ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step? A healthcare professional conducting an ADHD assessment will ask you and your family members close to you -- a spouse, sibling, or friend for adults -- about symptoms. https://articlescad.com/what-diagnosis-adhd-experts-want-you-to-know-16519.html provides insights that questionnaires don't. It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults, since the diagnostic guidelines are specifically created for children. It is essential to find an ADHD specialist who will take the time to evaluate your situation. Symptoms For an ADHD assessment, the initial step is to have the patient talk openly and honestly about his symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults might not want to admit they have trouble paying attention, following instructions or managing tasks. However, getting an accurate diagnosis will help you control symptoms and live a happier life. The evaluator will ask the individual about their medical history and personal life from childhood to present. The evaluator also reviews the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines for the condition 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 minimum two crucial contexts, such as work or school. The examiner should also rule out any other conditions which can cause similar symptoms as ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or intellectual disabilities. In addition to an interview, a physician may employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to gather details about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory abilities, and spatial and visual reasoning can be helpful 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 offer valuable advice and help. They might ask for the names and contact details of the spouse, parents, or siblings in order to talk with them about the individual's issues at home and at work. A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD evaluation, as it can help identify other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can cause symptoms that look a lot similar to ADHD. The evaluator could also perform an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are any indications of injury or damage to the brain which could cause the symptoms. The evaluator might also recommend urine and blood tests to determine the presence of other medical conditions that might hinder treatment, such as depression or alcohol and drug abuse. Diagnosis Your doctor will examine symptoms that occur in different settings, like at home, work or at school. The symptoms should also last for a long period of time. The doctor will then assess the extent to which 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 the guidelines of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will examine your child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview for a clinical nature. The interview will include your child's medical background, family history and psychiatric background. They will also ask you about how your child's behavior impacts their mood, behavior and work. For adults, it's trickier to make a diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is targeted towards diagnosing children. However, 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. These symptoms must be present for a long period of time and interfere with the daily activities at school, work, or at home. Your doctor might also recommend additional tests in addition to a clinical interview to determine the nature and severity of your symptoms or that of your child. This could include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help determine if a condition is producing the same symptoms as depressive or learning disabilities. To find an expert to assess your child's ADHD you can begin by asking your family physician for the referral. You can also contact your insurance provider to see 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 suggestions. You can also call the medical school or university hospital to get the list of specialists who conduct ADHD evaluations. Treatment The symptoms of ADHD can cause serious problems in work and school and affect relationships. If you're diagnosed with ADHD and taking medication to improve your functioning can help reduce symptoms. Patients with ADHD may also need to make lifestyle adjustments like changing their sleeping schedules, using daily planners or ad hoc exercise. A person with ADHD should be evaluated by their primary care physician or an expert in mental health. During the in-person interview, a practitioner will discuss subjects like the development of the person, their family history, lifestyle, and current symptoms. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance, productivity, and if they have problems with impulsive or focus-focused actions. They'll be interested in finding out how long the symptoms have gone on, where and when they first began and how much distress or problems they cause. The evaluator is likely to need to talk to other people in the patient's life, such as spouses, parents or siblings for adults and teachers, coaches, daycare providers or friends for children. These people often provide insight that questionnaires don't uncover like how the person often stops tasks halfway or forgets things and what types of circumstances trigger symptoms. Many behavioral therapies and medicines help treat ADHD. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs boost blood flow to the brain and decrease actions that are impulsive that allow people to be attentive and follow instructions. They can be taken orally or intravenously, and are usually well tolerated. In addition to medication therapy can also help those with ADHD develop strategies to compensate for their issues. Therapists can help individuals learn how to manage their lives, keep track of appointments, and provide assistance and guidance in dealing with the effect ADHD symptoms have on their work and home life. Marriage and family therapy is a fantastic way to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach coping skills and help resolve conflicts that might occur. Medication To determine if your child has ADHD, a health care professional must consider various factors. They will inquire about your child's symptoms at home, at schools, and elsewhere. They may also use questionnaires and scales specifically designed for ADHD. They might also request an information about the family history. They will also check for other conditions which could cause the symptoms, such as mood disorders or 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 that can determine ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. The doctor treating your child is following guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are geared towards children between 4 and 18 years of age. Adults are more difficult to identify. The symptoms of ADHD may 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 in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. The guidelines also state the symptoms must be present for a minimum of six months. If your child is being tested for ADHD It is crucial that someone who is familiar with them interview them. This includes their teachers and religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. You should also inquire what their symptoms impact their daily life, and how they compare to other children of their age. Medication is the most common method of treating ADHD. There are stimulant as well as nonstimulant drugs that can be prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms. The most common stimulants prescribed are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other stimulants. These drugs balance and increase levels of certain brain chemical. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are two drugs that treat ADHD. They are not as potent as stimulants, but they can be beneficial for those who are unable to use stimulants due to severe adverse effects or health issues. Medications can be used in combination with other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy.