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ADHD Evaluation – What Happens in the First Step? A healthcare professional who is conducting an ADHD assessment will ask you and your family members close to you — a spouse, sibling or a friend for adults — about symptoms. This is often a way to gain insights that questionnaires don't. The process of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is trickier because the diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It is essential to find a specialist with the field who takes the time when evaluating you. Symptoms The first step in an ADHD evaluation is to have the patient speak honestly and openly about the symptoms and how they affect his daily life. Adults may not want admit to having trouble paying attention, following instructions or managing tasks. But getting an accurate diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and lead a healthier life. The examiner will inquire of the person to provide information about their personal and medical history from childhood until the present. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for clinical care 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 least two major situations, like school or work. The examiner should be able to rule out other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or intellectual impairment. In addition to an interview, a doctor may utilize behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to gather information regarding the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that measure executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning, and working memory can help in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors can ask permission depending on the situation to reach out to family members or friends who may provide valuable information and help. For example, they might ask for the names of parents, spouses, or siblings to speak with them about the person's struggles at home and at work. A physical exam is typically part of an ADHD evaluation, as it can help rule out other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. In some cases thyroid problems and seizures may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct a neurological examination to determine if there are any signs of brain injury or damage which could cause the symptoms. The evaluator may also suggest urine and blood tests to determine if there are any other conditions that may affect treatment. For instance depression, the use of alcohol or drugs. Diagnosis In diagnosing ADHD the doctor will look for symptoms that can be observed in various situations, such as at home, school or at work. The symptoms should also last for a prolonged period of time. The doctor will then assess how much 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 in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will evaluate the child's symptoms and how they impact their lives. They may also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will include an overview of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. They will also ask you about how your child's behavior affects their mood, behavior and productivity. It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is designed towards diagnosing children. However, there is some controversy over whether these criteria are still applicable 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 long duration and affect the daily activities at school, work or at home. Apart from conducting a medical interview, your doctor could request other tests to determine the extent of your or your child's symptoms. This could include tests for blood or EEG test. Other tests can help rule out the cause of similar symptoms, for example, learning disabilities or depression. To find an expert to assess your child's ADHD begin by asking your family physician for the referral. You can also contact your insurance provider to see whether there are specialists that are covered by your plan and who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to contact an organization that supports local residents and solicit suggestions. You can also contact the medical school or university hospital to request a list of professionals that perform ADHD assessments. Treatment Symptoms of ADHD can cause significant problems in work and school, and interfere with relationships. If you are diagnosed with ADHD taking medication and enhancing your performance can reduce symptoms. People with ADHD might also need to change their lifestyle for example, adjusting sleeping schedules, using a daily planner or increasing their exercise. A person suffering from ADHD needs to be evaluated by their primary healthcare provider or a mental health professional. In this interview the doctor will discuss issues such as development, family and lifestyle history, and current symptoms and concerns. The practitioner will ask questions about the person's performance, behavior, and productivity and whether they have trouble with impulsive actions or focus. They'll be interested in knowing how the symptoms have lasted on, the location and time they began, and the amount of distress or issues they cause. The evaluator could discuss other people involved in the patient's daily life, such as spouses, parents, siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or family members. These people can provide insights that questionnaires are unable to provide, such as the fact that a person frequently forgets or stops tasks during the course of a task. They can also provide insight into the triggers for symptoms. ADHD is treated with various behavioral therapies and drugs. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine and dexamfetamine. These drugs increase blood circulation to the brain, reduce impulsive behavior and allow people to pay more focus and follow instructions. The drugs can be taken either orally or intravenously, and they are generally well-tolerated. Therapy can help people suffering from ADHD develop strategies to deal with the difficulties they face. Therapists can help individuals learn how to manage their lives, track their appointments, and provide assistance and guidance in dealing with the effects ADHD symptoms can have on work and family life. Therapy for families and marriage is a great way to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach coping skills and help resolve conflicts that might occur. Medication In order for a health professional to diagnose ADHD it is necessary to evaluate various aspects. They will inquire about your child's symptoms at home, in school and in other places. They may also use questionnaires or scales that are specific for ADHD. They may also request an information about the family history. IamPsychiatry will also look for other conditions which could be the cause of the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and whether they affect your child's everyday life. There is no physical test for ADHD that is comparable to a blood test or an X-ray. To diagnose ADHD the healthcare provider for your child will adhere to the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are intended for children aged between 4 and 18. Adults are more difficult to identify. The symptoms of ADHD may change with 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 display at least 6 of the symptoms listed in the guidelines for diagnosis. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for at least six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD the child should 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 how their symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they compare to other children of their age. Medication is the most popular form of treatment for ADHD. There are stimulant and nonstimulant medications that can be prescribed to reduce ADHD symptoms. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other stimulants. These drugs aid in boosting and balance levels of specific brain chemicals. Other drugs that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as antipsychotics. They are not as potent as stimulants, but they can be beneficial for people who are unable to take stimulants due too severe side effects or health issues. The use of medications can be in conjunction with other treatments for example, cognitive behavioral therapy.