ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
how to get an adult adhd diagnosis conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and people close to you -- a spouse, sibling or a friend for adults -- about the symptoms. This is often a way to gain insights that questionnaires don't.
It's harder to diagnose ADHD in adults, because the guidelines for diagnosis are designed for 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 process of conducting an ADHD evaluation is to have the patient talk honestly and openly about his issues and how they affect his life. Adults might not want to admit they have trouble paying attention, following instructions or organizing tasks. However, getting an accurate diagnosis will help you control symptoms and lead a more enjoyable life.
The examiner will inquire of the person about their medical and personal history from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines for 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 important settings, such as school or work. Additionally, the examiner must rule out any other conditions that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD like depression, anxiety or an intellectual disability.
In addition to an interview, a doctor might employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists to gather 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 could provide valuable information and help. They may ask for the names and contact numbers of the spouse, parents or siblings to interview them regarding the person's problems both at home and at the workplace.
A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD assessment, since it can help rule out other disorders that can cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can trigger symptoms that look like ADHD. The evaluator could conduct a neurological examination to determine if there is any evidence of injury or damage to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also suggest urine and blood tests to check for the presence of other conditions that might hinder treatment, such as depression or alcohol and drug abuse.
Diagnosis
When diagnosing ADHD the doctor will look for signs that can be observed in various environments, such as at home, school or at work. The symptoms should also last for a long period of time. The doctor will determine how much 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 adhere to guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will examine the symptoms of your child and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will include a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. They will also ask questions about how your child's behavior affects their mood, behavior, and productivity.
It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V is designed to diagnose children. There is some debate as to whether the criteria are still applicable in 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 long duration and affect everyday functioning at work, school or at home.
Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor could request other tests to determine severity of the child's symptoms. This could include a blood or EEG test. Other tests can help rule out the cause of similar symptoms, such as depression or learning disabilities.
To find a specialist to assess the child's ADHD you can begin by asking your family physician for the referral. You can also contact your insurance provider to inquire if there are professionals covered by your policy who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to contact a local support group and request suggestions. You can also contact a medical school or university-based hospital to get the list of specialists who perform ADHD assessments.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can lead to serious issues at work and at school, and can cause problems with relationships. Diagnosed with ADHD taking medication and enhancing your performance can reduce symptoms. People with ADHD also may need to change their lifestyle like adjusting their sleep schedules and using a daily planner, or increasing exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD must be assessed by their primary care physician or a mental health professional. During this in-person interview the doctor will discuss subjects like the development of the disorder of the person's family and lifestyle as well as current symptoms and concerns. The practitioner will ask questions about the person's performance, behavior and productivity, and if they are struggling with impulsive actions or focus. They will be interested in finding out how long the symptoms have been going on, where and when they began, and how much distress or problems they can cause.
The evaluator may want to discuss other people who are part of the patient's daily life, such as spouses, parents siblings teachers, coaches daycare providers, or even friends. They can provide insights that questionnaires don't uncover like how the person often stops tasks halfway or forgets things, and what circumstances trigger symptoms.
Many different behavioral therapies and medications treat ADHD. Medications may include stimulants like amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase blood flow to the brain, reducing the impulsive behavior of people and enable them to pay more focus and follow instructions. The drugs can be taken by mouth or intravenously, and they generally are well-tolerated.
In addition to medications, therapy can help people with ADHD discover strategies to deal with their issues. Therapists can teach people techniques to organize their lives and track their appointments, and provide assistance and guidance when dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on their home and work. Family and marriage therapy can assist in addressing issues caused by the disorder of relationships and teach strategies for dealing with conflict and discord that can arise in these situations.
Medication
For an expert to diagnose ADHD it is necessary to evaluate various aspects. They will ask about your child's behavior at home, at school and in other places. They may also employ scales and questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They may also ask about the history of their family. They will also check for other conditions that could be the cause of the symptoms, like mood disorders and learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and if they affect your child's daily routine.
There is no physical test to confirm ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. To determine if you have ADHD the healthcare provider for your child will adhere to the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are geared towards children between 4 and 18 years old. It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults. This is because 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 display more than 6 symptoms as described in the guidelines for diagnosis. The guidelines also state the symptoms must be present for at least six months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD, they should be evaluated by someone who is familiar with them. This includes their teachers as well as coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. You should also ask them how their symptoms affect their daily life and how they compare to other children their age.
The most commonly used medication is a method of treating ADHD. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medications can be prescribed to reduce ADHD. The stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs balance and increase levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Antipsychotics and Atomoxetine are medications that can help treat ADHD. They are less effective than stimulants, but they are beneficial for people who cannot take stimulant drugs due to health issues or severe adverse effects. They can be used in conjunction with other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy.