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 the symptoms you experience. This often provides insight that questionnaires can't uncover.

It's harder to diagnose ADHD in adults, as the guidelines for diagnosis are designed for children. It is important to find a doctor who specializes in the condition who takes their time in evaluating your case.

Signs and symptoms

The first step in the process of conducting an ADHD evaluation is to have the patient talk honestly and openly about the symptoms and how they affect his life. Adults may not want admit they have trouble paying attention, following directions or managing tasks. But getting an accurate diagnosis will help you control symptoms and lead a more enjoyable life.

The examiner will inquire of the person about their personal and medical history from childhood until the present. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychological 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 led to significant impairments in at least two significant situations, like work or school. Additionally, the examiner must rule out any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD, such as depression, anxiety, or an intellectual disability.

A doctor may also use ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales as well as an interview to collect information on the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory skills and visual and spatial reasoning can be useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors can ask permission depending on the situation to contact family members or friends who may offer valuable insight and help. For instance, they could request the names of spouses, parents or siblings to talk with them about the individual's issues at home and at work.

A physical exam is typically part of an ADHD evaluation, since it can help identify other disorders 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 are 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 might interfere with treatment. For instance, depression or the use of alcohol or drugs.

Diagnosis

In determining ADHD, your doctor will look for signs that manifest in various situations, such as at home, school, or work. The symptoms must last for a long period of time. The doctor will then assess how much your symptoms interfere with 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 must follow the guidelines of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will examine the child's symptoms and how they impact their lives. They may also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will include a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, and medical history. You will be asked about your child's daily mood and behavior as well as their performance.

For adults, it's difficult to determine an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V is designed to diagnose children. There is some debate as to 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 prolonged period of time and interfere with daily functioning at school, work, or home.

Your doctor may also order other tests in addition the clinical interview to determine the severity and severity of your symptoms or those of your child. This might include a blood test or an EEG. 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 a specialist who can evaluate your ADHD or that of your child is the best place to begin. You can also contact your insurance company to find out if professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered by your plan. You can also reach out to a local support group and ask for recommendations. You could also call a university-based hospital or a medical or graduate school to get the names of specialists who can conduct ADHD evaluations.

Treatment

ADHD symptoms can lead to serious issues at work and at school, and can cause problems with relationships. Finding a diagnosis and taking medication can improve functioning and decrease symptoms. People suffering from ADHD may also have to make lifestyle changes, such as adjusting sleep schedules, using a daily planner or increasing their exercise.

A person suffering from ADHD should be evaluated by their primary healthcare provider or a mental health professional. During the in-person consultation the practitioner will talk about issues like the development of the person, their family history, lifestyle and the 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 be interested in knowing how the symptoms have lasted on, the location and time they first began and the amount of distress or issues they can cause.

The evaluator will likely want to talk to other people in the life of the patient, for example, parents, spouses or siblings for adults as well as coaches, teachers, daycare providers or friends for children. These people can offer insights that questionnaires don't uncover like the way that a person may stop tasks halfway or forgets things, or what situations trigger symptoms.

Many different behavioral therapies and medications help treat ADHD. The medications can include stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine and dexamfetamine. These drugs increase the flow of blood to the brain and decrease the impulse to act, allowing people to be attentive and follow instructions. They can be administered either orally or intravenously and are usually well tolerated.

Therapy can help people suffering from ADHD develop strategies to compensate for the challenges they encounter. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment can assist people with learning techniques to organize their lives and keep track of appointments, as well as provide assistance and guidance when dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on home and at work. Family and marriage therapy can help with issues caused by the disorder in relationships, as well as teaching strategies for dealing with conflict and discord that could arise in these situations.

Medication

In order for a health professional to diagnose ADHD the doctor must look at various aspects. They will ask about your child's symptoms at home, in school, and in other settings. They may also use questionnaires or scales specifically designed for ADHD. They might also request an information about the family history. They will search for other conditions that could explain the symptoms, for example mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and if they affect your child's life.

There isn't a physical test for ADHD, like blood tests or an X-ray. To get a diagnosis the healthcare provider for your child will adhere to the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are designed for children between 4 and 18 years old. It is difficult to determine ADHD in adults. 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 show six or more symptoms listed in the guidelines to be classified with ADHD. The guidelines also state the symptoms must be present for at least six months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD, they should be questioned by a person who knows them well. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. You should also inquire how their symptoms affect their daily functioning, and how they compare to other children their age.

The most common treatment for ADHD is medication. There are both stimulant and nonstimulant medications that can be prescribed to reduce ADHD symptoms. The most common stimulants prescribed are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other stimulants. These drugs aid in boosting 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 are slower than stimulants, but they are beneficial for people who cannot take stimulant drugs because of health issues or severe side effects. The use of medications can be in combination with other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.