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ADHD Evaluation – What Happens in the First Step? A healthcare professional who's evaluating ADHD will ask you, and the people closest to you — your spouse or sibling if you're an adult -about the symptoms you experience. This is often a way to gain insight that questionnaires can't uncover. Diagnosing ADHD in adulthood can be a challenge because the diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It's important to find a doctor who specializes in the condition who takes the time in evaluating your case. Signs and symptoms The first step in an ADHD evaluation is to have the patient talk honestly and openly about the symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults might not want to admit that they struggle with paying attention, following instructions or organising tasks. But getting a precise diagnosis will help you control symptoms and lead a healthier life. The person being evaluated is asked to tell them about their medical history and personal life, from childhood until now. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychiatric Association’s guidelines for the treatment of 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. Symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at least two important environments, such as school or at work. In addition, the evaluator must rule out other disorders that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD, such as depression, anxiety, or an intellectual impairment. A doctor could also utilize ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales in conjunction with an interview to collect information regarding the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that measure executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning, and working memory can aid in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the specific situation doctors may ask for permission to speak with people close to the person who can provide valuable information and support. They might ask for the names and contact information of parents, spouses or siblings to speak with them about the person's challenges at home and at work. A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD assessment, since it can help rule out other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms that look similar to ADHD. The evaluator can also perform an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are any symptoms of injury or damage to the brain that could be the cause of the symptoms. The evaluator could also suggest urine and blood tests to check for the presence of other conditions that might hinder treatment, like depression or alcohol and drug abuse. ADHD Diagnosis will be able to examine symptoms that are present in various environments, such as at home, work or at school. The symptoms must also persist for a prolonged period of time. Then, the doctor will determine how much these symptoms affect your everyday 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. To diagnose children, doctors adhere to guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will discuss your child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will comprise a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, and medical history. You will be asked about your child's daily mood, behavior, and productivity. For adults, it is trickier to make a diagnosis. The DSM-V is designed to help 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. These symptoms must be present for a prolonged time and must interfere with daily functioning at school, work or home. In addition to conducting a clinical interview, your doctor could order other tests to determine severity of your child's symptoms. This could include tests for blood or EEG test. Other tests can help to determine if a condition is similar to depressive or learning disabilities. To find a specialist to assess your child's ADHD you can begin by asking your family physician for an appointment. You can also contact your insurance provider to see if there are professionals that are covered by your plan and who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also reach out to an organization in your area and request recommendations. You could also call the hospital of a university or medical or graduate school for an inventory of professionals who conduct ADHD evaluations. Treatment The signs of ADHD can cause serious problems at school and at work and affect relationships. Finding a diagnosis and taking medication can help improve functioning and decrease symptoms. Patients with ADHD might also have to alter their lifestyles for example, changing their sleeping schedules, using daily planners or increasing exercise. A person with ADHD should consult with his or her primary care doctor or psychiatrist or both for an evaluation. In the interview in person an expert will discuss subjects like development, family history, lifestyle, and the current symptoms. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance productivity, as well as if they have problems with impulsive or focused actions. They will want to know about how long the symptoms have been going on, where and when they began, and how much stress or problems they create. The evaluator may need to talk to other people in the patient's life, for example, parents, spouses or siblings for adults, as well as teachers, coaches, daycare providers or friends for children. These people can offer insights that questionnaires can't provide for example, the reasons why a person might stop tasks in the middle or is unable to remember things, and what situations trigger symptoms. ADHD is treated with the use of a variety of treatments and medications. Some medications include stimulants such as amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs improve blood flow to the brain, reduce impulsive behavior and allow people to pay more focus and follow instructions. They can be administered either orally or intravenously and are generally well-tolerated. Therapy can help people with ADHD create strategies to deal with the challenges they encounter. Therapists can assist people with learning techniques to manage their lives and keep track of appointments, and offer assistance and guidance when dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on home and at work. Therapy for families and marriage is a fantastic way to tackle the issues caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach how to manage stress and resolve conflicts that might occur. Medication To diagnose ADHD the health professional will take into consideration several factors. They will inquire about your child's symptoms at home, at school and in other places. They may also use questionnaires and scales that are specific to ADHD. They may also ask about the history of their family. They will search for other conditions that could explain the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also determine the severity of the symptoms and if they impact your child's daily life. There is no physical test to confirm ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. Your child's healthcare provider follows guidelines set by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are designed for children 4 to 18 years of age. 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 have more than 6 symptoms 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 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 the effects of their symptoms on their daily functioning and how they compare to other children their age. The most popular treatment for ADHD is medication. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medication can be prescribed to treat ADHD. The stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed. These medications balance and boost levels of certain brain chemical. Other medications that are used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine and some antipsychotics. They are less effective than stimulants, but they can be beneficial for those who are unable to take stimulant drugs due to health problems or serious side effects. They can be used in combination with other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy.