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ADHD Evaluation – What Happens in the First Step? A healthcare professional conducting an ADHD assessment will question you and those around you, such as a spouse, sibling or friend for adults — about symptoms. This will provide information that questionnaires cannot. Finding out if you have ADHD in adulthood can be a challenge, as diagnostic guidelines are targeted at children. It is important to find a specialist with the field who takes the time in evaluating your case. Symptoms To conduct an ADHD assessment, the first step is for the patient to discuss openly and honestly about the symptoms and how they impact his life. Some adults are reluctant to admit that they struggle with paying attention and following directions or organising tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best way to gain control of symptoms and live an enjoyable life. The evaluator will ask the person about their medical history and personal life from childhood to the present. 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 caused significant impairments in at minimum two crucial situations, like school or work. Additionally, the examiner must rule out other disorders that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD like depression, anxiety, or an intellectual disability. In addition to an interview, a doctor might use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists to gather information about the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning skills and visual and spatial reasoning can be helpful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may request permission based on the circumstances to reach out to family members or friends who could offer valuable advice and help. They might ask for the names and contact information of the spouse, parents or siblings to speak with them about the person's challenges at home and at the workplace. A physical examination is often included in an ADHD evaluation. It could help rule out other disorders out that may cause similar symptoms. In some instances thyroid issues and seizures may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator could also conduct a neurological exam to see whether there is any evidence of damage or injury to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also recommend blood and urinary tests to determine if there are any other conditions that might hinder treatment. For example depression, the use of alcohol or drugs. Diagnosis Your doctor will be able to examine symptoms that are present in various environments, such as at work, at home or at school. They should also last for a significant period of time. The doctor will then determine how much your symptoms impact 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 evaluate the child's symptoms and how they impact their lives. They may also conduct a clinical interview. The interview will cover your child's medical background, family history and psychiatric history. They will also ask questions about the impact of your child's behavior on their daily mood, behaviors, and productivity. For adults, it is trickier to make a diagnosis. The DSM-V is designed to diagnose children. There is some debate as to whether the criteria are still applicable 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 long time and must interfere with everyday functioning at school, work, or home. Apart from conducting a medical interview, your doctor may order additional tests to determine the extent of your your child's symptoms. These might include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help to rule out conditions that are similar to learning disabilities or depressive disorders. To find a specialist to assess your child's ADHD, you can start by asking your family physician for a referral. You can also contact your insurance company to find out if professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your insurance plan. You can also contact a local group of support and ask for suggestions. You can also contact a medical school or university-based hospital to request the list of specialists who provide ADHD assessments. Treatment The signs of ADHD can cause significant problems at school and at work and can affect relationships. Being diagnosed and taking medication can help improve functioning and reduce symptoms. People suffering from ADHD may also need to adjust their lifestyle for example, changing their sleeping schedules, using daily planners, or increasing exercise. A person with ADHD must be assessed by their primary care provider or a mental health professional. During the in-person consultation an expert will discuss issues like development, family history, lifestyle, and current symptoms. The doctor will ask questions about the person's performance, behavior, and productivity, and if they have issues with impulsive behavior or focus. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when and where they began and the amount of distress they cause. The evaluator will likely need to talk to other people who are in the patient's life such as spouses, parents or siblings for adults and teachers, coaches, daycare providers or friends for children. These people can offer insights that questionnaires don't uncover like the way that a person may stop tasks in the middle or is unable to remember things, and what situations cause symptoms. Many different behavioral therapies and medications are used to treat ADHD. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase the flow of blood to the brain and suppress actions that are impulsive, allowing people to concentrate and follow directions. These drugs can be administered by mouth or intravenously and generally are well-tolerated. adhd diagnosis adults can help people with ADHD develop strategies to overcome the difficulties they face. Therapists can teach people techniques to organize their lives and keep track of appointments, as well as provide assistance and advice in dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on their home and at work. Marriage and family therapy can assist in addressing issues caused by the disorder that affects relationships and teach coping skills for conflict and disagreement that may occur in these situations. Medication To diagnose ADHD, a health professional will take into consideration various factors. They will inquire with your child about their symptoms at school, home and in other locations. They may also use questionnaires and scales specifically designed for ADHD. They may also ask for an history of the family. They will also look for other conditions that may cause the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and if they impact your child's life. There isn't a physical test for ADHD such as a blood test or an X-ray. To diagnose ADHD the healthcare provider for your child will follow guidelines that were developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are intended for children aged between 4 and 18. Adults are more difficult to identify. The symptoms of ADHD may change with 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 display at least 6 of the symptoms that are listed in the diagnostic guidelines. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for at least six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD, it's important that someone who is familiar with them conducts an interview. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. They should also be asked about how the symptoms affect their daily lives and how they compare to other children of their age. Medication is the most common form of treatment for ADHD. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medications are available to treat ADHD. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other stimulants. These drugs balance and increase levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are two medications that can treat ADHD. They are less potent than stimulants but can be useful for people who are unable to take stimulants due too severe side effects or health issues. The medications can be used in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral treatment.