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ADHD Evaluation – What Happens in the First Step? A healthcare professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and your family members close to you — a spouse, sibling or friend for adults — about symptoms. This is often a way to gain insight that questionnaires can't uncover. It's more difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults, as the diagnostic guidelines are specifically designed for children. It's crucial to locate an ADHD specialist who is willing to evaluate your situation. Signs and symptoms To conduct an ADHD assessment, the initial step is to allow the patient to talk openly and honestly about his symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults might not want to admit they have trouble paying attention, following directions or managing tasks. But getting adhd adult diagnosis will help you control symptoms and lead a healthier life. The evaluator asks the person to provide details about their personal and medical history from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for clinical care 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 impairment in at least two important environments, such as work or school. The evaluator should also rule out any other conditions which can cause similar symptoms as ADHD like depression, anxiety or intellectual disability. In addition to an interview, a doctor may utilize behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to gather information about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning skills and visual and spatial reasoning can be helpful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may request permission, based on the circumstance, to speak with family members or friends who could offer valuable insight and support. For instance, they could request the names of parents, spouses, 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, as it can help determine other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. In some cases thyroid problems and seizures may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator can also perform an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are any signs of brain injury or damage that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator might also recommend urine and blood tests to evaluate for the presence of other conditions that might hinder treatment, such as depression, alcohol or substance abuse. Diagnosis Your doctor will be able to examine symptoms that are present in various environments, such as at work, home, or school. The symptoms should also last for a prolonged period of time. The doctor will assess how much these symptoms interfere with 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 employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fifth Edition to determine if children have. They will examine the symptoms of your child and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct an interview. The interview will comprise a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. You will be asked questions about your child's mood, behavior, and performance. It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is targeted toward diagnosing children, and there is some controversy over 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 an extended period of time and have them significantly hinder their daily activities at school, at home, or work. Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor may conduct other tests to determine the severity of your child's symptoms. These may include blood tests or an EEG. Other tests may help determine if a condition is similar to learning disabilities or depressive disorders. Asking your family doctor to recommend you to a specialist who can evaluate your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is a good place to start. You can also contact your insurance company to inquire if experts who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your insurance plan. Another option is to contact an organization that supports local residents and request suggestions. You can also contact a medical school or university-based hospital to get a list of professionals that provide ADHD assessments. Treatment ADHD symptoms can cause serious problems at work or at school, and can cause problems with relationships. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, taking medication and improving your functioning can help reduce symptoms. Patients with ADHD may also need to adjust their lifestyle, such as altering their sleep schedules using daily planners, or increasing exercise. A person suffering from ADHD must be assessed by their primary care provider or an expert in mental health. In this interview the professional will discuss issues such as development, family and lifestyle history as well as current symptoms and issues. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance productivity, as well as if they are having issues with impulsive or focusing actions. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, when and where they started, and the amount of distress they cause. The evaluator is likely to need to talk to other people who are in the patient's life such as spouses, parents or siblings for adults as well as coaches, teachers and daycare providers for children. These people can offer insights that questionnaires cannot give, such as the fact that a person often fails to remember or stops doing tasks during the course of a task. They can also provide insight into the triggers for symptoms. ADHD is treated with various behavioral therapies and drugs. Medications may include stimulants like amphetamine, or nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs boost the flow of blood to the brain and suppress impulsive actions, allowing people to pay attention and follow instructions. These drugs can be administered by mouth or intravenously, and they generally are well-tolerated. In addition to medication therapy can also help those with ADHD develop strategies to compensate for their challenges. Therapists can help individuals learn how to organize their lives, manage their appointments and provide assistance and guidance in dealing with the effects ADHD symptoms can have on work and home life. Family and marriage therapy can help address problems caused by the disorder in relationships, as well as teaching strategies for dealing with conflict and disagreement that may occur in these situations. Medication To determine if your child has ADHD the health professional will take into consideration many factors. They will inquire about your child's behavior at home, at school, and in other settings. They may also employ questionnaires and scales specifically designed for ADHD. They may also inquire about family history. They will also look for other conditions which could be the cause of the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and whether they affect your child's everyday life. There is no physical test to determine ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. The doctor treating your child is following guidelines set by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are intended for children aged between 4 and 18. Adults are more difficult to diagnose. 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. To be diagnosed with ADHD, a child must have 6 or more of the symptoms listed in the diagnostic guidelines. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD It is crucial that someone familiar with them conducts an interview. Included in this are their coaches, teachers, religious leaders and other caregivers. It is also important to inquire how their symptoms affect their daily life and how they compare with other children their own age. The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medications are available to treat ADHD. Stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed. These medications help to increase and balance levels of specific brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are also drugs that treat ADHD. They are less potent than stimulants, but they can be beneficial for those who cannot take stimulants due too severe adverse effects or health issues. Medications can be used in combination with other treatments, for example, cognitive behavioral therapy.