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ADHD Evaluation – What Happens in the First Step? A healthcare professional conducting an ADHD assessment will ask you and people close to you — a spouse, sibling or friend for adults — about the symptoms. This can provide insight that questionnaires can't. The process of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood can be a challenge, as diagnostic guidelines are targeted at children. It's important to find a specialist in the field who takes the time in evaluating your case. Symptoms The first step in the initial step of an ADHD evaluation is to have the patient speak honestly and openly about his issues and how they affect his life. Adults may not want to admit they have trouble paying attention, following directions or managing tasks. But getting a precise diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and live a happier life. The evaluator will ask the person to provide information about their medical and personal history from childhood to present. The evaluator also reviews the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for clinical care for the disorder, which are found 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 examiner should also rule out any other conditions that can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD like anxiety, depression, or intellectual impairment. In addition to an interview, a doctor may utilize behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to collect details about the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning abilities, and spatial and visual reasoning can be useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors can ask permission based on the circumstances to contact family members or friends who could provide valuable information and support. For instance, they could request the names of spouses, parents or siblings to interview them about the individual's issues at home and at work. A physical exam is typically part of an ADHD assessment, since it can help determine other disorders that can cause similar symptoms. In some instances thyroid problems and seizures can be a cause of ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct an examination of the brain to determine if there are symptoms of brain injury or damage that could be the cause of the symptoms. The evaluator could also suggest urine and blood tests to evaluate for the presence of any other conditions that may hinder treatment, such as depression, alcohol or substance abuse. Diagnosis Your doctor will look at symptoms that occur in different situations, like at work, home or at school. The symptoms should also last for a long period of time. Then, the doctor will assess how much these symptoms affect your day-to-day 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 follow guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will examine the child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will discuss your child's medical history, family history, and psychiatric background. They will also ask you about how your child's behavior affects their daily mood, behaviors, and productivity. For adults, it's trickier to make a diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is geared towards diagnosing children, but there is some controversy over whether these criteria still apply to 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 a long time period and have them significantly affect their daily functioning at home, school or at work. Your doctor might also recommend other tests in addition an interview with you to determine the severity and severity of your symptoms or that of your child. This could include tests for blood or EEG test. Other tests can be used to rule out an illness that causes similar symptoms, for example, learning disabilities or depression. To find a specialist to assess the child's ADHD, you can start by asking your family physician for the referral. You can also contact your insurance company to find out if professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered by your policy. You can also reach out to a local group of support and request recommendations. You can also try calling an institution of higher education or a medical or graduate school for the names of specialists who can conduct ADHD evaluations. Treatment The signs of ADHD can cause significant problems at school and work and affect relationships. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, taking medication and improving your performance can help decrease symptoms. Patients with ADHD also may need to change their lifestyle for example, adjusting sleep schedules, using a daily planner or increasing their exercise. A person with ADHD must see their primary care provider or psychiatrist or both to receive an assessment. In this in-person consultation the professional will discuss topics including development as well as family and lifestyle history, and current symptoms and concerns. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance, productivity, and if they are struggling with impulsive or focusing actions. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, when and where they started, and the amount of distress they cause. The evaluator might want to discuss other people who are part of the patient's daily life, including spouses, parents, siblings, teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or family members. These people can offer insights that questionnaires cannot for example, the way that a person may stop tasks in the middle or is unable to remember things, or what circumstances trigger symptoms. Many behavioral therapies and medications treat ADHD. www.iampsychiatry.uk may include stimulants such as amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase blood circulation to the brain, suppress impulsive behavior and allow people to pay focus and follow instructions. They can be administered by mouth or intravenously, and are generally well-tolerated. Therapy can help people with ADHD develop strategies to compensate for the challenges they face. Therapists can help people learn how to manage their lives and track their appointments, and provide assistance and guidance when dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on home and at work. Marriage and family therapy is a great way to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach coping skills and help resolve conflicts that might occur. Medication For a medical professional to identify ADHD, they must evaluate various aspects. They will inquire about your child's symptoms at home, at schools, and elsewhere. They may also employ questionnaires and scales specifically designed for ADHD. They might also request an history of the family. They will also look for other conditions that may cause the symptoms, for example mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also determine how severe the symptoms are and if they affect your child's daily life. There is no physical test to diagnose ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. To get a diagnosis your child's doctor will adhere to the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are intended for children between the ages of 4 and 18. Adults are more difficult to diagnose. The symptoms of ADHD can change as time passes. People who have ADHD can be diagnosed as predominately inattentive, predominately hyperactive-impulsive or a combination of the two. To be diagnosed with ADHD the child must have more than 6 symptoms that are listed in the guidelines for diagnosis. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD, they should be interviewed by someone who knows them well. This includes teachers as well as coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. It is also important to inquire what the effects of their ailments are on their daily life and how they compare to other children of their age. The most common treatment for ADHD is medication. Both stimulant and nonstimulant medication are available to treat ADHD. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other stimulants. These drugs balance and boost levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Other medications that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine as well as some antipsychotics. They are not as potent as stimulants but can be useful for people who are unable to take stimulants due to severe side effects or health problems. The use of medications can be in combination with other treatments, for example, cognitive behavioral therapy.