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ADHD Evaluation – What Happens in the First Step? A medical professional who is evaluating ADHD will ask you, and your closest family members (your spouse or sibling in the case of an adultabout your symptoms. This is often a way to gain insight that questionnaires can't uncover. Diagnosing ADHD in adulthood can be a challenge since the diagnostic guidelines are targeted at children. It is important to find a specialist in the field who takes their time with your evaluation. Signs and symptoms The first step in the initial step of an ADHD assessment 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 directions or organizing tasks. But getting a precise diagnosis will help you control symptoms and lead a healthier life. The examiner will inquire of the person about their personal and medical history from childhood until the 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. Symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at minimum two major situations, like school or work. Additionally, the examiner must rule out other disorders that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD like depression, anxiety, or an intellectual impairment. A doctor could also utilize ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales as well as an interview to gather data about the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that measure working memory, executive functioning skills and visual and spatial reasoning are useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the specific situation doctors will often request permission to talk with those close to the person who can offer valuable advice and support. For example, they might request the names of spouses, parents or siblings to speak with them about the person's struggles at home and at work. A physical exam is typically part of an ADHD assessment, since it can help rule out other disorders that can cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can cause symptoms that look similar to ADHD. The evaluator may conduct a neurological examination to determine if there's any sign of injury or damage to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also suggest blood and urine tests to evaluate for the presence of other conditions that might hinder treatment, like depression, alcohol or addiction. Diagnosis Your doctor will look at symptoms that occur in different settings, like at home, work, or school. The symptoms must also persist for a prolonged period of time. The doctor will determine how much these symptoms affect your daily routine. 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 use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fifth Edition to diagnose children. They will examine the child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct an interview for a clinical nature. The interview will cover your child's medical history, family history, and psychiatric background. You will be asked about your child's mood and behavior, as well as productivity. For adults, it's trickier to make a diagnosis. The DSM-V is designed to diagnose children. There is some debate over 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 ADHD or 7 or more symptoms of hyperactive-impulsive ADHD. These symptoms must be present for a long period of time and interfere with daily functioning at school, work, or at home. Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor may order other tests to determine the extent of your or your child's symptoms. This could include a blood or EEG test. Other tests can help to determine if a condition is causing the same symptoms like depression or learning disabilities. Asking your family doctor to recommend you to an expert who will evaluate your ADHD or that of your child is a good place to start. You can also contact your insurance provider to see whether there are any specialists covered by your policy who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also reach out to a local support group and ask for suggestions. You could also call an institution of higher education or a medical or graduate school to get the names of specialists who can conduct ADHD evaluations. Treatment The signs of ADHD can cause significant problems in work and school and affect relationships. If you're diagnosed with ADHD, taking medication and improving your functioning can help reduce symptoms. People with ADHD might also need to alter their lifestyles like adjusting their sleep schedules and using a daily planner, or increasing their exercise. A person suffering from ADHD needs to be evaluated by their primary care provider or an expert in mental health. During the in-person consultation the practitioner will talk about subjects like development, family history, lifestyle, and current symptoms. The doctor will ask questions about the person's performance, behavior and productivity, and if they have issues with impulsive behavior or focus. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, when and where they started, and the amount of distress they cause. The evaluator may want to talk to other people who are who are part of the patient's daily life, including parents, spouses siblings, teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or friends. They can provide insights that questionnaires cannot like the reasons why a person might stop tasks halfway or forgets things, and what situations trigger symptoms. Many behavioral therapies and medicines help treat ADHD. The medications can include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant medicines such as dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs boost the flow of blood to the brain and reduce the impulse to act, allowing people to pay attention and follow instructions. They can be taken orally or intravenously, and are generally well-tolerated. In addition to medications therapy can also help those with ADHD develop strategies to compensate for their challenges. Therapists can teach people techniques to manage their lives and track their appointments, and provide support and guidance in dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on their home and work. Marriage and family therapy can help with issues caused by the disorder of relationships and also teach how to handle conflict and discord that can arise in these situations. Medication In order for a medical professional to identify ADHD the doctor must look at several things. They will ask your child about his or her symptoms at school, at home and in other locations. They will also use questionnaires or scales specifically designed for ADHD. They may also ask for an history of the family. They will also check for other conditions which could explain the symptoms such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and if they are affecting your child's everyday life. There is no physical test to diagnose ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. To determine if adhd diagnosis for adults have ADHD, your child's healthcare provider will adhere to the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are aimed at children between the ages of 4 and 18. Adults are more difficult to identify. 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 at least six of the symptoms listed in the guidelines to be classified as having ADHD. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. If your child is being tested for ADHD It is crucial that someone who is familiar with them interview them. This includes teachers and religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. They should also be questioned about how the symptoms affect their daily lives and how they compare to other children their age. The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication. There are both stimulant and nonstimulant medications that can be prescribed to reduce ADHD symptoms. The stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs balance and boost levels of certain brain chemical. Other drugs that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine and some antipsychotics. They are not as potent as stimulants, but they can be beneficial for people who are unable to take stimulants due to severe side effects or health issues. The use of medications can be in combination with other treatments, for example, cognitive behavioral therapy.