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ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?

A medical professional conducting an ADHD assessment will question you and your family members close to you, such as a spouse, sibling or a friend for adults -- about their symptoms. This can provide insight that questionnaires can't uncover.

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

Signs and symptoms

For an ADHD assessment, the initial step is for the patient to talk openly and honestly about symptoms and how to diagnose adults with adhd they impact his life. Adults may not want to admit to having trouble paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks. But getting an accurate diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and live a happier life.

The evaluator will ask the person to provide information about their medical history and personal life from childhood to the present. The evaluator also reviews the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for clinical care 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 led to significant impairments in at least two important situations, like work or school. The evaluator should be able to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD like anxiety, depression or intellectual disabilities.

A doctor can also employ ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales as well as an interview to gather data on the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning and working memory can aid in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Depending on the situation doctors will often request permission to talk with those close to the person who can provide valuable information and support. They might ask for the names and contact details of the spouse, parents or siblings to speak with them about the person's challenges at home and at the workplace.

A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD evaluation. It can help rule other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can trigger symptoms that look like ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct a neurological examination to determine if there's any sign of injury or damage to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also suggest blood and urine tests to evaluate for the presence of any other conditions that could interfere with 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 school. They must also last for a significant period of time. The doctor will evaluate how 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.

To diagnose children, doctors follow guidelines from the add diagnostic criteria adults and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will assess the symptoms of your child and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct an interview. The interview will consist of a review of your child's medical, family, and psychiatric history. They will also ask questions about the impact of your child's behavior on their mood, behavior and work.

For adults, it's more difficult to establish an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is geared toward diagnosing children, and there is some controversy over whether these criteria still apply to adults. To meet the criteria for a add diagnosis in adults, an adult adhd diagnosis 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 daily functioning at work, school or home.

Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor may order additional tests to determine the severity of the child's symptoms. These could include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can be used to rule out an illness that causes the same symptoms, like depression or learning disabilities.

Asking your family doctor to refer you to an expert who can evaluate your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is an excellent place to begin. You can also contact your insurance provider to see whether there are any specialists covered under your plan who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to reach out to a local support group and ask for suggestions. You can also contact a medical school or university-based hospital to get the names of specialists who provide ADHD evaluations.

Treatment

The symptoms of ADHD can lead to serious issues at school and work and can affect relationships. Diagnosed with ADHD taking medication and enhancing your functioning can help reduce symptoms. People suffering from ADHD might also have to adjust their lifestyle like changing their sleeping schedules, using daily planners or increasing exercise.

A person suffering from ADHD should consult with the primary care provider, an expert in mental health or both to receive an evaluation. During this in-person interview the doctor will discuss issues such as the development of the disorder as well as family and lifestyle history and present symptoms and concerns. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance, productivity, and if they are having issues with impulsive or focused actions. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, when and where they started, and the amount of distress they cause.

The evaluator may want to speak to other people involved in the patient's daily life, such as spouses, parents, siblings, teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or family members. These people can offer insights that questionnaires can't be able to provide, for instance, the fact that the person often forgets or stops work in mid-stream. They can also provide insight into what situations trigger symptoms.

ADHD is treated using various treatments and medications. Medications may include stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs improve blood flow to the brain, suppress the impulsive behavior of people and enable them to pay focus and follow instructions. These drugs can be administered intravenously or orally and generally are well-tolerated.

In addition to medication Therapy can help those with adhd diagnosis private learn strategies to overcome their issues. Therapists can help people learn how to organize their lives, track their appointments, and provide assistance and guidance in dealing with the impact ADHD symptoms have on their work and family life. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help with issues caused by the disorder that affects relationships, as well as teaching strategies for dealing with conflict and discord that can occur in these situations.

Medication

For a health professional to diagnose ADHD it is necessary to evaluate many things. They will ask your child about their symptoms at school, home and in other locations. They may also use questionnaires and scales specifically designed for ADHD. They might also request a family history. They may also search for other conditions which could explain the symptoms such as learning disabilities and mood disorders. They will also assess how severe the symptoms are and if they affect your child's life.

There is no physical test to diagnose ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. To determine if you have ADHD your child's doctor will adhere to the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are for children between the ages of 4 and 18. Adults are more difficult to recognize. This is because 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, 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 at least six months. If your child is being diagnosed with adhd as an adult evaluated for ADHD it is recommended that they be interviewed by someone who is familiar with them. This includes teachers, religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. You should also ask them what their symptoms impact their daily functioning and how they perform to other children their age.

The most common treatment for ADHD is medication. There are stimulant as well as nonstimulant medications that can be prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms. The most common stimulants prescribed are amphetamine, methylphenidate, and other stimulants. These drugs help boost and balance levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are two medications that can help treat ADHD. They are not as potent as stimulants, but they can be beneficial for people who are unable to take stimulants due too severe side effects or health issues. They can be used in conjunction with other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy.