ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) is a multifaceted condition. It has three types and may present with different symptoms. It can also be confused with physical conditions as well as other mental disorders.
To that end, getting an accurate ADHD assessment is crucial. Your therapist or doctor will need to fill out questionnaires, speak with you and others and look at any relevant documents.
Signs and symptoms
A health professional will look at the person's behavior, or for adults their school and childhood experiences. They will also consider the person's physical and mental health history, their mood and family and lifestyle factors. They may also interview people who know the person well such as parents, family members and teachers, to get information about their relationships with the person and how their symptoms impact their lives.
To qualify for a diagnosis, the patient must exhibit symptoms in at least two environments, including at home, school and work, and they must cause dysfunction in daily life. The symptoms must have been present for at minimum for six months. They must also have been inappropriate for the person's developmental level. The symptom must have first appeared in children before the age of 12. They can't also be caused by other disorders, such as depression or anxiety.
The most common characteristic of ADHD is inattention, which means the person has trouble staying focused or keeping their attention on the task at hand. They can also lose things frequently or forget appointments and make mistakes at school or work. They might spend long periods of time in a state of mind, have trouble finishing tasks and frequently forget homework or assignments.
Hyperactivity-impulsivity, the other main symptom of ADHD, causes the person to move about excessively, even when it's not appropriate, or to fidget, tap or talk. They may interrupt others, take snap decisions without considering the consequences, and have difficulty getting their turn.
A health care provider may be able to detect other illnesses such as depression, anxiety or sleep disorders. In addition to a physical exam the doctor will inquire about family and personal history, and they will give the patient an array of tests to test their ability to focus and think quickly, remain well-organized and manage their emotions.
Diagnosis
A healthcare professional must conduct an assessment before a person is able to be diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, as it was previously known. This will include a comprehensive description and rating scales completed by both the individual as well as caregivers. It could also include medical history of the family, records of school and work and other pertinent information. A physical examination may be required of the person who is being assessed. A medical exam is necessary to rule out other ailments or diseases that can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD including hearing issues, brain tumors, vision issues, depression, thyroid disorders and head injuries.
In certain situations, in addition to the medical exam, a psychiatric assessment could be necessary. In these instances, the evaluator interviews the patient, as well as other important individuals in the patient's life including spouses or parents, as well as siblings for children, as well as coaches and teachers for adults, about their observations and experiences with the person. These interviews can give valuable information about what's happening to the individual and whether tests are required to determine if they have ADHD.
adhd assessment uk online of seeking an assessment can feel overwhelming, particularly for those who are worried that they might not have ADHD and will be labeled with a condition that could affect their professional or personal relationships. Asking family members, friends and coworkers to recommend a specialist who has experience in ADHD assessments could be beneficial. You should also check with your insurance company to see which professionals are covered and what the test will cost.
Treatment
Finding treatment for ADHD can help you take control of the symptoms that could cause serious problems at work or school as well as in your relationships or in your home life. The first step is getting an assessment. The most crucial part of this process is to find a qualified health care professional to examine your symptoms. You can ask your doctor or your therapist for a recommendation or contact the local chapter of a national mental health association for a list with a list of professionals in your area. Some insurance plans also provide a list of approved health professionals by specialization. You might find that a lot of members of a support group for ADHD sufferers have worked with specific professionals and are able to offer recommendations.
A health care professional who evaluates ADHD will likely require you to fill out several scales of ratings that are standardized or questionnaires regarding the behavior you are experiencing. These ratings are based on research that compares your behaviour to those of others who don't have ADHD.
If you meet the criteria of ADD, your doctor may recommend you to an expert for further tests in order to rule out any other possible mental or physical disorders. Many people who suffer from ADHD also have sleep disorders, depression or other mood disorders. They might also suffer from learning disabilities, which can cause them to struggle with writing and reading. These conditions can have similar symptoms as ADHD and need to be recognized for treatment.
After your symptoms have been diagnosed, your doctor will prescribe either medication or psychotherapy. Behavioral therapy will teach you how to observe your behavior and alter it if needed. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help improve your thinking abilities and manage your emotions. Psychotherapy can also help improve interpersonal relationships and deal with problems in your marriage or family.
Medication
There are a variety of drugs that can be used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine work by helping boost and balance levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. They are often the first drugs to be used to treat ADHD. These medications can be taken as immediate-release pills or modified release tablets, which provide a consistent dosage throughout the day. These medicines aren't identical. It could take some time to find the medication and dosage that is appropriate for your child or for you.
Initial treatment plans will include a regular medical evaluation of symptoms and side-effects. The doctor will modify the medication as required. Behavioral therapy is frequently recommended for ADHD, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy for adults. There are a myriad of other therapies that can help those suffering from ADHD, such as yoga and mindfulness meditation.
Every medication can cause side effects, so it is important to talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have. It is also important to inform your doctor of the other medicines you or your child take including prescription and over-the-counter. Certain medications may interact with stimulant medications and can cause dangerous side effects.
Finding the right dose of medication and the right medication for ADHD can take time and patience. Discuss all options with your physician and follow the instructions for how to take the medication. It is also important to inform your physician about any changes in diet, as some foods can alter the way the medication is absorption by your body. Young people who are who are taking stimulant medication may experience a minor growth delay and an increase in blood pressure or heart rate.
Therapy
If a person, whether a child or an adult, receives a diagnosis of ADHD or ADD, their healthcare provider will work with them to design an individual treatment plan that includes therapy and medication. They will assist you in determining the correct dosage and monitor the reaction of your child or yourself to the medication.
There are a variety of medications available for treating ADHD. Psychostimulants, which affect neurotransmitters in the brain can boost energy and alertness and improve focus. Amphetamines like Adderall, and methylphenidates like Ritalin and Concerta are two examples. They include antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor and Viloxazine. Non-stimulant medicines that don't affect neurotransmitters, are prescribed to those with inattentive ADHD. They include Strattera, Qelbree, and Intuniv.
Therapy will assist you in learning to manage your symptoms and modify your behaviors. Your therapist will help you how to utilize time management skills and develop organizational strategies. They will help you learn to cope with your emotions and help you build relationships that are positive. They may also recommend counseling for families and marriages or classes that help improve communication.
Disorganization is another common sign of ADHD and it can make it difficult to finish tasks or stay organized at home or at work. You might find it difficult to remember deadlines or appointments. You could also lose important paperwork and find it difficult to keep your work area neat and clean. Behavioral therapy may include skills training to help you relax your mind, improve your sleep quality and learn to cope with anxiety.
Many adults with ADD/ADHD have trouble sleeping through the night. They are often woken by a flurry of thoughts or a lack of sleep. They are unable to stick to a routine and tend to put off tasks, which can lead to being unable to finish tasks or delaying projects. Behavioral therapy can help you learn to improve your self-control, improve your ability to prioritize and reduce the amount of nicotine and caffeine in your diet.