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https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment

ADHD Evaluation What Happens in the First Step A healthcare professional conducting an ADHD assessment will question you and your family members close to you such as a spouse sibling or a friend for adults about symptoms This will provide information that questionnaires cannot The process of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is trickier as diagnostic guidelines are targeted at children It is essential to find a doctor who specializes in the condition who takes his or her time with your evaluation Signs and symptoms The first step in the process of conducting an ADHD assessment is to have the patient talk honestly and openly about the symptoms and how they impact his life Adults may not want admit they have trouble paying attention following directions or organizing tasks But getting a precise diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and lead a more enjoyable life The evaluator will ask the person about their medical and personal history from childhood to the present The evaluator will also go over the American Psychiatric Associations guidelines for clinical care for the condition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition DSM5 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 categoriesinattention or hyperactivityimpulsivityfor six months Symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at least two major situations like school or at work In addition the person evaluating must rule out any other conditions that could cause the same symptoms as ADHD like depression anxiety or an intellectual impairment In addition to an interview a doctor might employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to collect details about the severity of the symptoms Psychological tests that test working memory executive functioning skills and spatial and visual reasoning can be helpful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults Depending on the situation doctors will often request permission to talk with those close to the person in order to provide valuable information and support They might ask for the names and contact numbers of parents spouses or siblings in order to speak with them about the persons challenges at home and at the workplace A physical examination is typically part of an ADHD evaluation It can help rule other conditions that may cause similar symptoms For instance thyroid issues and seizures can cause symptoms that resemble similar to ADHD The evaluator may also conduct an examination of the brain to determine if there are any symptoms of injury or damage to the brain that could explain the symptoms The evaluator could also suggest urine and blood tests to check for the presence of other conditions that may hinder treatment such as depression alcohol or addiction Diagnosis In determining ADHD your doctor will look for signs that manifest in various situations such as at school home or at work They must also last for a significant period of time The doctor will determine how much these symptoms impact your daytoday life If they cause a lot of trouble its likely that you or your child will meet the criteria for a diagnosis of either inattentive or hyperactiveimpulsive ADHD Doctors use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition to determine if children have They will discuss the childs symptoms and how they affect their lives They might also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist The interview will consist of a review of your childs medical family psychiatric and medical history They will also ask questions about how your childs behavior affects their mood behavior and work It is more difficult to identify adults The DSMV symptom guide is geared towards diagnosing children but there is some controversy over 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 hyperactiveimpulsive ADHD These symptoms must be present for a prolonged time and must interfere with daily functioning at school work or at home Apart from conducting a medical interview your doctor might order other tests to determine the extent of your your childs symptoms This might include a blood test or an EEG Other tests can be used to rule out the cause of similar symptoms such as learning disabilities or depression The suggestion of asking your family physician to refer you to an expert who will evaluate your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is the best place to begin You can also contact your insurance provider to see if there are professionals covered under your plan who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults Another option is to reach out to an organization that supports local residents and ask for recommendations You can also contact the medical school or university hospital to get the list of specialists who provide ADHD assessments Treatment The signs of ADHD can cause serious problems at school and at work and affect relationships If you are diagnosed with ADHD and taking medication to improve your performance can reduce symptoms Patients with ADHD may also have to change their lifestyle for example adjusting sleeping schedules or using a daily planner or increasing exercise A person suffering from ADHD needs to be evaluated by their primary care physician or a mental health professional In this interview the practitioner will cover issues such as development family and lifestyle history as well as current symptoms and concerns The practitioner will ask questions about the patients performance behavior and productivity and if they have trouble with impulsive actions or focus They will want to know about how the symptoms have lasted on the location and time they started and how much stress or problems they can cause The evaluator might want to discuss other people who are part of the patients daily life such as spouses parents siblings teachers coaches daycare providers or even friends They can provide insights that questionnaires dont uncover such as the way that a person may stop tasks in the middle or is unable to remember things and what types of situations cause symptoms ADHD is treated using the use of a variety of behavioral therapies and medications I Am Psychiatry may include stimulants like amphetamine as well as nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine Serenade and dexamfetamine Vyvanse These drugs improve blood flow to the brain reducing impulsive behavior and allow people to pay more attention and follow directions These drugs can be administered either orally or intravenously and they are generally welltolerated In addition to medication therapy can help people with ADHD discover strategies to overcome their difficulties Therapists can assist people with learning techniques to organize their lives and track their appointments and offer support and guidance in dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on their home and work life Family therapy and marriage counseling can assist in addressing issues caused by the disorder that affects relationships and also teach how to handle conflict and discord that can occur in these situations Medication To allow a medical professional to identify ADHD they must evaluate several things They will ask about your childs symptoms at home at school and in other places They will also use questionnaires and scales that are specifically designed for ADHD They might also inquire about family history They will also check for other conditions which could explain the symptoms such as mood disorders and learning disabilities They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and if they affect your childs daily routine There is no physical test for ADHD such as blood tests or an Xray To diagnose ADHD your childs doctor will adhere to the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association These guidelines are intended for children between the ages of 4 and 18 Adults are more difficult to identify This is due to the fact that a persons symptoms may change over time People who have ADHD can be diagnosed as predominately inattentive predominately hyperactiveimpulsive or a combination of the two A child must show at least six of the symptoms listed in the guidelines in order to be diagnosed as having ADHD The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for at least six months If your child is being evaluated for ADHD it is essential 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 questioned about the effects of their symptoms on their daily lives and how they compare to other children of their age Medication is the most common method of treating ADHD Both nonstimulant and stimulant medication can be prescribed to treat ADHD The most commonly prescribed stimulants are amphetamine methylphenidate and other stimulants These drugs balance and boost levels of certain brain chemicals Other medications that are used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine as well as antipsychotics They are not as potent as stimulants but they can be beneficial for those who are unable to use stimulants due to serious side effects or health issues Medications can be used in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy