ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?

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

It is more difficult to determine ADHD in adults, since the diagnostic guidelines are specifically developed for children. It's important to find a specialist in the field who takes his or her time with your evaluation.

Signs and symptoms

To conduct an ADHD assessment, the initial step is for the patient to discuss openly and honestly about symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults might not want to admit to having trouble paying attention, following directions or managing tasks. But getting an accurate diagnosis will help you control symptoms and live a happier life.

The evaluator asks the person to tell them about their personal and medical history from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also review 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 diagnosis of adhd 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 impairment in at least two major settings, such as school or work. The evaluator should be able to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD like depression, anxiety or intellectual impairment.

A doctor can also employ ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales in conjunction with an interview to gather data about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory skills and visual and spatial reasoning can be useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the specific situation doctors will often request permission to contact people close to the person who can provide valuable information and support. They might ask for the names and contact numbers of parents, spouses or siblings to speak with them about the person's problems both at home and at work.

A physical exam is typically part of an ADHD evaluation, as it can help determine other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can cause symptoms that look a lot similar to ADHD. The evaluator could also conduct a neurological examination to see whether there is any indication of injury or damage to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator can also recommend urine and blood tests to determine if there is other conditions that might affect treatment. For example depression, depression, or the use of alcohol or drugs.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will be able to examine symptoms that can be seen in different situations, like at work, home, or school. They should also last for a significant period of time. The doctor will then determine the extent to which your symptoms impact 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 must follow guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will discuss the 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. They will also ask you about how your child's behavior impacts their daily mood, behaviors and productivity.

For adults, it's difficult to determine a diagnosis. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose children. There is some debate as to 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. They must be suffering from these symptoms for a prolonged time period and have them significantly hinder their daily activities at school, home, or work.

Your doctor may also request additional tests in addition to a clinical interview to determine the extent and severity of your symptoms or those of your child. These could include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests may help rule out conditions that why are so many adults being diagnosed with adhd producing the same symptoms as learning disabilities or depressive disorders.

To find an expert to assess your child's ADHD begin by asking your family doctor for an appointment. You can also reach out to your insurance company to inquire if experts who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered by your plan. Another option is to reach out to a local support group and request suggestions. You could also call an institution of higher education or a medical or graduate school to get an inventory of professionals who can conduct ADHD assessments.

Treatment

The symptoms of ADHD can cause significant problems in work and school, and interfere with relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can improve functioning and reduce symptoms. People suffering from ADHD may also have to change their lifestyle for example, adjusting sleeping schedules or using a daily planner or increasing their exercise.

A person with ADHD should be evaluated by their primary healthcare provider or an expert in mental health. In this interview the professional will discuss issues such as development, family and lifestyle history, and current symptoms and problems. The doctor will inquire about the individual's behavior, performance and productivity and whether they have trouble with impulsive behavior or focus. They will inquire about the duration of the symptoms, when and where they started, and how much distress they cause.

The evaluator may want to talk to other people in the patient's life, for example, parents, spouses or siblings for adults, as well as coaches, teachers, daycare providers or friends for children. These people can provide insights that questionnaires cannot, such as the fact that a person frequently forgets or stops tasks during the course of a task. They can also reveal what situations trigger symptoms.

ADHD is treated by various behavioral therapies and medications. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs boost the flow of blood to the brain and reduce the impulse to act which allows people to pay attention and follow instructions. These drugs can be administered either orally or intravenously and are generally well-tolerated.

Therapy can help people suffering from ADHD develop strategies to deal with the difficulties they face. Therapists can help individuals learn how to organize their lives, track their appointments, and offer assistance and guidance in dealing with the effects ADHD symptoms have on work and family life. Therapy for families and marriage is a great way to tackle the issues caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach coping skills and help resolve conflict that may arise.

Medication

To allow a medical professional to identify ADHD it is necessary to evaluate many things. They will inquire about your child's behavior at home, in school and in other places. They may also utilize questionnaires or scales that are specific for ADHD. They may also ask about the 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 everyday life.

There is no physical test to determine ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. To diagnose ADHD the healthcare provider for your child will be following the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are for children aged between 4 and 18. It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults. 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.

A child must display six or more symptoms listed in the guidelines to be diagnosed as having ADHD. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must have been present for a minimum of six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD it is essential that someone who is familiar with them conducts an interview. Included in this are their coaches, teachers, religious leaders, and other caregivers. You should also ask them what their symptoms impact their daily life and how they compare to other children of their age.

Medication is the most common form of treatment for ADHD. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medications can be prescribed to reduce undiagnosed adhd. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate, and other stimulants. These medications balance and boost levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are two medications that can treat ADHD. They are not as potent as stimulants but can be useful for people who are unable to take stimulants due to severe adverse effects or health issues. They can be combined alongside other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral treatment.