5 ADHD Diagnostic Myths You Should Avoid
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ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional who is conducting an ADHD assessment will ask you and people close to you -- a spouse, sibling or a friend for adults -- about the symptoms. This can provide information that questionnaires cannot.
It's more difficult to determine ADHD in adults, as the diagnostic guidelines are specifically designed for children. It's crucial to locate an ADHD specialist who is willing to evaluate your situation.
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 impact his life. Many adults are reluctant to admit they are having trouble paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best way to get control of symptoms and live a more fulfilling life.
The evaluator asks the person to share their medical history and personal life, from childhood until now. The evaluator will also review the American Psychological 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 caused significant impairments in at least two significant settings, such as work or school. In addition, the person evaluating must rule out other disorders that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or an intellectual disability.
A doctor can also employ ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales in addition to an interview to gather information on the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning, and working memory may help identify ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may ask for permission, based on the circumstance, to contact family members or friends who can offer valuable insight and help. They may ask for the names and contact numbers of parents, spouses, or siblings in order to interview them regarding the person's problems both at home and at work.
A physical exam is often part of an ADHD assessment, since it can help identify other disorders that can cause similar symptoms. In some cases thyroid issues and seizures can mimic symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct a neurological examination to determine if there are any symptoms of brain damage or injury which could cause the symptoms. The evaluator can also recommend blood and urinary tests to determine if there are other conditions that may interfere with treatment. For instance depression, depression, or alcohol or drug abuse.
Diagnosis
When diagnosing ADHD, your doctor will look for signs that are present in different settings, like at school, home or at work. The symptoms must last for a prolonged period of time. The doctor will determine how much your symptoms interfere with daily 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 must follow guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will evaluate the symptoms of your child and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct an interview. The interview will cover your child's medical background, family history and psychiatric background. You will be asked about your child's daily mood and behavior as well as their productivity.
For adults, it's trickier to make an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is targeted toward diagnosing children, and there is some controversy over whether these criteria still apply to 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. They must exhibit these symptoms for an extended time period and must be able to affect their daily activities at school, home, or work.
Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor may order other tests to determine extent of your or your child's symptoms. This could include a blood or EEG test. Other tests can help to rule out conditions that are producing the same symptoms as depressive or learning disabilities.
The suggestion of asking your family physician to refer you to a specialist who can assess your ADHD or that of your child is an click here excellent place to begin. You can also contact your insurance provider to inquire whether there are any specialists covered under your plan who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also contact a local support group and ask for recommendations. You can also contact the medical school or university hospital to obtain a list of professionals that provide ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can cause serious problems at work and in school and interfere with relationships. If you're diagnosed with ADHD and taking medication to improve your performance can help decrease symptoms. People with ADHD might also need to make lifestyle changes, such as adjusting sleep schedules, using a daily planner, or increasing their exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD should be evaluated by their primary care provider or an expert in mental health. In the interview in person an expert will discuss topics such as the development of the disorder, family history, lifestyle and current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the individual's behavior, performance and productivity and whether they have issues with impulsive behavior or focus. They will inquire about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when and where they started, and the level of distress they cause.
The evaluator could speak to other people involved in the patient's daily life, such as spouses, parents siblings teachers, coaches daycare providers, or family members. These people can provide insights that questionnaires cannot give, such as the fact that the person frequently forgets or stops tasks in mid-stream. They may also be able to reveal what situations trigger symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medications treat ADHD. Some medications include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase blood circulation to the brain, suppress impulse-driven behavior, and permit people to pay more attention and follow directions. These drugs can be administered by mouth or intravenously and are generally well tolerated.
In addition to medications therapy can also help those with ADHD learn strategies to compensate for their difficulties. Therapists can assist people with learning techniques to organize their lives and keep track of appointments, as well as provide assistance and advice in dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on their home and at work. Family therapy and marriage therapy is a great way to tackle the issues caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach strategies for dealing with stress and assist in resolving conflicts that might arise.
Medication
In order for a health professional to diagnose ADHD the doctor must look at many things. They will ask your child about their symptoms at school, home and other places. They may also use questionnaires or scales specifically designed for ADHD. They may also inquire about family history. They will search for other conditions that may be the cause of the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and if they are affecting your child's daily life.
There is no physical test that can diagnose ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. To determine if you have ADHD, your child's healthcare provider will adhere to the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are intended for children between the ages of 4 and 18. It is difficult to determine ADHD in adults. The symptoms of ADHD can change with 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 6 or more of the symptoms as described in the diagnostic guidelines. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for at least six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD, they should be questioned by a person who is familiar with them. This includes their teachers and religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. It is also important to inquire what the effects of their ailments are on their daily life and how they perform to other children their age.
The most commonly used medication is a treatment option for ADHD. There are both stimulant and non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to decrease ADHD symptoms. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate and other stimulants. These medications balance and boost levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Other medications that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine as well as some antipsychotics. They are slower than stimulants, but they can be beneficial for people who are unable to use stimulant medications due to health problems or serious side effects. These medications can be utilized in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy.