ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?

A medical professional who is evaluating ADHD will interview you and the people closest to you -- your spouse, sibling, or friend in the case of an adultabout the symptoms you experience. This can provide insights that questionnaires don't.

It's more difficult to identify ADHD in adults, because the diagnostic guidelines are specifically created for children. It's crucial to find an ADHD professional who will take the time to evaluate your situation.

Symptoms

The first step in the initial step of an ADHD evaluation is to have the patient speak honestly and openly about his symptoms and how they impact his daily life. Some adults do not want to admit that they are having trouble paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best way to get control of the symptoms and live a a more fulfilling life.

The examiner will inquire of 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 the treatment of this disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5).

To meet criteria for a add diagnosis in adults 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 impairment in at least two major settings, such as school or work. The examiner should be able to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or intellectual disabilities.

In addition to an interview, a physician may employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to gather details about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory abilities, and spatial and visual reasoning can be useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may ask for permission depending on the situation to contact family members or friends who may offer valuable advice and support. They may ask for the names and contact numbers of parents, spouses, or siblings in order to interview them regarding the person's challenges at home and at the workplace.

A physical examination is often included in an ADHD assessment. It can help rule other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. In some instances thyroid issues and seizures can mimic symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are any signs of brain damage or injury that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator may also recommend urine and blood tests to determine the presence of other conditions that may hinder treatment, like depression or alcohol and drug abuse.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will be able to examine symptoms that occur in different environments, such as at home, work or at school. They should also last for a significant amount of time. Then, the doctor will determine how much these 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 discuss the child's symptoms and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct an interview for a clinical nature. The interview will comprise an overview of your child's medical, family, and psychiatric history. They will also ask questions about how your child's behavior impacts their daily mood, behaviors and productivity.

It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose children. There is some debate about whether the criteria are still applicable 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. They must have these symptoms for a prolonged duration of time and have them significantly affect their daily activities at home, school or at work.

Apart from conducting a medical interview, your doctor could request additional tests to determine the extent of your or the child's symptoms. This may include blood tests or an EEG. Other tests can help identify the cause of similar symptoms, for example, depression or learning disabilities.

To find a specialist to evaluate your or your child's ADHD, you can start by asking your family doctor for an appointment. You can also contact your insurance provider to find out if professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your insurance plan. Another option is to reach out to a local support group and solicit recommendations. You can also call an academic medical center or university hospital to request the list of specialists who perform ADHD assessments.

Treatment

Symptoms of ADHD can lead to serious issues at school and at work and affect relationships. Being diagnosed and taking medication can help improve performance and lessen symptoms. Patients with ADHD might also need to change their lifestyle like adjusting their sleep schedules, using a daily planner or increasing exercise.

A person with ADHD must be assessed by their primary care physician or an expert in mental health. In this in-person consultation the doctor will discuss subjects like development, family and lifestyle history and present symptoms and problems. The doctor will ask questions about the patient's behavior, performance and productivity and whether they have issues with impulsive or focused actions. They will want to know about how long the symptoms have been going on, where and when they started and the amount of distress or issues they can cause.

The evaluator will likely need 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, daycare providers or friends for children. They can provide information that questionnaires are unable to provide, such as the fact that the patient frequently forgets or stops tasks during the course of a task. They may also be able to reveal what situations trigger symptoms.

Many behavioral therapies and medicines are used to treat ADHD. The medication may contain stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant medications such as dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs boost the flow of blood to the brain and reduce actions that are impulsive that allow people to concentrate and follow directions. They can be administered orally or intravenously, and are usually well tolerated.

In addition to medication therapy can also help those with ADHD discover strategies to overcome their difficulties. Therapists can help individuals learn how to organize their lives, keep track of appointments and provide support and guidance when dealing with the effect ADHD symptoms have on work and home life. Marriage and family therapy is a fantastic way to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach how to manage stress and resolve conflict that may arise.

Medication

To diagnose ADHD A health care professional must consider several factors. They will inquire with your child about their symptoms at school, at home and in other locations. They may also use questionnaires or scales that are specific for ADHD. They may also request an information about the family history. They will also check for other conditions that could explain the symptoms such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and whether they affect your child's daily life.

There is no physical test that can diagnose ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. The healthcare provider for your child follows guidelines developed 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 as time passes. 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 exhibit 6 or more of the symptoms that are listed in the guidelines for diagnosis for adhd in adults. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of six months. If your child is being diagnosed with adhd as an adult tested for ADHD, it's important that someone who is familiar with them interviews them. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders and other caregivers. You should also inquire what their symptoms impact their daily functioning and how they compare with other children their own age.

The most popular treatment for ADHD is medication. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medications can be prescribed to reduce ADHD. Stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs balance and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are also medications that can treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, but they are beneficial for Adhd professional those who are unable to take stimulant drugs due to health problems or severe adverse effects. These medications can be utilized with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral treatment.