ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?

A healthcare professional who's evaluating ADHD will ask you and those closest to you -- your spouse, sibling, or friend if you're an adult -about the symptoms you experience. This often provides insight that questionnaires can't uncover.

It's harder to identify ADHD in adults, because the guidelines for diagnosis are developed for children. It is essential to locate an ADHD specialist who will take the time to evaluate you.

Symptoms

For an ADHD assessment, the initial step is for the patient to be honest and open about the symptoms and how they impact his life. Some adults are reluctant to admit that they struggle with paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis of adult adhd is the best way to gain control of the symptoms and live a happier and healthier lives.

The person being evaluated is asked to tell them about their medical history and personal life from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Society's clinical guidelines for the condition 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 caused significant impairments in at least two important situations, like school or work. The evaluator must also rule out other disorders that can trigger similar symptoms to ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or intellectual disabilities.

A doctor can also employ ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales in addition to an interview to gather data on the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning, and working memory can aid in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may ask for permission based on the circumstances to reach out to family members or friends who could offer valuable advice and help. They may ask for the names and contact details of the spouse, parents or siblings to interview them regarding the individual's issues at home and at the workplace.

A physical exam is often part of an ADHD evaluation, since it can help determine other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. In certain instances thyroid problems and seizures can be a cause of ADHD. The evaluator can also perform an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are signs of injury or damage to the brain which could cause the symptoms. The evaluator may also recommend urine and blood tests to check for the presence of other medical conditions that may hinder treatment, like depression or alcohol and drug abuse.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will examine symptoms that can be seen in different situations, like at work, home, or school. The symptoms should also last for a long period of time. The doctor will determine how much these symptoms interfere with 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 may also conduct a clinical interview. The interview will cover your child's medical background, family history and psychiatric background. They will also inquire about the impact of your child's behavior on 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 debate over whether these criteria are still applicable to adults. To meet the criteria for a diagnosis, an adult adhd diagnosis 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 affect their daily activities at school, at home, or work.

Your doctor may also request additional tests in addition to the clinical interview to determine the extent and severity of your symptoms or those of your child. This could include tests for blood or EEG test. Other tests can help to identify conditions that could be producing the same symptoms as depression or learning disabilities.

To find an expert to evaluate your the child's ADHD you can begin by asking your family physician for the referral. You can also contact your insurance provider to inquire whether there are specialists covered under your plan who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to reach out to a local support group and ask for recommendations. You can also contact the hospital of a university or medical or graduate school for a list of professionals who can conduct ADHD assessments.

Treatment

ADHD symptoms can cause serious problems at work and in school and may cause issues with relationships. If you're diagnosed with ADHD, taking medication and improving your performance can reduce symptoms. Patients with ADHD also may need to alter their lifestyles, such as adjusting sleeping schedules, using a daily planner or increasing their exercise.

A person with ADHD needs to be evaluated by their primary healthcare provider or a mental health professional. In this in-person consultation the professional will discuss subjects like the development of the disorder, family and lifestyle history and present symptoms and issues. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance, productivity, and if they are having issues with impulsive or focused actions. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, when and where they began and the amount of distress they cause.

The evaluator may want to discuss other people who are part of the patient's daily life, such as spouses, parents siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or even friends. These people can offer insights that questionnaires don't uncover like the reasons why a person might stop tasks mid-way or forgets things and what types of circumstances trigger symptoms.

Many different behavioral therapies and medications help treat undiagnosed adhd. The medication may contain stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant drugs such as dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs increase blood circulation to the brain, reducing the impulsive behavior of people and enable them to pay focus and follow instructions. They can be taken either orally or intravenously and are generally well-tolerated.

Therapy can help people suffering from ADHD create strategies to overcome the difficulties they experience. Therapists can help people learn how to organize their lives, keep track of appointments and provide support and guidance when dealing with the effect ADHD symptoms have on their work and home life. Therapy for families and marriage is a great way to tackle the issues caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach strategies for dealing with stress and assist in resolving conflict that may occur.

Medication

To determine if your child has ADHD, a health care professional must consider various factors. They will inquire about your child's symptoms at home, at school and in other places. They may also employ scales and questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They might also inquire about family history. They will search for other conditions that may be the cause of the symptoms, for example mood disorders or 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 that can confirm ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. Your child's healthcare provider follows guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are aimed at children aged between 4 and 18. It is harder to diagnose adhd diagnosis and mental health stigma in adults. This is due to the fact that a person's symptoms 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 the child must exhibit at least 6 of the symptoms as described in the guidelines for diagnosis. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD the child should be interviewed by someone who is familiar with them. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders and other caregivers. You should also inquire how their symptoms affect their daily functioning, and how they compare with other children their own age.

The most common treatment for ADHD is medication. Both stimulant and nonstimulant medication can be prescribed to treat ADHD. The stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed. These drugs help boost and balance levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are also medications that can help treat ADHD. They are less effective than stimulants, but they can be beneficial for those who are unable to take stimulant medications due to health issues or severe adverse effects. They can be combined with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy.