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 -- such as your spouse, sibling, or friend for adults -- about the symptoms. This can provide insights that questionnaires don't.

It's more difficult to determine ADHD in adults, as diagnostic guidelines are designed for children. It is essential to find a doctor who specializes in the field who takes his or her time in evaluating your case.

Signs and symptoms

To conduct an ADHD evaluation, the first step is for the patient to be honest and open about the symptoms and how they affect his life. Many adults are reluctant to admit that they have difficulty paying attention, following directions or testing organizing tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best way to get rid of symptoms and lead a an enjoyable life.

The person being evaluated is asked to tell them about their medical and personal history from childhood up to now. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Association'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 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 impairment in at least two major situations, like school or work. The evaluator should be able to rule out other conditions that can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or intellectual impairment.

A doctor could also utilize ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales in addition to an interview to gather information about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess working memory, executive functioning skills and visual and spatial reasoning can be useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the circumstances doctors may ask for permission to talk with those close to the person in order to provide valuable insight and support. They might ask for the names and contact numbers of parents, spouses or siblings to talk with them about the individual's issues at home and at work.

A physical exam is typically part of an ADHD assessment, since it can help determine other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. In some instances thyroid issues and seizures can be a cause of ADHD. The evaluator can also perform a neurological examination to determine if there are any symptoms of brain damage or injury which could cause the symptoms. The evaluator may also suggest blood and urinary tests to determine if there are other conditions that may hinder treatment. For example, depression or the use of alcohol or drugs.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will examine symptoms that are present in various situations, like at work, at home or at school. The symptoms should also last for a long period of time. The doctor will determine how much these symptoms impact your day-to-day 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 follow guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will evaluate your child's symptoms, and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will discuss your child's medical background, family history, and psychiatric background. They will also inquire about how your child's behavior affects their daily mood, behaviors and work.

It is more difficult to identify adults. 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 adhd diagnosis must have 6 or more symptoms of inattentive adhd diagnosis for adults or 7 or more symptoms of hyperactive-impulsive ADHD. These symptoms must be present for a prolonged duration and affect the daily activities at school, work or at home.

Your doctor may also order other tests in addition a clinical interview to determine the extent and severity of your symptoms or the child's. These could include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help rule out conditions that are producing the same symptoms as learning disabilities or depressive disorders.

To find a specialist to assess the child's ADHD you can begin by asking your family doctor for an appointment. You can also reach out to your insurance provider to inquire if experts who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered by your plan. Another option is to contact an organization that supports local residents and solicit suggestions. You can also contact an academic medical center or university hospital to get a list of professionals that perform ADHD assessments.

Treatment

The signs of ADHD can cause significant problems at school and at work and affect relationships. Diagnosed with ADHD, taking medication and improving your performance can reduce symptoms. People suffering from ADHD may also have to alter their lifestyles, such as adjusting sleeping schedules, using a daily planner, or increasing their exercise.

A person with ADHD must see his or her primary care doctor or a mental health professional or both to get an assessment. During the in-person interview, a practitioner will discuss topics such as development, family history, lifestyle and the current symptoms. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance productivity, as well as if they are struggling with impulsive or focused actions. They will inquire about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when they began, and from where, and how much distress they cause.

The evaluator could talk to other people who are who are involved in the patient's everyday life, including parents, spouses siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or even friends. They can provide insights that questionnaires cannot like how the person often stops tasks mid-way or forgets things, and what circumstances trigger symptoms.

ADHD is treated using the use of a variety of behavioral therapies and drugs. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine and dexamfetamine. These drugs boost the flow of blood to the brain and suppress impulsive actions, allowing people to pay attention and follow instructions. They can be taken by mouth or intravenously, and are generally well-tolerated.

Therapy can help people suffering from ADHD develop strategies to compensate for the difficulties they experience. 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 home and work life. Family therapy and marriage therapy is a great method to tackle the issues caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach coping skills and help resolve conflict that may occur.

Medication

To allow a medical professional to identify ADHD it is necessary to evaluate many things. They will inquire with your child about his or her symptoms at school, home and other places. They may also use questionnaires and scales that are specific to ADHD. They may also ask about the family history. They will also check for other conditions which could explain the symptoms such as mood disorders and learning disabilities. They will also determine how severe the symptoms are and if they affect your child's life.

There is no physical test to confirm ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. To diagnose 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. It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults. This is due to the fact that a person's symptoms may change over time. People who have ADHD can be diagnosed as predominately inattentive, testing predominately hyperactive-impulsive or a combination of the two.

A child must display six or more of the symptoms described 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 assessed for ADHD it is recommended that they be interviewed by someone who knows them well. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. You should also inquire how their symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they compare to other children their age.

The most popular treatment for ADHD is medication. There are stimulant and nonstimulant drugs that can be prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms. The stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, testing are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs help boost and balance levels of certain brain chemicals. 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 serious adverse effects or health issues. They can be used in conjunction with other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy.