ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step? A medical professional who is evaluating ADHD will ask you and the people closest to you -- your spouse, sibling, or friend if you're an adult -about your symptoms. This often provides insight that questionnaires can't uncover. Finding out if you have ADHD in adulthood is a bit more difficult, as diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It is important to find a specialist in the field who takes their time in evaluating your case. Symptoms The first step in the initial step of an ADHD assessment is to let the patient talk honestly and openly about his symptoms and how they impact his life. Many adults are reluctant to admit that they are having trouble paying attention to directions, or organising tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best way to gain rid of symptoms and lead a a more fulfilling life. The examiner will inquire of the person about their medical history and personal life from childhood until the present. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychological Association's guidelines for the treatment of 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 caused significant impairments in at least two important contexts, such as work or school. In addition, the evaluator must rule out any other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD like depression, anxiety, or an intellectual disability. In addition to an interview, a physician may use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to gather information regarding the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning, and working memory can help in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may ask for permission depending on the situation to reach out to family members or friends who can offer valuable insight and help. For https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-diagnosis/ , they could request the names of spouses, parents or siblings to talk with them about the individual's issues at home and at work. A physical exam is usually included in an ADHD assessment. It can help rule other disorders out that may cause similar symptoms. In some cases, thyroid issues and seizures may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator can also perform an examination of the brain to determine if there are indications of brain injury or damage which could cause the symptoms. The evaluator might also recommend urine and blood tests to evaluate for the presence of other medical conditions that could interfere with treatment, such as depression or alcohol and substance abuse. Diagnosis Your doctor will examine symptoms that can be seen in different situations, like at home, work or at school. The symptoms should also last for a prolonged period of time. The doctor will then assess 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. To diagnose children, doctors follow guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will discuss the child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will consist of a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. They will also ask questions about how your child's behavior affects their daily mood, behaviors and work. For adults, it is trickier to make an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is designed towards diagnosing children, but there is some debate 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 have these symptoms for a long period of time and have them significantly affect their daily functioning at school, home, or work. Apart from conducting a medical interview, your doctor could order other tests to determine the extent of your or the child's symptoms. This might include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help identify a condition that is causing similar symptoms, such as learning disabilities or depression. The suggestion of asking your family physician to recommend you to a specialist who can evaluate your ADHD or that of your child is the best place to begin. You can also reach out to your insurance company to determine if specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered by your plan. You can also reach out to a local support group and ask for recommendations. You can also contact a medical school or university-based hospital to obtain the names of specialists who conduct ADHD evaluations. Treatment Symptoms of ADHD can lead to serious issues in work and school, and interfere with relationships. Diagnosed with ADHD taking medication and enhancing your functioning can help reduce symptoms. Patients with ADHD may also have to change their lifestyle for example, adjusting sleeping schedules, using a daily planner, or increasing their exercise. Anyone suffering from ADHD must see the primary care doctor or a mental health professional or both for an assessment. During the in-person consultation, a practitioner will discuss topics such as development, family history, lifestyle, and current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance productivity, as well as if they are struggling with impulsive or focused actions. They will be interested in finding out how the symptoms have lasted on, when and where they started and how much stress or problems they can cause. The evaluator is likely to want to talk to other people in the patient's life, such as spouses, parents or siblings for adults as well as coaches, teachers, daycare providers or friends for children. These people often provide insight that questionnaires don't uncover, such as the reasons why a person might stop tasks halfway or forgets things, or what situations trigger symptoms. ADHD is treated with the use of a variety of behavioral therapies and drugs. The medications may include stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant drugs such as dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs increase blood flow to the brain, reduce impulsive behavior and allow people to pay more focus and follow instructions. These drugs can be administered by mouth or intravenously and are generally well tolerated. Therapy can help people with ADHD develop strategies to compensate for the challenges they face. Therapists can assist people with learning techniques to manage their lives and keep track of appointments, as well as provide support and guidance in dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on their home and work life. Marriage and family therapy is a fantastic way to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach how to manage stress and resolve conflict that may arise. Medication To diagnose ADHD the medical professional needs to consider various factors. They will inquire with your child about their symptoms at school, home and in other locations. They may also employ questionnaires and scales that are specifically designed for ADHD. They may also ask for a family history. They will also look for other conditions which could explain the symptoms such as learning disabilities and mood disorders. They will also assess how severe the symptoms are and if they interfere with your child's daily life. There is no physical test for ADHD such as blood tests or an X-ray. To get a diagnosis, your child's healthcare provider will be following the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines were designed for children 4 to 18 years of age. It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults. This is because 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. A child must exhibit six or more of the symptoms described in the guidelines to be classified as having ADHD. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of six months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD the child should be evaluated by someone who knows them well. Included in this are their coaches, teachers, religious leaders, and other caregivers. They should also be questioned about how the symptoms affect their daily lives and how they compare to other children of their age. The most common treatment for ADHD is medication. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medication are available to treat ADHD. Stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed. These drugs balance and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are two medications that can help treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, however they can be beneficial for people who cannot take stimulant medication because of health issues or serious side effects. The use of medications can be in conjunction with other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.