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ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?A medical professional conducting an ADHD assessment will ask you and your family members close to you, such as a spouse, sibling, or friend for adults -- about symptoms. This may provide information that questionnaires cannot.It's harder to identify ADHD in adults, because the guidelines for diagnosis are developed for children. It's important to find a specialist in the field who takes his or her time in evaluating your case.SymptomsThe first step in an ADHD assessment is to have the patient openly and openly 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 getting an accurate diagnosis is the best way to gain control of the symptoms and live a a more fulfilling life.The evaluator will ask the person to tell them about their medical history and personal life from childhood to 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 caused significant impairments in at least two important settings, such as work or school. In addition, the person evaluating must rule out any other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or an intellectual impairment.A doctor may also use ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales in conjunction with an interview to gather information about the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning, and working memory may aid in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the specific situation, doctors often ask for permission to speak with people close to the person who can offer valuable advice and support. They may ask for the names and contact numbers of the spouse, parents, or siblings in order to interview them regarding the person's problems both at home and at the workplace.A physical exam is typically part of an ADHD evaluation, as it can help determine other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. In certain instances thyroid problems and seizures can be a cause of ADHD. The evaluator could also perform an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are signs of injury or damage to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also suggest urine and blood tests to determine the presence of any other conditions that may hinder treatment, like depression or alcohol and addiction.DiagnosisWhen diagnosing ADHD, your doctor will look for symptoms that are present in different settings, like at home, school, or work. The symptoms should also last for a prolonged period of time. Then, the doctor will evaluate how these symptoms interfere with 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.Doctors employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition to determine if children have. how to get an adhd diagnosis will examine the symptoms of your child and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will include a review of your child's medical, family, and psychiatric history. You will be asked questions about your child's daily mood and behavior as well as their performance.It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is designed towards diagnosing children. However, there is some disagreement about whether these 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 prolonged period of time and interfere with daily functioning at school, work, or at home.Your doctor may also request other tests in addition the clinical interview to determine the extent and severity of your symptoms or the child's. These may include blood tests or an EEG. Other tests can help identify an illness that causes similar symptoms, for example, learning disabilities or depression.A request to your family doctor to refer you to a specialist who can evaluate your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is a good place to start. You can also reach out to your insurance company to determine if specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered by your insurance plan. You can also reach out to a local group of support and ask for recommendations. You can also contact a medical school or university-based hospital to get the list of specialists who perform ADHD assessments.TreatmentADHD symptoms can cause serious problems at work or in school and may cause issues with relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can help improve functioning and decrease symptoms. People suffering from ADHD may also have to make lifestyle changes, such as adjusting sleeping schedules or using a daily planner or increasing their exercise.Anyone suffering from ADHD should see the primary care provider, an expert in mental health or both to receive an assessment. During the in-person consultation an expert will discuss topics such as development, family history, lifestyle, and current symptoms. The doctor will ask questions about the patient's behavior, performance and productivity and whether they have trouble with impulsive or focused actions. They will inquire about the duration of the symptoms, when and where they started, and how much distress they cause.The evaluator will likely need to talk to other people in the patient's life, for example, parents, spouses or siblings for adults as well as teachers, coaches, daycare providers or friends for children. These people often provide insight that questionnaires don't uncover for example, the reasons why a person might stop tasks mid-way or forgets things, and what situations trigger symptoms.Many behavioral therapies and medications help treat ADHD. Medications may include stimulants like amphetamine, or nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase blood circulation to the brain, suppress impulsive behavior and allow people to pay more focus and follow instructions. They can be taken by mouth or intravenously, and are generally well-tolerated.Therapy can help people with ADHD create strategies to compensate for the challenges they encounter. Therapists can help people learn how to manage their lives, track their appointments and provide assistance and guidance in dealing with the effects ADHD symptoms can have on work and home life. Family and marriage therapy can help address problems caused by the disorder in relationships and teach strategies for dealing with conflict and disagreement that may occur in these situations.MedicationFor an expert to diagnose ADHD, they must evaluate many things. They will inquire about your child's symptoms at home, at school and in other places. They may also use questionnaires or scales specifically designed for ADHD. They might also request a family history. They will search for other conditions that could explain the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and if they affect your child's daily life.There is no physical test for ADHD, like a blood test or an X-ray. Your child's healthcare provider follows guidelines set by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are geared towards children 4 to 18 years of age. Adults are more difficult to identify. 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.A child must display 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 is crucial that someone familiar with them interviews them. This includes teachers and religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. They should also be asked about the effects of their symptoms on their daily lives 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. Stimulants, like methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most commonly prescribed. These medications help to increase and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are also medications that can treat ADHD. They are not as potent as stimulants but can be useful for those who cannot take stimulants due to severe side effects or health problems. These medications can be utilized in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral treatment.