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ADHD Evaluation – What Happens in the First Step? A healthcare professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and those around you — a spouse, sibling or friend for adults — about symptoms. This often provides insights that questionnaires don't. It is more difficult to determine ADHD in adults, as diagnostic guidelines are developed for children. It's crucial to find an ADHD specialist who is willing to evaluate your situation. Signs and symptoms The first step in the initial step of an ADHD evaluation is to have the patient speak honestly and openly about his symptoms and how they affect his daily life. Adults may not want to admit they have trouble paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks. But getting a precise diagnosis will help you control symptoms and lead a healthier life. The evaluator asks the person to share their medical and personal history from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines 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. Symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at least two major environments, such as work or school. In addition, the evaluator must rule out any other conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD like depression, anxiety or an intellectual disability. In addition to an interview, a doctor might utilize behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to gather information about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that measure working memory, executive functioning skills and visual and spatial reasoning are useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the specific situation doctors may ask for permission to contact people close to the person in order to offer valuable advice and support. They may request the names and contact information of parents, spouses or siblings to interview them regarding the person's problems both at home and at the workplace. A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD evaluation, as it can help identify other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. In some cases thyroid problems and seizures may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator can also perform an examination of the brain to determine if there are indications of brain injury or damage that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator may also suggest urine and blood tests to determine if there are other conditions that might hinder treatment. For example depression, alcohol or drug abuse. Diagnosis In determining ADHD, your doctor will be looking for signs that can be observed in various environments, such as at school, home or at work. They must be present for a long amount of time. The doctor will determine the extent to which your symptoms interfere with 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 assess the symptoms of your child and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct a clinical interview. The interview will cover your child's medical background, family history, and psychiatric background. You will be asked about your child's mood and behavior, as well as productivity. For adults, it is trickier to make an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose children. There is some debate over whether the criteria still apply in 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. These symptoms must be present for a prolonged period of time and interfere with daily functioning at school, work or home. In addition to conducting a clinical interview, your doctor may order other tests to determine severity of your child's symptoms. This could include tests for blood or EEG test. Other tests can help to determine if a condition is producing the same symptoms as learning disabilities or depressive disorders. The suggestion of asking your family physician to recommend you to an expert who can evaluate your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is the best place to begin. You can also reach out to your insurance company to inquire if experts who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your policy. You can also reach out to an organization in your area and request suggestions. You can also try calling a university-based hospital or a medical or graduate school for the names of specialists who conduct ADHD evaluations. Treatment The signs of ADHD can cause serious problems at school and at work and affect relationships. Being diagnosed and taking medication can help improve performance and lessen symptoms. People suffering from ADHD may also have to alter their lifestyles for example, adjusting sleeping schedules or using a daily planner, or increasing exercise. A person with ADHD must be assessed by their primary care physician or an expert in mental health. During the in-person consultation, a practitioner will discuss issues like the development of the disorder, family history, lifestyle, and the current symptoms. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance and productivity, as well as whether they are struggling with impulsive or focused actions. They will inquire about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when and where they began and the amount of distress they cause. IamPsychiatry is likely to need to talk to other people in the life of the patient, like parents, spouses, or siblings for adults and teachers, coaches and daycare providers for children. These people often provide insight that questionnaires can't provide for example, how the person often stops tasks halfway or forgets things, and what circumstances trigger symptoms. ADHD is treated by 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 the flow of blood to the brain and decrease impulsive actions that allow people to pay attention and follow instructions. These drugs can be taken intravenously or orally and are generally well-tolerated. Therapy can help people suffering from ADHD create strategies to overcome the challenges they experience. Therapists can help individuals learn how to manage their lives, track their appointments, and provide assistance and guidance in dealing with the impact ADHD symptoms can have on 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 conflicts that might arise. Medication To diagnose ADHD the health care professional must consider various factors. They will inquire with your child about his or her symptoms at school, at home and in other locations. They will also use scales and questionnaires that are specific to ADHD. They may also request a family history. They will also look for other conditions that may be the cause of the symptoms, such as 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 that can determine 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 designed for children 4 to 18 years of age. It is harder to diagnose ADHD in adults. 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. A child must show at least six of the symptoms listed in the guidelines to be diagnosed with ADHD. The guidelines also stipulate 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 interview them. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders and other caregivers. They should also be informed about how the symptoms affect their daily lives and how they compare to other children of their age. The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication. There are stimulant as well as non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms. The stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed. These drugs help boost and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are two medications that can help treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, however they can be beneficial for people who are unable to use stimulant medication due to health issues or severe side effects. The use of medications can be in conjunction with other treatments, for example, cognitive behavioral therapy.