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ADHD Evaluation – What Happens in the First Step? A medical professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and people close to you, such as a spouse, sibling or a friend for adults — about the symptoms. This can provide insight that questionnaires can't uncover. It's more difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults, because the diagnostic guidelines are specifically designed for children. It is essential to find a specialist with the condition who takes the time with your evaluation. Signs and symptoms The first step in an ADHD assessment is to have the patient speak honestly and openly about his symptoms and how they affect his life. Adults might not want to admit that they struggle with paying attention, following directions or organising tasks. However, getting an accurate diagnosis can help you manage 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 also reviews the American Psychiatric Association’s guidelines for treating 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 minimum two crucial situations, like school or at work. In addition, the person evaluating must rule out any other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD, such as depression, anxiety, or an intellectual disability. In addition to an interview, a doctor may employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists to gather details about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning and working memory can help identify ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may request permission depending on the situation to speak with family members or friends who may provide valuable information and support. They might ask for the names and contact numbers of the spouse, parents, or siblings in order to interview them regarding the person's challenges at home and at work. A physical exam is often part of an ADHD evaluation, as it can help identify other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. In some instances thyroid issues and seizures can mimic symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator could also conduct a neurological exam to determine if there is any indication of damage or injury to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also recommend urine and blood tests to determine if there are other conditions that could affect treatment. For instance depression, depression, or the use of alcohol or drugs. Diagnosis Your doctor will look at symptoms that occur in different settings, like at work, home or at school. The symptoms must also persist for a long period of time. Then, the doctor will assess how much these symptoms impact 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. To diagnose children, doctors 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 impact their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will discuss your child's medical background, family history, and psychiatric background. You will be asked questions about your child's mood, behavior, and performance. It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is geared towards diagnosing children. However, there is some debate over whether these criteria still apply to 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. They must have these symptoms for a prolonged period of time, and they must significantly hinder their daily activities at home, school or at work. Your doctor might also recommend additional tests in addition to an interview with you to determine the nature and severity of your symptoms or the child's. This could include tests for blood or EEG test. Other tests can be used to rule out a condition that is causing 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 company to find out if professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your policy. You can also reach out to an organization in your area and ask for recommendations. You can also call an academic medical center or university hospital to request the names of specialists who conduct ADHD evaluations. Treatment ADHD symptoms can cause serious issues at work and in school and may cause issues with relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can help improve functioning and reduce symptoms. People with ADHD also may need to change their lifestyle like adjusting their sleep schedules and using a daily planner or increasing their exercise. Anyone suffering from ADHD should consult with his or her primary care doctor, a mental health professional or both to get an evaluation. During the in-person interview the practitioner will talk about topics such as the development of the disorder, family history, lifestyle, and current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the individual's behavior, performance and productivity, and if they have issues with impulsive actions or focus. They'll be interested in knowing how long the symptoms have been going on, where and when they began, and how much distress or problems they cause. The evaluator is likely to want to talk to other people in the patient's life, like parents, spouses, or siblings for adults and teachers, coaches, daycare providers or friends for children. These people often provide insight that questionnaires don't uncover like the way that a person may stop tasks in the middle or is unable to remember things, or what circumstances trigger symptoms. ADHD is treated with the use of a variety of behavioral therapies and drugs. The medication may contain stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant drugs like dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs increase blood flow to the brain and reduce actions that are impulsive that allow people to concentrate and follow directions. These drugs can be taken either orally or intravenously, and they generally are well-tolerated. Therapy can help people with ADHD develop strategies to overcome the difficulties they encounter. Therapists can assist people with learning techniques to organize their lives and track their appointments, and offer support and guidance in dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on their home and work. Family and marriage therapy can help with issues caused by the disorder of relationships and teach strategies for dealing with conflict and disagreement that may occur in these situations. Medication To diagnose ADHD the health care professional must consider several factors. They will inquire with your child about his or her symptoms at school, home and in other locations. They may also use questionnaires or scales specifically designed for ADHD. They might also request an information about the family history. how to get diagnosed with adhd 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 affect your child's daily life. There is no physical test for ADHD, like a blood test or an X-ray. The doctor treating your child is following guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are intended for children between the ages of 4 and 18. Adults are more difficult to identify. The symptoms of ADHD may change with 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 that are listed in the guidelines for diagnosis. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for at least six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD it is essential that someone who is familiar with them interview them. This includes teachers as well as religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. It is also important to inquire what the effects of their ailments are on their daily functioning and how they perform with other children their own age. Medication is the most popular form of treatment for ADHD. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medications can be prescribed to reduce ADHD. The stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most frequently prescribed. These medications balance and boost levels of certain brain chemical. Other drugs that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as antipsychotics. They are not as potent as stimulants, but are useful for those who cannot take stimulants due to severe adverse effects or health issues. Medications can be used in combination with other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.