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ADHD Evaluation – What Happens in the First Step? A medical professional conducting an ADHD assessment will ask you and people close to you — such as your spouse, sibling or friend for adults — about symptoms. This can provide information that questionnaires cannot. It is more difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults, since the guidelines for diagnosis are created for children. It is crucial to find an ADHD specialist who is willing to evaluate you. Signs and symptoms For an ADHD evaluation, the first step is to have the patient be honest and open about symptoms and how they impact his life. Many adults are reluctant to admit that they have difficulty paying attention and following directions or organising tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best method to take rid of symptoms and lead a a more fulfilling life. The evaluator asks the person to share their personal and medical history, from childhood until now. 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 led to significant impairments in at least two significant situations, like school or work. The examiner should be able to rule out other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD like anxiety, depression or intellectual disability. In addition to an interview, a doctor might use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to gather information regarding the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory skills and visual and spatial reasoning are useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Depending on the situation doctors may ask for permission to contact people close to the person who can provide valuable information and support. They may request the names and contact details of the spouse, 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 assessment, since it can help identify other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can cause symptoms that resemble like ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct a neurological exam to see whether there is any evidence of injury or damage to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator might also recommend blood and urine tests to check for the presence of other medical conditions that might hinder treatment, such as depression or alcohol and drug abuse. Diagnosis Your doctor will look at symptoms that occur in different situations, like at work, home, or school. The symptoms should also last for a prolonged period of time. The doctor will determine the extent to which your symptoms affect your daily 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 diagnose children. They will examine the symptoms of your child and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct an interview. The interview will comprise an overview 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 is designed to diagnose children. There is some debate about 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. They must exhibit these symptoms for a long period of time, and they must significantly hinder their daily activities at school, at home or at work. In I Am Psychiatry to conducting a clinical interview, your doctor may conduct additional tests to determine the extent of your or the child's symptoms. This could include the blood test or an EEG test. Other tests can help identify an illness that causes similar symptoms, for example, learning disabilities or depression. A request to your family doctor to recommend you to an expert who can evaluate your ADHD or that of your child is a good place to start. You can also reach out to your insurance provider to determine if specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your policy. Another option is to reach out to a local support group and request recommendations. You can also contact a medical school or university-based hospital to request the names of specialists who provide ADHD evaluations. Treatment ADHD symptoms can lead to serious problems at work and in school and may cause issues with relationships. Being diagnosed and taking medication can improve functioning and decrease symptoms. Patients with ADHD may also need to alter their lifestyles for example, altering their sleep schedules using daily planners or ad hoc exercise. A person with ADHD should see his or her primary care doctor, an expert in mental health or both for an evaluation. In the interview in person, a practitioner will discuss topics such as the development of the person, their family history, lifestyle and the current symptoms. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance, productivity, and if they are struggling with impulsive or focusing actions. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when and where they started, and the amount of distress they cause. The evaluator will likely be looking to speak to other people who are in the patient's life like parents, spouses, or siblings for adults and teachers, coaches, daycare providers or friends for children. They can provide insights that questionnaires don't uncover, such as the way that a person may stop tasks halfway or forgets things, and what situations cause symptoms. ADHD is treated using various behavioral therapies and drugs. The medication may contain stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant medications like dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs increase the flow of blood to the brain and suppress the impulse to act which allows people to concentrate and follow directions. The drugs can be taken either orally or intravenously, and they generally are well-tolerated. Therapy can help people with ADHD create strategies to overcome the difficulties they experience. Therapists can assist people in learning how to organize their lives, keep track of appointments and provide assistance and guidance in dealing with the impact ADHD symptoms have on their work and family life. Family and marriage therapy can help with issues caused by the disorder in relationships, as well as teaching coping skills for conflict and disagreement that may occur in these situations. Medication To allow an expert to diagnose ADHD it is necessary to evaluate various aspects. They will ask your child about his or her symptoms at school, at home and in other locations. They may also utilize questionnaires or scales specifically designed for ADHD. They may also ask for a family history. They will also look for other conditions that may explain the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and if they impact your child's life. There is no physical test to diagnose ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. To get a diagnosis the healthcare provider for your child will follow guidelines that were developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are intended for children aged between 4 and 18. It is difficult to determine 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 display at least six of the symptoms listed in the guidelines to be classified with ADHD. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 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. They should also be questioned about how the symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they compare to other children of their age. The most commonly used medication is a treatment option for ADHD. There are stimulant as well as nonstimulant drugs that can be prescribed to decrease ADHD symptoms. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other stimulants. These drugs balance and boost levels of certain brain chemical. Other medications that are used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine as well as some antipsychotics. They are less potent than stimulants, but they can be beneficial for people who are unable to take stimulants due to severe adverse effects or health issues. These medications can be utilized in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral treatment.