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ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?A healthcare professional who is conducting an ADHD assessment will ask you and people close to you, such as a spouse, sibling or a friend for adults -- about the symptoms. This is often a way to gain insights that questionnaires don't.It's harder to identify ADHD in adults, as diagnostic guidelines are designed for children. It is essential to find an ADHD specialist who is willing to evaluate you.SymptomsTo conduct an ADHD assessment, the initial step is to have the patient talk openly and honestly about his symptoms and how they affect his life. Some adults are reluctant to admit that they struggle with paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best way to gain rid of symptoms and lead a a more fulfilling life.The evaluator will ask the individual about their medical history and personal life from childhood until the present. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychological Association's guidelines for the treatment of 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 impairments in at least two significant situations, like school or work. Additionally, the examiner must rule out other disorders that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD like depression, anxiety, or an intellectual disability.A doctor could also utilize ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales in addition to an interview to gather data on the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning, and working memory can help identify ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the circumstances, doctors often ask for permission to contact people close to the person in order to provide valuable insight and support. For instance, they could request the names of parents, spouses, or siblings to speak with them about the person's struggles at home and at work.A physical examination is typically part of an ADHD evaluation. It can help rule other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. In certain instances thyroid problems and seizures may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are indications of injury or damage to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also suggest blood and urine tests to evaluate for the presence of other conditions that could interfere with treatment, such as depression or alcohol and substance abuse.DiagnosisIn determining ADHD the doctor will look for symptoms that can be observed in various situations, such as at school, home or at work. They must also last for a lengthy amount 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.To diagnose children, doctors must follow guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will evaluate your child's symptoms, and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview for a clinical nature. The interview will comprise a review of your child's medical, family, and psychiatric history. They will also inquire about how your child's behavior impacts their mood, behavior and work.It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose children. There is some debate over whether the criteria still apply in adulthood. To meet undiagnosed adult adhd 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 be suffering from these symptoms for an extended time period and have them significantly hinder their daily functioning at school, at home or at work.Your doctor might also recommend other tests in addition a clinical interview to determine the severity and severity of your symptoms or that of your child. These may include blood tests or an EEG. Other tests can help identify the cause of similar symptoms, such as depression or learning disabilities.To find a specialist to evaluate your or the child's ADHD, you can start by asking your family physician for a referral. You can also contact your insurance company to find out whether there are any specialists covered under your plan who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to reach out to a local support group and request recommendations. You can also call an academic medical center or university hospital to request the names of specialists who provide ADHD assessments.TreatmentThe symptoms of ADHD can cause serious problems at school and at work, and interfere with relationships. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, taking medication and improving your performance can help decrease symptoms. People suffering from ADHD also may need to make lifestyle changes, such as adjusting sleeping schedules and using a daily planner or increasing their exercise.A person suffering from ADHD should consult with the primary care physician or psychiatrist or both to get an evaluation. In the interview in person, a practitioner will discuss subjects like the development of the disorder, family history, lifestyle, and current symptoms. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance and productivity, as well as whether they have problems with impulsive or focused actions. They will be interested in knowing how the symptoms have lasted on, where and when they began, and how much stress or problems they can cause.The evaluator could speak to other people involved in the patient's daily life, such as spouses, parents, siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or friends. They can provide insights that questionnaires can't provide, such as how the person often stops tasks halfway or forgets things and what types of situations cause symptoms.ADHD is treated using various treatments and medications. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase blood flow to the brain and decrease actions that are impulsive that allow people to concentrate and follow instructions. They can be administered by mouth or intravenously, and are usually well tolerated.Therapy can help those with ADHD create strategies to compensate for the challenges they face. Therapists can help people learn how to organize their lives, keep track of appointments, and provide assistance and guidance in dealing with the impact ADHD symptoms have on their work and home life. Family therapy and marriage therapy is a great way to tackle the issues caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach coping skills and help resolve conflict that may occur.MedicationTo diagnose ADHD the health professional will take into consideration several factors. They will inquire about your child's behavior at home, at school and in other places. They may also employ scales and questionnaires that are specifically designed for ADHD. They may also ask about the family history. They may also search for other conditions which could cause the symptoms, such as mood disorders and learning disabilities. They will also assess how severe the symptoms are and if they impact your child's life.There is no physical test for ADHD such as blood tests or an X-ray. To determine if you have ADHD the healthcare provider for your child will adhere to the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines were designed for children aged 4-18 years old. It is harder to diagnose 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 exhibit at least six of the symptoms listed in the guidelines to be classified as having ADHD. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for at least six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD the child should be evaluated by someone who is familiar with them. This includes their teachers and coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. They should also be informed about how their symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they compare to other children their age.The most common treatment for ADHD is medication. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medications can be prescribed to reduce ADHD. The stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed. These drugs balance and boost levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are also drugs that treat ADHD. They are less potent than stimulants, but they can be beneficial for those who cannot take stimulants due too severe adverse effects or health issues. These medications can be utilized with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy.