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ADHD Evaluation – What Happens in the First Step? A healthcare professional evaluating ADHD will ask you, and your closest family members — your spouse, sibling, or friend if you're an adult — about your symptoms. This can provide insight that questionnaires are not able to provide. Diagnosing ADHD in adulthood can be a challenge because the diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It is important to find a specialist in the field who takes their time with your evaluation. Symptoms To conduct an ADHD evaluation, the first step is for the patient to discuss openly and honestly about symptoms and how they affect his life. Some adults are reluctant to admit that they struggle with paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best way to gain control of symptoms and live happier and healthier lives. The evaluator will ask the individual about their personal and medical history from childhood to present. The evaluator will also review 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 led to significant impairments in at minimum two crucial settings, such as work or school. The evaluator must be able to rule out other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD like anxiety, depression, or intellectual disabilities. A doctor could also utilize 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, spatial and visual reasoning, and working memory may aid in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the specific situation doctors may ask for permission to speak with people close to the person who could offer valuable advice and support. For example, they might ask for the names of parents, spouses or siblings to speak with them about the person's struggles at home and at work. A physical exam is typically part of an ADHD assessment, since it can help identify other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that resemble like ADHD. The evaluator could also conduct a neurological examination to determine if there's any sign of damage or injury to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also recommend urine and blood tests to determine if there are other conditions that may hinder treatment. For instance depression, depression, or addiction to alcohol or drugs. Diagnosis Your doctor will look at symptoms that are present in various situations, like at home, work, or school. They should also last for a lengthy period of time. Then, the doctor will evaluate how these 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 follow the guidelines of 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. The interview will comprise a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. They will also ask questions about how your child's behavior impacts their daily mood, behaviors and productivity. It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is designed towards diagnosing children. However, there is some disagreement about 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 be suffering from these symptoms for a prolonged period of time, and they must significantly hinder their daily life at school, at home or at work. Apart from conducting a medical interview, your doctor could conduct other tests to determine extent of your the child's symptoms. adhd diagnosis uk adults could include a 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 evaluate your or the child's ADHD you can begin by asking your family physician for a referral. You can also call your insurance provider to inquire if there are professionals covered under your plan who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also contact an organization in your area and request recommendations. You can also contact a university-based hospital or a medical or graduate school to get an inventory of professionals who can conduct ADHD evaluations. Treatment ADHD symptoms can lead to serious issues at work and at school, and can cause problems with relationships. If you are diagnosed with ADHD and taking medication to improve your performance can help decrease symptoms. People with ADHD may also need to alter their lifestyles for example, altering their sleep schedules using daily planners or increasing exercise. A person suffering from ADHD should be evaluated by their primary care physician or a mental health professional. In the interview in person an expert will discuss topics such as development, family history, lifestyle, and current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the individual's performance, behavior, and productivity and whether they have trouble with impulsive behavior or focus. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, when and where they started, and how much distress they cause. The evaluator might want to speak to other people involved in the patient's daily life, including spouses, parents siblings, teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or friends. These people can provide insights that questionnaires are unable to provide give, such as the fact that the patient often forgets or stops work during the course of a task. They can also provide insight into what triggers symptoms. Many behavioral therapies and medications are used to treat ADHD. Medications may include stimulants like amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs boost the flow of blood to the brain and reduce impulsive actions, allowing people to concentrate and follow directions. These drugs can be administered by mouth or intravenously, and they generally are well-tolerated. In addition to medications Therapy can help those with ADHD develop strategies to overcome their challenges. Therapists can teach people techniques to manage their lives and track their appointments, as well as provide assistance and guidance when dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on home and work. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help address problems caused by the disorder of relationships and also teach strategies for dealing with conflict and disagreement that may arise in these situations. Medication To diagnose ADHD the health professional will take into consideration many factors. They will inquire about your child's symptoms at home, in school and in other places. They may also employ questionnaires and scales that are specifically designed for ADHD. They may also inquire about family history. They will also check for other conditions that could cause the symptoms, such as learning disabilities and mood disorders. They will also evaluate how severe the symptoms are and if they interfere with your child's daily life. There is no physical test for ADHD that is comparable to the blood test or an X-ray. Your child's healthcare provider follows guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are aimed at children aged between 4 and 18. It is harder to diagnose ADHD in adults. 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 the child must display more than 6 symptoms that are listed in the diagnostic guidelines. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD, they should be interviewed by someone who is familiar with 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. Medication is the most popular treatment option for ADHD. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medications are available to treat ADHD. The stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most frequently prescribed. These medications balance and boost levels of certain brain chemical. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are two medications that can treat ADHD. They are not as potent as stimulants, but are useful for those who cannot take stimulants due too severe adverse effects or health issues. Medications can be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.