What is an ADHD Assessment?
Your doctor may talk to you whether or not your child is suffering from ADHD. The doctor may inquire about your family health history and your family history. They may also inquire about the schooling of your child. He or she may speak to teachers, religious and scout leaders as well as coaches and other people who know your child.
Symptoms
If you or someone you know thinks they may have ADHD the first step in getting an assessment is to locate a health care professional who is experienced in diagnosing it. Your family doctor should refer you to someone who is an expert in children's mental healthcare. The person who examines you will begin by asking about your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. They may also ask about your school, work, and social life. The examiner may ask to see your old reports, performance evaluations at work or school, and other documents.
Interviews with teachers, family members as well as other adults will be part of a comprehensive evaluation. The examiner will utilize a variety of instruments and rating systems to assess the person's ADHD, including standard testing used in school evaluations. They will also ask you to give examples of how you behave in various situations. They will evaluate your behavior in relation to the DSM V criteria for ADHD -- hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.
The evaluator will also determine whether the person's ADHD affects their daily functioning. They will determine if their symptoms are significantly more severe than is normal for their age or development. They will compare the person's problems to the experiences of others in similar situations, like 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. The symptoms must have led to significant impairments in at least two areas of their lives. This could mean that children have problems with their schoolwork, and their relationships with parents or siblings. Adults could lose their jobs in the event that they struggle to pay attention or keeping track of their bills and paperwork.
The evaluator may also speak to those who are acquainted with the person, such as family members and friends or scout leaders from religious or scout groups. They will want to know how the person behaves in various situations, such as at home and other places outside of work or school.
Diagnosis
To be considered to have ADHD it is necessary to have a minimum of 6 traits (symptoms) that began before the age of 12. These symptoms must also be present for at minimum six consecutive months. The symptoms must also get in the way of functioning well at school, work, and/or home. The symptoms can't be caused by another mental health disorder. Your GP can refer to a specialist for an assessment. You can print quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines or download a letter of support from ADHD UK that you can give to your GP.
Your doctor will talk to you about your issues and how they impact your life. They will also inquire about your family and social history, and your educational and work history. They may ask for your old school records, and they might need to speak with teachers or others who have known you since you were a child. The evaluator will try to eliminate other possible explanations for your symptoms, and may recommend that you undergo neuropsychological tests or other diagnostic tests.
A thorough examination may take a long time. Some adults may need to attend more than one visit to their physician to complete the process. The evaluator 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 symptoms of the type that is inattentive 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.
click to find out more suffering from ADHD are unable to comprehend how their conditions affect their lives and relationships. This can result in divorce or separation, financial difficulties and problems with parenting. During the evaluation, a psychologist may talk with the ADHD person as well as their partner or spouse to learn how their problems impact the relationship. You might be asked to complete checklists describing your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric assessment 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 behaviors of people with ADHD to those of people who do not have it, and standardized testing. For children, the examiner may also examine their reports and ask for teachers to fill out questionnaires.
Those who have symptoms of ADHD should be prepared to discuss how their symptoms affect their work as well as home and social life. Expect to be asked how often you interrupt others, if you get lost things easily, or if you don't finish tasks. The person evaluating them will want to know whether these symptoms are present for all time or if they first started in the early years of childhood (technically before age 12).
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person has to be experiencing significant difficulties in at least two of the following areas: work and family life, school, or social relationships. Examples of this include being fired from a job, not passing a class, or not paying bills on time. People who have mild ADHD symptoms can have trouble in some areas, but don't suffer from major disruptions.
Physical and emotional stress can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. A mental health professional or health care provider will assess the person's mood, medical history and other variables to rule out the possibility of these.
Behavioral therapy is among the most popular treatments for ADHD. It helps people learn more effective ways to manage their symptoms and develop more effective coping skills. It may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches people how to change negative thoughts into positive ones. It can also help reduce the effects of any underlying conditions or mental health issues, like depression and alcohol abuse.
Couples therapy or marital therapy can be beneficial for people with ADHD. It can help them understand their partner and improve 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 typical of ADHD. These medications are often prescribed in combination with therapy and skills-training that can help reduce symptoms and help people function better at school, work at home, or even in their hobbies. The use of medication is not a panacea and patients must work with their doctor in order to determine the best method to manage their ADHD symptoms. It could take a few tries to find the best combination of medication and dosages. However, it is important to remember that there are many choices.
A specialist will talk to a parent, child or adult to learn about their experiences with ADHD. They will pay special attention to behaviors that happen in various settings, such as at home and in school. They will also ask about the person's family background and their academic and work background. They will ask for old report cards or performance evaluations and may also want to talk to the person's teacher.
Remember that for a person to be diagnosed with ADHD their symptoms must have been evident since the early years of childhood (technically before the age of 12). Although an expert may only discuss the current symptoms during an assessment of diagnosis, they may have to talk to people who knew the individual as a child, and even interview their teachers or parents.
ADHD medication usually contains stimulants that appear to regulate and increase levels of brain chemicals known as Neurotransmitters. These medications are available in different forms, including tablets, liquids and patches. Stimulants can cause side effects such as trouble sleeping, agitation, and a loss of appetite, however they are generally considered safe when taken as directed by a doctor. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine as well as certain antidepressants, are also used to treat ADHD. They generally have a slower effect and have less negative effects, but not everyone should use them.
A combination of medications, therapy, and behavior changes are most effective in treating ADHD symptoms. Adults and children can experiment with different medications and alter them depending on their needs or the circumstances change.