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ADHD Evaluation – What Happens in the First Step? A healthcare professional who is conducting an ADHD assessment will question you and your family members close to you — a spouse, sibling, or friend for adults — about their symptoms. This often provides information that questionnaires cannot. It is more difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults, since diagnostic guidelines are created for children. It's important to find a specialist in the condition who takes the time in evaluating your case. Symptoms The first step in the process of conducting an ADHD evaluation is to have the patient talk honestly and openly about his symptoms and how they affect his life. Some adults are reluctant to admit they struggle with paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best way to get control of symptoms and live a more fulfilling life. The person being evaluated is asked to share their medical and personal history from childhood up to now. The evaluator also reviews the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines for the condition 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 settings, such as work or school. The examiner should also rule out other disorders that can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or intellectual disability. In addition to an interview, a physician may utilize behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists to gather information about the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory skills, and spatial and visual reasoning can be helpful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the specific situation, doctors often ask for permission to contact people close to the person who could provide valuable information and support. They may request the names and contact information of the spouse, parents or siblings to speak with them about the person's challenges at home and at work. A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD assessment. It can help rule other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that look similar to ADHD. The evaluator could also conduct a neurological examination to determine if there's any evidence of injury or damage to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also recommend urine and blood tests to determine if there are any other conditions that could interfere with treatment. For instance depression, depression, or addiction to alcohol or drugs. Diagnosis In diagnosing ADHD, your doctor will look for symptoms that can be observed in various settings, like at school, home or at work. The symptoms should also last for a long time. The doctor will then determine the extent to which your symptoms interfere with everyday activities. 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 review your 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. You will be asked questions about your child's mood, behavior, and productivity. It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose children. There is some debate over 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 duration and affect everyday functioning at school, work or at home. Your doctor may also order additional tests in addition to the clinical interview to determine the severity and severity of your symptoms or the child's. This could include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help to determine if a condition is producing the same symptoms as learning disabilities or depressive disorders. A request to your family doctor to recommend you to a specialist who can evaluate your ADHD or the ADHD 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 under your insurance plan. You can also reach out to a local support group and request recommendations. You could also call a university-based hospital or a medical or graduate school for the names of specialists who perform ADHD assessments. Treatment The signs of ADHD can cause serious problems in work and school and can affect relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can improve functioning and reduce symptoms. People suffering from ADHD may also have to alter their lifestyles for example, adjusting sleep schedules, using a daily planner, or increasing exercise. Anyone suffering from ADHD should consult with his or her primary care doctor, an expert in mental health or both for an evaluation. In the interview in person, a practitioner will discuss subjects like development, family history, lifestyle and current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance, productivity, and if they are having issues with impulsive or focus-focused actions. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when they began, and from where, and the amount of distress they cause. The evaluator may want to talk to other people who are who are involved in the patient's everyday life, including spouses, parents, siblings, teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or even friends. They can provide insights that questionnaires don't uncover like how the person often stops tasks mid-way or forgets things, and what situations cause symptoms. ADHD is treated with a variety of behavioral therapies and drugs. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs improve blood flow to the brain, suppress impulsive behavior and allow people to pay attention and follow directions. They can be taken orally or intravenously, and are usually well tolerated. Therapy can help people suffering from ADHD develop strategies to compensate for the challenges they face. Therapists can assist people with learning techniques to manage their lives and keep track of appointments, and provide assistance and guidance when dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on home and at work. Family and marriage therapy can help address problems caused by the disorder that affects relationships and teach coping skills for conflict and disagreement that may occur in these situations. Medication In order for a health professional to diagnose ADHD it is necessary to evaluate various aspects. They will ask your child about his or her symptoms at school, at home and in other places. They will also utilize questionnaires or scales that are specific for ADHD. They might also inquire about the history of their family. They will search for other conditions that may be the cause of the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also determine the severity of the symptoms and if they are affecting your child's daily life. There isn't a physical test for ADHD, like a blood test or an X-ray. To get a diagnosis your child's doctor will follow guidelines that were developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are designed for children 4 to 18 years old. It is difficult to determine ADHD in adults. Click Home is because the 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 display six or more symptoms listed in the guidelines to be diagnosed as having ADHD. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for at least six months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD it is recommended that they be interviewed by someone who is familiar with them. This includes teachers, religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. They should also be asked about how their symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they compare to other children their age. The most common treatment for ADHD is medication. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medications can be prescribed to reduce ADHD. Stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs help boost and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals. Other medications that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as antipsychotics. They work slower than stimulants, however they are beneficial for those who are unable to take stimulant drugs due to health issues or severe side effects. The use of medications can be in combination with other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy.