ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?

A healthcare professional evaluating ADHD will ask you and the people closest to you -- your spouse, sibling, or friend when you're an adultabout the symptoms you experience. This will provide information that questionnaires can't.

The process of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is trickier, as diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It is crucial to find an ADHD specialist who is willing to evaluate your situation.

Symptoms

The first step in the process of conducting an ADHD assessment is to have the patient talk honestly and openly about his issues and how they affect his daily life. Adults may not want admit they have trouble paying attention, following directions or managing tasks. But getting an accurate diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and lead a healthier life.

The evaluator asks the person to provide details about their personal and medical history, from childhood until now. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychological Association's clinical guidelines for 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 caused significant impairment in at least two major settings, such as school or work. The evaluator should also rule out any other conditions that can trigger similar symptoms to ADHD, such as anxiety, depression, or intellectual disability.

In addition to an interview, a doctor might utilize behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists to gather details about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory abilities, and spatial and visual reasoning can be useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may ask for permission, based on the circumstance, to reach out to family members or friends who can offer valuable insight and help. For example, they might request the names of parents, spouses or siblings to speak with them about the person's struggles at home and at work.

A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD evaluation, as it can help determine other disorders that can cause similar symptoms. In some cases, thyroid issues and seizures may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator could also perform a neurological examination to determine if there are any signs 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 hinder treatment. For instance depression, depression, or addiction to alcohol or drugs.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will examine symptoms that are present in various settings, like at work, at home or at school. They must be present for a long amount of time. The doctor will then determine the extent to which your symptoms impact your daily life. If they cause a lot of trouble, it's likely that you or your child will meet help improve performance and lessen symptoms. People with ADHD may also need to alter their lifestyles for example, altering their sleep schedules using daily planners, or increasing exercise.

A person suffering from ADHD should be evaluated by their primary healthcare provider or an expert in mental health. In the interview in person an expert will discuss issues like the development of the person, their family history, lifestyle, and current symptoms. The practitioner will inquire about the individual's performance, behavior and productivity and whether they have trouble with impulsive or focused actions. They'll want to know about how long the symptoms have gone on, the location and time they first began and how much distress or problems they can cause.

The evaluator may want to discuss other people who are involved in the patient's everyday life, including spouses, parents, siblings teachers, coaches daycare providers, or family members. These people often provide insight that questionnaires can't provide for example, the reasons why a person might stop tasks halfway or forgets things, or what situations trigger symptoms.

ADHD is treated using a variety of behavioral therapies and drugs. The medication may contain stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant medicines such as dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs increase blood flow to the brain and reduce the impulse to act, allowing people to pay attention and follow directions. They can be taken either orally or intravenously and are usually well tolerated.

Alongside medication therapy can also help those with ADHD discover strategies to deal with their challenges. Therapists can teach people techniques to organize their lives and track their appointments, and provide assistance and advice in dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on home and work life. Family therapy and marriage therapy is a great 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

To diagnose ADHD A health professional will take into consideration many factors. They will inquire with your child about his or her symptoms at school, at home and other places. They may also use questionnaires and scales that are specific to ADHD. They might also request an information about the family history. They will also check for other conditions that may be the cause of the symptoms, like learning disabilities and mood disorders. They will also assess how severe the symptoms are and if they interfere with your child's daily life.

There is no physical test to confirm ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. The doctor treating your child is following guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines were designed for children aged 4-18 years of age. 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 six or more of the symptoms described 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 evaluated for ADHD, they should be evaluated by someone who is familiar with them. This includes teachers as well as religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. They should also be informed about how to get diagnosed with adhd as a woman their symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they compare to other children of their age.

The most popular treatment for ADHD is medication. There are stimulant as well as nonstimulant medications that can be prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other stimulants. These medications balance and boost levels of certain brain chemical. Antipsychotics and Atomoxetine are medications that can help treat ADHD. They are not as potent as stimulants but can be useful for those who are unable to use stimulants due too severe adverse effects or health issues. Medications can be used in combination with other treatments, for example, cognitive behavioral therapy.