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ADHD Evaluation – What Happens in the First Step? A healthcare professional who's evaluating ADHD will ask you, and the people closest to you (your spouse, sibling, or friend if you're an adult -about the symptoms you experience. This may provide information that questionnaires cannot. It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults, as the diagnostic guidelines are specifically developed for children. It is crucial to locate an ADHD specialist who will take the time to evaluate your situation. 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 impact his life. Some adults do not want to admit they are having trouble paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best way to gain control of the symptoms and live a an enjoyable life. The evaluator asks the person to provide details about their medical and personal history from childhood up to now. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for clinical care for the condition 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 major environments, such as school or work. Additionally, the examiner must rule out other disorders that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD like anxiety, depression or an intellectual disability. In addition to an interview, a doctor might employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to collect information about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory abilities, and spatial and visual reasoning are useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the circumstances, doctors often ask for permission to talk with those close to the person who can offer valuable advice and help. For instance, they may ask for the names of parents, spouses, or siblings to interview them about the individual's issues at home and at work. A physical examination is often part of an ADHD evaluation. It helps rule other disorders out that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can cause symptoms that look similar to ADHD. The evaluator could also conduct a neurological examination to determine if there is any indication of damage or injury to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator can also recommend blood and urinary tests to determine if there is other conditions that could affect treatment. For instance depression, depression, or addiction to alcohol or drugs. Diagnosis Your doctor will look at symptoms that can be seen in different situations, like at work, at home, or school. The symptoms must last for a long period of time. The doctor will then determine how much your symptoms impact your daily life. If learn more 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 utilize the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fifth Edition to determine if children have. They will discuss your child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct an interview. The interview will include a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. You will be asked about your child's daily mood and behavior as well as their productivity. It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V is designed to diagnose children. There is some debate over whether the criteria still apply 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. They must have these symptoms for a long time period, and they must significantly interfere with their daily functioning at school, at home, or work. Apart from conducting a medical interview, your doctor may request other tests to determine the extent of your or your child's symptoms. This could include the blood test or an EEG test. Other tests can help to determine if a condition is causing the same symptoms like learning disabilities or depressive disorders. The suggestion of asking your family physician to refer you to an expert who can evaluate your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is an excellent place to begin. You can also call your insurance provider to inquire if there are professionals covered by your policy who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to contact a local support group and solicit recommendations. You could also call the hospital of a university or medical or graduate school to get the names of specialists who perform ADHD evaluations. Treatment The signs of ADHD can cause significant problems in work and school, and interfere with relationships. Diagnosed with ADHD and taking medication to improve your functioning can help reduce symptoms. People suffering from ADHD might also have to make lifestyle adjustments like changing their sleeping schedules, using daily planners or increasing exercise. A person with ADHD should see their primary care provider, an expert in mental health or both to get an evaluation. During the in-person interview an expert will discuss issues like development, family history, lifestyle and current symptoms. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance, productivity, and if they have problems with impulsive or focused actions. They'll want to know about how long the symptoms have gone on, where and when they first began and how much distress or problems they cause. The evaluator is likely to want to talk to other people in the life of the patient, for example, parents, spouses or siblings for adults as well as teachers, coaches, daycare providers or friends for children. They can provide information that questionnaires cannot, such as the fact that the person frequently forgets or stops tasks in mid-stream. They may also be able to reveal the triggers for symptoms. ADHD is treated by the use of a variety of treatments and medications. Medications may include stimulants like amphetamine, or nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase blood circulation to the brain, reducing impulse-driven behavior, and permit people to pay more focus and follow instructions. The drugs can be taken intravenously or orally and are generally well tolerated. In addition to medications, therapy can help people with ADHD discover strategies to compensate for their challenges. Therapists can teach people techniques to organize their lives and keep track of appointments, as well as provide support and guidance in dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on home and work life. Marriage and family therapy can assist in addressing issues caused by the disorder that affects relationships and teach strategies for dealing with conflict and disagreement that may occur in these situations. Medication To diagnose ADHD A health professional will take into consideration several factors. They will ask about your child's symptoms at home, at school, and in other settings. They will also utilize questionnaires or scales that are specific for ADHD. They may also ask about family history. They will also look for other conditions that may cause the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also determine the severity of the symptoms and whether they affect your child's daily life. There is no physical test to confirm ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. The healthcare provider for your child follows 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 diagnose. 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 show at least six of the symptoms listed in the guidelines to be classified with ADHD. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for at least six months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD the child should be interviewed by someone who knows them well. This includes their teachers and coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. You should also ask them how their symptoms affect their daily life and how they perform to other children their age. The most popular treatment for ADHD is medication. There are both stimulant and non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to decrease ADHD symptoms. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate and other stimulants. These medications help to increase and balance levels of specific brain chemicals. Other medications that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as antipsychotics. They work slower than stimulants, however they can be helpful for people who are unable to use stimulant drugs due to health problems or severe adverse reactions. They can be used in combination with other treatments, for example, cognitive behavioral therapy.