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ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional who is conducting an ADHD assessment will ask you and those around you, such as a spouse, sibling, or friend for adults -- about symptoms. This can provide insights that questionnaires don't.
It is more difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults, since diagnostic guidelines are created for children. It is essential to find a specialist with the field who takes the time in evaluating your case.
Signs and symptoms
For an ADHD assessment, the first step is to allow the patient to discuss openly and honestly about symptoms and how they affect his life. Adults might not want to admit they have trouble paying attention, following directions or managing tasks. But getting an accurate diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and live a happier life.
The person being evaluated is asked to tell them about their medical and personal history from childhood up to now. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines for this 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 caused significant impairments in at least two significant contexts, such as school or at work. The evaluator must also rule out other disorders which can cause similar symptoms as ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or intellectual impairment.
In addition to an interview, a doctor may utilize behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to gather details about the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning skills, and spatial and visual reasoning can be helpful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the specific situation, doctors often ask for permission to talk with those close to the person who could offer valuable advice and help. For instance, they could ask for the names of parents, spouses, or siblings to talk with them about the individual's issues at home and at work.
A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD assessment. It could help rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. In certain instances thyroid problems and seizures can mimic symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct a neurological examination to determine if there is any indication of injury or damage to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also recommend blood and urinary tests to determine if there are other conditions that might interfere with treatment. For instance depression, depression, or alcohol or drug abuse.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will be able to examine symptoms that can be seen in different environments, such as at home, work or at school. The symptoms must also persist for a prolonged period of time. Then, the doctor will assess 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 follow guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will review your child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will include your child's medical background, family history, and psychiatric history. They will also ask questions about how your child's behavior affects their daily mood, behaviors, and productivity.
It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V is designed to diagnose children. There is some debate about whether the 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. They must exhibit these symptoms for a long time period and must be able to affect their daily activities at school, home or at work.
Your doctor might also recommend other tests in addition to an interview with you to determine the severity and severity of your symptoms or the child's. This may include blood tests or an EEG. Other tests can help identify the cause of the same symptoms, like depression or learning disabilities.
Asking your family doctor to recommend you to a specialist who can assess your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is a good place to start. You can also contact your insurance provider to inquire whether there are any specialists that are covered by your plan and who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to contact a local support group and solicit recommendations. You could also call a university-based hospital or a medical or graduate school for a list of professionals who can conduct ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can lead to serious problems at work or in school and interfere with relationships. If you are diagnosed with ADHD and taking medication to improve your performance can help decrease symptoms. People suffering from ADHD may also need to make lifestyle adjustments like changing their sleeping schedules, using daily planners or increasing exercise.
A person with ADHD should be evaluated by their primary care provider or an expert in mental health. In the interview in person, a practitioner will discuss issues like development, family history, lifestyle and the current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance productivity, as well as if they have problems with impulsive or focused actions. They will be interested in knowing how long the symptoms have been going on, when and where they began, and how much distress or problems they create.
The evaluator might want to talk to other people who are involved in the patient's daily life, such as spouses, parents, siblings, teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or even friends. These people often provide insight that questionnaires don't uncover for example, the reasons why a person might stop tasks in the middle or is unable to remember things, and what situations cause symptoms.
ADHD is treated using the use of a variety of behavioral therapies and medications. The medications may include stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant drugs such as dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs increase the flow of blood to the brain and decrease impulsive actions that allow people to concentrate and follow directions. These drugs can be administered intravenously or orally, and they are generally well tolerated.
In addition to medications, therapy can help people with ADHD develop strategies to overcome their challenges. Therapists can teach people techniques to manage their lives and keep track of appointments, as well as provide assistance and guidance when dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on home and at work. Therapy for families and marriage is a fantastic way to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach strategies for dealing with stress and assist in resolving conflict that may arise.
Medication
For a medical professional to identify ADHD it is necessary to evaluate various aspects. They will ask your child about his or her symptoms at school, at home and in other locations. They may also use questionnaires and scales specifically designed for ADHD. They may also inquire about family history. They will also check for other conditions which could explain the symptoms such as learning disabilities and add diagnosis in adults mood disorders. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and if they interfere with your child's daily life.
There isn't a physical test for ADHD, like a blood test or an X-ray. To determine if you have ADHD your child's doctor will be following the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are designed for children aged 4-18 years of age. It is difficult to determine ADHD in adults. This is due to the fact that a person's symptoms can 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 the child must exhibit 6 or more of the symptoms as described in the diagnostic guidelines. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for at least six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD the child should be interviewed by someone who is familiar with them. Included in this are their coaches, teachers, religious leaders, and other caregivers. They should also be informed about the effects of their symptoms on their daily functioning and how they compare to other children their age.
The most commonly used medication is a treatment option for ADHD. There are stimulant as well as non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to decrease ADHD symptoms. The most common stimulants prescribed are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other stimulants. These medications help to increase and balance levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are two medications that can treat ADHD. They are less effective than stimulants, but they can be beneficial for those who are unable to take stimulant medication because of health issues or serious adverse reactions. The medications can be used alongside other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.