What is an ADHD Assessment?
Your doctor may talk to you whether or not your child exhibits signs of ADHD. The doctor may ask questions about family and health background. He or she will also ask about your child's school life. They will also talk to your child's teachers, coaches, scout and religious leaders, and others who know them well.
Signs and symptoms
Find a health professional who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD if you or someone you love suspects that they have it. Ask your family doctor to refer you to a doctor who is an expert in children's mental healthcare. The person evaluating you will ask about your symptoms and their impact on your life. They may also inquire about your work, school, and social life. The examiner will want to examine any documents you have, like performance evaluations from work or school and old report cards.
A full evaluation of ADHD will also include interviews with the person's family members as well as teachers and other adults who interact with them. The examiner will employ various ratings scales and questionnaires to assess the person's ADHD, including standardized testing used in school evaluations. You will be asked to provide examples of your behavior in different situations. They will examine your behavior in relation to the DSM V criteria for ADHD -- inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
The evaluator will also check whether the person's ADHD affects their daily functioning. They will also determine if the symptoms are more severe than what is expected for their age and developmental level. They will compare the person's issues to similar issues of other people in similar situations, such as their classmates at school or on a sports 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. In addition, the symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at least two significant situations in their lives. For children, this could usually mean problems in their schoolwork and relationships with parents and siblings. Adults may lose their job when they are unable to pay attention or keeping track of expenses and paperwork.
The evaluator could also talk to people who are familiar with the individual, such as family members and friends, or religious or scout leaders. They will want to know about the behavior of the person in various situations as well as how they behave at home and in other settings other than work or school.
Diagnosis
You must show at least six traits (symptoms) that began before the age of 12. These symptoms must also be present for at minimum six consecutive months. The symptoms must also affect your ability to perform at school, at home, or at work. The symptoms aren't caused by a mental health condition. Your GP can refer to a specialist to conduct an assessment. You can download a help letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP, or print quotes from the NICE 87's guideline to explain why you should have an assessment.
Your doctor will talk to you about your health issues and how they impact your life. They will also inquire about your family history and social background, and your educational and work history. They might ask for your school records from the past and may also be interested in interviewing teachers or others who have known you since you were a kid. The evaluator will determine if there is a different explanation for your symptoms, and may suggest that you undergo neuropsychological testing or other diagnostic tests.
A thorough assessment can take several hours. Adults may have to make more than one visit to their physician to complete the process. The evaluator will discuss the results and suggest possible treatments with you.
You might have either the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD. Symptoms of the inattentive type include difficulties staying focused and attentive and forgetfulness as well as poor organization skills. 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.
click the next page with ADHD are unable to comprehend how their symptoms affect their lives and relationships. This can lead to financial difficulties and broken or strained marriages, and parenting problems. During the examination the therapist may speak with both the individual with ADHD and their spouse or partner to understand how their symptoms affect the relationship. You might be asked to complete checklists of your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric examination for ADHD typically involves an interview with the person being evaluated as well as their caregivers, completion of questionnaires or rating scales which compare behavior of people suffering from ADHD to those of people who do not have it, and standardized tests. In the case of children, the evaluator may also examine their report cards and ask teachers to fill out questionnaires.
Those who have symptoms of ADHD should be prepared to talk about how their symptoms affect their work at home, social, and personal life. Expect to be asked how often you interrupt others, if you lose things easily, or if you are unable to finish tasks. The evaluator wants to know if the symptoms were always present or if they started in childhood (technically prior to the age of 12).
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person has to be experiencing significant difficulties in at least two of the following areas: work and family life, school or social relationships. This can be proven by being fired from a job, completing a course or not paying your bills on time. People who have mild ADHD symptoms can have trouble in some areas, but don't suffer from major disruptions.
There are a myriad of things that can cause similar symptoms to those experienced by ADHD such as physical ailments and stress. A health care provider or mental health professional will assess the person's mood, medical history and other factors to rule out these possibilities.
Behavioral therapy is a popular treatment for ADHD. It helps people learn more effective ways to manage their symptoms and build stronger techniques for coping. It can include cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches how to transform negative thinking into positive thoughts. It also helps reduce the effects of any underlying condition or mental health issues like depression and addiction to drugs.
Marital or couples therapy can be beneficial for adults with ADHD. It can help them understand their partner and improve their communication. It can assist their partner to understand how to support and deal with someone who has ADHD.
Medication
ADHD is characterised by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Certain medications can help reduce these symptoms. These medications are often prescribed in conjunction with therapy and training which can reduce symptoms and help people perform better at school, work at home, or even in their leisure activities. However, medications are not an effective cure, and patients must remain in contact with their doctor to learn how to manage their ADHD symptoms. It could take a few times to find the ideal combination of medications and dosages, but it is important to keep in mind that there are many options.
An experienced specialist will speak with the child, parent or adult about their experiences with ADHD, paying special attention to behaviors that occur in various settings, such as at school and at home. They will also review the person's educational and occupational history and ask questions about their family life. They will usually request performance evaluations from their workplace or old report cards, and will want to speak to the person's teachers.
Be aware that in order for a person to be considered to have ADHD the symptoms must have begun in the early years of childhood (technically before the age of 12). Therefore, even though an expert will only speak about the current symptoms during an assessment for diagnosis, they will likely have to talk with other people who knew the child and might even talk to the person's teachers or parents.
Treatment for ADHD typically contains stimulants that appear to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These medications are available in various forms that include liquids, tablets and patches. They can trigger side effects such as insomnia or agitation, as well as a loss of appetite, but are generally considered safe when taken as directed by a physician. Nonstimulants, which include atomoxetine and certain antidepressants, are also used to treat ADHD. They are generally slower acting and have less adverse effects, however not everyone should take them.
A combination of medications, therapy, and behavior changes are most effective in treating ADHD symptoms. Adults and children can experiment with different medications and alter them depending on their needs or the circumstances change.