ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step? A healthcare professional conducting an ADHD assessment will question you and those around you -- such as your spouse, sibling or a friend for adults -- about their symptoms. This can provide insights that questionnaires don't. Diagnosing ADHD in adulthood can be a challenge since the diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It's important to find a doctor who specializes in the field who takes his or her time with your evaluation. Signs and symptoms For an ADHD assessment, the first step is to allow the patient to talk openly and honestly about symptoms and how they impact his life. Some adults are reluctant to admit that they struggle with paying attention and following directions or organising tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best method to take control of the symptoms and live a an enjoyable life. The evaluator asks the person to share their medical and personal history, from childhood until now. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for clinical care 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 major settings, such as school or work. The evaluator should be able to rule out other conditions that can trigger similar symptoms to ADHD like depression, anxiety or intellectual impairment. A doctor could also utilize ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales in addition to an interview to gather information regarding the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning and working memory can aid in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may request permission depending on the situation to reach out to family members or friends who can offer valuable advice and support. They might ask for the names and contact numbers of parents, spouses, or siblings in order to interview them regarding the person's challenges at home and at work. A physical exam is often part of an ADHD evaluation, as it can help identify other disorders that can cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms that look a lot like ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct a neurological examination to determine if there are any indications of brain injury or damage that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator might also recommend urine and blood tests to evaluate for the presence of other conditions that may hinder treatment, such as depression, alcohol or addiction. Diagnosis In diagnosing ADHD, your doctor will be looking for signs that are present in different environments, such as at home, school, or work. The symptoms should also last for a prolonged period of time. The doctor will then determine the extent to which your symptoms interfere with 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 use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition to determine if children have. They will evaluate the child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will include your child's medical history, family history, and psychiatric history. They will also inquire about how your child's behavior affects their daily mood, behaviors and productivity. For adults, it is more difficult to establish an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is designed towards diagnosing children, but 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. These symptoms must be present for a prolonged time and must interfere with daily functioning at school, work, or at home. Apart from conducting a medical interview, your doctor may request other tests to determine extent of your or the child's symptoms. These may include blood tests or an EEG. Other tests can be used to rule out a condition that is causing similar symptoms, for example, learning disabilities or depression. To find an expert to assess the child's ADHD you can begin by asking your doctor for an appointment. You can also reach out to your insurance provider to determine if specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered by your policy. Another option is to reach out to an organization that supports local residents and solicit suggestions. You can also contact the medical school or university hospital to request a list of professionals that conduct ADHD assessments. Treatment ADHD symptoms can cause serious problems at work and in school and interfere with relationships. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, taking medication and improving your performance can help decrease symptoms. Patients with ADHD might also need to alter their lifestyles for example, adjusting sleep schedules and using a daily planner or increasing exercise. A person with ADHD should be evaluated by their primary healthcare provider or an expert in mental health. In this in-person consultation, the practitioner will cover issues such as the development of the disorder as well as family and lifestyle history, and current symptoms and problems. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance and productivity, as well as whether they are having issues with impulsive or focusing actions. https://yamcode.com/10-things-we-all-hate-about-adhd-diagnosing will be interested in knowing how long the symptoms have been going on, when and where they started and the amount of distress or issues they create. The evaluator might want to talk to other people who are who are part of the patient's daily life, including spouses, parents siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or friends. These people can offer insights that questionnaires cannot give, such as the fact that the person often forgets or stops work in mid-stream. They may also be able to reveal what triggers symptoms. Many behavioral therapies and medications are used to treat ADHD. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase blood circulation to the brain, suppress the impulsive behavior of people and enable them to pay more attention and follow directions. These drugs can be taken by mouth or intravenously and are generally well tolerated. Therapy can help people with ADHD develop strategies to compensate for the difficulties they encounter. Therapists can help people learn how to organize their lives, track their appointments, and provide support and guidance when dealing with the effect ADHD symptoms have on work and home life. Family and marriage therapy can help with issues caused by the disorder that affects relationships, as well as teaching strategies for dealing with conflict and discord that can be triggered in these situations. Medication To determine if your child has ADHD the health care professional must consider many factors. They will ask your child about his or her symptoms at school, home and in other places. They may also use questionnaires and scales that are specific to ADHD. They may also ask about family history. They will also look for other conditions that could cause the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also determine the severity of the symptoms and if they affect your child's life. There is no physical test to diagnose ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. The doctor treating your child is following guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines were designed for children 4 to 18 years old. It is more difficult to identify 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. A child must exhibit at least six of the symptoms listed in the guidelines to be diagnosed as having ADHD. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must have been present for at least six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD it is essential that someone who is familiar with them conducts an interview. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. They should also be informed about how their symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they compare to other children their age. The most common treatment for ADHD is medication. There are both stimulant and nonstimulant drugs that can be prescribed to reduce ADHD symptoms. Stimulants, like methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs balance and boost levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Antipsychotics and Atomoxetine are drugs that treat ADHD. They are less effective than stimulants, but they can be beneficial for people who cannot take stimulant medications because of health issues or serious adverse effects. They can be combined in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy.