What is an ADHD Assessment?
If you or your child exhibit symptoms of ADHD Your doctor will want to speak with you. The doctor may inquire about your family history and health. He or she will also inquire about your child's school experience. They may also speak to teachers as well as religious and scout leaders as well as coaches and other people who know your child.
Symptoms
If you or someone you know thinks they have ADHD the first step to get an assessment is to locate a health care professional who is experienced in diagnosing the condition. Look for someone who specializes in children's mental health, or ask your family doctor for a referral. The person who examines you will start by asking about your symptoms and their impact on your life. They may also ask about your work, school and social activities. The examiner might ask you to see your old report cards and performance evaluations at school or at work, and other records.
Interviews with family members, teachers, and other adults will be a part of a full evaluation. The examiner will employ a variety of questionnaires and rating systems to assess the person's ADHD and will also use standard tests used in school evaluations. You will be asked to provide examples of how you behave in different situations. They will consider your behavior in relation to the DSM V criteria for ADHD hyperactivity, inattention and inattention, hyperactivity and.
The examiner will determine whether the ADHD hinders the individual's daily activities. They will determine if their symptoms are significantly more severe than expected for their age or developmental stage. They will also compare the person's issues with the experiences of others in similar situations, like their peers at school or on a team.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, the person must have a significant number of symptoms from both the inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity sections of the criteria. Additionally, the symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at least two significant situations in their lives. This will typically mean that children have problems with schoolwork, as well as their relationships with their parents or siblings. For adults, it may result in losing a job because of a lack of attention and trouble keeping records of bills or paperwork.
The evaluator could also talk to those who are acquainted with the individual, such as family members and friends or scout leaders from religious or scout groups. They'll want to hear about the way in which the person behaves in various settings, as well as how they behave at home and in other places outside of work or school.
Diagnosis
You must show at least six traits (symptoms) that started before the age of 12. You must also be suffering from these symptoms continuously for at minimum six months. The symptoms must also become impeding your ability to function effectively at work, school or at home. The symptoms can't be caused by another mental health disorder. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP or print the quotes from NICE 87 guideline that provide the reasons why you should undergo an assessment.
Your doctor will talk to you about your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. They will also ask you about your family education, social and academic history. They might also request your school records from the past and interview teachers and other people who were with you as a child. The evaluator will try to eliminate other possible explanations for your symptoms and may suggest that you undergo neuropsychological tests or other diagnostic tests.
A thorough evaluation may take several hours. Adults may have to make more than one visit with their doctor to complete the process. The evaluation will discuss the results with you and may suggest treatments that could help.
You might have either the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD. The symptoms of the type that is inattentive include difficulties staying focused and paying attention or forgetfulness, as well as poor ability to organize. People with the hyperactive/impulsive type are restless and fidgety, often interrupt conversations or activities, have a hard time waiting for their turn, and may use other people's things without permission.
Some adults with ADHD are unable to comprehend how their condition affects their lives and relationships. This can cause financial difficulties and broken or strained marriages, and parenting problems. During the assessment, the clinician may talk with both the individual with ADHD and their partner or spouse to gain an understanding of how their issues impact the relationship. They may ask both of you complete checklists that list your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric examination for ADHD typically involves an interview with the person being assessed and their caregivers, completion of questionnaires or rating scales which compare behaviors of people with ADHD to those of people who do not have it, and standardized tests. The evaluator will also ask teachers to fill out questionnaires and look at the report cards of the child.
Those with ADHD symptoms must be prepared to explain how their ADHD symptoms affect their work, social and family life. They should expect to be asked questions about how often they interrupt others and how easily they lose things, and how often they don't follow through on tasks. The examiner will want to know whether these signs have always been there, or if they started in the early years of childhood (technically before age 12).
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person has to have significant issues in at least two of the following areas: work, family life, school or social interactions. This condition can be demonstrated by being fired from a position, failing an educational course, or not paying your bills on time. People who have mild ADHD symptoms can still have problems in a few areas, but do not suffer from major disruptions.
There are many factors that could trigger similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD like physical conditions and stress. A health care professional or mental health professional will examine the person's mood, their medical history and other factors to rule out these possibilities.
Behavioral therapy is a popular treatment for ADHD. It assists patients in developing more effective coping skills and understand how to manage their symptoms. It can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches people how to change negative thoughts into positive ones. It can also help reduce the effects of conditions that are underlying and mental health issues, such as depression or substance abuse.
Therapy for couples or marriage can be helpful for people who suffer from ADHD. It can help them understand their partner's viewpoint and improve communication. It can assist their partner to learn how to help and manage someone with ADHD.
Medication
Medications can help with the inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that are typical of ADHD. They are often prescribed in conjunction with therapy and training which can reduce symptoms and allow people to function better at work, school at home, or even in their leisure activities. It is not a cure-all and patients should consult with their doctor in order to learn how best to manage their ADHD symptoms. It may take several tries to determine the most effective dosage and combination of medications. However, it is important to remember that there are many choices.
An experienced specialist will interview the parent, child, or adult about their experiences with ADHD and pay particular attention to the behaviors that happen in a variety of situations, including at home and in school. They will also ask about the family history of the person as well as their academic and occupational background. They will usually request performance evaluations from their workplace or old report cards, and will want to talk with the person's teachers.
Be aware that in order for a person to be diagnosed with ADHD their symptoms must have begun in childhood (technically before the age of 12). So, although an expert will only speak about current symptoms when conducting a diagnostic assessment however, they may need to speak with others who knew the child, and could even speak with the person's parents or teachers.
I Am Psychiatry for ADHD typically includes stimulants, which appear to increase and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They are available in a variety of forms including tablets, liquids and patches. The stimulants can cause adverse effects, such as insomnia, agitation, and loss of appetite. However, they are generally safe when used according to the doctor's prescription. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine and certain antidepressants are also prescribed to treat ADHD. They are generally slower acting and have less adverse effects, but not everyone should use them.
The most effective treatment for ADHD symptoms is a combination of medications, behavior therapy, and behavioral changes. Adults and children may try several medications and change them depending on their needs or the circumstances change.