ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?

A medical professional who is evaluating ADHD will interview you and those closest to you -- your spouse, sibling, or friend if you're an adult -- about your symptoms. This can provide insight that questionnaires can't uncover.

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

Signs and symptoms

For an ADHD evaluation, the first step is to allow the patient to be honest and open about the symptoms and how they affect his life. Many adults are reluctant to admit they struggle with paying attention to directions, or organising tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best way to get rid of symptoms and lead a happier and healthier lives.

The examiner will inquire of the individual about their personal and medical history from childhood to 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 impairments in at least two important contexts, such as school or work. The examiner should be able to rule out other conditions which can cause similar symptoms as ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or intellectual disability.

A doctor could also utilize ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales in conjunction with an interview to collect information on the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that measure working memory, executive functioning skills, and spatial and visual reasoning are useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Depending on the situation, doctors often ask for permission to talk with those close to the person in order to offer valuable advice and support. They may request the names and contact details of the spouse, parents, or siblings in order to interview them regarding the person's challenges at home and at the workplace.

A physical examination is typically included in an ADHD evaluation. It can help rule other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. In some instances thyroid problems and seizures can mimic symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator might also conduct a neurological examination to determine if there's any indication of damage or injury to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator might also recommend blood and urine tests to determine the presence of any other conditions that could interfere with treatment, like depression or alcohol and substance abuse.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will be able to examine symptoms that are present in various settings, like at home, work or at school. The symptoms should also last for a long 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 follow the guidelines of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will discuss the symptoms of your child and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct an interview. The interview will comprise a review of your child's medical, family, and psychiatric history. You will be asked about your child's mood and behavior, as well as productivity.

For adults, it's trickier to make an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V is designed to diagnose children. There is some debate over whether the 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 prolonged period of time and interfere with everyday functioning at school, work, or at home.

Your doctor may also order other tests in addition to a clinical interview to determine the nature and severity of your symptoms or the child's. This could include the blood test or an EEG test. Other tests can be used to rule out an illness that causes the same symptoms, like 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 the best place to begin. You can also contact your insurance company to inquire if experts who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your policy. Another option is to contact a local support group and ask for suggestions. You can also contact an institution of higher education or a medical or graduate school to get a list of professionals who perform ADHD assessments.

Treatment

The signs of ADHD can cause significant problems at school and at work and can affect relationships. Being diagnosed and taking medication can help improve functioning and reduce symptoms. Patients with ADHD might also have to adjust their lifestyle like changing their sleeping schedules, using daily planners, or increasing exercise.

A person with ADHD should see their primary care provider or an expert in mental health or both to get an evaluation. During the in-person interview, a practitioner will discuss subjects like development, family history, lifestyle and the current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the individual's behavior, performance and productivity and whether they are struggling with impulsive actions or focus. They will inquire about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when did adhd become a diagnosis they began, and from where, and the amount of distress they cause.

The evaluator could discuss other people involved in the patient's daily life, including spouses, parents, siblings teachers, coaches daycare providers, or family members. They can provide insights that questionnaires cannot for example, the reasons why a person might stop tasks halfway or forgets things and what types of circumstances trigger symptoms.

ADHD is treated with various treatments and medications. Some medications include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase blood circulation to the brain, reduce impulsive behavior and allow people to pay more attention and follow directions. They can be taken either orally or intravenously and are usually well tolerated.

In addition to medication Therapy can help those with ADHD discover strategies to overcome their difficulties. Therapists can help people learn how to manage their lives, track their appointments, and offer support and guidance when dealing with the effect ADHD symptoms have on their work and family life. Marriage and family therapy is a great method to tackle the issues caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach strategies for dealing with stress and assist in resolving conflicts that might occur.

Medication

To diagnose ADHD, a health care professional must consider many factors. They will inquire with your child about their symptoms at school, home and in other places. They may also employ scales and questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They might also inquire about family history. They will also look for other conditions that could explain the symptoms such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and if they affect your child's daily life.

There isn't a physical test for ADHD such as a 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 geared towards children aged 4-18 years old. Adults are more difficult to diagnose. This is due to the fact that a person's symptoms can 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 at least six of the symptoms listed in the guidelines in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. If your child is being evaluated for adhd diagnosis adults the child should be evaluated by someone who knows them well. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders and other caregivers. They should also be informed about the effects of their symptoms on their daily functioning and how they compare to other children their age.

Medication is the most popular method of treating ADHD. There are stimulant as well as non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to reduce ADHD symptoms. The most common stimulants prescribed are amphetamine, methylphenidate and other stimulants. These drugs aid in boosting and balance levels of specific brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are also medications that can help treat ADHD. They are less potent than stimulants, but are useful for people who are unable to take stimulants due to severe adverse effects or health issues. The medications can be used with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy.