What is an ADHD Assessment?
If you or your child have symptoms of ADHD your doctor is likely to want to talk with you. He or she might ask about your family history and health. You might also inquire about the education of your child. They may also meet with teachers as well as religious and scout leaders as well as coaches and other people who know your child well.
Symptoms
If you or someone you know thinks they have ADHD, the first step in getting an evaluation is to find an expert in the field who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD. Find a doctor who is specialized in the field of mental health for children, or ask your family physician for an appointment. The person who examines you will ask about your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. They may also ask you questions about your health, work, school and social life. The examiner will need to see any records you have, including performance evaluations from your job or school, as well as old report cards.
Interviews with teachers, family members and other adults will be a part of a complete evaluation. The examiner will use various ratings and questionnaires to assess the person's ADHD and will also use standard tests used in school evaluations. They will also require you to give examples of how you behave in different situations. They will then compare your behavior to the DSM V ADHD criteria -hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive.
The evaluator also checks whether the person's ADHD affects their daily functioning. They will also determine if the symptoms are more severe than is expected for their age and development level. They will assess the symptoms of a particular person to those of other people who are in similar situations. For example, their classmates 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. In addition, the signs must have led to significant impairment in at least two significant situations in their lives. For children, this will typically mean issues with 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 will also speak to other people who are familiar with the person such as relatives, friends and Scout leaders or religious groups. They will want to hear about how the person acts in various situations as well as how they behave at home and in other places outside of school or work.
Diagnosis
To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD you must exhibit at least six characteristics (symptoms) that began prior to the age of 12. Additionally, you must be experiencing these symptoms continuously for at least six months. The symptoms must also affect your ability to function at home, school, or work. The symptoms cannot be caused by any other mental disorder. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP or print the quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines that explain why you should have an assessment.
Your doctor will talk to you about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will also ask you about your family as well as your educational and social history. They may ask for your school records from the past and interview teachers or other individuals who were with you as a child. The examiner may attempt to rule out other possible explanations of your symptoms and suggest you undergo neuropsychological testing or diagnostic tests.
A thorough assessment can take several hours. Certain adults may need to make more than one appointment to their specialist in order to complete the process. The evaluation will discuss the results with you, and may suggest treatment options that could be beneficial.
You might have either the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD. The type of ADHD that is inattentive is characterised by difficulties paying attention and staying focused, as well as forgetfulness and/or a lack in 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.
Certain adults with ADHD have difficulty understanding how their conditions affect their lives and relationships. This can result in financial issues, strained or broken marriages, and parenting problems. During the assessment, a psychologist may talk with the ADHD person as well as their spouse or partner to understand how their symptoms affect the relationship. They may ask both of you complete checklists that list your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric examination for ADHD typically involves an interview with the person being assessed and their caregivers, the completion of questionnaires or rating scales which compare the behavior of those with ADHD to those of people who do not have it, and standardized tests. In the case of children, the examiner may also examine their report cards and ask teachers to complete questionnaires.
People suffering from ADHD symptoms must be prepared to explain how their ADHD symptoms affect their work, social, and home life. Expect to be asked about how often you interrupt others, if you get lost things easily, or if you are unable to finish tasks. The examiner would like to determine if these signs were present throughout their entire lives or if they first started to manifest in childhood (technically, before the age of 12).
A person has to have significant issues in two or more of the following areas to be diagnosed with ADHD including school and work family relationships, or social interactions. This impairment can be demonstrated by being fired from a job, completing an educational course, or not paying your bills in time. Mild ADHD symptoms can lead to some issues, but not serious disruptions.
Stress and physical ailments can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. A health care professional or mental health professional will examine the person's mood, medical history, and other factors to rule out these possible causes.
Behavioral therapy is a popular treatment for ADHD. It helps patients learn how to better manage their symptoms and develop more effective techniques for coping. It can include cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches people to change negative thoughts into positive ones. It can also help reduce the negative effects of any underlying illness or mental health issues such as depression and alcohol abuse.
Adults with ADHD may also benefit from marital or couple therapy. It can help them comprehend their partner's viewpoint 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 inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that are hallmarks of ADHD. They are often prescribed in conjunction with therapy and training, which can improve the symptoms and help people perform better at school, work, home or in their leisure 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 tries to find the best dosage and combination of medications. However, it's important to remember that there are many choices.
A specialist will talk to a parent, child or an adult to find out about their experiences with ADHD. They will pay special focus on the behavior that occurs in various settings, such as at home and in school. They will also inquire about the person's family history and their academic and work background. They may request old reports or performance evaluations and may also contact the person's school.
Keep in mind that for someone to be diagnosed with ADHD their symptoms must have begun in the early years of childhood (technically before the age of 12). Although please click for source will only discuss the current symptoms during a diagnostic assessment they may require a conversation with others who knew the individual as when they were children, and interview their parents or teachers.
The treatment for ADHD typically includes stimulants, which are believed to increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These drugs are available in a variety of forms that include liquids, tablets and patches. They can trigger side effects such as insomnia, agitation, and loss of appetite. However they are generally safe if taken according to doctor's instructions. Non-stimulants, like atomoxetine and certain antidepressants, are also used to treat ADHD. They tend to be slower-acting and have less negative effects, however not everyone should use them.
A combination of medication, therapy, and behavior changes are most effective in treating ADHD symptoms. It's not unusual for adults and children to test different medications and then alter them as their needs change or they experience significant life changes.