ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) is a multifaceted condition. It can have three types, and the symptoms may vary. Additionally, it is confused with other mental health disorders as well as physical conditions.
For that reason, getting an accurate ADHD assessment is essential. Your doctor or therapist will need to fill out questionnaires, talk with you and other people, and review any pertinent documents.
Symptoms
A health care provider will examine the patient's behavior, or for adults their school and childhood experiences. They will also consider the person's mental health and physical history, mood, and family and lifestyle issues. They might also ask those who are close to the person, like teachers, parents, and family members about their relationship with them and how their symptoms affect them.
To be diagnosed, a person must have symptoms in at minimum two different settings, like at home, work and school, and cause a dysfunction in their daily lives. Symptoms must be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must be not appropriate to the individual's developmental level. The symptoms must have been noticed in children prior to the age of 12. They can't also be caused by other disorders, like depression or anxiety.
The most frequently reported symptom of ADHD is inattention, which indicates that the person is having trouble staying on track or keeping their mind on track. They might also lose things frequently or forget appointments, and they can also make mistakes in work or at school. They could spend much of their time dreaming or have difficulty finishing tasks.
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 can interrupt others, take rapid decisions without considering the consequences, and have difficulty waiting for their turn.
A medical professional will also look for signs of other ailments like sleep disorders, anxiety or depression. The provider will also ask about the family history of the patient and will give them a series of tests to determine their ability to concentrate and think quickly. They will also test their ability to stay organized.
Diagnosis
A health professional must perform an assessment before a person is able to be diagnosed with ADHD or ADD or ADD, as it was previously known. This will comprise a thorough description and rating scales completed by both the person as well as caregivers. It may also include medical records from the family, details of school and work, and other relevant information. The person being evaluated may be required to take physical examination. A medical exam is essential to rule out illnesses or diseases that could cause symptoms similar ADHD such as brain tumors, problems with vision hearing problems as well as thyroid disorders, depression and head injuries.
In some cases, in addition to the medical exam an assessment of psychiatric disorders may be necessary. In these situations, the evaluator will interview the patient and other significant people in his or her life -- like spouses, parents, siblings for children as well as teachers and coaches for adults -regarding their experiences and observations of the patient's behavior. These interviews can give an important insight into what's happening with the person and whether tests are needed to determine if they have ADHD.
The process of requesting an assessment may be overwhelming, particularly for those who are worried that they may not actually have ADHD and may be labeled with a disorder that could damage their career or personal relationships. It is helpful to ask family members, friends and colleagues for recommendations for an experienced specialist with experience in performing ADHD assessments. It is also advisable to check with your insurance provider to see which professionals are covered and what the test will cost.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD can help manage symptoms that cause problems at work or at school or in your relationships or in your personal life. The first step is getting a diagnosis. The most important part of this process is finding an experienced health professional to evaluate your symptoms. You may ask your doctor or therapy provider for recommendations, or contact the local chapter of a national mental health association to find a list of specialists in your region. Certain insurance plans offer an alphabetical list of health professionals. You might find that a lot of members of a support group for ADHD sufferers have worked with certain professionals and are able to offer suggestions.
A medical professional who evaluates ADHD will likely require you to fill out several scales of ratings that are standardized or questionnaires regarding the behavior you're experiencing. These ratings are based upon research that compares the behaviors of people suffering from ADHD with those who do not have it.
If you meet the criteria for ADD If you meet the criteria for ADD, your health care professional may refer you for further testing to check for other possible psychiatric or physical issues. For instance, some people who suffer from ADHD have sleep disorders, depression or other mood disorders, or problems that make it difficult for them to learn writing and reading. These conditions may have similar symptoms as ADHD and should be identified to be treated effectively.
When your symptoms are diagnosed, your doctor will prescribe either medication or psychotherapy. Behavioral therapy will teach you how to observe your own behavior and modify it if needed. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help improve the ability to manage your emotions and think. Psychotherapy can help you improve your interpersonal relationships as well as resolve problems in your marriage or with your family.
Medication
There are a variety of medications that can treat ADHD in both children and adults. The stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine are used to boost and balance neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. They are typically the first drugs prescribed to treat ADHD. They can be taken as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets, which provide a consistent dosage throughout the day. The effectiveness of these medicines differs for each person, so it may take some time to find the right dosage and medication that is right for you or your child.
Initial treatment plans will include regular examination of side-effects and symptoms. The doctor will alter the medications as needed. ADHD is often treated with behavioral therapy, for example cognitive-behavioral and dialectical behaviour therapy for adults. Other treatments can assist people with ADHD. They include mindfulness meditation and yoga.
All medications have potential adverse effects. It is essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. Discuss with your physician any other medications you or your child are taking such as those prescribed as well as over-the-counter. what is an adhd assessment can interact with stimulant medications and cause dangerous side effects.
For many people suffering from ADHD finding the right dosage and medication will require time and patience. Be sure to discuss all your options with your physician and adhere to the instructions to take the medication. Inform your doctor of any changes to your diet since certain foods may interfere with the way in which the medication is taken in. In addition, some young people taking stimulant medication can have a slight delay in growth and an increase in heart rate or blood pressure.
Therapy
If a person, whether a child or an adult, is diagnosed with ADHD, their healthcare provider will collaborate with them to develop an individualized treatment plan that incorporates medication and therapy. They will help you determine the appropriate dosage and track the reaction of your child or yourself to the medication.
There are a variety of medications available to treat ADHD. Psychostimulants, which act on neurotransmitters in the brain can boost alertness and energy and improve focus. These include amphetamines such as Adderall and methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta. They also include antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Non-stimulant drugs, that don't impact neurotransmitters are prescribed for people with the inattention-deficit manifestation of ADHD and include Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree (viloxazine) and Intuniv (guanfacine).
Therapy will teach you how to manage your symptoms and change your behavior. Your therapist will assist you to develop strategies for managing your time and help you organize yourself. They will show you how to manage your emotions, and assist you build positive relationships. They may also recommend couples and family counseling classes to enhance communication.
Disorganization is a common symptom of ADHD and it can make it difficult to complete tasks or stay organized at home or at work. You may find it difficult to remember deadlines or appointments. You may also lose important paperwork and find it difficult to keep your workspace neat and tidy. Behavioral therapy may include a course in skills that will assist you in calming your mind, get better quality sleep, and learn to manage anxiety.
Many people with ADD/ADHD experience trouble falling asleep at night. They are often woken by racing thoughts or restless sleep. They are unable to stick to the schedule and often procrastinate. This leads to incomplete projects or tasks. Behavioral therapy helps you develop more self-control, increase your ability to prioritize and reduce the amount of caffeine and nicotine in your daily diet.