ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional conducting an ADHD assessment will ask you and your family members close to you -- a spouse, sibling or a friend for adults -- about their symptoms. This will provide information that questionnaires are not able to provide.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is a bit more difficult, as diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It is important to find a specialist in the condition who takes their time when evaluating you.
Signs and symptoms
For an ADHD assessment, the initial step is to allow the patient to be honest and open about his symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults may not want to admit to having trouble paying attention, following directions or managing tasks. But getting a precise diagnosis will help you control symptoms and lead a healthier life.
The evaluator will ask the person to share their medical and personal history from childhood up to now. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychological Association's guidelines for treating 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. Symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at least two important situations, like school or work. The evaluator must be able to rule out other conditions which can cause similar symptoms as ADHD like depression, anxiety or intellectual disability.
A doctor could also utilize ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales in conjunction with an interview to collect information about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning abilities, and spatial and visual reasoning can be helpful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may request permission, based on the circumstance, to reach out to family members or friends who may offer valuable advice and support. They may request the names and contact information of the spouse, parents or siblings to speak with them about the person's problems both at home and at the workplace.
A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD evaluation, since it can help determine other disorders that can cause similar symptoms. In some instances thyroid issues and seizures can be a cause of ADHD. The evaluator could also perform an examination of the brain to determine if there are any indications of brain damage or injury that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator may also recommend blood and urine tests to check for the presence of other conditions that could interfere with treatment, such as depression, alcohol or substance abuse.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will look at symptoms that occur in different settings, like at work, at home or at school. The symptoms must last for a long period of time. The doctor will evaluate how these symptoms affect 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 the guidelines of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will assess the symptoms of your child and how they impact their lives. They may also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will consist of a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, and medical history. They will also ask you about how your child's behavior impacts their daily mood, behaviors and productivity.
For adults, it is more difficult to establish a diagnosis. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose children. There is some debate as to whether the criteria are still applicable 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 everyday functioning at school, work, or home.
Your doctor may also order other tests in addition to the clinical interview to determine the nature and severity of your symptoms or those of your child. This might include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help rule out conditions that are causing the same symptoms like depression or learning disabilities.
Asking your family doctor to recommend you to a specialist who can assess your ADHD or that of your child is the best place to begin. You can also call your insurance company to find out if there are professionals covered by your policy who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also reach out to a local support group and ask for suggestions. You could also call a university-based hospital or a medical or graduate school to get the names of specialists who perform ADHD assessments.
Treatment
Symptoms of ADHD can cause significant problems at school and work and affect relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can improve functioning and decrease symptoms. People with ADHD might also need to alter their lifestyles like adjusting their sleeping schedules and using a daily planner, or increasing their exercise.
adult adhd diagnosis uk suffering from ADHD should be evaluated by their primary healthcare provider or an expert in mental health. During the in-person consultation the practitioner will talk about issues like the development of the disorder, family history, lifestyle, and current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance and productivity, as well as whether they are having issues with impulsive or focusing actions. They'll want to know about how long the symptoms have been going on, where and when they began, and how much stress or problems they create.
The evaluator may be looking to speak to other people who are in the patient's life like parents, spouses, or siblings for adults as well as coaches, teachers and daycare providers for children. These people often provide insight that questionnaires don't uncover, such as the reasons why a person might stop tasks mid-way or forgets things, or what circumstances trigger symptoms.
ADHD is treated using the use of a variety of behavioral therapies and medications. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs boost the flow of blood to the brain and decrease impulsive actions which allows people to pay attention and follow instructions. The drugs can be taken intravenously or orally and are generally well tolerated.
In addition to medications Therapy can help those with ADHD discover strategies to deal with their issues. Therapists can teach people techniques to manage their lives and track their appointments, and provide assistance and guidance when dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on family and work life. Family therapy and marriage therapy is a great method to tackle the issues caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach strategies for dealing with stress and assist in resolving conflicts that might arise.
Medication
For an expert to diagnose ADHD, they must evaluate various aspects. They will ask about your child's behavior at home, in schools, and elsewhere. They may also use scales or questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They might also request an history of the family. They may also search for other conditions that could be the cause of the symptoms, like mood disorders and learning disabilities. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and if they impact your child's daily life.
There is no physical test that can determine ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. To determine if you have ADHD, your child's healthcare provider will follow guidelines that were developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are designed for children aged 4-18 years of age. It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults. The symptoms of ADHD can change with time. People who have ADHD can be diagnosed as predominately inattentive, predominately hyperactive-impulsive or a combination of the two.
A child must exhibit six or more symptoms listed in the guidelines to be diagnosed as having ADHD. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for at least six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD it is essential that someone who is familiar with them interview 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.
The most commonly used medication is a method of treating ADHD. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medications can be prescribed to treat ADHD. Stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed. These drugs balance and boost levels of certain brain chemical. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are two medications that can help treat ADHD. They are not as potent as stimulants, but they can be beneficial for those who are unable to use stimulants due too severe adverse effects or health issues. The medications can be used with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy.