ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?

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

It's harder to determine ADHD in adults, because diagnostic guidelines are created for children. It's important to find a specialist with the condition who takes their time in evaluating your case.

Symptoms

To conduct an ADHD assessment, the initial step is to have the patient discuss openly and honestly about the symptoms and how they affect his life. Some adults do not want to admit they struggle with paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best way to get control of symptoms and live happier and healthier lives.

The evaluator asks the person to provide details about their medical and personal history from childhood up to now. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Society's clinical guidelines for the disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).

To meet criteria for a diagnosis for adhd in adults of ADHD, an adult must have a history of at least six established symptoms in one or both of two main categories--inattention or adhd Diagnosis private hyperactivity/impulsivity--for six months. The symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at least two major settings, such as work or school. The evaluator must be able to rule out other conditions which can cause similar symptoms as diagnosing adhd in adults, such as anxiety, depression or intellectual disability.

A doctor could also utilize ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales as well as an interview to collect information about the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that measure executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning and working memory can help identify ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors can ask permission based on the circumstances to contact family members or adhd Diagnosis private friends who could offer valuable insight and support. They may ask for the names and contact details of the spouse, parents, or siblings in order to speak with them about the individual's issues at home and at work.

A physical exam is typically part of an ADHD evaluation, as it can help determine other disorders that can cause similar symptoms. In some cases thyroid issues and seizures may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are any indications of injury or damage to the brain that could be the cause of the symptoms. The evaluator may also recommend urine and blood tests to determine the presence of other medical conditions that might hinder treatment, like depression or alcohol and drug abuse.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will look at symptoms that can be seen in different settings, like at home, work, or school. They must also last for a lengthy period of time. The doctor will determine how much these symptoms impact your daily routine. 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 review the child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview for a clinical nature. The interview will include an overview of your child's medical, family, and psychiatric history. They will also ask you about how your child's behavior impacts their daily mood, behaviors and work.

For adults, it's difficult to determine a diagnosis. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose children. There is some debate as to whether the 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. These symptoms must be present for a long time and must interfere with daily functioning at school, work or home.

Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor may request other tests to determine the severity of the child's symptoms. This may include blood tests or an EEG. Other tests can help determine if a condition is producing the same symptoms as learning disabilities or depressive disorders.

A request to your family doctor 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 call your insurance provider to see if there are professionals that are covered by your plan and who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to contact a local support group and request recommendations. You could also call a university-based hospital or a medical or graduate school to get a list of professionals who perform ADHD evaluations.

Treatment

Symptoms of ADHD can lead to serious issues at school and at work, and interfere with relationships. If you're diagnosed with ADHD and taking medication to improve your functioning can help reduce symptoms. Patients with ADHD may also have to make lifestyle changes for example, adjusting the time of their sleep, using a daily planner, or increasing their exercise.

A person with ADHD should be evaluated by their primary care provider or a mental health professional. In this in-person consultation the professional will discuss issues such as the development of the disorder, family and lifestyle history, and current symptoms and concerns. The doctor will ask questions about the patient's performance, behavior, and productivity and whether they have issues with impulsive actions or focus. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, when they began, and from where, and the level of distress they cause.

The evaluator may want to talk to other people who are involved in the patient's daily life, such as spouses, parents, siblings teachers, coaches daycare providers, or friends. These people can provide insights that questionnaires are unable to provide be able to provide, for instance, the fact that the person often fails to remember or stops doing tasks in mid-stream. They may also be able to reveal what triggers symptoms.

Many behavioral therapies and medicines treat ADHD. Some medications include stimulants such as amphetamine or nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs improve blood flow to the brain, suppress the impulsive behavior of people and enable them to pay focus and follow instructions. They can be taken by mouth or intravenously, and are usually well tolerated.

Therapy can help people suffering from ADHD develop strategies to deal with the challenges they experience. Therapists can help people learn how to organize their lives and keep track of appointments, and provide assistance and guidance when dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on their home and work. Marriage and family therapy can assist in addressing issues caused by the disorder of relationships and also teach how to handle conflict and discord that could be triggered in these situations.

Medication

To allow a health professional to diagnose ADHD the doctor must look at various aspects. They will ask your child about his or her symptoms at school, home and other places. They will also use scales and questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They might also request an history of the family. They will look for other conditions that may be the cause of the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and whether they are affecting your child's daily routine.

There is no physical test for ADHD, like the blood test or an X-ray. To determine if you have ADHD, your child's healthcare provider will follow guidelines that were developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are for children aged 4 to 18. Adults are more difficult to diagnose. This is because the 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 display six or more 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 six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD the child should be interviewed by someone who knows them well. Included in this are their coaches, teachers, religious leaders and other caregivers. They should also be asked about the effects of their symptoms on their daily functioning and how they compare to other children of their age.

The most popular treatment for ADHD is medication. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medications are available to treat adhd diagnosis private. Stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs help boost and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals. Other medications that are used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine as well as some antipsychotics. They are less potent than stimulants, but are useful for those who are unable to use stimulants due to severe side effects or health issues. The medications can be used in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral treatment.