ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?

A medical professional conducting an ADHD assessment will question you and people close to you -- such as your spouse, sibling, or friend for adults -- about the symptoms. This will provide information that questionnaires can't.

It's more difficult to determine ADHD in adults, as diagnostic guidelines are created for children. It is crucial to find an ADHD professional who will take the time to assess you.

Signs and symptoms

The first step in the initial step of an ADHD assessment is to have the patient speak honestly and openly about his issues and how they impact his daily life. Adults may not want admit that they struggle with paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks. However, getting an accurate diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and live a happier life.

The evaluator will ask the person to share their medical history and personal life from childhood up to now. The evaluator will also go over 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 caused significant impairment in at minimum two major situations, like school or work. The evaluator must be able to rule out other conditions that can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or intellectual disability.

In addition to an interview, a doctor might utilize behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists to gather details about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning and working memory can help identify ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may ask for permission depending on the situation to speak with family members or friends who may provide valuable information and help. For example, they might ask for the names of spouses, parents or siblings to talk with them about the individual's issues at home and at work.

A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD evaluation, since it can help rule out other disorders that can cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms that resemble like ADHD. The evaluator might conduct a neurological examination to determine if there is any evidence of damage or injury to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator may also suggest blood and urinary tests to determine if there is other conditions that could hinder treatment. For example depression, addiction to alcohol or drugs.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will be able to examine symptoms that can be seen in different situations, like at home, work or at school. The symptoms must also persist for a prolonged period of time. The doctor will then determine the extent to which your symptoms interfere with daily 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 adhere to guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will examine your child's symptoms, and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct an interview for a clinical nature. The interview will cover your child's medical history, family history, and psychiatric background. You will be asked questions about your child's daily mood and behavior, as well as productivity.

It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is geared towards diagnosing children. However, there is some debate 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 symptoms for diagnosis or 7 or more symptoms of hyperactive-impulsive ADHD. They must be suffering from these symptoms for a long period of time, and they must significantly affect their daily activities at school, at home, or work.

Your doctor might also recommend other tests in addition an interview with you 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 an illness that causes the same symptoms, like depression or learning disabilities.

To find an expert to evaluate your or your child's ADHD, you can start by asking your family doctor for the referral. You can also contact your insurance company to find out if professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your plan. You can also contact a local support group and request recommendations. You can also call the medical school or university hospital to get the list of specialists who provide ADHD assessments.

Treatment

The symptoms of ADHD can lead to serious issues at school and at work and can affect relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can improve functioning and reduce symptoms. People suffering from ADHD might also have to adjust their lifestyle like changing their sleep schedules, using daily planners, or increasing exercise.

A person with ADHD should consult with their primary care doctor or an expert in mental health or both to get an evaluation. In the interview in person an expert will discuss topics such as development, family history, lifestyle and the current symptoms. The practitioner will ask questions about the person's behavior, performance and productivity and whether they have trouble with impulsive actions or focus. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when and where they began and how much distress they cause.

The evaluator may need to talk to other people who are in the patient's life like parents, spouses, or siblings for adults and teachers, coaches, daycare providers or friends for children. These people can provide insights that questionnaires cannot be able to provide, for instance, the fact that the patient frequently forgets or stops tasks during the course of a task. They can also reveal what triggers symptoms.

Many behavioral therapies and medicines treat ADHD. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs boost blood flow to the brain and reduce impulsive actions which allows people to be attentive and follow instructions. They can be administered by mouth or intravenously, and are generally well-tolerated.

In addition to medication, therapy can help people with ADHD learn strategies to compensate for their challenges. Therapists can help individuals learn how to manage their lives, manage their appointments and provide assistance and guidance in dealing with the impact ADHD symptoms have on their work and family life. Family and marriage therapy can help address problems caused by the disorder that affects relationships, as well as teaching strategies for dealing with conflict and discord that can arise in these situations.

Medication

In order for an expert to diagnose ADHD it is necessary to evaluate various aspects. They will ask about your child's symptoms at home, in schools, and elsewhere. They may also use questionnaires and scales that are specific to ADHD. They may also ask for an history of the family. They may also search for other conditions that could cause the symptoms, such as mood disorders and learning disabilities. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and whether they are affecting your child's daily life.

There is no physical test for ADHD that is comparable to the blood test or an X-ray. To determine if you have ADHD the healthcare provider for your child will be following the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are for children between the ages of 4 and 18. It is it worth getting an adhd diagnosis (click for info) difficult to determine 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.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, a child must have 6 or more of the symptoms that are listed in the diagnostic guidelines. The guidelines also state the symptoms must be present for at least six months. If your child is being tested for ADHD it is essential that someone who is familiar with them interview them. This includes their teachers and coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. You should also inquire what their symptoms impact their daily life, and how to get adult adhd diagnosis they compare with other children their own age.

The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medications can be prescribed to treat ADHD. Stimulants, like methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most commonly prescribed. These medications help to increase and balance levels of specific brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are also medications that can treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, but they are beneficial for those who are unable to take stimulant medications due to health problems or serious adverse reactions. They can be combined with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy.