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ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?

A healthcare professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and those around you -- such as your spouse, sibling, or friend for adults -- about the symptoms. This will provide information that questionnaires cannot.

Diagnosing ADHD in adulthood can be a challenge since the diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It's important to find a doctor who specializes in the field who takes their time when evaluating you.

Symptoms

The first step in the initial step of an ADHD assessment is to let the patient speak honestly and openly about the symptoms and how they impact his daily life. Adults might not want to admit that they struggle with paying attention, following instructions or organizing tasks. But getting a precise diagnosis adult adhd can help you manage symptoms and live a happier life.

The examiner will inquire of the individual about their medical history and personal life from childhood until the present. The evaluator also reviews the American Psychiatric Society's clinical guidelines 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. In addition, the evaluator must rule out any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD like depression, anxiety, or an intellectual disability.

A doctor may also use ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales as well as an interview to gather data about the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning, and working memory may help in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may request permission, based on the circumstance, to speak with family members or friends who can offer valuable advice and help. For instance, they could seek out the names of parents, spouses or siblings to speak with them about the person's problems at home and at work.

A physical exam is often part of an ADHD evaluation, since it can help determine other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms that look a lot similar to ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct a neurological exam to determine if there's any indication of damage or injury to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator may also suggest blood and urinary tests to determine if there are other conditions that may interfere with treatment. For example depression, addiction to alcohol or drugs.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will examine symptoms that are present in various environments, such as at home, work or at school. The symptoms must also persist for a long period of time. The doctor will determine how much these symptoms interfere with your daily routine. 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.

Doctors employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition to diagnose children. They will examine the child's symptoms and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct an interview for a clinical nature. The interview will comprise an overview of your child's medical family, psychiatric, and medical history. You will be asked about your child's mood and behavior, as well as productivity.

For adults, it's trickier to make a diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is designed toward diagnosing children, and there is some disagreement about whether these criteria are still applicable to 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. They must have these symptoms for a prolonged time period, and they must significantly hinder their daily functioning at school, home, or work.

Your doctor may also order additional tests in addition to the clinical interview to determine the nature and severity of your symptoms or the child's. These may include blood tests or an EEG. Other tests can help rule out conditions that are producing the same symptoms as depression or learning disabilities.

The suggestion of asking your family physician to refer 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 under your policy. Another option is to contact a local support group and solicit recommendations. You can also try calling an institution of higher education or a medical or graduate school to get the names of specialists who conduct ADHD assessments.

Treatment

The symptoms of ADHD can cause significant problems at school and at work and affect relationships. If you're diagnosed with ADHD, taking medication and improving your functioning can help reduce symptoms. People suffering from ADHD may also need to make lifestyle adjustments for example, changing their sleep schedules, using daily planners or ad hoc exercise.

A person with ADHD must see the primary care doctor or psychiatrist or both for an assessment. In this in-person consultation the doctor will discuss subjects like development of the person's family and lifestyle as well as current symptoms and issues. The doctor will inquire about the individual's behavior, performance and productivity and whether they are struggling with impulsive behavior or focus. They will want to know about how do you get an adhd diagnosis (go to website) the symptoms have lasted on, the location and time they first began and how much stress or problems they can cause.

The evaluator may want to speak to other people involved in the patient's daily life, including spouses, parents 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, and what circumstances trigger symptoms.

Many behavioral therapies and medicines help treat ADHD. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase blood flow to the brain, reducing impulsive behavior and allow people to pay more attention and follow directions. They can be administered by mouth or intravenously, and are usually well tolerated.

Therapy can help people with ADHD come up with strategies to compensate for the challenges they face. Therapists can help individuals learn how to organize their lives, track their appointments, and offer support and guidance when dealing with the effects adhd diagnosis adult symptoms have on work and family life. Family and marriage therapy can assist in addressing issues caused by the disorder in relationships, as well as teaching strategies for dealing with conflict and discord that could occur in these situations.

Medication

To diagnose ADHD, a medical professional needs to consider various factors. They will inquire about your child's symptoms at home, in school and in other places. They will also use scales or questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They might also inquire about family history. They will also look for other conditions which could cause the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and if they interfere with your child's daily life.

There isn't a physical test for ADHD such as a blood test or an X-ray. To determine if you have ADHD your child's doctor will follow guidelines that were developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are aimed at children between the ages of 4 and 18. It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults. This is due to the fact that a person's symptoms may 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 exhibit six or more symptoms listed in the guidelines to be classified as having ADHD. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must have been present for at least six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD the child should be questioned by a person who knows them well. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. They should also be questioned about the effects of their symptoms on their daily functioning and how they compare to other children of their age.

Medication is the most popular treatment option for ADHD. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medication can be prescribed to reduce ADHD. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other stimulants. These drugs help boost and balance levels of specific brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and Atomoxetine are medications that can help treat ADHD. They are not as potent as stimulants, but why are so many adults being diagnosed with adhd useful for people who are unable to take stimulants due to serious adverse effects or health issues. They can be used in combination with other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.