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ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A medical professional who is evaluating ADHD will ask you and your closest family members (your spouse or sibling when you're an adultabout the symptoms you experience. This often provides insights that questionnaires don't.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is a bit more difficult since the diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It is important to find a specialist in the condition who takes their time in evaluating your case.
Signs and symptoms
The first step in an ADHD evaluation is to have the patient speak honestly and openly about his symptoms and how they impact his life. Some adults do not want to admit that they struggle with paying attention and following directions or organising tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best way to gain control of symptoms and live happier and healthier lives.
The person being evaluated is asked to provide details about their medical and personal history from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for clinical care for the disorder, which are found 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 caused significant impairment in at least two important settings, such as school or work. The examiner should be able to rule out other conditions that can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD like anxiety, depression or intellectual disabilities.
In addition to an interview, a doctor might use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to collect information regarding the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that assess working memory, executive functioning abilities, and spatial and visual reasoning are useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the specific situation, doctors often ask for permission to contact people close to the person who could offer valuable advice 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 at work.
A physical exam is often part of an ADHD evaluation, since it can help identify other disorders that can cause similar symptoms. In some instances, thyroid issues and seizures can be a cause of ADHD. The evaluator can also perform an examination of the brain to determine if there are any symptoms of injury or damage to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator might also recommend urine and blood tests to check for the presence of other conditions that might hinder treatment, such as depression or alcohol and addiction.
Diagnosis
In determining ADHD the doctor will look for signs that are present in different settings, like at school, home, or work. The symptoms must last for a long period of time. Then, the doctor will evaluate how these symptoms affect your day-to-day life. 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 employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition to determine if children have. They will evaluate the symptoms of your child and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct a clinical interview. The interview will consist of an overview of your child's medical family, psychiatric, and medical history. They will also ask you about the impact of your child's behavior on their daily mood, behaviors and work.
It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is targeted toward diagnosing children, and there is some disagreement about 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 period of time and interfere with daily functioning at work, school or at home.
Your doctor might also recommend additional tests in addition to a clinical interview to determine the nature and severity of your symptoms or those of your child. These could include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests may help rule out conditions that are similar to depression or learning disabilities.
Asking your family doctor to recommend you to a specialist who will evaluate your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is an excellent place to begin. You can also call your insurance provider to see whether there are any specialists covered by your policy who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also reach out to a local support group and ask for recommendations. You could also call the hospital of a university or medical or graduate school to get an inventory of get more info professionals who can conduct ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can lead to serious problems at work or in school and interfere with relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can help improve functioning and decrease symptoms. Patients with ADHD also may need to make lifestyle changes, such as adjusting sleeping schedules, using a daily planner, or increasing their exercise.
A person with ADHD should see the primary care provider, a mental health professional or both to receive an evaluation. In the interview in person, a practitioner will discuss subjects like development, family history, lifestyle and current symptoms. The doctor will ask questions about the patient's performance, behavior and productivity, and if they have trouble with impulsive behavior or focus. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, when and where they began and the level of distress they cause.
The evaluator may be looking to speak to other people in the life of the patient, for example, parents, spouses or siblings for adults as well as coaches, teachers or daycare providers for children. These people can provide insights that questionnaires are unable to provide give, such as the fact that the patient often fails to remember or stops doing tasks in mid-stream. They can also provide insight into what situations trigger symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medications help treat ADHD. Some medications include stimulants such as amphetamine or nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase blood circulation to the brain, reduce the impulsive behavior of people and enable them to pay more attention and follow directions. These drugs can be taken either orally or intravenously and are generally well tolerated.
Therapy can help those with ADHD develop strategies to overcome the challenges they experience. Therapists can assist people with learning techniques to organize their lives and track their appointments, and provide assistance and advice in dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on their home and work. Family and marriage therapy can assist in addressing issues caused by the disorder that affects relationships and teach coping skills for conflict and discord that can be triggered in these situations.
Medication
To allow a medical professional to identify ADHD the doctor must look at many things. They will inquire about your child's behavior at home, at schools, and elsewhere. They may also use questionnaires or scales specifically designed for ADHD. They might also request a family history. They will also 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 if they interfere with your child's life.
There is no physical test to determine ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. The doctor treating your child is following guidelines set by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are aimed at children aged 4 to 18. It is difficult to determine 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.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a child must display at least 6 of the symptoms listed in the guidelines for diagnosis. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD, it's important that someone who is familiar with them interview them. This includes their teachers, religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. They should also be questioned about how their symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they compare to other children their age.
The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication. There are both stimulant and nonstimulant drugs that can be prescribed to decrease ADHD symptoms. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate and other stimulants. These medications balance and boost levels of certain brain chemical. Other medications that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine and some antipsychotics. They are slower than stimulants, but they are beneficial for people who are unable to use stimulant drugs due to health issues or serious adverse effects. The medications can be used in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral treatment.