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ADHD Evaluation – What Happens in the First Step? A healthcare professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and people close to you — a spouse, sibling or a friend for adults — about their symptoms. This can provide insight that questionnaires can't. The process of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is trickier because the diagnostic guidelines are targeted at children. It is essential to find a doctor who specializes in the condition who takes their time when evaluating you. Signs and symptoms For an ADHD evaluation, the first step is to have the patient talk openly and honestly about his symptoms and how they affect his life. Some adults are reluctant to admit they have difficulty paying attention and following directions or organising tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best way to gain rid of symptoms and lead a a more fulfilling life. The evaluator will ask the person about their personal and medical history from childhood to present. 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. Symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at least two important environments, such as school or at work. The evaluator must be able to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or intellectual disabilities. A doctor can also employ ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales in conjunction with an interview to gather data regarding the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess working memory, executive functioning abilities, and spatial and visual reasoning can be helpful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the circumstances doctors will often request permission to speak with people close to the person in order to provide valuable insight and help. For instance, they could ask for the names of spouses, parents or siblings to speak with them about the person's struggles at home and at work. A physical examination is often part of an ADHD assessment. It could help rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms that look similar to ADHD. The evaluator might also conduct a neurological exam to determine if there's any evidence of damage or injury to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator might also recommend urine and blood tests to determine the presence of other medical conditions that might hinder treatment, such as depression, alcohol or drug abuse. Diagnosis Your doctor will be able to examine symptoms that can be seen in different situations, like at work, at home, or school. They should be present for a long period of time. The doctor will then determine how much your symptoms interfere with 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 follow the guidelines of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will examine 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. They will also ask questions about the impact of your child's behavior on their daily mood, behaviors and work. For adults, it is difficult to determine a diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is designed toward diagnosing children, and 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. These symptoms must be present for a prolonged time and must interfere with daily functioning at school, work or home. Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor may conduct other tests to determine extent of your the child's symptoms. This might include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests may help rule out conditions that are similar to depressive or learning disabilities. Asking your family doctor to recommend you to an expert who can assess your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is the best place to begin. You can also call your insurance company to find out whether there are any specialists covered by your policy who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also reach out to a local group of support and ask for suggestions. You can also contact a medical school or university-based hospital to get the names of specialists who conduct ADHD assessments. Treatment The signs of ADHD can cause serious problems at school and at work, and interfere with relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can improve functioning and decrease symptoms. People suffering from ADHD might also have to make lifestyle adjustments, such as changing their sleeping schedules, using daily planners or ad hoc exercise. A person suffering from ADHD should be evaluated by their primary healthcare provider or a mental health professional. In this interview, the practitioner will cover subjects like the development of the disorder, family and lifestyle history, and current symptoms and issues. The doctor will ask questions about the patient's performance, behavior and productivity and whether they have issues with impulsive actions or focus. They will be interested in knowing how long the symptoms have gone on, the location and time they began, and how much stress or problems they can cause. The evaluator may want to speak to other people who are involved in the patient's everyday life, including parents, spouses, siblings teachers, coaches daycare providers, or even friends. They can provide information that questionnaires are unable to provide give, such as the fact that the person frequently forgets or stops tasks in mid-stream. They can also reveal the triggers for symptoms. Many behavioral therapies and medicines treat ADHD. The medications can include stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant medications such as dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs improve blood flow to the brain, reducing impulse-driven behavior, and permit people to pay focus and follow instructions. They can be administered orally or intravenously, and are usually well tolerated. In addition to medication Therapy can help those with ADHD develop strategies to compensate for their challenges. Therapists can teach people techniques to organize their lives and keep track of appointments, and offer assistance and advice in dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on family and work life. Family and marriage therapy can help address problems caused by the disorder of relationships and also teach strategies for dealing with conflict and discord that can arise in these situations. Medication To determine if your child has ADHD the medical professional needs to consider various factors. They will inquire with your child about his or her symptoms at school, at home and in other places. They may also utilize questionnaires or scales that are specific for ADHD. They may also inquire about family history. They will also look for other conditions that could explain the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and if they interfere with your child's daily life. There is no physical test to confirm ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. Your child's healthcare provider follows guidelines set by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. undiagnosed adhd adults are designed for children aged 4-18 years old. Adults are more difficult to identify. 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. A child must display six or more of the symptoms described in the guidelines to be diagnosed as having ADHD. The guidelines also state the symptoms must have been present for at least six months. If your child is being tested for ADHD It is crucial that someone familiar with them conducts an interview. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders and other caregivers. They should also be asked about how the symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they compare to other children their age. The most common treatment for ADHD is medication. There are stimulant and non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to reduce ADHD symptoms. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate, and other stimulants. These medications help to increase and balance levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are also drugs that treat ADHD. They are less effective than stimulants, however they can be beneficial for people who are unable to use stimulant medication due to health problems or severe adverse effects. The use of medications can be in conjunction with other treatments, for example, cognitive behavioral therapy.