ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?

A healthcare professional who is conducting an ADHD assessment will ask you and people close to you -- such as your spouse, sibling or a friend for adults -- about symptoms. This can provide insight that questionnaires can't.

The process of diagnosing adhd in adults ADHD in adulthood is a bit more difficult because the diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It is crucial to locate an ADHD specialist who will take the time to evaluate you.

Signs and symptoms

For an ADHD assessment, the initial step is to have the patient discuss openly and honestly about symptoms and how they affect his life. Many adults are reluctant to admit that they are having trouble paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best way to get rid of symptoms and lead a an enjoyable life.

The evaluator asks the person to share their medical and personal history 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 impairments in at least two important situations, like school or at work. The evaluator must be able to rule out other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD like anxiety, depression or intellectual disability.

A doctor may also use ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales as well as an interview to gather data regarding the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that measure executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning, and working memory may help in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors can ask permission, based on the circumstance, to contact family members or friends who could provide valuable information and help. For instance, they may seek out the names of spouses, parents or siblings to talk with them about the individual's issues at home and at work.

A physical examination is typically included in an ADHD assessment. It can help rule other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. In certain instances thyroid issues and seizures can be a cause of ADHD. The evaluator may also 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 may interfere with treatment. For instance depression, alcohol or drug abuse.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will look at symptoms that occur in different environments, such as at work, home, or school. The symptoms must last for a long time. The doctor will determine how much your symptoms affect your 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.

Doctors use the add diagnostic criteria adults and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition to diagnose children. They will examine your child's symptoms, and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct an interview. The interview will discuss your child's medical history, family history, and psychiatric background. You will be asked about your child's daily mood and behavior as well as their productivity.

It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose children. There is some debate as to whether the 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 time and must interfere with the daily activities at school, work or home.

Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor might conduct other tests to determine the extent of your or the child's symptoms. These might include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help identify an illness that causes the same symptoms, like learning disabilities or depression.

To find a specialist to assess your child's ADHD begin by asking your family doctor for an appointment. You can also call your insurance provider to see whether there are specialists that are covered by your plan and who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also contact an organization in your area and request suggestions. You can also contact a university-based hospital or a medical or graduate school to get an inventory of professionals who perform 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 enhancing your functioning can help reduce symptoms. People with ADHD may also have to alter their lifestyles for example, adjusting sleep schedules, using a daily planner, or increasing their exercise.

A person suffering from ADHD needs to be evaluated by their primary care provider or an expert in mental health. During the in-person interview the practitioner will talk about subjects like the development of the person, their family history, lifestyle and the current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the individual's performance, behavior, and productivity and whether they have trouble with impulsive behavior or focus. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, when and where to get adhd diagnosis (www.cheaperseeker.com) they began and the amount of distress they cause.

The evaluator might want to talk to other people who are who are part of the patient's daily life, such as spouses, parents siblings teachers, coaches daycare providers, or even friends. These people can provide insights that questionnaires cannot be able to provide, for instance, the fact that the person often fails to remember or stops doing tasks in mid-stream. They can also reveal what triggers symptoms.

Many behavioral therapies and medicines 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 blood flow to the brain and reduce actions that are impulsive that allow people to pay attention and follow directions. They can be administered either orally or intravenously and are usually well tolerated.

Therapy can help people with ADHD develop strategies to compensate for the difficulties they experience. Therapists can assist people with learning techniques to organize their lives and keep track of appointments, as well as provide assistance and advice in dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on home and at work. Family and marriage therapy can help with issues caused by the disorder that affects relationships, as well as teaching how to handle conflict and discord that could occur in these situations.

Medication

To determine if your child has ADHD the health care professional must consider many factors. They will inquire with your child about his or her symptoms at school, at home and other places. They may also use scales and questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They may also ask for an information about the family history. They will also look for other conditions that could be the cause of the symptoms, for example mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and whether they are affecting your child's daily life.

There isn't a physical test for ADHD that is comparable to the blood test or an X-ray. Your child's healthcare provider follows guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are intended for children aged 4 to 18. Adults are more difficult to recognize. 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.

A child must display six or more symptoms listed in the guidelines to be diagnosed with ADHD. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must have been present for a minimum of six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD the child should be evaluated 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 their age.

The most commonly used medication is a treatment option for ADHD. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medications can be prescribed to treat ADHD. The stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed. These medications help to increase and balance levels of specific brain chemicals. Other medications that are used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine and some antipsychotics. They are slower than stimulants, however they are beneficial for those who are unable to take stimulant medications due to health issues or serious adverse effects. The use of medications can be in combination with other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.