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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 your spouse, sibling or a friend for adults — about symptoms. This often provides insight that questionnaires can't uncover. The process of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is trickier since the diagnostic guidelines are targeted at children. It is crucial to locate an ADHD specialist who will take the time to evaluate you. Symptoms For an ADHD assessment, the first step is to have the patient discuss openly and honestly about the symptoms and how they affect his life. Some adults are reluctant to admit they struggle with 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 happier and healthier lives. The examiner will inquire of the person about their medical history and personal life from childhood until the present. The evaluator also reviews the American Psychiatric 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 led to significant impairment in at minimum two major environments, such as work or school. In addition, the person evaluating must rule out any other conditions that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or an intellectual disability. In addition to an interview, a physician may use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to gather details about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess working memory, executive functioning skills and visual and spatial reasoning can be helpful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors can ask permission, based on the circumstance, to speak with family members or friends who can offer valuable insight and help. For instance, they may request the names of parents, spouses, or siblings to talk with them about the person's problems at home and at work. A physical exam is typically part of an ADHD assessment, since it can help rule out other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. In some cases, thyroid issues and seizures may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct a neurological exam to determine if there's any sign of damage or injury to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also recommend blood and urinary tests to determine if there are other conditions that might affect treatment. For example depression, addiction to alcohol or drugs. Diagnosis Your doctor will be able to examine symptoms that occur in different environments, such as at work, at home or at school. They should be present for a long amount of time. Then, the doctor will evaluate how these symptoms interfere with 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 in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will assess the child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will discuss your child's medical history, family history, and psychiatric background. You will be asked questions about your child's mood, behavior, and productivity. It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is designed 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. These symptoms must be present for a prolonged duration and affect everyday functioning at work, school or home. In addition to conducting a clinical interview, your doctor could order other tests to determine the extent of your the child's symptoms. This could include tests for blood or EEG test. Other tests can be used to rule out the cause of similar symptoms, such as depression or learning disabilities. To find a specialist to assess your child's ADHD, you can start by asking your family physician for an appointment. You can also contact your insurance provider to inquire whether there are any specialists covered under your plan who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to contact a local support group and request suggestions. You can also try calling a university-based hospital or a medical or graduate school to get a list of professionals who conduct ADHD evaluations. Treatment The symptoms of ADHD can lead to serious issues in work and school, and interfere with relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can help improve functioning and reduce symptoms. People suffering from ADHD might also have to alter their lifestyles like altering their sleep schedules using daily planners, or increasing exercise. Anyone suffering from ADHD should see their primary care physician, psychiatrist or both for an evaluation. During the in-person interview an expert will discuss issues like the development of the disorder, family history, lifestyle and the current symptoms. The practitioner will ask questions about the person's performance, behavior and productivity and whether they have trouble with impulsive or focused actions. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when and where they started, and the amount of distress they cause. The evaluator will likely need to talk to other people in the life of the patient, such as spouses, parents or siblings for adults, as well as coaches, teachers and daycare providers for children. These people can offer insights that questionnaires can't give, such as the fact that the person frequently forgets or stops tasks in mid-stream. They can also reveal what situations trigger symptoms. Many behavioral therapies and medications treat ADHD. Medications may include stimulants like amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs improve blood flow to the brain, suppress the impulsive behavior of people and enable them to pay focus and follow instructions. These drugs can be taken intravenously or orally, and they are generally well-tolerated. Alongside medication therapy can also help those with ADHD develop strategies to deal with their difficulties. Therapists can help people learn how to organize their lives, manage their appointments, and provide assistance and guidance in dealing with the effects ADHD symptoms can have on work and home life. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help address problems caused by the disorder that affects relationships and also teach coping skills for conflict and disagreement that may arise in these situations. Medication For an expert to diagnose ADHD it is necessary to evaluate various aspects. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk will ask about your child's symptoms at home, at school, and in other settings. They may also use questionnaires and scales that are specifically designed for ADHD. They may also inquire about the history of their family. They may also search for other conditions which could explain the symptoms such as learning disabilities and mood disorders. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and whether they affect your child's daily routine. There is no physical test to 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 for children aged between 4 and 18. Adults are more difficult to identify. This is because a person's symptoms can change over time. People who have ADHD can be diagnosed as predominately inattentive, predominately hyperactive-impulsive or a combination of the two. To be diagnosed with ADHD, a child must have 6 or more of the symptoms as described in the diagnostic guidelines. The guidelines also state the symptoms must have been present for at least six months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD the child should be interviewed by someone who is familiar with them. Included in this are their coaches, teachers, religious leaders, and other caregivers. They should also be questioned about how their symptoms affect their daily lives and how they compare to other children their age. Medication is the most common method of treating ADHD. There are both stimulant and non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms. Stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed. These medications help to increase and balance levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are two medications that can help treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, however they are beneficial for people who are unable to use stimulant medication because of health issues or severe adverse reactions. The use of medications can be in conjunction with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy.