Don't Buy Into These "Trends" Concerning ADHD Diagnostic
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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 in the case of an adult- about your symptoms. This may provide information that questionnaires can't.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adulthood can be a challenge because the diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It is important to find a doctor who specializes in the condition who takes his or her time in evaluating your case.
Signs and symptoms
For an ADHD assessment, the initial step is to have the patient be honest and open about the symptoms and how they affect his life. Some adults do not want to admit they struggle with paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best way to get control of the symptoms and live a happier and healthier lives.
The evaluator asks the person to share their medical history and personal life from childhood up to now. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines for the 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 minimum two crucial settings, such as work or school. In addition, the person evaluating must rule out other disorders that can cause the same symptoms as ADHD like anxiety, depression or an intellectual disability.
A doctor could also utilize ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales in addition to an interview to gather data on the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning, and working memory can aid in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors can ask permission depending on the situation to speak with family members or friends who can provide valuable information and help. For instance, they may ask for the names of spouses, parents or siblings to speak with them about the individual's issues at home and at work.
A physical examination is typically included in an ADHD evaluation. It helps rule other disorders out that may cause similar symptoms. In certain instances thyroid issues and seizures can mimic symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator could conduct a neurological examination to see whether there is any indication of damage or injury to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator might also recommend blood and urine tests to check for the presence of other medical conditions that might hinder treatment, such as depression, alcohol or drug abuse.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will look at symptoms that can be seen in different settings, like at work, home, or school. They should also last for a lengthy period of time. The doctor will then assess the extent to which your symptoms interfere with 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.
To diagnose children, doctors adhere to guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will assess your child's symptoms, and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview. 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 their performance.
It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V is a diagnostic tool designed for children. There is some debate about whether the criteria are still applicable here 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 have these symptoms for an extended duration of time and must be able to affect their daily functioning at home, school or at work.
Apart from conducting a medical interview, your doctor could conduct additional tests to determine the severity of your child's symptoms. These may include blood tests or an EEG. Other tests can help to identify conditions that could be similar to depression or learning disabilities.
The suggestion of asking your family physician to recommend you to a specialist who will evaluate your ADHD or that of your child is an excellent place to begin. You can also contact your insurance company to inquire if experts who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your plan. Another option is to reach out to a local support group and request recommendations. You could also call the hospital of a university or medical or graduate school for a list of professionals who can conduct ADHD assessments.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can cause serious problems at work and in school and interfere with relationships. Being diagnosed and taking medication can help improve functioning and decrease symptoms. People suffering from ADHD may also need to alter their lifestyles for example, changing their sleeping schedules, using daily planners or ad hoc exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD must see his or her primary care physician, an expert in mental health or both to receive an evaluation. In the interview in person the practitioner will talk about subjects like the development of the disorder, family history, lifestyle, and current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance, productivity, and if they have problems with impulsive or focused actions. They will be interested in knowing how the symptoms have lasted on, where and when they began, and the amount of distress or issues they cause.
The evaluator is likely to need to talk to other people in the patient's life, such as spouses, parents or siblings for adults as well as coaches, teachers or daycare providers for children. These people can offer insights that questionnaires can't provide like the reasons why a person might stop tasks mid-way or forgets things and what types of circumstances trigger symptoms.
ADHD is treated with the use of a variety of treatments 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 increase blood flow to the brain and suppress impulsive actions, allowing people to pay attention and follow instructions. They can be administered orally or intravenously, and are usually well tolerated.
In addition to medications therapy can also help those with ADHD learn strategies to compensate for their difficulties. Therapists can help people learn how to organize their lives and track their appointments, and offer support and guidance in dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on their home and at work. Family therapy and marriage counseling can assist in addressing issues caused by the disorder that affects relationships, as well as teaching strategies for dealing with conflict and discord that could arise in these situations.
Medication
For a medical professional to identify ADHD, they must evaluate many things. They will inquire with your child about his or her symptoms at school, at home and other places. They will also use questionnaires and scales that are specifically designed for ADHD. They may also ask for a family history. They will also check for other conditions which could cause the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also determine the severity of the symptoms and whether they are affecting your child's daily routine.
There is no physical test for ADHD such as blood tests or an X-ray. 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 intended for children between the ages of 4 and 18. Adults are more difficult to recognize. This is because the 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, a child must display more than 6 symptoms listed in the diagnostic guidelines. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD It is crucial that someone familiar with them interview them. This includes teachers and coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. They should also be asked about how their symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they compare to other children their age.
Medication is the most common treatment option for ADHD. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medication can be prescribed to treat ADHD. The most common stimulants prescribed are amphetamine, methylphenidate and other stimulants. These drugs aid in boosting and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are also drugs that treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, however they are beneficial for people who cannot take stimulant medication due to health problems or severe side effects. Medications can be used in conjunction with other treatments for example, cognitive behavioral therapy.