ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step? A medical professional conducting an ADHD assessment will ask you and your family members close to you -- such as your spouse, sibling or friend for adults -- about the symptoms. This will provide information that questionnaires cannot. Finding out if you have ADHD in adulthood can be a challenge because the diagnostic guidelines are targeted at children. It's crucial to locate an ADHD specialist who is willing to evaluate your situation. Signs and symptoms The first step in the initial step of an ADHD evaluation is to have the patient speak honestly and openly about his symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults may not want admit they have trouble paying attention, following instructions or organising tasks. But getting an accurate diagnosis will help you control symptoms and lead a more enjoyable life. The evaluator will ask the person about their personal and medical history from childhood to present. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines for the disorder, which are found 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 impairment in at least two important settings, such as school or work. In addition, the person evaluating must rule out any other conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD like anxiety, depression or an intellectual impairment. In addition to an interview, a doctor may employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists to gather information about the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning, and working memory can help in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the circumstances doctors may ask for permission to speak with people close to the person who can provide valuable information and help. For example, they might request the names of parents, spouses or siblings to talk with them about the person's problems at home and at work. A physical exam is often part of an ADHD assessment, since it can help rule out other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. In some instances thyroid issues and seizures can be a cause of ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct a neurological exam to see whether there is any evidence of damage or injury to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also suggest blood and urine tests to check for the presence of other conditions that may hinder treatment, like depression or alcohol and drug abuse. Diagnosis Your doctor will examine symptoms that are present in various situations, like at work, at home or at school. They should also last for a significant period of time. The doctor will determine the extent to which your 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 examine the symptoms of your child and how they impact their lives. They may also conduct an interview for a clinical nature. The interview will include your child's medical background, family history and psychiatric background. You will be asked questions about your child's daily mood and behavior, as well as performance. For adults, it is trickier to make a diagnosis. The DSM-V is designed to diagnose children. There is some debate over whether the criteria still apply in 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. These symptoms must be present for a long period of time and interfere with the daily activities at school, work, or at home. Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor might order other tests to determine the extent of your or the child's symptoms. These might include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help identify an illness that causes the same symptoms, like learning disabilities or depression. To find an expert to evaluate your or your child's ADHD, you can start by asking your family doctor for a referral. You can also contact your insurance company to find out whether there are specialists covered by your policy who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also contact a local group of support and request suggestions. You can also contact the hospital of a university or medical or graduate school to get the names of specialists who can conduct ADHD assessments. Treatment The symptoms of ADHD can cause serious problems at school and work and can affect relationships. If you are diagnosed with ADHD and taking medication to improve your performance can help decrease symptoms. Patients with ADHD may also have to change their lifestyle, such as adjusting sleeping schedules and using a daily planner, or increasing exercise. A person with ADHD should consult with the primary care provider, a mental health professional or both to get an evaluation. During the in-person consultation the practitioner will talk about issues like the development of the person, their family history, lifestyle and the current symptoms. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance productivity, as well as if they are having issues with impulsive or focused actions. They will inquire about the duration of the symptoms, when and where they began and the level of distress they cause. The evaluator might want to discuss other people who are involved in the patient's everyday life, including parents, spouses, siblings, teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or friends. They can provide information that questionnaires are unable to provide, such as the fact that the person frequently forgets or stops tasks in mid-stream. They can also provide insight into what situations trigger symptoms. Many behavioral therapies and medicines treat ADHD. Medications may include stimulants like amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs boost blood flow to the brain and decrease the impulse to act that allow people to concentrate and follow instructions. These drugs can be administered either orally or intravenously, and they are generally well tolerated. Therapy can help people suffering from ADHD create strategies to compensate for the challenges they encounter. Therapists can help people learn how to organize their lives and keep track of appointments, and provide assistance and advice in dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on their home and work. Family and marriage therapy can help with issues caused by the disorder that affects relationships and teach coping skills for conflict and disagreement that may arise in these situations. Medication To determine if your child has ADHD, a health care professional must consider various factors. They will ask your child about his or her symptoms at school, home and in other places. They may also employ scales and questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They might also inquire about the history of their family. They may also search for other conditions that may explain the symptoms such as learning disabilities and mood disorders. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and if they affect your child's daily routine. There is no physical test for ADHD, like a blood test or an X-ray. To diagnose ADHD, http://idea.informer.com/users/tileoutput6/?what=personal will be following the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are for children aged between 4 and 18. Adults are more difficult to diagnose. 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. A child must display at least six of the symptoms listed in the guidelines to be classified with ADHD. The guidelines also state the symptoms must have been present for a minimum of six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD, they should be questioned by a person who knows them well. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders and other caregivers. They should also be informed about how their symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they compare to other children of their age. Medication is the most popular form of treatment for ADHD. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medication can be prescribed to treat ADHD. Stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed. These drugs help boost and balance levels of specific brain chemicals. Other medications that are used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as antipsychotics. They work slower than stimulants, however they can be beneficial for people who cannot take stimulant medication due to health problems or severe side effects. These medications can be utilized alongside other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral treatment.