ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?

A healthcare professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and people close to you -- such as your spouse, sibling or friend for adults -- about the symptoms. This can provide insight that questionnaires can't.

Finding out if you have ADHD in adulthood can be a challenge since the diagnostic guidelines are targeted at children. It is essential to find an ADHD professional who is willing to evaluate your situation.

Signs and symptoms

For an ADHD evaluation, the first step is to have the patient discuss openly and honestly about the symptoms and how they affect his life. Some adults are reluctant to admit that they have difficulty paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best way to get control of symptoms and live a more fulfilling life.

The examiner will inquire of the person about their medical and personal history from childhood to present. The evaluator also reviews 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 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 significant contexts, such as school or at work. In addition, the evaluator must rule out other disorders that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or an intellectual impairment.

A doctor could also utilize ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales in conjunction with an interview to gather data regarding the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory abilities, and spatial and visual reasoning can be helpful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors can ask permission, based on the circumstance, to reach out to family members or friends who could provide valuable information and support. They might ask for the names and contact details of parents, spouses, or siblings in order to talk with them about the person's challenges at home and at work.

A physical examination is typically part of an ADHD evaluation. It could help rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms that look a lot like adhd adult diagnosis. The evaluator may also conduct a neurological examination to determine if there are any symptoms of injury or damage to the brain which could cause the symptoms. The evaluator can also recommend blood and urinary tests to determine if there is other conditions that could affect treatment. For instance depression, depression, or addiction to alcohol or drugs.

Diagnosis

In determining ADHD the doctor will look for signs that are present in different environments, such as at home, school or at work. They must also last for a lengthy period of time. The doctor will evaluate how these symptoms affect 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.

Doctors use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition to diagnose children. They will examine the child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will include your child's medical history, family history, and psychiatric background. You will be asked about your child's daily mood and behavior, as well as performance.

For adults, it's trickier to make a diagnosis. The DSM-V is a diagnostic tool designed for children. There is some debate about whether the criteria still apply in 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. These symptoms must be present for a prolonged period of time and interfere with daily functioning at work, school or at home.

Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor could order other tests to determine the extent of your or your child's symptoms. This may include blood tests or an EEG. Other tests can be used to rule out a condition that is causing the same symptoms, like depression or learning disabilities.

To find a specialist to evaluate your or your child's ADHD, you can start by asking your doctor for the referral. You can also reach out to your insurance company to determine if specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your policy. You can also contact an organization in your area and request recommendations. You can also call a medical school or university-based hospital to obtain the list of specialists who perform ADHD evaluations.

Treatment

ADHD symptoms can lead to serious problems at work or in school and interfere with relationships. Diagnosed with ADHD and taking medication to improve your functioning can help reduce symptoms. People with ADHD may also have to change their lifestyle for example, adjusting sleep schedules, using a daily planner, or increasing exercise.

A person suffering from ADHD should see their primary care doctor, a mental health professional or both to receive an evaluation. In the interview in person an expert will discuss issues like development, family history, lifestyle and current symptoms. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance and productivity, as well as whether they are struggling with impulsive or focused actions. They will be interested in knowing how long the symptoms have gone on, where and when they began, and how much distress or problems they can 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 even friends. These people can offer insights that questionnaires cannot give, such as the fact that the patient often fails to remember or stops doing tasks during the course of a task. They can also provide insight into what triggers symptoms.

ADHD is treated using various treatments and medications. The medications can include stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine and dexamfetamine. These drugs improve blood flow to the brain, reduce the impulsive behavior of people and enable them to pay focus and follow instructions. These drugs can be taken intravenously or orally, and they generally are well-tolerated.

Therapy can help people with ADHD create strategies to overcome the difficulties they encounter. Therapists can help people learn how to organize their lives, manage their appointments, and provide assistance and guidance in dealing with the impact adhd diagnosis and learning disabilities 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 conflict that may occur.

Medication

To diagnose ADHD A health professional will take into consideration various factors. They will ask about your child's behavior at home, at school and in other places. They may also use scales or questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They may also ask for a family history. They will also look for other conditions that could cause the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and whether they affect your child's everyday life.

There is no physical test for ADHD such as the blood test or an X-ray. To get a diagnosis the healthcare provider for your child will adhere to the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines were designed for children between 4 and 18 years old. Adults are more difficult to diagnose. The symptoms of ADHD can change with time. People who have ADHD can be diagnosed as predominately inattentive, predominately hyperactive-impulsive or a combination of the two.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, a child must have 6 or more of the symptoms that are listed in the diagnostic guidelines. The guidelines also state the symptoms must be present for a minimum of six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD, it's important that someone familiar with them interviews them. This includes their teachers and religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. They should also be informed about how their symptoms affect their daily lives and how they compare to other children their age.

Medication is the most common method of treating ADHD. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medication can be prescribed to treat ADHD. The most common stimulants prescribed are amphetamine, methylphenidate and other stimulants. These medications help to increase and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals. Other medications that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine as well as some antipsychotics. They are slower than stimulants, however they can be beneficial for those who are unable to take stimulant medications due to health problems or severe side effects. They can be combined alongside other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.