ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?

A healthcare professional conducting an ADHD assessment will question you and your family members close to you -- a spouse, sibling, or friend for adults -- about their symptoms. This will provide information that questionnaires can't.

Diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is a bit more difficult since the guidelines for diagnosis are designed for children. It's important to find a doctor who specializes in the field who takes their time with your evaluation.

Symptoms

The first step in an ADHD evaluation is to have the patient talk honestly and openly about his issues and how they affect his daily life. Some adults do not want to admit that they are having trouble paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best way to gain control of symptoms and live a more fulfilling life.

The evaluator will ask the person to share their personal and medical history from childhood to the 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 led to significant impairments in at least two significant situations, like school or work. In addition, the evaluator must rule out any other conditions that can cause the same symptoms as ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or an intellectual disability.

A doctor may also use ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales in conjunction with an interview to collect information about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory skills, and spatial and visual reasoning can be useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Depending on the situation, doctors often ask for permission to talk with those close to the person who can provide valuable information and help. For example, they might ask for the names of parents, spouses or siblings to interview them about the person's struggles at home and at work.

A physical exam is typically part of an ADHD evaluation, as it can help determine other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. In some cases thyroid issues and seizures can be a cause of ADHD. The evaluator could also perform an examination of the brain to determine if there are any signs of injury or damage to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator can also recommend blood and urinary tests to determine if there are any other conditions that might interfere with treatment. For example depression, depression, or the use of alcohol or drugs.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will look at symptoms that are present in various settings, like at work, home or at school. They must also last for a significant amount of time. The doctor will then determine the extent to which your symptoms affect 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.

To diagnose children, doctors must follow guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will examine the symptoms of your child and How To get diagnosed add they affect their lives. They might also conduct an interview for a clinical nature. The interview will discuss your child's medical background, family history and psychiatric history. You will be asked about your child's mood, behavior, and performance.

For adults, it is difficult to determine an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is geared towards diagnosing children. However, there is some debate over whether these criteria apply to adulthood. To meet the criteria for a diagnosis, an adult adhd diagnosis criteria 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 duration and affect daily functioning at school, work, or home.

Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor might conduct additional tests to determine the extent of your the child's symptoms. This could include the blood test or an EEG test. Other tests can help identify a condition that is causing the same symptoms, like depression or learning disabilities.

To find an expert to evaluate your or the child's ADHD you can begin by asking your family physician for an appointment. You can also reach out to your insurance company to inquire if experts who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your plan. You can also reach out to a local support group and request recommendations. You can also call a medical school or university-based hospital to request the names of specialists who perform ADHD evaluations.

Treatment

Symptoms of ADHD can cause significant problems at school and work and can affect relationships. If you're getting diagnosed with adhd in adulthood with ADHD, taking medication and improving your performance can help decrease symptoms. Patients with ADHD might also have to alter their lifestyles for example, altering their sleep schedules using daily planners or increasing exercise.

Anyone suffering from ADHD should consult with the primary care provider or psychiatrist or both to receive an assessment. 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 inquire about the individual's performance, behavior and productivity, and if they are struggling with impulsive behavior or focus. They will inquire about the duration of the symptoms, when and where they started, and the level of distress they cause.

The evaluator might want to discuss other people who are involved in the patient's everyday life, including parents, spouses siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or family members. These people can offer insights that questionnaires are unable to provide, such as the fact that the patient frequently forgets or stops tasks in mid-stream. They may also be able to reveal what situations trigger symptoms.

ADHD is treated using a variety of behavioral therapies and drugs. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine or nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase blood flow to the brain, suppress impulse-driven behavior, and permit people to pay focus and follow instructions. These drugs can be taken by mouth or intravenously, and they generally are well-tolerated.

Therapy can help those with ADHD come up with strategies to compensate for the difficulties they experience. Therapists can help individuals learn how to manage their lives, track their appointments, and offer support and guidance when dealing with the impact ADHD symptoms can have on work and home life. Family therapy and marriage therapy is a great method to tackle the issues caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach coping skills and help resolve conflicts that might arise.

Medication

To allow an expert to diagnose ADHD it is necessary to evaluate various aspects. They will inquire about your child's symptoms at home, at school and in other places. They will also use scales or questionnaires that are specific for ADHD. They may also ask about the family history. They will also look for other conditions which could explain the symptoms such as mood disorders and learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and if they affect your child's daily life.

There is no physical test to determine ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. The healthcare provider for your child follows guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are for children aged 4 to 18. Adults are more difficult to diagnose. This is because the symptoms can 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 adhd with ADHD, a child must display more than 6 symptoms as described in the guidelines for diagnosis. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must have been present for at least six months. If your child is being diagnosed with adhd as an adult assessed for ADHD it is recommended that they be interviewed by someone who knows them well. Included in this are their coaches, teachers, religious leaders, and other caregivers. They should also be questioned about the effects of their symptoms on their daily lives and how they compare to other children of their age.

The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication. There are stimulant and non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to reduce ADHD symptoms. Stimulants, like methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs help boost and balance levels of certain brain chemicals. Other medications that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as antipsychotics. They are not as potent as stimulants but can be useful for those who cannot take stimulants due to severe adverse effects or health issues. The use of medications can be in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy.