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 or sibling in the case of an adultabout the symptoms you experience. This can provide insights that questionnaires don't.

Finding out if you have ADHD in adulthood is trickier because the diagnostic guidelines are targeted at children. It is essential to locate an ADHD specialist who is willing to assess you.

Symptoms

To conduct an ADHD evaluation, the first step is to allow the patient to be honest and open about symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults might not want to admit they have trouble paying attention, following instructions or organizing tasks. However, getting an accurate diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and lead a more enjoyable life.

The examiner will inquire of the individual about their personal and medical history from childhood until the present. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychiatric Association’s guidelines for treating this 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 hyperactivity/impulsivity--for six months. The symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at least two important settings, such as school or work. The evaluator must be able to rule out other conditions that can trigger similar symptoms to ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or intellectual impairment.

In addition to an interview, a doctor might employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to gather information regarding the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory abilities, and spatial and visual reasoning can be helpful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may ask for permission depending on the situation to speak with family members or friends who can provide valuable information and support. They may request the names and contact information of parents, spouses, or siblings in order to speak with them about the individual's issues at home and at the workplace.

A physical examination is often included in an ADHD evaluation. It can help rule other disorders out that may cause similar symptoms. In some instances, thyroid issues and seizures can mimic symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator could also perform an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are symptoms of brain injury or damage which could cause the symptoms. The evaluator can also recommend blood and urinary tests to determine if there are any other conditions that may interfere with treatment. For example, depression or alcohol or drug abuse.

Diagnosis

In diagnosing ADHD the doctor will be looking for signs that manifest in various situations, such as at home, school or at work. The symptoms must also persist for a long period of time. Then, the doctor will determine how much these symptoms interfere with 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 review the child's symptoms and how they impact their lives. They may also conduct a clinical interview. The interview will include your child's medical background, family history and psychiatric history. They will also inquire about how your child's behavior impacts their daily mood, behaviors and work.

For adults, it is more difficult to establish an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is geared toward diagnosing children, and there is some debate over whether these criteria are still applicable 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 be suffering from these symptoms for Assessments a prolonged time period and must be able to hinder their daily activities at school, home or at work.

Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor could conduct other tests to determine the extent of your or your child's symptoms. This might include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help rule out conditions that are producing the same symptoms as depression or learning disabilities.

To find an expert to evaluate your the child's ADHD, you can start by asking your doctor for the referral. You can also contact your insurance company to inquire if experts who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered by your insurance plan. Another option is to reach out to a local support group and solicit suggestions. You can also try calling a university-based hospital or a medical or graduate school for an inventory of professionals who can conduct ADHD assessments.

Treatment

The symptoms of ADHD can cause significant problems in work and school and can affect relationships. Being diagnosed and taking medication can help improve functioning and decrease symptoms. People suffering from ADHD might also have to alter their lifestyles for example, changing their sleep schedules, using daily planners or increasing exercise.

Anyone suffering from ADHD should see his or her primary care provider, psychiatrist or both for an assessment. In this interview, the practitioner will cover subjects like development, family and lifestyle history, and current symptoms and problems. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance and productivity, as well as whether they are struggling with impulsive or focus-focused actions. They'll be interested in finding out how long the symptoms have gone on, when and where they began, and how much stress or problems they can cause.

The evaluator is likely to want to talk to other people in the life of the patient, like parents, spouses, or siblings for adults and coaches, teachers, daycare providers or friends for children. These people can offer insights that questionnaires don't uncover for example, the reasons why a person might stop tasks mid-way or forgets things, and what situations trigger symptoms.

ADHD is treated by a variety of treatments and medications. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase blood circulation to the brain, reduce impulsive behavior and allow people to pay more attention and follow directions. They can be taken either orally or intravenously and are usually well tolerated.

Therapy can help those with ADHD develop strategies to overcome the challenges they experience. Therapists can assist people in learning how to organize their lives, manage their appointments and provide support and guidance when dealing with the effects ADHD symptoms have on work and home life. Therapy for families and marriage is a great method 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 determine if your child has ADHD A medical professional needs to consider several factors. They will ask about your child's symptoms at home, at school and in other places. They may also use questionnaires and scales that are specifically designed for ADHD. They might also inquire about the history of their family. They will also look for other conditions which could explain the symptoms such as learning disabilities and mood disorders. They will also determine the severity of the symptoms and if they affect your child's daily routine.

There is no physical test for ADHD, like blood tests or an X-ray. To get adhd diagnosis a diagnosis your child's doctor will adhere to the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are aimed at children aged between 4 and 18. Adults are more difficult to recognize. The symptoms of ADHD 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 show six or more symptoms listed in the guidelines to be diagnosed with ADHD. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must have been present for a minimum of six 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. It is also important to inquire what their symptoms impact their daily activities and how they perform with other children their own age.

The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication. There are stimulant as well as non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to decrease ADHD symptoms. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other stimulants. These drugs balance and boost levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Antipsychotics and Atomoxetine are drugs that treat ADHD. They are not as potent as stimulants, but are useful for those who are unable to use stimulants due to serious side effects or health issues. Medications can be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.