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ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?

A medical professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and people close to you -- a spouse, sibling, or friend for adults -- about symptoms. This often provides insights that questionnaires don't.

The process of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is trickier, as guidelines for diagnosis are designed for children. It's important to find a doctor who specializes in the field who takes their time with your evaluation.

Symptoms

For an ADHD evaluation, the first step is for the patient to be honest and open about symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults might not want to admit to having trouble paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks. But getting an accurate diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and live a happier life.

The person being evaluated is asked to tell them about their personal and medical history, from childhood until now. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines for 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 contexts, such as school or work. In addition, the person evaluating must rule out any other conditions that can cause the same symptoms as ADHD like depression, anxiety or an intellectual impairment.

A doctor could also utilize ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales in conjunction with an interview to gather data about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory abilities, and spatial and visual reasoning can be helpful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may request permission depending on the situation to contact family members or friends who could provide valuable information and help. For instance, they could seek out 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 determine other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. In some instances thyroid problems and seizures may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator can also perform an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are indications of brain damage or injury that could be the cause of the symptoms. The evaluator could also suggest blood and urine tests to determine the presence of other medical conditions that might hinder treatment, like depression or alcohol and drug abuse.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will be able to examine symptoms that can be seen in different settings, like at work, home or at school. The symptoms should also last for a long period of time. Then, the doctor will determine how much these symptoms interfere with 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 adhere to the guidelines of 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 may also conduct an interview. diagnosed with adhd will comprise an overview of your child's medical family, psychiatric, and medical history. You will be asked about your child's daily mood and behavior, as well as productivity.


For adults, it's trickier to make a diagnosis. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose children. There is some debate about whether the criteria are still applicable 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. They must have these symptoms for a long duration of time and have them significantly hinder their daily activities at school, at home, or work.

Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor could order other tests to determine the extent of your your child's symptoms. These could include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests may help determine if a condition is producing the same symptoms as depressive or learning disabilities.

To find a specialist to evaluate your or the child's ADHD you can begin by asking your family doctor for the referral. You can also reach out to your insurance company to find out if professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your insurance plan. Another option is to contact a local support group and ask for suggestions. You can also contact a medical school or university-based hospital to request a list of professionals that provide ADHD assessments.

Treatment

ADHD symptoms can lead to serious issues at work and in school and may cause issues with relationships. If you're diagnosed with ADHD and taking medication to improve your performance can help decrease symptoms. People suffering from ADHD also may need to alter their lifestyles for example, adjusting the time of their sleep and using a daily planner, or increasing their exercise.

A person suffering from ADHD should be evaluated by their primary care physician or a mental health professional. In this interview, the practitioner will cover issues such as the development of the disorder, family and lifestyle history and present symptoms and issues. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance and productivity, as well as whether they have problems with impulsive or focused actions. They will be interested in finding out how long the symptoms have gone on, when and where they started and how much stress or problems they create.

The evaluator will likely be looking to speak to other people in the patient's life, for example, parents, spouses or siblings for adults as well as coaches, teachers or daycare providers for children. They can provide information that questionnaires can't, such as the fact that a person often forgets or stops work in mid-stream. They may also be able to reveal what situations trigger symptoms.

Many behavioral therapies and medicines help treat ADHD. Medications may include stimulants like 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 reduce the impulse to act which allows people to be attentive and follow directions. The drugs can be taken intravenously or orally, and they generally are well-tolerated.

In addition to medication therapy can also help those with ADHD develop strategies to overcome their issues. Therapists can help people learn how to organize their lives, manage their appointments, and offer support and guidance when dealing with the effect ADHD symptoms can have on work and family life. Marriage and family therapy can assist in addressing issues caused by the disorder that affects relationships and also teach strategies for dealing with conflict and disagreement that may be triggered in these situations.

Medication

For a medical professional to identify ADHD it is necessary to evaluate several things. They will ask your child about their symptoms at school, at home and other places. They may also utilize questionnaires or scales specifically designed for ADHD. They may also request a family history. They will also look for other conditions that could explain the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and whether they are affecting your child's everyday life.

There is no physical test that can determine ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. The doctor treating your child is following guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are designed for children 4 to 18 years old. Adults are more difficult to recognize. The symptoms of ADHD can change over time. People who have ADHD can be diagnosed as predominately inattentive, predominately hyperactive-impulsive or a combination of the two.

A child must display six or more symptoms listed in the guidelines to be diagnosed with ADHD. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. If your child is being tested for ADHD it is essential that someone familiar with them interviews them. This includes teachers, religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. It is also important to inquire what their symptoms impact their daily life, and how they compare to other children of their age.

The most commonly used medication is a form of treatment for ADHD. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medication are available to treat ADHD. Stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs aid in boosting and balance levels of specific brain chemicals. Other medications that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as antipsychotics. They are not as potent as stimulants, but are useful for people who are unable to take stimulants due to severe side effects or health issues. They can be used in conjunction with other treatments for example, cognitive behavioral therapy.

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