory can help identify ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors can ask permission, based on the circumstance, to contact family members or friends who may provide valuable information and support. They may ask for the names and contact information of parents, spouses, or siblings in order to talk with them about the person's challenges at home and
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A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD evaluation, since it can help rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms that look a lot like ADHD. The evaluator might conduct a neurological examination to determine if there is any sign of injury or damage to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator may also recommend blood and urine tests to evaluate for the presence of other medical conditions that may hinder treatment,
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Diagnosis
Your doctor will examine symptoms that occur in different settings, like at work, at home or at school. The symptoms must last for a long 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.
To diagnose children, doctors adhere to guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will assess the child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct an interview. The interview will consist of an overview of your child's medical family,
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Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor may request additional tests to determine the severity of your child's symptoms. This could include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can be used to rule out a condition that is causing the same symptoms, like depression or learning disabilities.
To find an expert to evaluate your your child's ADHD you can begin by asking your family doctor for the referral. You can also contact your insurance provider to inquire if there are professionals covered by your policy who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also contact a local support group and request recommendations. You can also call a medical school or university-based hospital to obtain a list of professionals that provide ADHD assessments.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can lead to serious problems at work or at school, and can cause problems with relationships. Finding a diagnosis and taking medication can improve performance and lessen symptoms. Patients with ADHD also may need to make lifestyle changes like adjusting their sleep schedules and using a daily planner or increasing exercise.
Anyone suffering from ADHD should consult with his or her primary care doctor or psychiatrist or both to receive an assessment. In this in-person consultation the doctor will discuss issues such as development, family and lifestyle history as well as current symptoms and issues. The doctor will ask questions about the patient's performance, behavior and productivity and whether they have trouble with impulsive behavior or focus. They'll be interested in knowing how long the symptoms have gone on, where and when they began, and how much stress or problems they create.
The evaluator could talk to other people who are who are involved in the patient's everyday life, including spouses, parents siblings, teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or even friends. They can provide information that questionnaires can't be able to provide, for instance, the fact that the patient frequently forgets or stops tasks during the course of a task. They may also be able to reveal what triggers symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medicines treat ADHD. The medications can include stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine and dexamfetamine. These drugs increase the flow of blood to the brain and suppress actions that are impulsive that allow people to concentrate and follow instructions. These drugs can be administered intravenously or orally, and they are generally well-tolerated.
Therapy can help people suffering from ADHD come up with strategies to overcome the challenges they face. Therapists can help people learn how to organize their lives, keep track of appointments, and offer support and guidance when dealing with the impact ADHD symptoms have on their work and family life. Marriage and family therapy is a fantastic way to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach how to manage stress and resolve conflicts that might arise.
Medication
To allow a medical professional to identify ADHD, they must evaluate many things. They will inquire with your child about his or her symptoms at school, home and in other places. They will also use questionnaires or scales that are specific for ADHD. They may also inquire about family history. They will look for other conditions that could be the cause of the symptoms, for example mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and whether they are affecting your child's daily life.
There is no physical test to diagnose ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. Your child's healthcare provider follows guidelines set by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines were designed for children aged 4-18 years of age. It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults. This is because a person's symptoms may change over time. People who have ADHD can be diagnosed as predominately inattentive, predominately hyperactive-impulsive or a combination of the two.
A child must exhibit at least six of the symptoms listed in the guidelines to be classified with ADHD. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of six months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD it is recommended that they be questioned by a person who knows them well. Included in this are their teachers, 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 their age.
The most common treatment for ADHD is medication. There are both stimulant and nonstimulant medications that can be prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms. The stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed. These drugs balance and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. Other drugs that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine as well as some antipsychotics. They are slower than stimulants, however they can be helpful for people who are unable to use stimulant drugs due to health problems or severe adverse reactions. The use of medications can be in conjunction with other treatments, for example, cognitive behavioral therapy.
