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ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?

A medical professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and those around you -- a spouse, sibling or friend for adults adhd diagnosis -- about their symptoms. This can provide insights that questionnaires don't.

Diagnosing ADHD in adulthood can be a challenge because the guidelines for diagnosis 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 evaluation is to have the patient speak honestly and openly about the symptoms and how they impact his life. Many adults are reluctant to admit they struggle with paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best way to get rid of symptoms and lead a an enjoyable life.

The examiner will inquire of the individual about their medical and personal history from childhood to present. 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. The symptoms must have led to significant impairment in at least two important situations, like school or at work. In addition, the person evaluating must rule out other disorders that can cause the same symptoms as ADHD, such as depression, anxiety, or an intellectual impairment.

In addition to an interview, a doctor might use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to gather information regarding the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning skills and visual and spatial reasoning can be helpful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the circumstances doctors will often request permission to talk with those close to the person who can provide valuable information and support. For instance, they may ask for the names of parents, spouses or siblings to interview them about the person's struggles at home and at work.

A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD evaluation, since it can help determine other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can cause symptoms that look a lot similar to ADHD. The evaluator could also conduct a neurological examination to determine if there's any indication of injury or damage to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator might also recommend blood and urine tests to check for the presence of other conditions that could interfere with treatment, like depression or alcohol and substance abuse.

Diagnosis

In determining ADHD, your doctor will look for signs that can be observed in various situations, such as at school, home or at work. The symptoms should also last 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.

To diagnose children, doctors must follow guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will discuss the child's symptoms and how they impact their lives. They may also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will discuss your child's medical history, family history, and psychiatric history. You will be asked questions about your child's daily mood and behavior, as well as productivity.

For adults, it's trickier to make an accurate add diagnosis in adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is designed towards diagnosing children. However, there is some controversy over 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. These symptoms must be present for a prolonged period of time and interfere with daily functioning at work, school or at home.

In addition to conducting a clinical interview, your doctor may conduct other tests to determine the severity of your child's symptoms. This could include a blood or EEG test. Other tests can help identify conditions that could be producing the same symptoms as learning disabilities or depressive disorders.

Asking your family doctor to recommend you to a specialist who can evaluate your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is the best place to begin. You can also contact your insurance company to find out whether there are specialists covered under your plan who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to contact a local support group and request recommendations. You can also try calling the hospital of a university or medical or graduate school for a list of professionals who can conduct ADHD evaluations.

Treatment

ADHD symptoms can lead to serious problems at work and in school and interfere with relationships. If you are diagnosed with ADHD taking medication and enhancing your performance can help decrease symptoms. People with ADHD may also have to make lifestyle changes, such as adjusting sleep schedules or using a daily planner, or increasing their exercise.

A person suffering from ADHD should see their primary care physician or psychiatrist or both to receive an assessment. In the interview in person an expert will discuss issues like 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 focusing actions. They'll be interested in finding out how long the symptoms have gone on, the location and time they started and how much stress or problems they can cause.

The evaluator may want to talk to other people who are in the patient's life such as spouses, parents or siblings for adults and coaches, teachers or daycare providers for children. They can provide insights that questionnaires can't provide like the reasons why a person might stop tasks in the middle or is unable to remember things, or what circumstances trigger symptoms.

Many different behavioral therapies and medications help treat ADHD. The medication may contain stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant medicines such as dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs increase blood flow to the brain and reduce actions that are impulsive that allow people to be attentive and follow instructions. These drugs can be administered intravenously or orally, and they generally are well-tolerated.

In addition to medication Therapy can help those with ADHD develop strategies to deal with their challenges. Therapists can assist people with learning techniques to manage their lives and keep track of appointments, as well as provide support and guidance in dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on home and work. Family therapy and marriage therapy is a fantastic way to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach how to manage stress and resolve conflicts that might arise.

Medication

To determine if your child has ADHD A health professional will take into consideration various factors. They will ask about your child's symptoms at home, in school, and in other settings. They may also use questionnaires and scales that are specific to ADHD. They may also ask for an history of the family. They will also check for other conditions that may explain the symptoms such as mood disorders and learning disabilities. They will also determine the severity of the symptoms and whether they are affecting your child's daily life.

There is no physical test to confirm ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. The healthcare provider for your child follows guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are aimed at children aged 4 to 18. It is harder to diagnose 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 have at least 6 of the symptoms listed in the guidelines for diagnosis. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for at least six months. If your child is being diagnosed with adhd as an adult assessed for ADHD, they should be interviewed by someone who is familiar with them. This includes their teachers and coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. You should also ask them what their symptoms impact their daily activities, and how they compare with other children their own age.

The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication. There are stimulant as well as nonstimulant drugs that can be prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other stimulants. 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 work slower than stimulants, but they are beneficial for those who are unable to take stimulant medication because of health issues or severe side effects. They can be combined alongside other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral treatment.