What is an ADHD Assessment?
If you or your child has symptoms of ADHD Your doctor will want to speak with you. He or she might ask questions about your family and health background. They may also inquire about the education of your child. He or she will speak to your child's teachers, coaches, scout and religious leaders, as well as others who know them well.
Signs and symptoms
If you or someone you know thinks they have ADHD the first step in obtaining an evaluation is to find an expert in the field who is experienced in diagnosing the condition. Find a doctor who is specialized in children's mental health, or ask your family doctor for a referral. The person who examines you will ask about your symptoms and their impact on your life. They may also inquire about your work, school and social activities. The examiner will need to look over any records you may have, including performance evaluations from your work or school as well as your old report cards.
Interviews with teachers, family members and other adults will form part of a comprehensive evaluation. The examiner will use various questionnaires and rating scales to evaluate the person for ADHD, including standardized testing used in school evaluations. They will also require you to give examples of how you behave in various situations. They will also compare your behavior with the DSM V ADHD criteria -- inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
The evaluator will determine if the ADHD interferes with the person's daily functioning. They will also consider whether the symptoms are more severe than what is expected for their age and development level. They will compare the symptoms of a person with other people who are in similar situations. For instance, they will compare their peers 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. Additionally, the symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at least two important settings in their life. This could mean that children are struggling with schoolwork, as well as their relationships with their parents or siblings. For adults, it could be a loss of a job as a result of inattention issues and having trouble keeping track of paperwork or bills.
The evaluator could also talk to those who are familiar with the individual, such as family members and friends or religious or scout leaders. They will want to know how the person behaves in various situations, including at home and in other settings outside of work or school.
Diagnosis
You must have at least six traits (symptoms), which began before the age of 12. You also must have these symptoms ongoingly for at least six months. The symptoms should also be in the way of functioning effectively at work, school or at home. The symptoms cannot be caused by any other mental disorder. go to this site may refer you an expert to conduct an assessment. You can download a supportive letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP or print out quotes from the NICE 87's guideline to provide the reasons why you should undergo an assessment.
Your doctor will discuss your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. assessment for adhd will also inquire about your family as well as your educational and social background. They might also request your school records from your past and may be interested in interviewing teachers or other people who have known you since you were a kid. The examiner may attempt to rule out other explanations for your symptoms and suggest you undergo neuropsychological testing or diagnostic tests.
A thorough evaluation could take several hours. Some adults require more than one visit with their specialist to complete the evaluation. The evaluation specialist may discuss the results and suggest possible treatments with you.
You might have either the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD. The signs of the inattentive type include difficulties staying focused and attentive, forgetfulness and/or 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.
Many adults suffering from ADHD are unable to understand how their condition affects their lives and relationships. This can result in divorce or separation, financial difficulties and problems with parenting. During the evaluation the therapist may speak with both the individual with ADHD and their partner or spouse to get a better understanding of how their issues impact the relationship. You might be asked to fill in checklists that describe your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric assessment for ADHD usually 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 don't have it, and standardized testing. The evaluator may also ask teachers to complete questionnaires and look at the reports 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 about how often you interrupt others, or if you misplace things easily, and if you fail to complete tasks. The evaluator will want to know whether these symptoms were present from the beginning, or if they started in the early years of childhood (technically before age 12).
A person must have significant difficulties in two or more of the following areas to be diagnosed with ADHD including school and work life, family relationships or social interactions. Examples of this disorder are being fired from a job, not passing in a class or not making payments on time. Mild ADHD symptoms can cause issues, but not serious disruptions.
There are a myriad of things that can trigger similar symptoms to those of ADHD such as physical ailments and stress. A mental health specialist or health care professional will assess the person's mood, medical history and other aspects to rule out these causes.
Behavioral therapy is one of the most popular treatments for ADHD. It assists patients in developing better coping abilities and learn how to manage their symptoms. It could include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps people learn how to transform negative thinking into positive thoughts. It can also help reduce the negative effects of any underlying illness or mental health issues such as depression or substance misuse.
Therapy for couples or marriage can be helpful for those with ADHD. It can help them better understand their partner and improve their communication. It can assist their partner to learn how to help and cope with someone with ADHD.
Medication
Medications can help with the hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity that are hallmarks of ADHD. They are often prescribed in conjunction with therapy and skill-training, which can improve the symptoms and help people function better at work, school at home, or even in their leisure activities. However, medications are not an answer to all problems and people should remain in contact with their doctor to understand how to manage their ADHD symptoms. It could take a few tries to find the ideal combination of medications and dosages, but it is important to keep in mind that there are a variety of alternatives.
A specialist will interview a parent, child or an adult to find out about their experiences with ADHD. They will pay particular focus on the behavior that occurs in different settings, including at home and at school. They will also ask about the person's family background and their academic and occupational background. They will usually request performance evaluations from the workplace or old report cards, and will be looking to speak with the person's teachers.
Keep in mind that for someone to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must have started in the early years of childhood (technically before the age of 12). So, although an expert will only discuss the current symptoms during an assessment of diagnosis it is likely that they will require the assistance of others who knew the individual as a child, and could even speak with the person's parents or teachers.
Medication to treat ADHD typically contains stimulants that appear to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They are available in various forms, including liquids, tablets, and patches. Stimulants can cause side effects such as trouble sleeping, agitation, and a loss of appetite, however they are generally considered safe when prescribed 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.
The most effective method of treating ADHD symptoms is a combination of medications as well as behavior therapy and behavioral changes. It is not uncommon for children and adults to try different medications and then alter them over time as their needs change or when they experience significant changes in their lives.