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ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step? Diagnosing ADHD in adulthood can be a challenge since the diagnostic guidelines are targeted at children. It's important to find a specialist with the condition who takes his or her time when evaluating you. Symptoms The first step in the initial step of an ADHD evaluation is to have the patient speak honestly and openly about the symptoms and how they affect his daily life. Some adults do not want to admit that they struggle with paying attention to directions, or organising tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best way to get rid of symptoms and lead a a more fulfilling life. The evaluator asks the person to tell them about 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. The symptoms must have led to significant impairment in at minimum two major settings, such as school or at work. In addition, the person evaluating must rule out other disorders that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or an intellectual impairment.
A doctor could also utilize ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales as well as an interview to gather data regarding the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that measure working memory, executive functioning skills and visual and spatial reasoning can be useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may ask for permission, based on the circumstance, to reach out to family members or friends who could provide valuable information and support. For example, they might seek out the names of spouses, parents or siblings to interview them about the person's problems at home and at work. A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD evaluation, since it can help rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can trigger symptoms that look a lot similar to ADHD. The evaluator could also conduct a neurological examination to see whether there is any indication 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 could affect treatment. For example, depression or alcohol or drug abuse. Diagnosis Your doctor will examine symptoms that occur in different settings, like at work, home, or school. The symptoms must also persist for a prolonged period of time. Then, the doctor will evaluate how these symptoms interfere with your everyday 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. To diagnose children, doctors follow guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will review the symptoms of your child and how they impact their lives. They may also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will comprise a review of your child's medical, family, and psychiatric history. You will be asked about your child's mood and behavior, as well as productivity. For adults, it is trickier to make a diagnosis. The DSM-V is designed to 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 prolonged duration and affect everyday functioning at school, work or home. Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor may order other tests to determine severity of your child's symptoms. This could include a blood or EEG test. Other tests can help rule out a condition that is causing the same symptoms, like depression or learning disabilities. To find an expert to evaluate your or the child's ADHD begin by asking your family physician for the referral. You can also call your insurance company to find out whether there are specialists covered by your policy who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also reach out to a local support group and request suggestions. You could also call a university-based hospital or a medical or graduate school to get a list of professionals who can conduct ADHD assessments. Treatment The symptoms of ADHD can lead to serious issues in work and school, and interfere with relationships. Finding a diagnosis and taking medication can help improve performance and lessen symptoms. People suffering from ADHD might also need to make lifestyle changes like adjusting their the time of their sleep and using a daily planner or increasing exercise. Anyone suffering from ADHD should consult with his or her primary care physician, an expert in mental health or both to get an assessment. During the in-person consultation, a practitioner will discuss topics such as development, family history, lifestyle and the current symptoms. The practitioner will ask questions about the person's performance, behavior and productivity and whether they have trouble with impulsive or focused actions. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, when and where they began and the amount of distress they cause. The evaluator might want to speak to other people who are involved in the patient's everyday life, such as spouses, parents siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or family members. These people can offer insights that questionnaires can't be able to provide, for instance, the fact that the 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 help treat ADHD. The medication may contain stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine and dexamfetamine. These drugs increase blood flow to the brain, reduce impulsive behavior and allow people to pay attention and follow directions. They can be taken either orally or intravenously and are generally well-tolerated. Therapy can help people with ADHD develop strategies to overcome the challenges they face. Therapists can assist people with learning techniques to organize their lives and track their appointments, and offer assistance and advice in dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on home and at work. Family therapy and marriage therapy is a fantastic way to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach coping skills and help resolve conflicts that might arise. Medication In order for a health professional to diagnose ADHD the doctor must look at several things. They will inquire about your child's behavior at home, at school and in other places. They may also use scales and questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They might also request a family history. They will also check for other conditions that could cause the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and whether they are affecting your child's daily routine. There is no physical test that can determine ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. To get a diagnosis the healthcare provider for your child will follow guidelines that were developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are designed for children 4 to 18 years old. Adults are more difficult to diagnose. This is due to the fact that 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 have more than 6 symptoms as described in the guidelines for diagnosis. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for at least six months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD the child should be evaluated by someone who knows them well. This includes teachers, religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. It is also important to inquire what the effects of their ailments are on their daily activities and how they compare to other children their age. Medication is the most common form of treatment for ADHD. Both stimulant and nonstimulant medication can be prescribed to treat ADHD. Stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs balance and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. Other medications that are used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as antipsychotics. They are not as potent as stimulants, but they can be beneficial for those who cannot take stimulants due to serious side effects or health issues. These medications can be utilized in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral treatment. |
