What is an ADHD Assessment?
If you or your child have symptoms of ADHD Your doctor is likely to want to talk with you. They might ask questions about your family and health background. They might also inquire about the education of your child. They will also talk to your child's teachers, coaches, scout and religious leaders, as well as other people that know them well.
Signs and symptoms
If you or someone you know suspects they have ADHD the first step in obtaining an assessment is to locate an expert in health care who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Look for someone who specializes in children's mental health or ask your family doctor for a referral. The person who examines you will begin by asking about your symptoms and their impact on your life. They may also inquire about your work, school and social life. The examiner will want see any records you have, like performance evaluations from work or school, as well as old report cards.
Interviews with family members, teachers, and other adults will form part of a comprehensive assessment. assessments for adhd will use a variety of questions and rating scales to evaluate the person for ADHD, including standardized testing used in school evaluations. They will also require you to provide examples of how you behave in various situations. They will evaluate your behavior in relation to the DSM V criteria for ADHD -- hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive.
The examiner will determine whether the ADHD hinders the individual's daily activities. They will consider whether their symptoms are significantly more severe than what is expected for their age or developmental stage. They will assess the symptoms of a person with other people who are in similar situations. For instance, their classmates at school or in 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. In addition, the signs must have caused significant impairment in at least two significant situations in their lives. For children, this could typically result in problems with their schoolwork as well as their relationships with parents and siblings. For adults, it may be a loss of a job as a result of a lack of attention and trouble keeping the track of bills or paperwork.
The evaluator can also talk to those who are familiar with the person, for example, friends and family members or religious or scout leaders. They'll want to hear about the behavior of the person in different settings as well as how they behave at home and at other places outside of work or school.
Diagnosis
You must show at least six traits (symptoms) that began before the age of 12. Additionally, you must be experiencing these symptoms continuously for at minimum six months. The symptoms must also become hindering you from functioning effectively at work, school, and/or home. The symptoms can not be caused by any other mental disorder. Your doctor may refer you to an expert to have an assessment. You can download a supportive letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP, or print quotes from NICE 87 guidelines that provide the reasons why you should undergo an assessment.
Your specialist will discuss your symptoms and their impact on your life. They will also inquire about your family history and social background, and your educational and work history. They may ask for your school records from the past and may also need to speak with teachers or others who have known you since you were a child. The examiner will attempt to rule out other possible explanations for your symptoms and may suggest that you have neuropsychological testing or other diagnostic tests.
A thorough evaluation can take several hours. Some adults require more than one visit with their specialist to complete the evaluation. The evaluator will go over the results with you, and could 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 trouble staying focused and attentive or 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.
A few adults with ADHD are unable to comprehend how their symptoms affect their lives and relationships. This can cause financial problems and broken or strained marriages, and issues with parenting. During the evaluation the therapist may speak with both the person suffering from ADHD and their spouse or partner to get a better understanding of how their symptoms affect the relationship. They might have both of you complete checklists that describe your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric evaluation for ADHD usually involves an interview with both the individual being evaluated and their caregivers as well as the completion of rating scales and questionnaires that compare the behavior of people suffering from ADHD and those of people without it and tests that are standardized. The evaluator may also ask teachers to complete questionnaires and examine the report cards of the child.
Anyone suffering from symptoms of ADHD should be prepared to discuss how their symptoms affect their work at home, social, and personal life. Expect to be asked questions about how often you interrupt others, or if you misplace things easily, or if you are unable to finish tasks. The examiner will want to know whether these signs were present from the beginning or if they first started in the early years of childhood (technically before the age of 12).
To be diagnosed with ADHD, one must have significant issues in at least two of the following areas: work, family life, school or social interactions. This impairment can be demonstrated by being fired from a job, completing the course or not paying bills in time. Mild ADHD symptoms can cause some issues, but they are not major disruptions.
Stress and physical ailments can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. A health care provider or mental health professional will examine the person's mood, medical history and other factors to rule out these possibilities.
Behavioral therapy is one of the most common treatments for ADHD. It helps people learn better ways to manage their symptoms and build stronger coping skills. It can include cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches people how to transform negative thoughts into positive ones. It can also aid in reducing the effects of any underlying conditions or mental health issues such as depression or addiction to drugs.
Adults with ADHD can also benefit from marital or couple therapy. It can help them appreciate the perspective of their partner and improve their 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 hallmarks of ADHD. These medications are often prescribed in conjunction with therapy and skill-training that can help reduce symptoms and help people function better at school, work, home or in their activities. But, it isn't an answer to all problems and people should still work with their doctor to figure out how they can manage their ADHD symptoms. It could take a few times to find the ideal dosage of medication and dosage but it is crucial to keep in mind that there are many alternatives.
A specialist will talk to parents, children or adult to learn about their experiences with ADHD. They will pay particular attention to behaviors that happen in various settings, such as at school and home. They will also ask about the family history of the person and their academic and occupational background. They will ask for old reports or performance evaluations and may also speak with the person's teacher.
Keep in mind that for someone to be considered to have ADHD the symptoms must have started in childhood (technically before the age of 12). While an expert will discuss the current symptoms during an assessment of diagnosis, they may have to talk to people who knew the individual as a child, and even interview their parents or teachers.
ADHD medication usually contains stimulants that are believed to regulate and increase levels of brain chemicals called Neurotransmitters. They are available in various forms including tablets, liquids and patches. They can trigger adverse effects, such as difficulty sleeping, 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 used to treat ADHD. They generally work slower and have less adverse negative effects, but they are not recommended for all people.
The most effective method of treating ADHD symptoms is a combination of medications as well as behavior therapy and behavioral changes. It's not unusual for children and adults to take various medications and alter them over time as their needs change or when they experience significant life changes.