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

ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?

A healthcare professional who is conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and those around you, such as a spouse, sibling or a friend for adults -- about symptoms. This will provide information that questionnaires can't.

The process of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood can be a challenge, as guidelines for diagnosis are designed for children. It's crucial to locate an ADHD specialist who is willing to evaluate your situation.

Signs and symptoms

The first step in an ADHD evaluation is to have the patient speak honestly and openly about the symptoms and how they impact his daily life. Many adults are reluctant to admit they struggle with paying attention to directions, or organising tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best way to get control of the symptoms and live a a more fulfilling life.

The person being evaluated is asked to provide details about their personal and medical history, from childhood until now. The evaluator also reviews the American Psychological 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 led to significant impairment in at minimum two major environments, such as work or school. Additionally, the examiner must rule out any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD like anxiety, depression or an intellectual impairment.

A doctor could also utilize ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales as well as an interview to collect information about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory skills and visual and spatial reasoning are useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may ask for permission depending on the situation to reach out to family members or friends who could offer valuable advice and support. For instance, they could 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 often included in an adhd diagnosis and related Disorders evaluation. It can help rule other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can cause symptoms that look a lot like ADHD. The evaluator could also conduct a neurological exam to determine if there is any sign of damage or injury to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator may also suggest urine and blood tests to determine if there are other conditions that could interfere with treatment. For instance depression, alcohol or drug abuse.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will be able to examine symptoms that can be seen in different environments, such as at work, home or at school. The symptoms must 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.

Doctors employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition to diagnose children. They will examine the child's symptoms and how to diagnose adults with adhd they impact their lives. They might also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will include a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. You will be asked about your child's daily mood, behavior, and productivity.

For adults, it is trickier to make a diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is geared toward diagnosing children, and there is some controversy over whether these criteria 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 period of time, and they must significantly interfere with their daily life at school, at home, or work.

Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor might conduct additional tests to determine the extent of your or the child's symptoms. This could include tests for blood or EEG test. Other tests can help identify the cause of similar symptoms, such as learning disabilities or depression.

To find an expert to evaluate your your child's ADHD, you can start by asking your doctor for a referral. You can also contact your insurance provider to determine if specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your insurance plan. Another option is to contact a local support group and solicit recommendations. You could also call the hospital of a university or medical or graduate school for a list of professionals who conduct ADHD assessments.

Treatment

Symptoms of ADHD can cause serious problems at school and at work, and interfere with relationships. Being diagnosed and taking medication can improve performance and lessen symptoms. Patients with ADHD may also have to change their lifestyle like adjusting their sleep schedules, using a daily planner, or increasing exercise.

A person with ADHD should consult with the primary care physician or psychiatrist or both to get an assessment. In this in-person consultation the doctor will discuss issues such as the development of the disorder of the person's family and lifestyle as well as current symptoms and problems. The doctor will ask questions about the person's behavior, performance and productivity, and if they have issues with impulsive or focused actions. They will be interested in knowing how the symptoms have lasted on, the location and time they first began and how much stress or problems they cause.

The evaluator may be looking to speak to other people who are in the patient's life for example, parents, spouses or siblings for adults and coaches, teachers and daycare providers for children. They can provide information that questionnaires can't be able to provide, for instance, the fact that a person often forgets or stops work during the course of a task. They can also provide insight into what triggers symptoms.

ADHD is treated with a variety of treatments and medications. Medications may include stimulants like amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase blood flow to the brain, suppress the impulsive behavior of people and enable them where to go for adhd diagnosis pay focus and follow instructions. The drugs can be taken intravenously or orally and are generally well tolerated.

Alongside medication therapy can also help those with ADHD develop strategies to overcome their issues. Therapists can teach people techniques to manage their lives and keep track of appointments, as well as provide assistance and advice in dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on home and work. Family therapy and marriage therapy is a fantastic way to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach coping skills and help resolve conflict that may occur.

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, at home and in other locations. They may also employ scales and questionnaires that are specific to ADHD. They might also request an history of the family. They will search for other conditions that may be the cause of the symptoms, for example 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 that can confirm ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. The healthcare provider for your child follows guidelines set by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines were designed for children 4 to 18 years of age. It is harder to diagnose ADHD in adults. This is due to the fact that a person's 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 display 6 or more of the symptoms as described in the diagnostic guidelines. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for at least six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD it is recommended that they be questioned by a person who is familiar with them. This includes their teachers as well as religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. They should also be asked about the effects of their symptoms on their daily functioning and how they compare to other children their age.

The most common treatment for ADHD is medication. There are stimulant as well as nonstimulant drugs that can be prescribed to reduce ADHD symptoms. Stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs balance and increase levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Other medications that are used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as antipsychotics. They are less effective than stimulants, but they can be helpful for people who cannot take stimulant drugs due to health problems or serious adverse effects. The use of medications can be in combination with other treatments, for example, cognitive behavioral therapy.