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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 people close to you, such as a spouse, sibling or friend for adults -- about symptoms. This is often a way to gain information that questionnaires cannot.

Diagnosing ADHD in adulthood can be a challenge because the diagnostic guidelines are targeted at children. It is important to find a specialist with the condition who takes his or her time when evaluating you.

Symptoms

The first step in the initial step of an ADHD assessment is to let the patient speak honestly and openly about the symptoms and how they affect his life. Adults might not want to admit to having trouble paying attention, following directions or managing tasks. But getting a precise diagnosis will help you control symptoms and lead a more enjoyable life.

The evaluator will ask the person to provide details about their medical history and personal life 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. The symptoms must have caused significant impairments in at minimum two crucial contexts, such as school or at work. The examiner should also rule out other disorders that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD like depression, anxiety or intellectual impairment.

In addition to an interview, a doctor may employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists to gather information regarding the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning and working memory can help in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may request permission based on the circumstances to contact family members or friends who could offer valuable insight and help. For example, they might request the names of spouses, parents or siblings to interview them about the individual's issues at home and at work.

A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD assessment, since it can help identify other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms that look a lot similar to ADHD. The evaluator can also perform an examination of the brain to determine if there are any symptoms of brain damage or injury which could cause the symptoms. The evaluator may also recommend urine and blood tests to evaluate for the presence of other medical conditions that may hinder treatment, such as depression, alcohol or addiction.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will examine symptoms that can be seen in different situations, like at work, home or at school. They should also last for a lengthy amount of time. The doctor will assess how much these symptoms impact 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 your child's symptoms, and how they impact their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will include a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, and medical history. You will be asked questions about your child's daily mood and behavior, as well as performance.

For adults, it is 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 long period of time and interfere with everyday functioning at work, school or at home.

In addition to conducting a clinical interview, your doctor may request additional tests to determine the extent of your or your child's symptoms. This could include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help rule out conditions that are causing the same symptoms like depression or learning disabilities.

The suggestion of asking your family physician to recommend you to a specialist who will evaluate your ADHD or that of your child is a good place to start. You can also contact 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 request recommendations. You can also call an academic medical center or university hospital to request the names of specialists who perform ADHD evaluations.

Treatment

The symptoms of ADHD can cause serious problems at school and work and affect relationships. Finding a diagnosis and taking medication can improve performance and lessen symptoms. Iam Psychiatry with ADHD might also need to alter their lifestyles for example, adjusting sleep schedules and using a daily planner, or increasing exercise.

A person suffering from ADHD should consult with the primary care doctor or psychiatrist or both to get an assessment. During this in-person interview the professional will discuss topics including the development of the disorder, family and lifestyle history and present symptoms and concerns. The practitioner will inquire about the individual's performance, behavior and productivity and whether they are struggling with impulsive actions or focus. They'll be interested in finding out how long the symptoms have gone on, where and when they started and how much stress or problems they create.

The evaluator may want to talk to other people who are in the patient's life such as spouses, parents or siblings for adults as well as coaches, teachers or daycare providers for children. These people can offer insights that questionnaires can't give, such as the fact that a person often fails to remember or stops doing tasks during the course of a task. They can also reveal the triggers for symptoms.

Many different behavioral therapies and medications treat ADHD. Medications may include stimulants like amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase the flow of blood to the brain and reduce the impulse to act that allow people to concentrate and follow instructions. These drugs can be taken either orally or intravenously, and they are generally well-tolerated.

Therapy can help people suffering from ADHD develop strategies to compensate for the challenges they experience. Therapists can help people learn how to organize their lives, manage their appointments and provide assistance and guidance in dealing with the effect ADHD symptoms have on work and family life. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help address problems caused by the disorder that affects relationships, as well as teaching strategies for dealing with conflict and discord that can arise in these situations.

Medication

In order for an expert to diagnose ADHD it is necessary to evaluate several things. They will ask about your child's behavior at home, at schools, and elsewhere. They will also use scales or questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They may also inquire about family history. They may also search for other conditions that could explain the symptoms such as learning disabilities and mood disorders. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and whether they affect your child's daily routine.

There is no physical test to determine ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. To determine if you have ADHD, your child's healthcare provider will adhere to the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines were designed for children 4 to 18 years of age. It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults. This is due to the fact that a person's symptoms can 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 state the symptoms must be present for a minimum of six months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD, they should be questioned by a person who knows them well. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. They should also be asked about how their symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they compare to other children their age.

Medication is the most common form of treatment for ADHD. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medications are available to treat ADHD. The most common stimulants prescribed are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other stimulants. These drugs aid in boosting and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and Atomoxetine are medications that can treat ADHD. They are less effective than stimulants, however they can be helpful for people who cannot take stimulant drugs due to health issues or serious side effects. Medications can be used in combination with other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.