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ADHD Evaluation – What Happens in the First Step? A medical professional conducting an ADHD assessment will question you and people close to you, such as a spouse, sibling, or friend for adults — about the symptoms. This is often a way to gain information that questionnaires cannot. It's harder to identify ADHD in adults, since the diagnostic guidelines are specifically designed for children. It's important to find a specialist in the condition who takes their time with your evaluation. Symptoms For an ADHD assessment, the initial step is for the patient to talk openly and honestly about symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults may not want to admit that they struggle with paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks. However, getting an accurate diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and lead a more enjoyable life. The evaluator will ask the individual about their medical history and personal life 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 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 impairment in at least two important settings, such as school or work. In addition, the evaluator must rule out any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD like anxiety, depression or an intellectual disability. A doctor can also employ ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales as well as an interview to collect information regarding the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning, and working memory may help in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Depending on the situation doctors may ask for permission to talk with those close to the person who can offer valuable advice and support. For instance, they could request the names of spouses, parents or siblings to talk with them about the person's problems at home and at work. A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD assessment. It helps rule other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can cause symptoms that look like ADHD. The evaluator can also perform a neurological examination to determine if there are any indications of brain injury or damage which could cause the symptoms. The evaluator may also recommend urine and blood tests to check for the presence of any other conditions that might hinder treatment, such as depression or alcohol and substance abuse. Diagnosis Your doctor will look at symptoms that are present in various settings, like at work, at home, or school. They should also last for a significant period of time. The doctor will evaluate how these symptoms affect your day-to-day 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. Doctors use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fifth Edition to diagnose children. They will review the symptoms of your child and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will include your child's medical background, family history and psychiatric background. adhd adult diagnosis Iam Psychiatry will also ask you about how your child's behavior impacts their mood, behavior and work. It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is targeted toward diagnosing children, and there is some disagreement about whether these criteria still apply 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 exhibit these symptoms for a prolonged duration of time and have them significantly interfere with their daily functioning at home, school or at work. Your doctor may also request other tests in addition the clinical interview to determine the severity and severity of your symptoms or that of your child. This could include tests for blood or EEG test. Other tests can help to rule out conditions that are causing the same symptoms like learning disabilities or depressive disorders. Asking your family doctor to recommend you to an expert who will 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 determine if specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered by your plan. Another option is to contact a local support group and ask for recommendations. You can also call an academic medical center or university hospital to get the list of specialists who perform ADHD assessments. Treatment The symptoms of ADHD can cause serious problems in work and school and can affect relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can improve performance and lessen symptoms. People with ADHD might also need to change their lifestyle for example, adjusting sleeping schedules and using a daily planner or increasing their exercise. A person suffering from ADHD should be evaluated by their primary care provider or a mental health professional. During the in-person consultation the practitioner will talk about issues like the development of the disorder, family history, lifestyle and current symptoms. The doctor will ask questions about the person's performance, behavior and productivity and whether they are struggling with impulsive behavior or focus. They will inquire about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when and where they began and how much distress they cause. The evaluator could speak to other people who are part of the patient's daily life, such as parents, spouses siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or friends. They can provide information that questionnaires are unable to provide give, such as the fact that a person often forgets or stops work during the course of a task. They may also be able to reveal what situations trigger symptoms. Many different behavioral therapies and medications are used to treat ADHD. The medications may include stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant drugs such as dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs increase blood flow to the brain, reducing impulse-driven behavior, and permit people to pay more focus and follow instructions. They can be taken by mouth or intravenously, and are generally well-tolerated. Therapy can help those with ADHD come up with strategies to compensate for the challenges they encounter. Therapists can assist people in learning how to organize their lives, manage their appointments and provide support and guidance when dealing with the impact ADHD symptoms have on their work and family life. Family therapy and marriage therapy is a great way to tackle the issues caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach coping skills and help resolve conflicts that might arise. Medication To determine if your child has ADHD, a health care professional must consider many factors. They will ask about your child's symptoms at home, at 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 may also search for other conditions that could explain the symptoms such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also determine how severe the symptoms are and if they affect your child's life. There isn't a physical test for ADHD that is comparable to the blood test or an X-ray. To diagnose ADHD the healthcare provider for your child will follow guidelines that were developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are for children between the ages of 4 and 18. It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults. The symptoms of ADHD may 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 at least 6 of the symptoms that are listed in the diagnostic guidelines. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD it is essential that someone familiar with them interview them. This includes teachers, religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. They should also be asked about how the symptoms affect their daily lives and how they compare to other children of their age. The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication. There are both stimulant and nonstimulant medications that can be prescribed to decrease ADHD symptoms. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate and other stimulants. These drugs balance and boost levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are two medications that can treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, however they can be helpful for those who are unable to take stimulant medication because of health issues or serious side effects. Medications can be used in conjunction with other treatments, for example, cognitive behavioral therapy.