• 목록
• 답변
• 글쓰기
• 게시판 리스트 옵션
  • 수정
  • 삭제

ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?

A healthcare professional who's evaluating ADHD will ask you and the people closest to you such as your spouse, sibling, or friend if you're an adult -- about your symptoms. This often provides insights that questionnaires don't.

The process of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is a bit more difficult since the diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It's crucial to locate an ADHD specialist who is willing to evaluate your situation.

Symptoms

For an ADHD assessment, the first step is to allow the patient to be honest and open about the symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults may not want admit that they struggle with paying attention, following instructions or organising tasks. But getting a precise diagnosis will help you control symptoms and live a happier life.

The evaluator will ask the person to share their personal and medical history from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychiatric Society'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 led to significant impairment in at least two important settings, such as work or school. In addition, the person evaluating must rule out any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or an intellectual disability.

A doctor can also employ ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales in addition to an interview to gather data regarding the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that measure executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning, and working memory can help in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the circumstances doctors will often request permission to speak with people close to the person who can provide valuable information and help. They might ask for the names and contact numbers of parents, spouses, or siblings in order to interview them regarding the individual's issues at home and at work.

A physical exam is often part of an undiagnosed adhd evaluation, since it can help determine other disorders that can cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can cause symptoms that look like ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct a neurological examination to see whether there is any evidence of damage or injury to the brain that would 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, alcohol or substance abuse.

Diagnosis

When diagnosing ADHD the doctor will look for signs that manifest in various situations, such as at home, school, or work. They must also last for a lengthy amount of time. The doctor will then 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 adhere to guidelines in the diagnostic criteria for adult adhd and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will evaluate the child's symptoms and how to get diagnosed with adhd they affect their lives. They might also conduct a clinical interview. The interview will consist of an overview of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. They will also inquire about how your child's behavior impacts their daily mood, behaviors and work.

For adults, it's trickier to make an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose children. There is some debate as to whether the criteria still apply 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 time and must interfere with the daily activities at school, work or at home.

Your doctor might also recommend additional tests in addition to an interview with you to determine the extent and severity of your symptoms or that of your child. This may include blood tests or an EEG. Other tests can be used to rule out an illness that causes the same symptoms, like learning disabilities or depression.

A request to your family doctor to refer you to a specialist who will evaluate your ADHD or that of your child is the best place to begin. You can also contact your insurance provider to inquire whether there are specialists covered by your policy who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also contact a local support group and ask for suggestions. You can also contact a medical school or university-based hospital to obtain the names of specialists who conduct ADHD evaluations.

Treatment

The symptoms of ADHD can cause significant problems at school and work, and interfere with relationships. being diagnosed with add as an adult (helpful resources) diagnosed and taking medication can improve performance and lessen symptoms. Patients with ADHD also may need to alter their lifestyles for example, adjusting sleeping schedules, using a daily planner or increasing their exercise.

A person suffering from ADHD should see their primary care provider, psychiatrist or both to get an evaluation. In this interview the professional will discuss issues such as the development of the disorder, family and lifestyle history as well as current symptoms and concerns. The doctor will ask questions about the person's performance, behavior and productivity and whether they have issues with impulsive actions or focus. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when and where they began and the level of distress they cause.

The evaluator may want to talk to other people who are involved in the patient's daily life, including spouses, parents siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or family members. These people can offer insights that questionnaires are unable to provide be able to provide, for instance, the fact that the person frequently forgets or stops tasks during the course of a task. They can also reveal the triggers for symptoms.

Many different behavioral therapies and medications treat ADHD. Some medications include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs boost the flow of blood to the brain and reduce impulsive actions, allowing people to be attentive and follow directions. They can be taken orally or intravenously, and are usually well tolerated.

In addition to medications, therapy can help people with ADHD learn strategies to compensate for their difficulties. Therapists can help individuals learn how to organize their lives, track their appointments, and offer support and guidance when dealing with the impact ADHD symptoms can have on work and family life. Marriage and family therapy is a great method to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach how to manage stress and resolve conflict that may occur.

Medication

In order for an expert to diagnose ADHD it is necessary to evaluate many things. They will ask your child about his or her symptoms at school, home and in other places. They will also use scales or questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They may also ask for an history of the family. They may also search for other conditions that could cause the symptoms, such as mood disorders and learning disabilities. They will also determine the severity of the symptoms and whether they are affecting your child's everyday life.

There is no physical test for ADHD, like blood tests or an X-ray. To get a diagnosis your child's doctor will adhere to the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are aimed at children between the ages of 4 and 18. It is harder to diagnose ADHD in adults. This is because the symptoms may 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 have at least 6 of the symptoms that are listed in the diagnostic guidelines. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD the child should be questioned by a person who is familiar with them. This includes teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. It is also important to inquire how their symptoms affect their daily activities and how they compare with other children their own age.

Medication is the most common method of treating ADHD. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medications can be prescribed to reduce ADHD. The most common stimulants prescribed are amphetamine, methylphenidate, and other stimulants. These medications help to increase and balance levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are also medications that can treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, however they can be helpful for people who cannot take stimulant medication due to health issues or severe side effects. The medications can be used with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral treatment.