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ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?

A healthcare professional conducting an ADHD assessment will ask you and your family members close to you -- a spouse, sibling or friend for adults -- about their symptoms. This may provide information that questionnaires can't.

It's harder to diagnose ADHD in adults, since the guidelines for diagnosis are developed for children. It is essential to find an ADHD specialist who is willing to assess you.

Signs and symptoms

To conduct an ADHD assessment, the first step is to have the patient talk openly and honestly about the symptoms and how they impact his life. Some adults are reluctant to admit they struggle with paying attention and following directions or organising tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best method to take control of symptoms and live an enjoyable life.

The evaluator asks the person to tell them about their medical and personal history, from childhood until now. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Association’s guidelines for the treatment of this 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. Symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at least two important settings, such as school or at work. The evaluator should be able to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD like anxiety, depression or intellectual disabilities.

A doctor could also utilize ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales as well as an interview to gather information on the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory skills and visual and spatial reasoning can be useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Depending on the situation, doctors often ask for permission to contact people close to the person who diagnosis adhd could provide valuable insight and support. For instance, they could seek out the names of parents, spouses or siblings to talk with them about the person's problems at home and at work.

A physical exam is often part of an ADHD evaluation, as it can help identify other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. In some cases, thyroid issues and seizures can be a cause of ADHD. The evaluator might also conduct a neurological examination to determine if there is any indication of injury or damage to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also suggest urine and blood tests to check for the presence of other medical conditions that may hinder treatment, such as depression or alcohol and addiction.

Diagnosis

In determining ADHD, your doctor will look for signs that are present in different environments, such as at school, home or at work. The symptoms must also persist for a prolonged period of time. The doctor will then determine how much 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 employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition to determine if children have. They will review the child's symptoms and how they impact their lives. They may also conduct a clinical interview. The interview will cover your child's medical background, family history and psychiatric background. You will be asked about your child's daily mood and behavior as well as their productivity.

For adults, it's difficult to determine a diagnosis. The DSM-V is a diagnostic tool designed for children. There is some debate over whether the criteria are still applicable to adults. To meet the criteria for a diagnosis, an adult add diagnosis must have 6 or more symptoms of inattentive ADHD or 7 or more symptoms of hyperactive-impulsive ADHD. They must be suffering from these symptoms for a prolonged duration of time and have them significantly interfere with their daily activities at school, at home or at work.

In addition to conducting a clinical interview, your doctor might conduct other tests to determine the severity of your child's symptoms. This could include tests for blood or EEG test. Other tests can help rule out a condition that is causing the same symptoms, like learning disabilities or depression.

To find a specialist to evaluate your or your child's ADHD you can begin by asking your family physician for the referral. 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 policy. Another option is to reach out to a local support group and solicit recommendations. You can also contact an academic medical center or university hospital to request the list of specialists who conduct ADHD evaluations.

Treatment

ADHD symptoms can lead to serious problems at work or in school and interfere with relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can improve functioning and reduce symptoms. People suffering from ADHD may also have to make lifestyle changes, such as adjusting sleeping schedules or using a daily planner, or increasing exercise.

A person with ADHD should see their primary care physician or psychiatrist or both for an evaluation. In the interview in person, a practitioner will discuss subjects like the development of the disorder, family history, lifestyle and the current symptoms. The doctor will ask questions about the patient's performance, behavior and productivity, and if they have issues with impulsive actions or focus. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when and where they began and how much distress they cause.

The evaluator may need to talk to other people who are in the patient's life for example, parents, spouses or siblings for adults as well as teachers, coaches or daycare providers for children. They can provide insights that questionnaires don't uncover like the reasons why are so many adults being diagnosed with adhd (more info here) a person might stop tasks halfway or forgets things and what types of situations trigger symptoms.

Many behavioral therapies and medicines are used to treat ADHD. The medication may contain stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine and dexamfetamine. 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 taken either orally or intravenously and are usually well tolerated.

Therapy can help people with ADHD develop strategies to compensate for the difficulties they encounter. Therapists can assist people with learning techniques to manage their lives and track their appointments, and provide support and guidance in dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on family and work life. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help with issues caused by the disorder in relationships and also teach how to handle conflict and discord that could occur in these situations.

Medication

To determine if your child has ADHD A health care professional must consider several factors. They will inquire with your child about his or her symptoms at school, at home and in other locations. They will also use questionnaires or scales specifically designed for ADHD. They may also ask about the family history. They will search for other conditions that could be the cause of the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also determine how severe the symptoms are and if they interfere with your child's daily life.

There isn't a physical test for ADHD such as the blood test or an X-ray. The healthcare provider for your child follows guidelines set by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines were designed for children between 4 and 18 years old. It is difficult to determine ADHD in adults. The symptoms of ADHD 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 diagnostic guidelines. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for at least six months. If your child is being tested for ADHD, it's important that someone familiar with them interviews them. This includes their teachers as well as religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. They should also be asked about how the symptoms affect their daily lives and how they compare to other children their age.

The most commonly used medication is a form of treatment for ADHD. Both stimulant and nonstimulant medication can be prescribed to treat ADHD. The most common stimulants prescribed are amphetamine, methylphenidate and other stimulants. These drugs aid in boosting and balance levels of certain brain chemicals. Other drugs that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine and some antipsychotics. They are less effective than stimulants, but they can be helpful for those who are unable to take stimulant medication due to health problems or serious adverse effects. The medications can be used with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral treatment.