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ADHD Evaluation – What Happens in the First Step? A medical professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and those around you, such as a spouse, sibling, or friend for adults — about their symptoms. This can provide information that questionnaires cannot. It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults, since diagnostic guidelines are created for children. It is essential to find an ADHD specialist who is willing to assess you. Signs and symptoms For an ADHD assessment, the first step is to allow the patient to discuss openly and honestly about the symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults may not want to admit that they struggle with paying attention, following instructions or managing tasks. But getting a precise diagnosis will help you control symptoms and live a happier life. The person being evaluated is asked to share 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 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 minimum two major situations, like school or at work. In addition, the evaluator must rule out any other conditions that may cause the same symptoms as ADHD like depression, anxiety or an intellectual disability. In addition to an interview, a doctor might employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to collect details about the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning and working memory can help in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may ask for permission based on the circumstances to reach out to family members or friends who may provide valuable information and support. For example, they might ask for the names of parents, spouses, or siblings to talk with them about the individual's issues at home and at work. A physical exam is typically part of an ADHD evaluation, since it can help rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. In certain instances, thyroid issues and seizures can mimic symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator could also perform an examination of the brain to determine if there are indications of brain injury or damage that could be the cause of the symptoms. The evaluator could also suggest urine and blood tests to determine the presence of any other conditions that could interfere with treatment, like depression, alcohol or drug abuse. 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 long time. The doctor will evaluate how these symptoms interfere with 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 employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition to determine if children have. They will discuss the child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview for a clinical nature. The interview will comprise an overview of your child's medical family, psychiatric, and medical history. You will be asked about your child's mood and behavior, as well as performance. For adults, it's more difficult to establish a diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is targeted toward diagnosing children, and there is some debate over whether these 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 exhibit these symptoms for a prolonged time period and must be able to interfere with their daily life at school, home or at work. Apart from conducting a medical interview, your doctor could conduct additional tests to determine the extent of your or the child's symptoms. This may include blood tests or an EEG. Other tests can help identify conditions that could be causing the same symptoms like depression or learning disabilities. A request to your family doctor to recommend you to an expert who will evaluate your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is the best place to begin. You can also call your insurance provider to inquire whether there are any specialists that are covered by your plan and who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also reach out to an organization in your area and request suggestions. You can also contact the medical school or university hospital to get a list of professionals that conduct ADHD evaluations. Treatment The symptoms of ADHD can lead to serious issues at school and work and can affect relationships. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, taking medication and improving your functioning can help reduce symptoms. Patients with ADHD may also need to alter their lifestyles like altering their sleep schedules using daily planners, or increasing exercise. Anyone suffering from ADHD should consult with the primary care physician or psychiatrist or both to get an evaluation. In the interview in person an expert will discuss topics such as the development of the person, their family history, lifestyle, and the current symptoms. The practitioner will ask questions about the person's behavior, performance and productivity, and if they have trouble with impulsive actions or focus. They will inquire about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when and where they began and the level of distress they cause. The evaluator may need to talk to other people in the patient's life, for example, parents, spouses or siblings for adults as well as coaches, teachers or daycare providers for children. They can provide insights that questionnaires cannot for example, the way that a person may stop tasks in the middle or is unable to remember things and what types of situations cause symptoms. ADHD is treated with various behavioral therapies and medications. The medications may 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 be attentive and follow directions. They can be taken orally or intravenously, and are usually well tolerated. Therapy can help people suffering from ADHD develop strategies to overcome the difficulties they face. Therapists can help people learn how to organize their lives and keep track of appointments, as well as provide assistance and guidance when dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on their home and work. Marriage and family therapy can help with issues caused by the disorder that affects relationships, as well as teaching strategies for dealing with conflict and discord that can occur in these situations. Medication To determine if your child has ADHD, a health professional will take into consideration several factors. They will ask about your child's behavior at home, at schools, and elsewhere. They will also use questionnaires or scales that are specific for ADHD. They might also inquire about the family history. ADHD Diagnosis will also check for other conditions that may explain the symptoms such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and if they impact your child's life. There isn't a physical test for ADHD, like a blood test or an X-ray. To diagnose ADHD the healthcare provider for your child will be following the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are intended for children aged 4 to 18. It is difficult to determine ADHD in adults. The symptoms of ADHD can change with time. People who have ADHD can be diagnosed as predominately inattentive, predominately hyperactive-impulsive or a combination of the two. A child must exhibit six or more of the symptoms described in the guidelines to be diagnosed as having ADHD. The guidelines also state the symptoms must be 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. Included in this are their coaches, teachers, religious leaders and other caregivers. You should also ask them how their symptoms affect their daily functioning, and how they compare with other children their own age. Medication is the most popular treatment option for ADHD. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medication can be prescribed to reduce ADHD. Stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed. These medications help to increase and balance levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are also medications that can help treat ADHD. They are not as potent as stimulants but can be useful for people who are unable to take stimulants due too severe side effects or health problems. They can be combined with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral treatment.