5 ADHD Diagnostic Myths You Should Avoid
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ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A medical professional conducting an ADHD assessment will question you and people close to you -- such as your spouse, sibling or a friend for adults -- about symptoms. This can provide insight that questionnaires can't.
Diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is trickier, as diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It is important to find a specialist in the condition who takes the time with your evaluation.
Symptoms
The first step in the process of conducting an ADHD assessment is to have the patient speak honestly and openly about the symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults may not want to admit they have trouble paying attention, following directions or organising tasks. However, getting an accurate diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and lead a healthier life.
The evaluator will ask the person to share their medical history and personal life from childhood to the present. The evaluator also reviews the American Psychiatric Society's clinical guidelines for the disorder, which are found 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 impairment in at least two important situations, like school or work. Additionally, the examiner must rule out any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or an intellectual impairment.
A doctor can also employ ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales in conjunction with an interview to collect information regarding the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning, and working memory may aid in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the circumstances doctors may ask for permission to speak with people close to the person in order to provide valuable insight and support. For instance, they may seek out the names of spouses, parents or siblings to speak with them about the person's struggles at home and at work.
A physical exam is typically part of an ADHD assessment, since it can help identify other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can cause symptoms that resemble similar to ADHD. The evaluator may conduct a neurological examination to see whether there is any evidence of damage or injury 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 could interfere with treatment, like depression or alcohol and drug abuse.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will be able to examine symptoms that occur in different settings, like at home, work, or school. The symptoms should also last for a long period of time. Then, the doctor will assess how much these symptoms impact 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 the guidelines of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will review the symptoms of your child and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct an interview. The interview will include an overview of your child's medical, family, and psychiatric history. You will be asked questions about your child's mood and behavior, as well as performance.
It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is designed towards diagnosing children, but there is some disagreement about whether these criteria are still applicable 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 be suffering from these symptoms for a long period of time, and they must significantly affect their daily life at school, home, or work.
In addition to conducting a clinical interview, your doctor might order other tests to determine extent of here your or your child's symptoms. This could include a blood or EEG test. Other tests may help determine if a condition is causing the same symptoms like depression or learning disabilities.
To find an expert to assess the child's ADHD, you can start by asking your doctor for a referral. You can also contact your insurance company to find out if there are professionals that are covered by your plan and who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also contact an organization in your area and request suggestions. You can also contact the hospital of a university or medical or graduate school for an inventory of professionals who conduct ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
The signs of ADHD can cause significant problems at school and work and can affect relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can improve performance and lessen symptoms. Patients with ADHD may also have to alter their lifestyles like adjusting their sleeping schedules or using a daily planner, or increasing exercise.
Anyone suffering from ADHD should consult with their primary care physician or an expert in mental health or both for an evaluation. In this interview the professional will discuss subjects like development as well as family and lifestyle history as well as current symptoms and problems. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance, productivity, and if they have problems with impulsive or focusing actions. They will want to know about how the symptoms have lasted on, when and where they first began and the amount of distress or issues they create.
The evaluator may want to discuss other people involved in the patient's daily life, such as parents, spouses, siblings, teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or family members. These people often provide insight that questionnaires cannot for example, how the person often stops tasks halfway or forgets things and what types of situations trigger symptoms.
ADHD is treated using the use of a variety of behavioral therapies and drugs. The medication may contain stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant medicines such as dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs increase blood flow to the brain, suppress impulsive behavior and allow people to pay more focus and follow instructions. The drugs can be taken by mouth or intravenously and are generally well-tolerated.
Therapy can help people suffering from ADHD create strategies to compensate for the challenges they encounter. Therapists can assist people with learning techniques to manage their lives and keep track of appointments, and offer assistance and advice in dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on family and work life. Therapy for families and marriage is a great method to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach strategies for dealing with stress and assist in resolving conflict that may occur.
Medication
For an expert to diagnose ADHD, they must evaluate several things. They will inquire about your child's symptoms at home, in school, and in other settings. They may also use questionnaires and scales that are specifically designed for ADHD. They might also request a family history. They will look for other conditions that could explain the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and if they are affecting your child's daily routine.
There is no physical test to confirm ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. Your child's healthcare provider follows guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are geared towards children between 4 and 18 years old. It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults. The symptoms of ADHD may change as time passes. 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 6 or more of the symptoms listed in the diagnostic guidelines. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD It is crucial that someone familiar with them interviews them. This includes teachers and religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. You should also ask them what the effects of their ailments are on their daily activities and how they perform with other children their own age.
The most common treatment for ADHD is medication. Both stimulant and nonstimulant medication can be prescribed to treat ADHD. The most common stimulants prescribed are amphetamine, methylphenidate, and other stimulants. These drugs balance and increase levels of certain brain chemical. Other medications that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine as well as some antipsychotics. They are less potent than stimulants, but they can be beneficial for people who are unable to take stimulants due to serious adverse effects or health issues. These medications can be utilized alongside other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.