ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?

A healthcare professional who is conducting an ADHD assessment will question you and people close to you -- a spouse, sibling or friend for adults -- about symptoms. This often provides insight that questionnaires can't uncover.

Finding out if you have ADHD in adulthood is a bit more difficult, as diagnostic guidelines are targeted at children. It is important to find a doctor who specializes in the condition who takes his or her time when evaluating you.

Signs and symptoms

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

The evaluator asks the person to share their medical history and personal life, from childhood until now. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Society's clinical guidelines for the 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 caused significant impairments in at least two significant situations, like school or at work. The examiner should also rule out any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or intellectual impairment.

A doctor may also use ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales in addition to an interview to gather information regarding the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess working memory, executive functioning skills and visual and spatial reasoning can be useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors can ask permission based on the circumstances to contact family members or friends who could offer valuable advice and support. They may request the names and contact numbers of the spouse, ADHD parents or siblings to talk with them about the person's challenges at home and at the workplace.

A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD evaluation, since it can help rule out other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. In certain instances thyroid issues and seizures may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator might conduct a neurological examination to determine if there is any sign of injury or damage to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also suggest urine and blood tests to evaluate for the presence of other medical conditions that could interfere with treatment, such as depression or alcohol and substance abuse.

Diagnosis

When diagnosing ADHD, your doctor will be looking for signs that manifest in various environments, such as at home, school, or work. The symptoms should also last for a prolonged period of time. The doctor will determine the extent to which your symptoms affect your 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 must follow the guidelines of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will examine the symptoms of your child and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will comprise a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. They will also inquire about the impact of your child's behavior on their daily mood, behaviors, and productivity.

It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V is designed to diagnose children. There is some debate as to whether the criteria still apply 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 long time and must interfere with daily functioning at school, work, or at home.

In addition to conducting a clinical interview, your doctor could conduct additional tests to determine the extent of your or the child's symptoms. This could include tests for blood or EEG test. Other tests can help to rule out conditions that are producing the same symptoms as depressive or learning disabilities.

Asking your family doctor to refer you to an expert who can assess your ADHD or that of your child is the best 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 by your policy. You can also contact a local group of support and ask for recommendations. You could also call a university-based hospital or a medical or graduate school for an inventory of professionals who conduct ADHD evaluations.

Treatment

ADHD symptoms can cause serious problems at work or in school and interfere with relationships. Being diagnosed and taking medication can improve functioning and decrease symptoms. People with ADHD might also need to alter their lifestyles for example, adjusting sleeping schedules, using a daily planner, or increasing their exercise.

A person suffering from ADHD must be assessed by their primary care provider or an expert in mental health. In this in-person consultation, the practitioner will cover subjects like the development of the disorder as well as family and lifestyle history as well as current symptoms and problems. The practitioner will ask questions about the patient's behavior, performance and productivity and whether they have issues with impulsive behavior or focus. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when and where they began and the level of distress they cause.

The evaluator could talk to other people who are involved in the patient's daily life, including parents, spouses siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or family members. These people often provide insight that questionnaires don't uncover, such as the way that a person may stop tasks halfway or forgets things, or what circumstances trigger symptoms.

Many behavioral therapies and medications help treat ADHD. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant medicines such as dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs improve blood flow to the brain, reduce impulsive behavior and allow people to pay attention and follow directions. These drugs can be administered either orally or intravenously and are generally well-tolerated.

Alongside medication Therapy can help those with ADHD discover strategies to compensate for their challenges. Therapists can help people learn how to manage their lives, keep track of appointments and provide assistance and guidance in dealing with the effect ADHD symptoms have on their work and home life. Marriage and family therapy is a great way to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach coping skills and help resolve conflict that may arise.

Medication

To diagnose ADHD, a medical professional needs to consider many factors. They will inquire with your child about his or her symptoms at school, at home and in other places. They may also use scales or questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They may also ask for an information about the family history. They will also check for other conditions that could be the cause of the symptoms, like learning disabilities and mood disorders. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and whether they are affecting your child's everyday life.

There is no physical test to determine ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. To determine if you have ADHD the healthcare provider for your child will adhere to the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines were designed for children 4 to 18 years old. Adults are more difficult to identify. This 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.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, a child must display more than 6 symptoms listed in the guidelines for diagnosis. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for at least six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD It is crucial that someone who is familiar with them interviews them. This includes their teachers as well as coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. They should also be asked about the effects of their symptoms on their daily lives and how they compare to other children of their age.

The most popular treatment for ADHD is medication. Both stimulant and nonstimulant medication can be prescribed to reduce ADHD. Stimulants, like methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most frequently prescribed. These medications help to increase and balance levels of certain brain chemicals. Other medications that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as antipsychotics. They are less effective than stimulants, but they can be beneficial for people who cannot take stimulant medication because of health issues or severe adverse effects. The medications can be used in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy.