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ADHD Evaluation – What Happens in the First Step? A healthcare professional evaluating ADHD will ask you and your closest family members such as your spouse or sibling if you're an adult -about the symptoms you experience. This can provide insight that questionnaires can't. Finding out if you have ADHD in adulthood is a bit more difficult since the diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It is crucial to find an ADHD specialist who is willing to evaluate you. 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 daily life. Adults might not want to admit that they struggle with paying attention, following instructions or managing tasks. However, getting an accurate diagnosis will help you control symptoms and live a happier life. The evaluator will ask the individual about their medical and personal history from childhood to the present. The evaluator also reviews the American Psychiatric Society'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 impairments in at least two significant situations, like school or work. The examiner should also rule out other disorders that can trigger similar symptoms to ADHD, such as anxiety, depression, or intellectual disabilities. A doctor may also use ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales as well as an interview to gather information regarding the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess working memory, executive functioning skills and visual and spatial reasoning can be useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the circumstances, doctors often ask for permission to speak with people close to the person in order to provide valuable insight and help. They might ask for the names and contact numbers of parents, spouses or siblings to speak with them about the individual's issues at home and at the workplace. A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD evaluation, since it can help determine other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. In some instances thyroid problems and seizures may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator could also conduct a neurological exam to see whether there is any indication of damage or injury to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator can also recommend urine and blood tests to determine if there is other conditions that could hinder treatment. For instance depression, depression, or the use of alcohol or drugs. Diagnosis Your doctor will be able to examine symptoms that can be seen in different settings, like at work, home or at school. They must also last for a significant amount of time. Then, the doctor will evaluate how these symptoms interfere with your day-to-day 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 in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will evaluate your child's symptoms, and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct an interview. The interview will comprise an overview of your child's medical, family, 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 diagnose adults. The DSM-V is a diagnostic tool designed for children. There is some debate as to whether the criteria are still applicable to adults. 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 time and must interfere with everyday functioning at school, work, or at home. Your doctor may also request other tests in addition an interview with you to determine the extent and severity of your symptoms or the child's. This might include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can be used to rule out the cause of similar symptoms, for example, learning disabilities or depression. To find an expert to evaluate your your child's ADHD, you can start by asking your doctor for a referral. You can also call your insurance provider to inquire whether there are any specialists covered under your plan who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also contact a local group of support and request suggestions. You can also contact a medical school or university-based hospital to get a list of professionals that conduct ADHD evaluations. Treatment Symptoms of ADHD can cause significant problems at school and work and affect relationships. If you are diagnosed with ADHD taking medication and enhancing your functioning can help reduce symptoms. diagnosis for adhd in adults with ADHD may also need to alter their lifestyles, such as changing their sleeping schedules, using daily planners, or increasing exercise. A person suffering from ADHD needs to be evaluated by their primary care provider or a mental health professional. In the interview in person the practitioner will talk about issues like the development of the disorder, family history, lifestyle and the current symptoms. The practitioner will ask questions about the person's performance, behavior, and productivity and whether they have trouble 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 will likely need to talk to other people who are in the patient's life like parents, spouses, or siblings for adults, as well as teachers, coaches, daycare providers or friends for children. These people can offer insights that questionnaires can't provide, such as the reasons why a person might stop tasks in the middle or is unable to remember things and what types of circumstances trigger symptoms. Many behavioral therapies and medications treat ADHD. The medication may contain stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant medicines like dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs increase the flow of blood to the brain and reduce actions that are impulsive, allowing people to pay attention and follow directions. They can be administered orally or intravenously, and are generally well-tolerated. Therapy can help those with ADHD develop strategies to overcome the difficulties they face. Therapists can help people learn how to manage their lives, manage their appointments, and provide support and guidance when dealing with the effects ADHD symptoms can have on work and family life. Family and marriage therapy can assist in addressing issues caused by the disorder in relationships and also teach how to handle conflict and disagreement that may be triggered in these situations. Medication To determine if your child has ADHD the health professional will take into consideration various factors. They will ask about your child's symptoms at home, at school, and in other settings. They will also use scales and questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They may also request a family history. They will search for other conditions that may be the cause of the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also determine 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 X-rays and blood tests. To diagnose ADHD your child's doctor will adhere to the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are for children aged between 4 and 18. It is harder to diagnose ADHD in adults. This is because the symptoms may change over 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 exhibit more than 6 symptoms that are listed in the guidelines for diagnosis. The guidelines also state the symptoms must have been present for a minimum of six months. If your child is being tested for ADHD, it's important that someone familiar with them interview them. This includes their teachers and religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. They should also be informed about how their symptoms affect their daily lives and how they compare to other children of their age. Medication is the most common form of treatment for ADHD. There are both stimulant and non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate and other stimulants. These medications balance and boost levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Other medications that are used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine and some antipsychotics. They work slower than stimulants, however they are beneficial for people who are unable to use stimulant medications because of health issues or severe adverse effects. They can be used in conjunction with other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy.