What is an ADHD Assessment?
If you or your child have symptoms of ADHD your doctor will want to speak with you. The doctor may ask questions about family and health history. He or she will also ask about your child's education. They will also talk to your child's teachers, coaches, scouts and religious leaders, and other people who know them well.
Symptoms
Find a health professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD If you or someone you know suspects they may have it. Ask your family doctor to recommend you to a specialist who is an expert in children's mental healthcare. The person doing the evaluation will begin by talking to you about your concerns and how they affect your life. They may also ask about your school, work, and social life. The examiner could ask you to see your old report cards, performance evaluations at work or school, and other records.
camhs adhd assessment of ADHD will also include interviews with family members of the person, teachers and other adults who interact with them. The examiner will use various instruments and rating systems to evaluate the person's ADHD and will also use standard tests used in school evaluations. You will be asked to give examples of how you behave in various situations. They will consider your behavior in relation to the DSM V criteria for ADHD hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive.
The evaluator will determine whether the ADHD interferes with the person's daily functioning. They will also consider whether the symptoms are more severe than is expected for their age and development level. They will compare the symptoms of a particular person to those of other people in similar situations. For instance, they will compare their peers at school or on the same 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 major environments in their life. For children, this will usually mean problems in their schoolwork as well as their relationships with parents and siblings. Adults could lose their job if they have trouble paying attention or keeping track of expenses and paperwork.
The evaluator may also talk to other people who are familiar with the person such as relatives, friends, as well as Scout leaders or religious groups. They will be looking to find out what the person's behavior is in various situations, such as at home and in other settings beyond school or work.
Diagnosis
You must show at least six traits (symptoms), which began before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six consecutive months. The symptoms must also interfere with your ability to perform at home, school, or work. The symptoms cannot be caused by a mental health condition. Your GP can recommend you to a specialist to have an assessment. You can download a help letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP, or print quotes from the NICE 87 guideline that explain why you should have an assessment.
Your specialist will talk with you about your issues and how they affect your life. They will also ask you about your family education, social and academic history. They might ask for your school records from your past and may need to speak with teachers or others who have known you since you were a child. The evaluator will rule out other possible explanations for your symptoms, and may recommend that you have neuropsychological testing or other diagnostic tests.
A thorough examination may take a long time. Some adults need more than one visit with their physician to complete the process. The evaluator will discuss the results with you, and could suggest treatments that may help.
You might have either the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD. The inattentive form of ADHD is defined by a lack of attention and remaining focused as well as a tendency to forget 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.
Some adults with ADHD cannot comprehend how their condition affects their lives and relationships. This can result in strained or dissolved marriages as well as financial issues and problems with parenting. During the evaluation the doctor may have a conversation with both the person suffering from ADHD and their spouse or partner to understand how their symptoms affect the relationship. You might be asked to fill out checklists that describe your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric examination for ADHD typically involves an interview with the person being evaluated as well as their family members, completing questionnaires or rating scales that measure the behavior of people suffering from ADHD to those of people who don't have it, as well as standardized testing. For how much is an adhd assessment , the evaluator might 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, home, and social life. They should be prepared to be asked questions about how often they interrupt others or lose things, and how often they are unable to keep up on their tasks. The evaluator will want to know if these symptoms were present from the beginning or if they began in childhood (technically before the age of 12).
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must have significant issues in at least two of the following areas: work, family life, school, or social relationships. Examples of this are being fired from a job, not passing a class or not making payments on time. People who have mild ADHD symptoms may still experience trouble in some areas, but do not experience major disruptions.
Stress and physical ailments can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. A mental health specialist or health care professional will assess the person's mood, medical background and other aspects to rule these out.
Behavioral therapy is a popular treatment for ADHD. It helps patients learn better ways to manage their symptoms and develop better strategies for coping. It can include cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches how to change negative thinking into positive thoughts. It can also help reduce the effects of any underlying condition or mental health issues like depression and substance misuse.
Couples therapy or marital therapy can be helpful for adults with ADHD. It can help them appreciate the perspective of their partner and improve communication. It can also help their partner understand how to support them and deal with the challenges of living with someone who suffers from ADHD.
Medication
Medicines can aid in the inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that are typical of ADHD. They are often prescribed in combination with therapy and skills-training that can help reduce symptoms and help people perform better at work, school at home, or in their activities. However, medication is not an effective cure, and patients must remain in contact with their doctor to learn how to manage their ADHD symptoms. It could take several attempts to find the best dosage and combination of medications. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that there are many choices.
A specialist will interview a child, parent or adult to learn about their experiences with ADHD. They will pay particular focus on the behavior that occurs in different settings, including at school and home. They will also inquire about the person's family background and their academic and work background. They usually ask for performance evaluations from work or old reports and will want to speak to the person's teachers.
Be aware that in order for a person to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must have been evident since the earliest years of their life (technically before the age of 12). So, although experts will only talk about the current symptoms during an assessment of diagnosis however, they may have to talk with other people who knew the individual as a child and may even interview the person's parents or teachers.
The treatment for ADHD typically contains stimulants that appear to increase and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These medications are available in different forms that include liquids, tablets and patches. They can trigger side effects like trouble sleeping or agitation, as well as a loss of appetite, but generally, they are safe when prescribed by a doctor. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine and other antidepressants are also used to treat ADHD. They generally have a slower effect and have less negative effects, but not everyone should take them.
The most effective treatment for ADHD symptoms is a combination of medication, behavior therapy, and behavioral changes. It is not uncommon for adults and children to test multiple medications and change them as their needs change or they experience significant life changes.