ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?

A healthcare professional conducting an ADHD assessment will ask you and people close to you -- a spouse, sibling or friend for adults -- about their symptoms. This can provide insight that questionnaires cannot.

It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults, because the diagnostic guidelines are specifically created for children. It is essential to find an ADHD specialist who is willing to assess you.

Signs and symptoms

The first step in the process of conducting an ADHD evaluation is to have the patient talk honestly and openly about the symptoms and how they affect his life. Some adults do not want to admit they are having trouble paying attention to directions, or organising tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best way to get rid of symptoms and lead a happier and healthier lives.

The person being evaluated is asked to share their medical and personal history from childhood to 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. The symptoms must have led to significant impairments in at least two important contexts, such as school or at work. Additionally, the examiner must rule out any other conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD like depression, anxiety, or an intellectual disability.

A doctor can also employ ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales in conjunction with an interview to gather data on the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning, and working memory may help identify ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may request permission depending on the situation to reach out to family members or friends who may offer valuable advice and help. They might ask for the names and contact details of parents, spouses, or siblings in order to talk with them about the individual's issues at home and at the workplace.

A physical examination is typically included in an ADHD evaluation. It helps 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 can also perform an examination of the brain to determine if there are symptoms of brain injury or damage which could cause the symptoms. The evaluator can also recommend urine and blood tests to determine if there is other conditions that could affect treatment. For example, depression or the use of alcohol or drugs.

Diagnosis

When diagnosing ADHD the doctor will look for signs that can be observed in various settings, like at home, school or at work. They must be present for a long amount of time. 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.

Doctors use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition to diagnose children. They will review your child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct a clinical interview. The interview will discuss 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.

For adults, it's more difficult to establish a diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is targeted towards diagnosing children. However, there is some debate over whether these criteria still 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 time and must interfere with daily functioning at work, school or at home.

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

To find an expert to assess your child's ADHD begin by asking your family physician for the referral. You can also call your insurance provider to see if there are professionals that are covered by your plan and who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also contact a local support group and ask for recommendations. You can also contact a medical school or university-based hospital to get the names of specialists who conduct ADHD assessments.

Treatment

Symptoms of ADHD can lead to serious issues at school and at work and can affect relationships. Being diagnosed and taking medication can help improve performance and lessen symptoms. People with ADHD might also need to alter their lifestyles for example, adjusting the time of their sleep or using a daily planner, or increasing exercise.

A person with ADHD must be assessed by their primary healthcare provider or an expert in mental health. In the interview in person, a practitioner will discuss topics such as development, family history, lifestyle, and the current symptoms. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance productivity, as well as if they have problems with impulsive or focus-focused actions. They'll be interested in knowing how the symptoms have lasted on, the location and time they first began and the amount of distress or issues they can cause.

The evaluator might want to speak to other people who are involved in the patient's everyday life, such as spouses, parents siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or friends. They can provide information that questionnaires can't, such as the fact that the patient often forgets or stops work in mid-stream. They may also be able to reveal what situations trigger symptoms.

Many behavioral therapies and medications treat ADHD. Some medications include stimulants such as amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs improve blood flow to the brain, reducing impulsive behavior and allow people to pay more focus and follow instructions. They can be administered by mouth or intravenously, and are usually well tolerated.

Therapy can help those with ADHD come up with strategies to overcome the challenges they encounter. Therapists can help people learn how to be diagnosed with adhd in adults to manage their lives and track their appointments, and offer assistance and guidance when dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on their home and at work. Family and marriage therapy can assist in addressing issues caused by the disorder of relationships and teach how to handle conflict and disagreement that may be triggered in these situations.

Medication

In order for a medical professional to identify ADHD, they must evaluate many things. They will inquire with your child about their symptoms at school, home and other places. They will also utilize questionnaires or scales that are specific for ADHD. They may also request an history of the family. They may also search for other conditions which could explain the symptoms such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also determine the severity of the symptoms and if they impact your child's life.

There is no physical test to diagnose ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. The doctor treating your child is following guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are aimed at children aged between 4 and 18. 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, a child must exhibit at least 6 of the symptoms that are listed in the diagnostic guidelines. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must have been present for at least six months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD it is recommended that they be interviewed by someone who is familiar with them. Included in this are their coaches, teachers, religious leaders, and other caregivers. It is also important to inquire what the effects of their ailments are on their daily activities, and how do you get an adhd diagnosis they compare to other children their age.

The most common treatment for ADHD is medication. There are stimulant and non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to reduce ADHD symptoms. Stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed. These medications help to increase and balance levels of certain brain chemicals. Other medications that are used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine as well as some antipsychotics. They are less potent than stimulants but can be useful for those who are unable to use stimulants due to serious side effects or health issues. They can be used in combination with other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy.