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ADHD Evaluation – What Happens in the First Step? A healthcare professional evaluating ADHD will interview you and your closest family members (your spouse or sibling if you're an adult -about your symptoms. This may provide information that questionnaires cannot. It's more difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults, since diagnostic guidelines are created for children. It's crucial to find an ADHD specialist who will take the time to evaluate your situation. Signs and symptoms The first step in the process of conducting an ADHD assessment is to have the patient speak honestly and openly about his issues and how they impact his life. Many adults are reluctant to admit that they are having trouble paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best way to gain control of the symptoms and live a an enjoyable life. The person being evaluated is asked to share their medical history and personal life, from childhood until now. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychiatric Society's clinical guidelines 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 minimum two major environments, such as school or work. Additionally, the examiner must rule out other disorders that can cause the same symptoms as ADHD like depression, anxiety, or an intellectual impairment. A doctor could also utilize ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales in addition to an interview to collect information on the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that assess working memory, executive functioning skills, and spatial and visual reasoning can be helpful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the circumstances, doctors often ask for permission to contact people close to the person in order to provide valuable insight and help. They might ask for the names and contact information of parents, spouses, or siblings in order to interview them regarding the individual's issues at home and at the workplace. A physical exam is usually included in an ADHD assessment. It helps rule other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. In certain instances thyroid problems and seizures can mimic symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are signs of brain damage or injury that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator may also suggest blood and urinary tests to determine if there is other conditions that could affect treatment. For instance, depression or addiction to alcohol or drugs. Diagnosis When diagnosing ADHD, your doctor will look for symptoms that manifest in various settings, like at school, home or at work. They must also last for a lengthy amount of time. The doctor will then assess how much your symptoms interfere with 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 adhere to guidelines in 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 for a clinical nature. The interview will consist of a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. You will be asked about your child's daily mood and behavior, as well as performance. It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose children. There is some debate as to whether the criteria still apply in 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 long period of time and interfere with the daily activities at school, work, or at home. Besides conducting adhd diagnosed , your doctor may order other tests to determine extent of your your child's symptoms. This could include tests for blood or EEG test. Other tests can be used to rule out a condition that is causing similar symptoms, for example, learning disabilities or depression. Asking your family doctor to recommend you to a specialist who can assess your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is an excellent place to begin. You can also call your insurance provider to inquire whether there are any 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 suggestions. You can also contact a university-based hospital or a medical or graduate school to get the names of specialists who can conduct ADHD evaluations. Treatment ADHD symptoms can cause serious problems at work or in school and may cause issues with relationships. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, taking medication and improving your performance can help decrease symptoms. People suffering from ADHD might also have to adjust their lifestyle like altering their sleep schedules using daily planners, or increasing exercise. A person with ADHD needs to be evaluated by their primary care physician or an expert in mental health. During the in-person interview, a practitioner will discuss subjects like the development of the person, their family history, lifestyle and the current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance and productivity, as well as whether they have problems with impulsive or focusing actions. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when and where they started, and how much distress they cause. The evaluator may want to talk to other people who are who are part of the patient's daily life, including spouses, parents, siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or family members. These people often provide insight that questionnaires cannot for example, how the person often stops tasks halfway or forgets things and what types of circumstances trigger symptoms. Many behavioral therapies and medications are used to treat ADHD. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine or nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs boost the flow of blood to the brain and reduce the impulse to act which allows people to be attentive and follow directions. These drugs can be taken by mouth or intravenously, and they are generally well tolerated. Therapy can help people with ADHD develop strategies to compensate for the difficulties they encounter. Therapists can assist people in learning how to organize their lives, track their appointments, and provide assistance and guidance in dealing with the effects ADHD symptoms have on work and home life. Family and marriage therapy can assist in addressing issues caused by the disorder in relationships and also teach how to handle conflict and disagreement that may occur in these situations. Medication In order for a medical professional to identify ADHD the doctor must look at various aspects. They will inquire about your child's behavior at home, at schools, and elsewhere. They will also use scales or questionnaires that are specific for ADHD. They may also ask about family history. They will also look for other conditions that may cause the symptoms, such as learning disabilities and mood disorders. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and if they affect your child's daily life. There is no physical test to determine ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. To diagnose ADHD the healthcare provider for your child will follow guidelines that were developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are for children aged 4 to 18. It is more difficult to identify 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. A child must show six or more of the symptoms described in the guidelines to be classified with ADHD. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD, they should be evaluated by someone who knows them well. This includes teachers as well as coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. They should also be informed about how the symptoms affect their daily lives and how they compare to other children their age. Medication is the most common form of treatment for ADHD. There are both stimulant and non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to decrease ADHD symptoms. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate, and other stimulants. These drugs balance and increase levels of certain brain chemical. Other medications that are used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as antipsychotics. They are not as potent as stimulants, but are useful for those who are unable to use stimulants due to severe adverse effects or health issues. Medications can be used in conjunction with other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy.