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ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional who's evaluating ADHD will interview you and your closest family members -- your spouse, sibling, or friend in the case of an adultabout your symptoms. This is often a way to gain insights that questionnaires don't.
It's more difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults, since the diagnostic guidelines are specifically designed for children. It is important to find a doctor who specializes in the field who takes their time with your evaluation.
Symptoms
The first step in an ADHD evaluation is to have the patient openly and openly about his symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults may not want admit that they struggle with paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks. But getting a precise diagnosis will help you control symptoms and live a happier life.
The evaluator asks the person to share their personal and medical history, from childhood until now. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines 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 led to significant impairments in at least two important settings, such as school or at work. In addition, the evaluator must rule out other disorders that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD like anxiety, depression or an intellectual disability.
In addition to an interview, a doctor may employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists to gather information regarding the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning and working memory can help identify ADHD symptoms in adults. Depending on the situation doctors may ask for permission to speak with people close to the person who could provide valuable information and help. They may request the names and contact numbers of the spouse, parents or siblings to interview them regarding the person's challenges at home and at the workplace.
A physical exam is typically part of an ADHD evaluation, as it can help rule out other disorders that can cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms that look like ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are any signs of injury or damage to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator can also recommend blood and urinary tests to determine if there is other conditions that may hinder treatment. For example, depression or alcohol or drug abuse.
Diagnosis
In diagnosing ADHD, your doctor will look for signs that are present in different settings, like at home, school or at work. The symptoms should also last for a prolonged period of time. The doctor will determine how much your symptoms impact your daily 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 examine your child's symptoms, and how they impact their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will consist of an overview of your child's medical, family, and psychiatric history. They will also ask questions about how your child's behavior affects their daily mood, behaviors and work.
It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is targeted towards diagnosing children, but there is some disagreement about whether these criteria still apply to adulthood. 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 prolonged time and must interfere with the daily activities at school, work, or at home.
Apart from conducting a medical interview, your doctor may request other tests to determine severity of your child's symptoms. These could include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help rule out the cause of the same symptoms, like depression or learning disabilities.
Asking your family doctor to recommend you to an expert who can evaluate your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is a good place to start. You can also reach out to your insurance company to inquire if experts who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your policy. Another option is to contact a local support group and request recommendations. You can also contact an academic medical center or university hospital to get a list of professionals that conduct ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can lead to serious issues at work and in school and may cause issues with relationships. If you're diagnosed with ADHD and taking medication to improve your performance can help decrease symptoms. People suffering from ADHD might also need to change their lifestyle for example, adjusting sleep schedules and using a daily planner or increasing their exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD must see the primary care physician, a mental health professional or both for an evaluation. During this in-person interview the professional will discuss topics including the development of the disorder as well as family and lifestyle history as well as current symptoms and problems. The doctor will ask questions about the person's performance, behavior and productivity, and if they have trouble with impulsive actions or focus. They will be interested in finding out how long the symptoms have gone website on, when and where they first began and how much distress or problems they can cause.
The evaluator will likely be looking to speak to other people in the life of the patient, like parents, spouses, or siblings for adults as well as coaches, teachers or daycare providers for children. These people can offer insights that questionnaires cannot give, such as the fact that a person often fails to remember or stops doing tasks in mid-stream. They may also be able to reveal the triggers for symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medications treat ADHD. Some medications include stimulants such as amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase the flow of blood to the brain and suppress impulsive actions which allows people to pay attention and follow instructions. They can be administered orally or intravenously, and are generally well-tolerated.
Alongside medication, therapy can help people with ADHD learn strategies to compensate for their issues. Therapists can teach people techniques to manage their lives and track their appointments, and provide support and guidance in dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on family and at work. Therapy for families and marriage is a great way to tackle the issues caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach strategies for dealing with stress and assist in resolving conflict that may arise.
Medication
For an expert to diagnose ADHD it is necessary to evaluate various aspects. They will inquire with your child about their symptoms at school, at home and other places. They may also utilize questionnaires or scales that are specific for ADHD. They may also ask for a family history. They will also check for other conditions that may explain the symptoms such as mood disorders and learning disabilities. They will also determine the severity of the symptoms and if they impact your child's daily life.
There isn't a physical test for ADHD such as the blood test or an X-ray. To get a diagnosis, your child's healthcare provider will be following the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are designed for children aged 4-18 years of age. Adults are more difficult to recognize. 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 at least 6 of the symptoms listed in the guidelines for diagnosis. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for at least six months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD the child should be questioned by a person who knows them well. Included in this are their coaches, teachers, religious leaders, and other caregivers. It is also important to inquire what the effects of their ailments are on their daily activities and how they perform to other children their age.
The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication. There are both stimulant and 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 specific brain chemicals. Other drugs that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine and some antipsychotics. They work slower than stimulants, but they can be beneficial for those who are unable to take stimulant medication because of health issues or severe side effects. These medications can be utilized alongside other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral treatment.