ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) is a multifaceted condition. It may have three subtypes, and the symptoms can vary. It is also possible to confuse with physical conditions and other mental disorders.
For that reason, getting an accurate ADHD assessment is important. Your doctor or therapist will need to fill out questionnaires, talk with you and your family members, and review any pertinent documents.
Signs and symptoms
To determine ADHD A health care professional will assess the person's present or, in adults their childhood behavior and school experiences. They will also take into consideration the person's physical and mental health history, their mood and lifestyle factors affecting family and friends. They may ask people who are close to the person, such as teachers, parents, and friends, about their relationship and how the symptoms affect them.
To be diagnosed, one must be exhibiting symptoms in at least two different settings, like at home, work or school, and they must cause problems in their daily lives. The symptoms must have been present for at least six months. They also must have been inappropriate for the person's developmental level. For children, the symptoms must have started before age 12. Lastly, they can't be caused by a disorder, like depression or anxiety.
The most common characteristic of ADHD is inattention, meaning that the person has trouble staying on task or keeping their mind on track. They can also lose things frequently or forget appointments, and they can also make a few mistakes at work or at school. They could spend much of their time dreaming or having difficulty completing tasks.
Hyperactivity-impulsivity, the other main symptom of ADHD, causes the person to move about excessively, even when it's not appropriate, or to fidget, tap or talk. They might interrupt others, make quick decisions without weighing the consequences, and struggle to wait for their turn.
A health care provider will also be looking for signs of other illnesses, such as anxiety, sleep disorders, or depression. In addition to a physical examination, the provider will ask questions about family and personal histories and will also provide the patient with a series of tests designed to test their ability to focus and think quickly, stay focused and control their emotions.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD, or ADD as it was previously known, a health professional will need to complete an assessment. This could include a detailed description of the symptoms of the individual, rating scales completed by the individual and their family members, medical background, school and work records, as well as other pertinent information. A physical examination may be required of the individual being evaluated. A medical exam is required to rule out illnesses or diseases which may cause symptoms similar to ADHD like brain tumors, problems with vision hearing issues as well as thyroid disorders, depression and head injuries.
In certain situations, in addition to the medical examination an assessment of psychiatric disorders might be necessary. In these cases, the evaluator will interview the patient as well as other significant people in his or her life -- for example, spouses, parents and siblings for children as well as teachers and coaches for adults -about their experiences and observations about the patient's behavior. Personal insight gleaned from these interviews may help clarify what's happening to the person and which, if any, tests may be required to determine if the person has ADHD.
The process of requesting an assessment can feel overwhelming, especially for those who are concerned that they may not have ADHD and will be labeled with a disorder that could affect their career or personal relationships. Asking friends, family members and coworkers to recommend a professional with experience in ADHD assessments could be beneficial. It is also a good idea to inquire with the individual's insurance provider to determine which specialists are covered by their plans and to find out what the assessment will cost.
Treatment
Finding treatment for ADHD can help you get control over the symptoms that could cause serious problems at school or work as well as in your relationships or in your private life. The first step is getting an assessment, and the most crucial part of the process is locating a health care professional who is qualified to evaluate your symptoms. You can consult your therapist or doctor for recommendations, or you can call the local chapter of an organization that is national in its mental health to get an overview of the professionals in close proximity to you. Certain insurance plans also offer an approved list of health professionals by specialization. You might find that a lot of members of a support group for ADHD sufferers have worked with certain specialists and are able to make suggestions.
A health care professional who evaluates ADHD will likely ask you to fill out a number standardized rating scales or questionnaires regarding the behavior you are experiencing. These ratings are based upon research that compares the behavior of people who suffer from ADHD with those who do not have it.
If you meet the criteria for ADD If you meet the criteria for ADD, your health care professional may refer you for further tests to look for other possible physical or psychiatric conditions. For example, some individuals who suffer from ADHD have depression, sleep disorders or other mood disorders, or disabilities that cause difficulty with reading and writing. These conditions can exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD and need to be recognized to be treated effectively.
Once your symptoms are identified the doctor will prescribe an action plan that will include either medication or psychotherapy. Behavioral therapy teaches you how to observe your own behavior and change it when needed. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help improve the ability to manage your emotions and think. Psychotherapy can also help you improve your interpersonal relationships and resolve issues in your relationship or family.
Medication
There are a myriad of drugs that can be used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. Drugs like amphetamine and methylphenidate help balance brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They are usually the first drugs prescribed to treat ADHD. They can be taken as immediate-release pills or modified release tablets that provide an exact dose throughout the day. The effectiveness of these medicines varies among individuals so it could take a while to find the right dosage and medication that works for you or your child.
The initial treatment plan will include regular clinical monitoring of side effects and symptoms. The doctor will modify the medications as needed. Behavioral therapy is also often recommended for ADHD such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy for adults. adhd online assessment uk can aid people with ADHD. They include mindfulness meditation and yoga.
All medications can have negative side effects. It is crucial to discuss any concerns with your physician. Tell your provider all other medications you or your child are taking, including those prescribed and over-the-counter. Certain medications interact with stimulant drugs and can cause dangerous side effects.
For many people suffering from ADHD Finding the appropriate dosage and medication will take time and patience. Make sure you discuss all of the options with your doctor and adhere to the instructions to take the medication. Inform your doctor of any changes to your diet since certain foods can affect how the medication is absorption. Additionally, young people who are taking stimulant medications may suffer from a minor delay in growth as well as an increase in heart rate or blood pressure.
Therapy
If a person, whether a child or an adult, receives a diagnosis of ADHD or ADD, their healthcare provider will work with them to create an individual treatment plan that incorporates medication and therapy. They will help you determine the appropriate dosage and track the reaction of your child or yourself to the medication.
There are many types of medications that can be used to treat ADHD. Psychostimulants, which affect brain neurotransmitters, can help increase energy and alertness and improve focus. These include amphetamines like Adderall and methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta. They include antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor and Viloxazine. Non-stimulant drugs, which don't affect neurotransmitters, are prescribed for those with the inattention-deficit manifestation of ADHD and include Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree (viloxazine) and Intuniv (guanfacine).
Therapy will assist you in learning to manage your symptoms and alter your behaviors. Your therapist will guide you develop strategies for managing your time and teach you how to organize yourself. They'll help you develop coping strategies to deal with your emotions and help you build relationships that are positive. They may also recommend couples and family counseling classes to enhance communication.
Disorganization is another manifestation of ADHD and can make it difficult to finish tasks or stay organized at home or at work. You might find it difficult to remember deadlines or appointments. You could also lose important documents and find it difficult to keep your workspace neat and tidy. Behavioral therapy can include a program of training to help you relax your mind, have better quality sleep, and learn to manage anxiety.
Many people with ADD/ADHD experience trouble falling asleep at night. They are often woken by racing thoughts or restless sleep. They are unable to stick to an agenda and tend to procrastinate. This can lead to unfinished projects or tasks that are not completed. Behavioral therapy can help you to develop better self-discipline, improve your ability to prioritize tasks and reduce the amount of caffeine and nicotine in your diet.