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ADHD Evaluation – What Happens in the First Step? A healthcare professional evaluating ADHD will ask you and those closest to you — your spouse or sibling in the case of an adult- about your symptoms. This is often a way to gain information that questionnaires cannot. Finding out if you have ADHD in adulthood can be a challenge since the diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It's important to find a specialist with the condition who takes their time with your evaluation. Signs and symptoms To conduct an ADHD evaluation, the first step is for the patient to be honest and open about the symptoms and how they affect his life. Adults may not want admit that they struggle with paying attention, following instructions or organising tasks. But getting an accurate diagnosis will help you control symptoms and live a happier life. The evaluator will ask the person 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 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 least two significant situations, like work or school. Additionally, the examiner must rule out any other conditions that can cause the same symptoms as ADHD like depression, anxiety, or an intellectual disability. In addition to an interview, a physician may use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists to gather information about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning, and working memory may help identify ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the specific situation doctors will often request permission to speak with people close to the person who can provide valuable information and support. For instance, they could request the names of spouses, parents or siblings to speak with them about the person's struggles at home and at work. A physical exam is typically part of an ADHD evaluation, since it can help identify other disorders that can cause similar symptoms. In some cases thyroid problems and seizures can be a cause of ADHD. The evaluator can also perform a neurological examination to determine if there are any indications of brain injury or damage that could be the cause of the symptoms. The evaluator may also suggest urine and blood tests to determine if there are other conditions that might affect treatment. For example, depression or alcohol or drug abuse. Diagnosis When diagnosing ADHD the doctor will look for signs that manifest in various settings, like at school, home or at work. The symptoms must also persist for a long period of time. The doctor will assess how much these symptoms affect your 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. Doctors utilize 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 impact their lives. They may also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will include your child's medical background, family history, and psychiatric history. They will also inquire about how your child's behavior affects their mood, behavior and work. It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V is a diagnostic tool designed for children. There is some debate about whether the criteria are still applicable in 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 an extended time period and must be able to hinder their daily life at home, school, or work. In addition to conducting a clinical interview, your doctor could request additional tests to determine the extent of your your child's symptoms. This might include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help identify conditions that could be similar to depressive or learning disabilities. A request to your family doctor to recommend you to an expert who can assess your ADHD or that of your child is a good place to start. 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 contact a local group of support and request recommendations. You can also call a medical school or university-based hospital to get a list of professionals that perform ADHD evaluations. Treatment The symptoms of ADHD can cause serious problems at school and work and affect relationships. If you're diagnosed with ADHD, taking medication and improving your functioning can help reduce symptoms. Patients with ADHD may also need to adjust their lifestyle, such as altering their sleep schedules using daily planners or ad hoc exercise. A person suffering from ADHD must be assessed by their primary care physician or a mental health professional. In the interview in person, a practitioner will discuss subjects like the development of the disorder, family history, lifestyle and the current symptoms. The practitioner will ask questions about the patient's performance, behavior and productivity, and if they have trouble with impulsive or focused actions. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when and where they began and how much distress they cause. The evaluator could discuss other people who are involved in the patient's everyday life, including parents, spouses siblings, teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or friends. These people can offer insights that questionnaires can't provide, such as the way that a person may stop tasks in the middle or is unable to remember things, and what situations trigger symptoms. ADHD is treated using various behavioral therapies and drugs. The medication may contain stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant medications like dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs improve blood flow to the brain, reduce impulsive behavior and allow people to pay more focus and follow instructions. They can be administered either orally or intravenously and are usually well tolerated. Therapy can help people suffering from ADHD create strategies to deal with the difficulties they encounter. Therapists can help people learn how to manage their lives and track their appointments, as well as provide assistance and advice in dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on their home and work. Marriage and family therapy is a fantastic way to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach strategies for dealing with stress and assist in resolving conflict that may arise. Medication In order for an expert to diagnose ADHD the doctor must look at many things. They will inquire about your child's symptoms at home, in schools, and elsewhere. They will also use questionnaires or scales specifically designed for ADHD. They might also request a family history. They will also look for other conditions that may explain the symptoms such as mood disorders and learning disabilities. They will also determine the severity of the symptoms and if they are affecting your child's daily life. There is no physical test that can diagnose ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. Your child's healthcare provider follows guidelines set by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are designed for children 4 to 18 years old. It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults. 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 show six or more symptoms listed in the guidelines in order to be diagnosed as having ADHD. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must have been present for a minimum of six months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD the child should be interviewed by someone who knows them well. getting a adhd diagnosis I Am Psychiatry includes teachers, religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. They should also be questioned about how the symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they compare to other children their age. The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication. There are stimulant as well as non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to decrease ADHD symptoms. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other stimulants. These drugs help boost and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals. Other medications that are used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine as well as some antipsychotics. They are not as potent as stimulants, but they can be beneficial for those who are unable to use stimulants due too severe side effects or health issues. They can be combined with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy.