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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 -- a spouse, sibling, or friend for adults -- about their symptoms. This often provides insight that questionnaires can't uncover.

The process of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood can be a challenge because the diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It is crucial to find an ADHD professional who will take the time to evaluate your situation.

Symptoms

For an ADHD assessment, the first step is for the patient to discuss openly and honestly about symptoms and how they affect his life. Adults may not want admit that they struggle with paying attention, following instructions or organizing tasks. But getting a precise diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and live a happier life.

The examiner will inquire of the person about their personal and medical history from childhood to present. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Society'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 in adults diagnostic criteria, 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. Symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at minimum two major environments, such as work or school. In addition, the person evaluating must rule out other disorders that can cause the same symptoms as ADHD like depression, anxiety or an intellectual impairment.

A doctor could also utilize ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales in conjunction with an interview to collect information about the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory abilities, and spatial and visual reasoning can be useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the specific situation doctors will often request permission to contact people close to the person in order to provide valuable insight and help. They might ask for the names and contact information of the spouse, parents or siblings to interview them regarding the individual's issues at home and at the workplace.

A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD assessment, since it can help determine other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. In some instances thyroid problems and seizures can mimic symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator can also perform an examination of the brain to determine if there are signs of brain damage or injury which could cause the symptoms. The evaluator can also recommend urine and blood tests to determine if there are other conditions that may interfere with treatment. For instance depression, depression, or alcohol or drug abuse.

Diagnosis

When diagnosing ADHD, your doctor will look for symptoms that are present in different settings, like at home, school, or work. They should be present for a long period of time. The doctor will determine how much these symptoms impact 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.

Doctors utilize the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition to diagnose children. They will assess the symptoms of your child and how to get diagnosed add they affect their lives. They might also conduct an interview. The interview will discuss your child's medical background, family history, and psychiatric background. They will also ask questions about how to get diagnosed add your child's behavior affects their daily mood, behaviors and work.

It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is targeted towards diagnosing children, but there is some controversy over whether these 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 diagnosed in adulthood. These symptoms must be present for a long duration and affect everyday functioning at school, work or at home.

Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor could order additional tests to determine the severity of your child's symptoms. These could include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests may help rule out conditions that are causing the same symptoms like learning disabilities or depressive disorders.

The suggestion of asking your family physician to refer you to a specialist who can evaluate your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is the best place to begin. You can also reach out to your insurance company to find out if professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered by your insurance plan. Another option is to contact an organization that supports local residents and request recommendations. You can also call the medical school or university hospital to get the list of specialists who perform ADHD assessments.

Treatment

ADHD symptoms can cause serious problems at work or in school and interfere with relationships. Being diagnosed and taking medication can improve functioning and decrease symptoms. Patients with ADHD might also have to alter their lifestyles, such as changing their sleep schedules, using daily planners, or increasing exercise.

A person with ADHD needs to be evaluated by their primary care provider or an expert in mental health. In the interview in person an expert will discuss subjects like development, family history, lifestyle and current symptoms. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance and productivity, as well as whether they have problems with impulsive or focus-focused actions. They will be interested in knowing how the symptoms have lasted on, when and where they began, and the amount of distress or issues they cause.

The evaluator might want to speak to other people 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 can't provide, such as the way that a person may stop tasks mid-way or forgets things, or what situations trigger symptoms.

ADHD is treated with a variety of treatments and medications. Some medications include stimulants such as amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs boost the flow of blood to the brain and decrease impulsive actions which allows people to concentrate and follow directions. These drugs can be administered either orally or intravenously, and they are generally well tolerated.

In addition to medication therapy can also help those with ADHD discover strategies to overcome their challenges. Therapists can teach people techniques to manage their lives and keep track of appointments, and offer assistance and advice in dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on family and at work. Marriage and family therapy can help with issues caused by the disorder in relationships, as well as teaching how to handle conflict and discord that could occur in these situations.

Medication

In order for a health professional to diagnose ADHD the doctor must look at several things. They will inquire with your child about his or her symptoms at school, home and in other places. They may also employ scales and questionnaires that are specifically designed for ADHD. They might also request a family history. They may also search for other conditions that could be the cause of the symptoms, like learning disabilities and mood disorders. They will also determine the severity of the symptoms and if they are affecting your child's daily life.

There is no physical test that can determine ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. To diagnose ADHD, your child's healthcare provider will adhere to the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are for children aged 4 to 18. It is difficult to determine ADHD in adults. This is because a person's symptoms may 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 with ADHD the child must exhibit more than 6 symptoms listed 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 evaluated for ADHD it is essential that someone familiar with them interviews them. This includes their teachers and religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. You should also ask them how their symptoms affect their daily activities and how they compare to other children their age.

The most commonly used medication is a method of treating ADHD. There are stimulant and non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms. Stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs help boost and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are also drugs that treat ADHD. They are less potent than stimulants, but they can be beneficial for those who are unable to use stimulants due too severe side effects or health problems. The use of medications can be in conjunction with other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy.