ADHD Diagnostic It's Not As Hard As You Think
ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional evaluating ADHD will ask you and those closest to you (your spouse or sibling when you're an adultabout the symptoms you experience. This may provide information that questionnaires are not able to provide.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adulthood is trickier, as diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It's important to find a doctor who specializes in the condition who takes the time with your evaluation.
Symptoms
To conduct an ADHD assessment, the initial step is to allow the patient to be honest and open about his symptoms and how they affect his life. Adults may not want admit they have trouble paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks. But getting an accurate diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and lead a healthier life.
The evaluator will ask the person to provide information about their personal and medical history from childhood to the present. 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. The symptoms must have caused significant impairments in at least two significant settings, such as school or at work. Additionally, the examiner must rule out other disorders that can cause the same symptoms as ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or an intellectual disability.
A doctor may also use ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales in addition to an interview to gather information about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory skills, and spatial and visual reasoning can be useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the circumstances, doctors often ask for permission to speak with people close to the person who could provide valuable insight and help. They might ask for the names and contact details of the spouse, parents or siblings to speak with them about the person's challenges at home and at the workplace.
A physical examination is typically part of an ADHD assessment. It helps rule other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that look similar to ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct a neurological examination to determine if there are any symptoms of brain damage or injury that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator may also recommend urine and blood tests to check for the presence of any other conditions that could interfere with treatment, such as depression, alcohol or substance abuse.
Diagnosis
In diagnosing ADHD, your doctor will be looking for signs that are present in different settings, like at school, home, or work. They must also last for a significant period of time. The doctor will then assess the extent to which your symptoms affect your everyday activities. 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 utilize the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition to diagnose children. They will examine your child's symptoms and how they impact their lives. They may also conduct an interview for a clinical nature. The interview will include your child's medical background, family history and psychiatric history. You will be asked questions about your child's mood and behavior, as well as productivity.
For adults, it's difficult to determine an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is designed toward diagnosing children, and there is some controversy over 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 prolonged period of time and interfere with daily functioning at school, work or at home.
Your doctor may also request other tests in addition the clinical interview to determine the extent and severity of your symptoms or those of your child. These could include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help rule out the cause of the same symptoms, like learning disabilities or depression.
The suggestion of asking your family physician to refer you to an expert who can evaluate your ADHD or that of your child is an excellent place to begin. You can also contact your insurance company to determine if specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your insurance plan. 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 the names of specialists who conduct ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
The symptoms of ADHD can cause serious problems at school and at work and affect relationships. Diagnosed with ADHD taking medication and enhancing your functioning can help reduce symptoms. adhd diagnosis adults with ADHD may also have to make lifestyle changes, such as adjusting sleeping schedules or using a daily planner, or increasing exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD needs to be evaluated by their primary healthcare provider or an expert in mental health. In this in-person consultation the professional will discuss subjects like the development of the disorder as well as family and lifestyle history and present symptoms and concerns. The practitioner will ask questions about the patient's behavior, performance and productivity, and if they have issues with impulsive behavior or focus. They'll be interested in finding out how the symptoms have lasted on, when and where they started and how much stress or problems they cause.
The evaluator is likely to need to talk to other people in the life of the patient, like parents, spouses, or siblings for adults, as well as teachers, coaches and daycare providers for children. They can provide insights that questionnaires don't uncover for example, how the person often stops tasks in the middle or is unable to remember things, or what situations trigger symptoms.
ADHD is treated by a variety of behavioral therapies and medications. The medications can include stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant medicines such as dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs increase blood circulation to the brain, reduce impulse-driven behavior, and permit people to pay attention and follow directions. These drugs can be administered either orally or intravenously and are generally well-tolerated.
Therapy can help people with ADHD develop strategies to overcome the difficulties they face. Therapists can help individuals learn how to manage their lives, manage their appointments and provide assistance and guidance in dealing with the effect ADHD symptoms have on their work and family life. Marriage and family therapy is a great method to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach how to manage stress and resolve conflict that may arise.
Medication
To diagnose ADHD A health professional will take into consideration various factors. They will ask about your child's symptoms at home, in school, and in other settings. They may also employ questionnaires and scales specifically designed for ADHD. They may also ask for a family history. They will also look for other conditions that could cause the symptoms, for example mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess how severe the symptoms are and if they interfere with your child's daily life.
There is no physical test for ADHD such as the blood test or an X-ray. The healthcare provider for your child follows guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are aimed at children between the ages of 4 and 18. Adults are more difficult to diagnose. The symptoms of ADHD can change as time passes. 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 at least 6 months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD it is recommended that they be evaluated by someone who knows them well. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. They should also be questioned about the effects of their symptoms on their daily lives and how they compare to other children of their age.
The most popular treatment for ADHD is medication. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medication are available to treat ADHD. The stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs aid in boosting and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals. Other drugs that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as antipsychotics. They work slower than stimulants, but they can be beneficial for people who cannot take stimulant medication due to health problems or serious side effects. The use of medications can be in combination with other treatments, for example, cognitive behavioral therapy.