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ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?

A medical professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and those around you -- a spouse, sibling or a friend for adults -- about symptoms. This often provides information that questionnaires cannot.

It's harder to determine ADHD in adults, because the diagnostic guidelines are specifically designed for children. It's crucial to find an ADHD professional who is willing to evaluate you.

Signs and symptoms

The first step in the process of conducting an ADHD assessment is to let the patient speak honestly and openly about his symptoms and how they affect his life. Adults may not want to admit to having trouble paying attention, following instructions or organizing tasks. But getting a precise diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and lead a more enjoyable life.

The examiner will inquire of the person to provide information about their personal and medical history from childhood to present. The evaluator will also review the American Psychological 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. The symptoms must have led to significant impairment in at least two important environments, such as school or work. The evaluator must also rule out other disorders that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or intellectual disabilities.

A doctor could also utilize ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales in addition to an interview to gather data regarding the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning, and working memory can help identify ADHD symptoms in adults. Depending on the situation doctors will often request permission to speak with people close to the person who can provide valuable insight and help. They may request the names and contact numbers of the spouse, parents, or siblings in order to talk with them about the person's problems both at home and at the workplace.

A physical exam is often part of an ADHD evaluation, since it can help determine other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. In some cases thyroid problems and seizures may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator could also perform a neurological examination to determine if there are any indications of injury or damage to the brain which could cause the symptoms. The evaluator may also recommend urine and blood tests to evaluate for the presence of other conditions that may hinder treatment, like depression, alcohol or substance abuse.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will look at symptoms that occur in different environments, such as at work, home or at school. They must also last for a lengthy amount of time. The doctor will then determine how much 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.

To diagnose children, doctors must follow guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will evaluate the child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will discuss your child's medical history, family history, and psychiatric history. They will also ask questions about the impact of your child's behavior on their daily mood, behaviors and work.

It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose children. There is some debate as to whether the criteria are still applicable in adulthood. To meet the criteria for a diagnosis, an adult must have 6 or more symptoms of inattentive diagnosing adhd in adults or 7 or more symptoms of hyperactive-impulsive ADHD. These symptoms must be present for a long duration and affect daily functioning at school, work or home.

Your doctor might also recommend other tests in addition to an interview with you to determine the extent and severity of your symptoms or that of your child. These could include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help to rule out conditions that are causing the same symptoms like depression or learning disabilities.

A request to your family doctor to refer you to an expert who can assess your ADHD or that of your child is an excellent place to begin. You can also contact your insurance company to find out if there are professionals covered under your plan who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to contact a local support group and ask for recommendations. You can also call a medical school or university-based hospital to obtain the names of specialists who conduct ADHD assessments.

Treatment

Symptoms of ADHD can lead to serious issues in work and school and can affect relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can improve functioning and decrease symptoms. People with ADHD may also have to change their lifestyle like adjusting their sleeping schedules, using a daily planner, or increasing their exercise.

A person with ADHD should see the primary care physician or a mental health professional or both to receive an evaluation. During the in-person consultation the practitioner will talk about topics such as the development of the disorder, family history, lifestyle and current symptoms. The practitioner will ask questions about the patient's performance, behavior, and productivity and whether they are struggling with impulsive behavior or focus. They'll be interested in knowing how the symptoms have lasted on, when and where they started and the amount of distress or issues they can cause.

The evaluator may be looking to speak to other people who are in the patient's life such as spouses, parents or siblings for adults, as well as teachers, coaches and daycare providers for children. They can provide information that questionnaires can't, such as the fact that the patient frequently forgets or stops tasks during the course of a task. They can also provide insight into what situations trigger symptoms.

Many behavioral therapies and medications are used to treat ADHD. The medication may contain stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine and dexamfetamine. These drugs boost blood flow to the brain and decrease impulsive actions, allowing people to pay attention and follow directions. They can be taken orally or intravenously, and are generally well-tolerated.

Therapy can help people with ADHD come up with strategies to compensate for the difficulties they encounter. Therapists can help people learn how to manage their lives and track their appointments, and provide assistance and guidance when dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on home and at work. Family and marriage therapy can help address problems caused by the disorder in relationships and teach coping skills for conflict and discord that can arise in these situations.

Medication

In order for an expert to diagnose ADHD it is necessary to evaluate many things. They will inquire with your child about their symptoms at school, at home and in other places. They may also use questionnaires or scales specifically designed for ADHD. They may also ask for an information about the family history. They will also check for other conditions that could cause the symptoms, such as learning disabilities and mood disorders. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and if they impact your child's daily life.

There isn't a physical test for ADHD that is comparable to the blood test or an X-ray. The doctor treating your child is following guidelines set by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are designed for children aged 4-18 years old. It is harder to diagnose ADHD in adults. This is because 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 six or more of the symptoms described in the guidelines to be get diagnosed with add as having 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 it is recommended that they be questioned by a person who knows them well. 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 lives and how they compare to other children their age.

The most common treatment for ADHD is medication. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medications can be prescribed to reduce ADHD. The stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed. These drugs balance and increase levels of certain brain chemical. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are also medications that can treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, but they can be beneficial for those who are unable to take stimulant medication due to health problems or serious adverse effects. These medications can be utilized in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy.