ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?

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

The process of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is trickier because the diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It's crucial to locate an ADHD specialist who is willing to evaluate your situation.

Signs and symptoms

The first step in an ADHD assessment is to have the patient talk honestly and openly about his symptoms and how they impact his daily life. Some adults are reluctant to admit that they struggle with paying attention to directions, or organising tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best way to gain control of the symptoms and live a a more fulfilling life.

The examiner will inquire of the person about their personal and medical history from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for clinical care for the condition 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. Symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at least two important environments, such as school or work. The evaluator must be able to rule out other conditions that can trigger similar symptoms to ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or intellectual disabilities.

In addition to an interview, a doctor might use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to gather information regarding the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning and working memory can help identify ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may ask for permission based on the circumstances to speak with family members or friends who may offer valuable insight and help. For instance, they could seek out the names of spouses, parents or siblings to interview them about the person's problems at home and at work.

A physical examination is often part of an ADHD evaluation. It could help rule out other disorders out that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms that resemble like ADHD. The evaluator might also conduct a neurological examination to determine if there is any sign of damage or injury to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also recommend blood and urinary tests to determine if there are other conditions that could interfere with treatment. For instance, depression or addiction to alcohol or drugs.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will examine symptoms that are present in various settings, like at work, at home, or school. They must be present for a long period of time. The doctor will determine the extent to which your 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 your child's symptoms, and how do you get diagnosed with add they impact their lives. They may also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will comprise an overview of your child's medical, family, and psychiatric history. You will be asked about your child's mood and behavior as well as their productivity.

It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is designed toward diagnosing children, and there is some controversy over whether these criteria are still applicable 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 prolonged period of time and interfere with everyday functioning at work, school or home.

Apart from conducting a medical interview, your doctor could order other tests to determine the extent of your your child's symptoms. This could include the blood test or an EEG test. Other tests can be used to rule out an illness that causes similar symptoms, such as learning disabilities or depression.

The suggestion of asking your family physician to refer you to a specialist who can assess your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is an excellent place to begin. You can also call your insurance provider to inquire whether there are any specialists covered by your policy who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also contact a local group of support and request suggestions. You can also contact the hospital of a university or medical or graduate school for an inventory of professionals who can conduct ADHD assessments.

Treatment

ADHD symptoms can lead to serious problems at work or at school, and can cause problems with relationships. Diagnosed with ADHD taking medication and enhancing your performance can reduce symptoms. People suffering from ADHD may also have to change their lifestyle, such as adjusting sleeping schedules or using a daily planner, or increasing their exercise.

Anyone suffering from ADHD should consult with their primary care physician or psychiatrist or both to get an evaluation. During the in-person interview the practitioner will talk about topics such as development, family history, lifestyle and the current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the individual's performance, behavior, and productivity, and if they are struggling with impulsive actions or focus. They'll want to know about how long the symptoms have been going on, where and when they first began and how much distress or problems they can cause.

The evaluator may be looking to speak to other people in the life of the patient, for example, parents, spouses or siblings for adults, as well as teachers, coaches, daycare providers or friends for children. They can provide information that questionnaires cannot give, such as the fact that the person often forgets or stops work in mid-stream. They can also reveal what situations trigger symptoms.

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

Therapy can help people suffering from ADHD develop strategies to overcome the challenges they face. Therapists can assist people with learning techniques to manage their lives and track their appointments, and offer support and guidance in dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on their home and work. Marriage and family therapy is a great way to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach strategies for dealing with stress and assist in resolving conflicts that might arise.

Medication

To diagnose ADHD, a medical professional needs to consider many factors. They will ask about your child's symptoms at home, at schools, and elsewhere. They may also use scales or questionnaires that are specific for ADHD. They may also inquire about family history. They will look for other conditions that could cause the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and if they are affecting your child's daily routine.

There is no physical test that can determine ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. The doctor treating your child is following guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are for children aged 4 to 18. Adults are more difficult to identify. 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.

A child must exhibit at least six of the symptoms listed in the guidelines in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of six months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD, they should be interviewed by someone who knows them well. Included in this are their coaches, teachers, religious leaders, and other caregivers. You should also inquire what their symptoms impact their daily life and how they compare to other children their age.

The most common treatment for ADHD is medication. There are both stimulant and nonstimulant drugs that can be prescribed to decrease ADHD symptoms. The most common stimulants prescribed are amphetamine, methylphenidate and other stimulants. These drugs balance and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and Atomoxetine are medications that can treat ADHD. They are not as potent as stimulants, but they can be beneficial for those who are unable to use stimulants due to severe side effects or health problems. The medications can be used alongside other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral treatment.