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ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?

A healthcare professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and people close to you -- a spouse, sibling or a friend for adults -- about their symptoms. This may provide information that questionnaires are not able to provide.

It's harder to diagnose ADHD in adults, since diagnostic guidelines are designed for children. It's important to find a doctor who specializes in the field who takes the time in evaluating your case.

Signs and symptoms

The first step in the process of conducting an ADHD assessment is to have the patient speak honestly and openly about his issues and how they impact his life. Some adults are reluctant to admit that they are having trouble paying attention to directions, or organising tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best method to take control of symptoms and live a more fulfilling life.

The evaluator asks the person to provide details about their personal and medical history from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychiatric Association'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, 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 minimum two crucial situations, like work or school. Additionally, the examiner must rule out any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or an intellectual impairment.

In addition to an interview, a physician may use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to gather information about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning and working memory can help in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors can ask permission depending on the situation to speak with family members or friends who can provide valuable information and support. For example, they might ask for the names of spouses, parents or siblings to interview them about the person's struggles at home and at work.

A physical examination is typically part of an ADHD assessment. It helps rule other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. In certain instances thyroid issues and seizures can be a cause of ADHD. The evaluator might also conduct a neurological exam to see whether there is any evidence 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 other medical conditions that may hinder treatment, such as depression, alcohol or drug abuse.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will be able to examine symptoms that occur in different situations, like at work, home or at school. They should be present for a long amount of time. Then, the doctor will determine 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.

To diagnose children, doctors adhere to guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will review your child's symptoms and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct an interview. The interview will include your child's medical background, family history and psychiatric background. They will also ask questions about how your child's behavior affects their mood, behavior and productivity.

It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is geared toward diagnosing children, and there is some controversy over whether these criteria apply 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. These symptoms must be present for a prolonged duration and affect the daily activities at school, work, or at home.

Apart from conducting a medical interview, your doctor might order other tests to determine the severity of the child's symptoms. This could include a blood or EEG test. Other tests may help rule out conditions that are producing the same symptoms as learning disabilities or depressive disorders.

To find an expert to evaluate your the child's ADHD you can begin by asking your family doctor for a referral. You can also contact your insurance company to determine if specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your insurance plan. You can also reach out to an organization in your area and ask for suggestions. You can also contact a university-based hospital or a medical or graduate school for the names increase of adhd diagnosis specialists who perform ADHD assessments.

Treatment

ADHD symptoms can lead to serious issues at work and in school and interfere with relationships. If you're diagnosed with ADHD taking medication and enhancing your performance can help decrease symptoms. Patients with ADHD may also have to change their lifestyle for example, adjusting sleeping schedules, using a daily planner or increasing exercise.

A person suffering from ADHD should consult with the primary care provider or an expert in mental health or both for an assessment. In the interview in person an expert will discuss issues like the development of the disorder, family history, lifestyle and the current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance and productivity, as well as whether they are struggling with impulsive or focusing actions. They'll be interested in finding out how long the symptoms have been going on, when and where they started and how much stress or problems they create.

The evaluator might want to speak to other people who are part of the patient's daily life, including parents, spouses, siblings teachers, coaches daycare providers, or family members. These people can offer insights that questionnaires are unable to provide give, such as the fact that the person often forgets or stops work during the course of a task. They may also be able to reveal what triggers symptoms.

ADHD is treated by a variety of behavioral therapies and medications. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs improve blood flow to the brain, reduce impulse-driven behavior, and permit people to pay more focus and follow instructions. They can be administered either orally or intravenously and are generally well-tolerated.

In addition to medications Therapy can help those with ADHD develop strategies to compensate for their challenges. Therapists can help individuals 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 home life. Marriage and family therapy is a great way to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach strategies for dealing with stress and assist in resolving conflicts that might arise.

Medication

To allow a health professional to diagnose ADHD it is necessary to evaluate various aspects. They will inquire with your child about his or her symptoms at school, at home and in other locations. They may also utilize questionnaires or scales that are specific for ADHD. They may also request a family history. They may also search for other conditions that may cause the symptoms, such as learning disabilities and mood disorders. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and whether they are affecting your child's daily life.

There is no physical test for ADHD, like blood tests or an X-ray. To get a diagnosis the healthcare provider for your child will adhere to the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are aimed at children between the ages of 4 and 18. It is difficult to determine 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.

A child must exhibit six or more symptoms listed in the guidelines to be classified as having ADHD. The guidelines also state the symptoms must be present for a minimum of six months. If your child is being tested for ADHD it is essential that someone who is familiar with them interview them. This includes 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.

The most commonly used medication is a method of treating ADHD. Both stimulant and nonstimulant medication can be prescribed to treat ADHD. The stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs help boost and balance levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and Atomoxetine are medications that can treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, but they can be helpful for those who are unable to take stimulant drugs due to health issues or serious adverse reactions. Medications can be used in combination with other treatments, for example, cognitive behavioral therapy.