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ADHD Evaluation – What Happens in the First Step?

A healthcare professional evaluating ADHD will interview you and your closest family members (your spouse or sibling when you’re an adultabout the symptoms you experience. This can provide insights that questionnaires don’t.

It’s harder to identify ADHD in adults, because the diagnostic guidelines are specifically developed for children. It’s important to find a doctor who specializes in the field who takes their time when evaluating you.

Signs and symptoms

For an ADHD assessment, the first step is for the patient to talk openly and honestly about his symptoms and how they impact his life. Some adults do not want to admit that they struggle with paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best method to take control of symptoms and live a more fulfilling life.

The evaluator will ask the person to provide information about their medical history and personal life from childhood until the present. The evaluator also reviews the American Psychiatric Association’s clinical guidelines for 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 minimum two major environments, such as school or at work. In addition, the person evaluating must rule out other disorders that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD like depression, anxiety or an intellectual impairment.

In addition to an interview, a doctor may utilize behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists to gather details about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory abilities, and spatial and visual reasoning are useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors can ask permission depending on the situation to contact family members or friends who can offer valuable advice and help. They may ask for the names and contact numbers of the spouse, parents, or siblings in order to interview them regarding the individual’s issues at home and at the workplace.

A physical exam is usually included in an ADHD assessment. It can help rule other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can cause symptoms that look a lot like ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct a neurological exam to see whether there is any indication of damage or injury to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also recommend urine and blood tests to determine if there is other conditions that might affect treatment. For instance depression, addiction to alcohol or drugs.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will examine symptoms that occur in different settings, like at work, at home, or school. The symptoms should also last for a prolonged period of time. The doctor will assess how much these symptoms affect 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.

To diagnose children, doctors follow guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will evaluate the child’s symptoms and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will include your child’s medical background, family history 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 identify adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is designed towards diagnosing children. However, there is some disagreement about whether these criteria still apply to adults. 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 be suffering from these symptoms for an extended time period, and they must significantly interfere with their daily activities at school, home, or work.

Your doctor may also request other tests in addition to a clinical interview to determine the nature and severity of your symptoms or those of your child. This could include a blood or EEG test. Other tests can help rule out conditions that are similar to depression or learning disabilities.

The suggestion of asking your family physician to refer you to a specialist who can assess your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is an excellent place to begin. You can also call your insurance company to find out 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 request recommendations. You can also call an academic medical center or university hospital to get the names of specialists who conduct ADHD evaluations.

Treatment

The symptoms of ADHD can cause significant problems in work and school, and interfere with relationships. Finding a diagnosis and taking medication can help improve functioning and reduce symptoms. People with ADHD may also need to adjust their lifestyle, such as changing their sleeping schedules, using daily planners, or increasing exercise.

A person with ADHD must be assessed by their primary care provider or a mental health professional. During the in-person consultation the practitioner will talk about subjects like the development of the person, their family history, lifestyle, and the current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the person’s performance and productivity, as well as whether they are having issues with impulsive or focused actions. They’ll be interested in finding out how long the symptoms have been going on, the location and time they first began and how much distress or problems they cause.

The evaluator will likely want to talk to other people who are in the patient’s life like parents, spouses, or siblings for adults, as well as teachers, coaches or daycare providers for children. These people can offer insights that questionnaires cannot, such as the fact that the patient often fails to remember or stops doing tasks in mid-stream. They can also reveal what triggers symptoms.

Many behavioral therapies and medicines treat ADHD. The medications may include stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine and dexamfetamine. These drugs boost blood flow to the brain and decrease impulsive actions, allowing people to be attentive and follow instructions. They can be taken by mouth or intravenously, and are generally well-tolerated.

In addition to medication therapy can also help those with ADHD learn strategies to overcome their challenges. Therapists can teach people techniques to manage their lives and keep track of appointments, and provide assistance and guidance when dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on their home and work. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help address problems caused by the disorder in relationships and also teach how to handle conflict and discord that can be triggered in these situations.

Medication

To determine if your child has ADHD the health professional will take into consideration several factors. They will ask your child about his or her symptoms at school, at home and in other locations. They will also use scales or questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They may also inquire about the family history. They may also search for other conditions that may be the cause of the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and if they affect your child’s daily life.

There isn’t a physical test for ADHD such as blood tests or an X-ray. To diagnose ADHD your child’s doctor will be following the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are intended for children aged between 4 and 18. It is harder to diagnose ADHD in adults. The symptoms of ADHD may change as time passes. People who have ADHD can be diagnosed as predominately inattentive, predominately hyperactive-impulsive or a combination of the two.

diagnosing adhd in adults must display at least six of the symptoms listed in the guidelines to be classified as having ADHD. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must have been present for a minimum of six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD, it’s important that someone who is familiar with them interview them. This includes their teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. They should also be questioned about the effects of their symptoms on their daily lives and how they compare to other children their age.

Medication is the most popular method of treating ADHD. There are stimulant as well as nonstimulant medications that can be prescribed to reduce ADHD symptoms. The stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed. These medications balance and boost levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Other medications that are used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine and some antipsychotics. They are less potent than stimulants, but are useful for those who are unable to use stimulants due to severe adverse effects or health issues. They can be used in combination with other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy.