ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?

A healthcare professional conducting an ADHD assessment will question you and those around you, such as a spouse, sibling, or friend for adults -- about their symptoms. This is often a way to gain insights that questionnaires don't.

It is more difficult to determine ADHD in adults, since diagnostic guidelines are designed for children. It is essential to find an ADHD specialist who is willing to evaluate your situation.

Signs and symptoms

The first step in the process of conducting an ADHD assessment is to let the patient talk honestly and openly about his issues and how they affect his life. Adults may not want admit that they struggle with paying attention, following instructions or organising tasks. But getting an accurate diagnosis will help you control symptoms and lead a more enjoyable life.

The person being evaluated is asked to provide details about their personal and medical history from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for clinical care for the disorder, which are found 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 impairment in at least two important situations, like work or school. Additionally, the examiner must rule out any other conditions that could cause the same symptoms as ADHD like depression, anxiety or an intellectual disability.

In addition to an interview, a doctor might employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to collect information about the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning and working memory can help identify 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 help. They might ask for the names and contact numbers of the spouse, parents or siblings to speak with them about the person's problems both at home and at the workplace.

A physical exam is often part of an ADHD assessment, since it can help rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. In certain instances, thyroid issues and seizures can mimic symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct a neurological examination to determine if there's any sign of injury or damage to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator may also suggest blood and urinary tests to determine if there is other conditions that may interfere with treatment. For example depression, depression, or addiction to alcohol or drugs.

Diagnosis

In determining ADHD, your doctor will look for signs that can be observed in various environments, such as at school, home, or work. The symptoms must also persist for a long period of time. Then, the doctor will evaluate how 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 the guidelines of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will examine your child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will discuss your child's medical background, family history and psychiatric history. They will also inquire about how your child's behavior affects their daily mood, behaviors, and productivity.

For adults, it is difficult to determine an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is targeted towards diagnosing children. However, there is some debate over whether these criteria are still applicable 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. They must have these symptoms for a long duration of time and have them significantly interfere with their daily functioning at home, school or at work.

Your doctor may also request other tests in addition the clinical interview to determine the extent and severity of your symptoms or that of your child. This could include a blood or EEG test. Other tests can help identify conditions that could be similar to depressive or learning disabilities.

Asking your family doctor to recommend you to a specialist who can assess your ADHD or that of your child is the best place to begin. You can also contact your insurance company to find out whether there are specialists covered by your policy who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to reach out to an organization that supports local residents and request recommendations. You can also contact an institution of higher education or a medical or graduate school for a list of professionals who perform ADHD evaluations.

Treatment

The signs of ADHD can cause serious problems in work and school and affect relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can improve performance and lessen symptoms. People with ADHD also may need to alter their lifestyles, such as adjusting the time of their sleep or using a daily planner or increasing their exercise.

A person suffering from ADHD should see the primary care doctor or an expert in mental health or both to get an evaluation. During the in-person interview an expert will discuss topics such as the development of the person, their family history, lifestyle and current symptoms. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance and productivity, as well as whether they are having issues with impulsive or focused actions. They'll want to know about how long the symptoms have been going on, the location and time they first began and how much stress or problems they create.

The evaluator may want to talk to other people who are who are part of the patient's daily life, including parents, spouses, siblings teachers, coaches daycare providers, or friends. These people can offer insights that questionnaires can't be able to provide, for instance, the fact that the patient frequently forgets or stops tasks in mid-stream. They can also provide insight into what situations trigger symptoms.

Many behavioral therapies and medicines are used to treat ADHD. Some medications include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase blood flow to the brain and reduce the impulse to act that allow people to be attentive and follow directions. These drugs can be administered either orally or intravenously, and they are generally well tolerated.

Therapy can help people suffering from ADHD develop strategies to overcome the challenges they experience. Therapists can help people learn how to organize their lives and keep track of appointments, and provide support and guidance in dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on home and work life. Family therapy and marriage counseling can assist in addressing issues caused by the disorder that affects relationships and teach strategies for dealing with conflict and discord that could occur in these situations.

Medication

For an expert to diagnose ADHD, they must evaluate many things. They will inquire about your child's behavior at home, at schools, and elsewhere. They will also utilize questionnaires or scales that are specific for ADHD. They may also ask for an history of the family. They will also look for other conditions that may explain the symptoms such as learning disabilities and mood disorders. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and if they are affecting your child's everyday life.

There isn't a physical test for ADHD such as blood tests or an X-ray. Your child's healthcare provider follows guidelines set by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are intended for children aged 4 to 18. It is difficult to determine ADHD in adults. This is due to the fact that a person's symptoms may 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 display 6 or more of the symptoms listed in the guidelines for diagnosis. The guidelines also state the symptoms must have been present for a minimum of six months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD the child should be evaluated by someone who is familiar with them. This includes teachers, religious leaders, coaches 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 of their age.

Medication is the most popular form of treatment for ADHD. There are stimulant as well as nonstimulant drugs that can be prescribed to reduce ADHD symptoms. Stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs balance and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are also medications that can help treat adhd symptoms for diagnosis (greve-browning.federatedjournals.com). They are not as potent as stimulants, but they can be beneficial for those who cannot take stimulants due to severe adverse effects or health issues. They can be combined with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral treatment.