What is an ADHD Assessment?
If you or your child have symptoms of ADHD Your doctor will want to talk to you. They may ask about your family health history and your family history. He or she will also ask about your child's school experience. They might talk to teachers or scout and religious leaders as well as coaches and others who know your child well.
Signs and symptoms
Find a doctor with experience in diagnosing ADHD if you or someone you love suspects that they have it. Ask your family doctor to recommend you to a specialist who is an expert in the field of mental health for children. The person who will conduct the assessment will begin by speaking with you about your issues and how they impact your life. They may also ask about your school, work and social activities. The examiner will need to look over any records you may have, such as performance evaluations from your work or school as well as your old report cards.
Interviews with family members, teachers, and other adults will form part of a full assessment. The examiner will utilize a variety of questionnaires and rating scales 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 hyperactivity, inattention and inattention, hyperactivity and.
The evaluator will also determine whether the person's ADHD affects their daily functioning. They will also consider whether the symptoms are more severe than what is expected for their age and developmental level. They will also compare the person's problems to the experiences of others in similar situations, for example 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. The symptoms must also be causing significant impairments in at least two areas of their lives. This usually means that children have problems with their schoolwork, and their relationships with parents or siblings. For adults, it may mean losing a job because of inattention issues and having trouble keeping track of paperwork or bills.
The evaluator can also talk to people who are familiar with the person, for example, family members and friends, or religious or scout leaders. They will be interested in knowing how the person behaves in different situations, including at home and in other settings outside of work or school.
Diagnosis
To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to have at least 6 traits (symptoms) that first appeared before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six consecutive months. The symptoms must also get hindering you from functioning effectively at work, school, and/or home. The symptoms cannot be caused by any other mental disorder. Your GP can refer to a specialist for an assessment. Print out the quotations from NICE 87 guidelines or download the letter of support from ADHD UK that you can send to your GP.
Your specialist will discuss your symptoms and their impact on your life. They will also inquire about your family history and social background as well as your education and work history. They may ask for your school records from the past and may be interested in interviewing teachers or others who know you from when you were a kid. The evaluator may try to rule out any other possible explanation s of your symptoms and recommend that you undergo neuropsychological tests or diagnostic tests.
A thorough evaluation could take several hours. Certain adults may need to make more than one visit to their specialist in order to complete the process. The evaluator may discuss the results and suggest possible treatments with you.
You might have either the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD. The ADHD that is inattentive is characterised by difficulties paying attention and remaining focused, as well as forgetfulness or a lack of organizational 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.
Many adults suffering from ADHD are unable to understand how their conditions affect their lives and relationships. This can lead to strained or dissolved marriages as well as financial issues and problems with parenting. During the evaluation the clinician will talk with the ADHD person and their spouse or partner to determine how their issues impact the relationship. You may be asked to fill in checklists of your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric evaluation for ADHD usually includes an interview with both the person being evaluated and their caregivers, the completion of questionnaires and rating scales comparing behaviors of people with ADHD against the behaviors of people who are not affected, as well as tests that are standardized. In the case of children, the examiner may take a look at their reports and ask for teachers to complete questionnaires.
Those who have symptoms of ADHD should be prepared to discuss how their issues affect their work as well as home and social life. They should be prepared to be asked questions such as how often they interrupt others or lose things, and how often they fail to follow through on their tasks. The examiner will want to know whether these symptoms were present from the beginning, or if they started in the early years of childhood (technically before the age of 12).
A person must have significant problems in two or more of the following areas to be classified with ADHD such as school and work family relationships, life, or social interactions. This condition can be demonstrated through being fired from a job, failing the course or not paying bills on time. People who have mild ADHD symptoms can still have difficulties in certain areas, but they do not suffer from major disruptions.
Physical and emotional stress can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. A health care provider or mental health professional will assess the person's mood, their medical history and other factors to rule out these possible causes.
Behavioral therapy is among the most commonly used treatments for ADHD. It helps people develop better coping skills and learn how to manage their symptoms. It can include cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches people how to transform negative thoughts into positive thoughts. It can also aid in reducing the effects of any underlying condition or mental health issues such as depression and addiction to drugs.
Marital or couples therapy can also be helpful for people with ADHD. It can help them understand their partner's perspective and improve communication. It can also assist their partner to learn to help them and manage the difficulties of living with someone who suffers from ADHD.
Medication
ADHD is defined by inattention, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. The use of medication can help reduce the symptoms. They are usually prescribed in conjunction with therapy and skill training that can help improve symptoms and help people perform better at home, school at work, or in their hobbies. The use of medication is not a panacea and patients must work with their physician to determine the best method to manage their ADHD symptoms. It may take a few tries to find the ideal dosage of medication and dosage however, it is crucial to keep in mind that there are a myriad of options.
An experienced specialist will speak with the parent, child, or adult about their experiences with ADHD, paying special focus on the behavior that occurs in a variety of settings, such as at home and in school. They will also ask about the family history of the person and their academic and work background. They typically request performance evaluations from their workplace or old report cards, and will want to speak to the person's teachers.
It is important to keep in mind that in order to be diagnosed as having ADHD, the person's symptoms must have started in the earliest years of their life (technically before the age of 12). So, while experts will only talk about current symptoms when conducting an assessment of diagnosis it is likely that they will need to speak with others who knew the individual as a child and may even interview the person's parents or teachers.
ADHD medication typically contains stimulants that appear to regulate and increase levels of brain chemicals known as Neurotransmitters. They are available in different forms including tablets, liquids and patches. The stimulants can cause negative effects like insomnia, agitation, and loss of appetite. However they are generally safe when following the prescriptions of a doctor. Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine or certain antidepressants are also used to treat ADHD. They tend to be slower-working and have less side negative effects, but they aren't recommended for everyone.
A combination of medication, therapy, and behavior changes are most effective in treating ADHD symptoms. It's not unusual for children and adults to take different medications and then alter them as their needs change or they experience significant life changes.