ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?

A medical professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and those around you -- a spouse, sibling or friend for adults -- about their symptoms. This often provides insights that questionnaires don't.

Finding out if you have ADHD in adulthood is trickier because the diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It's crucial to locate an ADHD specialist who will take the time to evaluate your situation.

Symptoms

For an ADHD evaluation, the first step is for the patient to be honest and open about the symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults may not want admit to having trouble paying attention, following instructions or organizing tasks. But getting an accurate diagnosis will help you control symptoms and lead a more enjoyable life.

The evaluator will ask the person to tell them about their medical and personal history from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for treating 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 least two major settings, such as school or at work. Additionally, the examiner must rule out any other conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD like anxiety, depression or an intellectual impairment.

A doctor could also utilize ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales as well as an interview to gather information regarding the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory abilities, and spatial and visual reasoning can be useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the specific situation doctors will often request permission to talk with those close to the person who can provide valuable information and support. They may ask for the names and contact numbers of parents, spouses or siblings to talk with them about the individual's issues at home and at the workplace.

A physical exam is typically part of an ADHD evaluation, as it can help identify other disorders that can cause similar symptoms. In certain instances thyroid problems and seizures may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator can also perform an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are any symptoms of brain damage or injury that could be the cause of the symptoms. The evaluator can also recommend urine and blood tests to determine if there are other conditions that could interfere with treatment. For instance depression, alcohol or drug abuse.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will look at 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. Then, the doctor will evaluate how these symptoms affect your 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 from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will examine the child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will include a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, and medical history. They will also inquire about how your child's behavior impacts their mood, behavior and work.

It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is designed toward diagnosing children, and there is some debate over whether these criteria are still applicable to adults. To meet the criteria for a diagnosis, an adult diagnosis adhd 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 everyday functioning at school, work, or home.

Apart from conducting a medical interview, your doctor could request additional tests to determine the extent of your your child's symptoms. This could include the blood test or an EEG test. Other tests can help identify a condition that is causing similar symptoms, for example, depression or learning disabilities.

Asking your family doctor to recommend you to an expert who will evaluate your ADHD or that of your child is an excellent place to begin. You can also reach out to your insurance provider to inquire if experts who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered by your insurance plan. Another option is to reach out to an organization that supports local residents and request recommendations. You could also call a university-based hospital or a medical or graduate school for a list of professionals who perform ADHD assessments.

Treatment

The signs of ADHD can cause significant problems at school and work and can affect relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can help improve functioning and decrease symptoms. People suffering from ADHD might also need to alter their lifestyles for example, adjusting sleeping schedules and using a daily planner, or increasing their exercise.

A person suffering from ADHD should consult with their primary care doctor, psychiatrist or both to receive an evaluation. In the interview in person the practitioner will talk about issues like development, family history, lifestyle, and current symptoms. The practitioner will ask questions about the person's performance, behavior and productivity, and if they have issues with impulsive behavior or focus. They will be interested in finding out how to get an adhd diagnosis as an adult the symptoms have lasted on, when and where they first began and how to get diagnosed with adult add much distress or problems they create.

The evaluator might want to talk to other people who are involved in the patient's daily life, including parents, spouses siblings teachers, coaches daycare providers, or even friends. These people can offer insights that questionnaires can't provide for example, how the person often stops tasks halfway or forgets things, or what circumstances trigger symptoms.

ADHD is treated with various treatments and medications. Medications may include stimulants like amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs improve blood flow to the brain, suppress the impulsive behavior of people and enable them to pay attention and follow directions. These drugs can be taken by mouth or intravenously and are generally well-tolerated.

Alongside medication therapy can also help those with ADHD learn strategies to deal with their challenges. Therapists can help individuals learn how to organize their lives, keep track of appointments and provide support and guidance when dealing with the effect ADHD symptoms have on work and family life. Therapy for families and marriage is a great way to address the problems caused by adhd diagnosis london in relationships. It can also help teach how to manage stress and resolve conflict that may occur.

Medication

To diagnose ADHD the health care professional must consider many factors. They will ask about your child's symptoms at home, at school, and in other settings. They may also utilize questionnaires or scales specifically designed for ADHD. They may also ask about the history of their family. They will also look for other conditions that may explain the symptoms such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and whether they affect your child's daily routine.

There is no physical test that can confirm ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. The healthcare provider for your child follows guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are designed for children aged 4-18 years old. Adults are more difficult to recognize. The symptoms of ADHD can 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 the child must exhibit more than 6 symptoms listed 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 evaluated for ADHD, they should be questioned by a person who is familiar with them. This includes teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. You should also ask them what the effects of their ailments are on their daily activities and how they compare to other children of their age.

The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication. Both stimulant and nonstimulant medication are available to treat ADHD. The stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed. These drugs balance and boost levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Other medications that are used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine as well as some antipsychotics. They are less potent than stimulants, but are useful for people who are unable to take stimulants due to severe side effects or health problems. These medications can be utilized alongside other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.