ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step? A healthcare professional who is conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and your family members close to you -- a spouse, sibling or friend for adults -- about the symptoms. This may provide information that questionnaires cannot. The process of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is trickier because the diagnostic guidelines are targeted at children. It's crucial to locate an ADHD specialist who is willing to evaluate you. Symptoms For an ADHD assessment, the first step is for the patient to discuss openly and honestly about the symptoms and how they affect his life. Many adults are reluctant to admit that they are having trouble paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best way to gain control of the symptoms and live a an enjoyable life. The evaluator will ask the person about their personal and medical history from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric 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 impairments in at least two important situations, like school or at work. The evaluator must also rule out other disorders that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or intellectual impairment. A doctor may also use ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales as well as an interview to gather information regarding the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that assess working memory, executive functioning skills and visual and spatial reasoning can be useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may ask for permission based on the circumstances to speak with family members or friends who may offer valuable advice and help. For example, they might ask for the names of spouses, parents or siblings to interview them about the person's problems at home and at work. A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD evaluation, since it can help rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. In some cases thyroid problems and seizures can mimic symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator can also perform an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are indications of injury or damage to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator might also recommend blood and urine tests to determine the presence of other conditions that may hinder treatment, like depression, alcohol or substance abuse. Diagnosis When diagnosing ADHD, your doctor will look for symptoms that manifest in various situations, such as at home, school or at work. They should be present for a long amount of time. The doctor will determine how much your symptoms affect your everyday activities. 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 diagnose children. They will evaluate the child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct an interview. The interview will include a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, and medical history. They will also inquire about how your child's behavior impacts their daily mood, behaviors and productivity. For adults, it is more difficult to establish a diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is designed towards diagnosing children. However, there is some debate over whether these criteria still apply to adults. 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 have these symptoms for a prolonged duration of time and have them significantly affect their daily life at school, home, or work. Your doctor may also request other tests in addition a clinical interview to determine the severity and severity of your symptoms or those of your child. This could include a blood or EEG test. Other tests can help determine if a condition is causing the same symptoms like depression or learning disabilities. To find an expert to evaluate your or the child's ADHD begin by asking your family doctor for an appointment. https://notes.io/wm9Mu can also reach out to your insurance provider to determine if specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your insurance plan. You can also contact a local group of support and request recommendations. You can also contact a university-based hospital or a medical or graduate school to get an inventory of professionals who conduct ADHD evaluations. Treatment ADHD symptoms can cause serious problems at work and in school and may cause issues with relationships. If you're diagnosed with ADHD taking medication and enhancing your functioning can help reduce symptoms. People suffering from ADHD may also need to make lifestyle adjustments for example, changing their sleeping schedules, using daily planners or increasing exercise. A person with ADHD should be evaluated by their primary healthcare provider or a mental health professional. In the interview in person, a practitioner will discuss topics such as development, family history, lifestyle, and the current symptoms. The practitioner will ask questions about the patient's behavior, performance and productivity and whether they have trouble with impulsive actions or focus. They'll want to know about how long the symptoms have been going on, where and when they began, and the amount of distress or issues they create. The evaluator could discuss other people who are part of the patient's daily life, such as parents, spouses, siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or friends. These people can offer insights that questionnaires are unable to provide, such as the fact that the person frequently forgets or stops tasks in mid-stream. They may also be able to reveal the triggers for symptoms. ADHD is treated by a variety of behavioral therapies and drugs. The medication may contain stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant drugs 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. They can be taken orally or intravenously, and are usually well tolerated. Therapy can help those with ADHD develop strategies to overcome the difficulties they experience. Therapists can help people learn how to organize their lives, keep track of appointments, and provide support and guidance when dealing with the effect ADHD symptoms have on work and family life. Marriage and family therapy can assist in addressing issues caused by the disorder that affects relationships and teach strategies for dealing with conflict and disagreement that may arise in these situations. Medication To allow an expert to diagnose ADHD the doctor must look at various aspects. They will inquire with your child about their symptoms at school, home and other places. They may also utilize questionnaires or scales specifically designed for ADHD. They might also request an information about the family history. They will also look for other conditions that could cause the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also determine how severe the symptoms are and if they interfere with your child's daily life. There is no physical test for ADHD, like blood tests or an X-ray. The doctor treating your child is following guidelines set 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 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 display at least six of the symptoms listed in the guidelines in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. If your child is being tested for ADHD, it's important that someone who is familiar with them interview them. This includes their teachers and coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. They should also be asked about the effects of their symptoms on their daily lives and how they compare to other children of their age. The most common treatment for ADHD is medication. There are stimulant and nonstimulant drugs that can be prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other stimulants. These medications balance and boost levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are two medications that can treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, but they are beneficial for people who are unable to use stimulant medication due to health problems or severe adverse reactions. They can be combined alongside other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.