Don't Buy Into These "Trends" About ADHD Diagnostic
ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional conducting an ADHD assessment will question you and those around you -- a spouse, sibling, or friend for adults -- about symptoms. This may provide information that questionnaires cannot.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is trickier, as diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It is essential to find an ADHD professional who is willing to evaluate your situation.
Symptoms
To conduct an ADHD assessment, the initial step is to have the patient talk openly and honestly about symptoms and how they impact his life. Some adults are reluctant to admit that they struggle with paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best way to gain control of the symptoms and live a a more fulfilling life.
The examiner will inquire of the person to provide information about their medical and personal history from childhood to present. The evaluator also reviews the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for the treatment of 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 impairments in at minimum two crucial contexts, such as school or work. The examiner should also rule out any other conditions that can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD, such as anxiety, depression, or intellectual impairment.
A doctor may also use ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales in addition to an interview to gather data on the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess working memory, executive functioning skills and visual and spatial reasoning can be helpful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Depending on the situation doctors will often request permission to contact people close to the person in order to provide valuable information and help. For instance, they could ask for the names of parents, spouses, or siblings to interview them about the person's struggles at home and at work.
A physical exam is typically part of an ADHD evaluation, as it can help rule out other disorders that can cause similar symptoms. In certain instances thyroid problems and seizures can be a cause of ADHD. The evaluator could also perform an examination of the brain to determine if there are signs of injury or damage to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also suggest blood and urine tests to evaluate for the presence of other conditions that could interfere with treatment, such as depression or alcohol and addiction.
Diagnosis
When diagnosing ADHD, your doctor will look for symptoms that manifest in various environments, such as at school, home or at work. The symptoms should also last for a long time. The doctor will determine how much these symptoms impact your day-to-day 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 diagnose children. They will examine your child's symptoms, and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview for a clinical nature. The interview will consist of an overview of your child's medical, family, and psychiatric history. They will also ask questions about the impact of your child's behavior on their mood, behavior, and productivity.
For adults, it is trickier to make an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is targeted towards diagnosing children. However, there is some debate over whether these 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. They must be suffering from these symptoms for a long time period, and they must significantly affect their daily activities at home, school or at work.
Your doctor may also order other tests in addition to the clinical interview to determine the extent and severity of your symptoms or those of your child. These may include blood tests or an EEG. Other tests can help determine if a condition is producing the same symptoms as depression or learning disabilities.
To find a specialist to assess the child's ADHD, you can start by asking your doctor for a referral. You can also contact your insurance provider to see whether there are any specialists that are covered by your plan and who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also contact a local group of support and ask for suggestions. You can also contact the hospital of a university or medical or graduate school to get an inventory of professionals who perform ADHD assessments.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can lead to serious problems at work and in school and interfere with relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can improve performance and lessen symptoms. People suffering from ADHD may also have to change their lifestyle for example, adjusting sleeping schedules, using a daily planner or increasing exercise.
A person with ADHD must be assessed by their primary healthcare provider or an expert in mental health. In the interview in person an expert will discuss subjects like the development of the person, their family history, lifestyle, and current symptoms. The practitioner will inquire about the individual's performance, behavior and productivity and whether they are struggling with impulsive or focused actions. They'll be interested in finding out how long the symptoms have gone on, the location and time they started and how much stress or problems they create.
The evaluator will likely want to talk to other people in the patient's life, like parents, spouses, or siblings for adults as well as coaches, teachers and daycare providers for children. These people can provide insights that questionnaires can't be able to provide, for instance, the fact that a person often fails to remember or stops doing tasks during the course of a task. They may also be able to reveal what situations trigger symptoms.
Many different behavioral therapies and medications are used to treat ADHD. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant medicines like dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs boost blood flow to the brain and suppress actions that are impulsive that allow people to concentrate and follow instructions. These drugs can be administered intravenously or orally and are generally well-tolerated.
In addition to medications, therapy can help people with ADHD discover strategies to deal with their difficulties. Therapists can teach people techniques to manage their lives and track their appointments, as well as provide support and guidance in dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on home and work. Marriage and family therapy is a great 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
To diagnose ADHD the health professional will take into consideration many factors. They will inquire with your child about their symptoms at school, at home and in other locations. They will also use questionnaires and scales specifically designed for ADHD. They may also ask about the family history. They will also look for other conditions which could explain the symptoms such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and if they interfere with your child's daily life.
There is adult diagnosis of adhd that can confirm ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. To get a diagnosis your child's doctor will be following the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines were designed for children aged 4-18 years of age. It is harder to diagnose ADHD in adults. 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 display six or more symptoms listed in the guidelines in order to be diagnosed with 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's important that someone familiar with them interviews them. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, 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 compare with other children their own age.
The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication. There are stimulant as well as non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate and other stimulants. These drugs help boost and balance levels of certain brain chemicals. Other medications that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine and some antipsychotics. They are slower than stimulants, but they are beneficial for those who are unable to take stimulant medication due to health problems or severe adverse reactions. Medications can be used in combination with other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.