ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) is a complex condition. It has three sub-types and may present with different symptoms. It can also be confused with other mental health disorders as well as physical ailments.
It is therefore crucial to receive an accurate ADHD diagnosis. Your doctor or therapist will have to fill out questionnaires, speak with you and your family members, and examine any relevant documents.
Signs and symptoms
A health professional will look at the person's behavior or, for adults, their school and childhood experiences. They will also take into consideration the person's mental and physical health history, mood and lifestyle and family factors. They might also ask those who are close to the person, including teachers, parents and friends about their relationship and how the symptoms affect them.
To be diagnosed, a person has to have symptoms in at minimum two environments, including at home, work or school, and they must cause problems in their daily lives. The symptoms must have been present at minimum for six months. They must also be not appropriate for the individual's developmental level. For children, the symptoms must have been present prior to age 12. They aren't caused by other conditions, like anxiety or depression.
The most frequent symptom of ADHD is inattention, which means the person has trouble staying focused or keeping their attention on the task at hand. They may also lose things frequently, miss appointments, or make mistakes at work or in school. They could spend a lot of time snoozing and have difficulty finishing their work and frequently forget homework or assignments.
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 may interrupt others, make quick decisions without thinking about consequences and have trouble waiting for their turn.
A health care provider will also look for signs of other illnesses such as anxiety, sleep disorders, or depression. The provider will also ask about the family history of the patient and provide a series of tests to measure their ability pay attention, think quickly and stay organized.
Diagnosis
In order for a person to be diagnosed with ADHD or ADD as it was previously referred to, a health professional must conduct an assessment. This will comprise a thorough description and rating scales that are completed by both the person as well as caregivers. adhd assessments could also include medical history of the family, records of school and work, and other relevant information. The person being assessed may also be asked to take physical examination. A medical examination is necessary to rule out conditions or diseases which may cause symptoms similar to ADHD like brain tumors, vision problems hearing issues, depression, thyroid disorders and head injuries.
In certain instances the psychiatric examination may be required in addition to a medical examination. In these situations, the evaluator will interview the patient and other significant people in their life -- for example, spouses, parents, siblings for children, teachers and coaches for adults -about their experiences and observations about the patient's behavior. Personal insight gleaned from these conversations can help to clarify what is happening to the patient and which, if any, tests might be needed to determine if the individual has ADHD.
It can be overwhelming to get an assessment, particularly in the event that you are concerned that you may not have ADHD. You may also be concerned that your job or relationships could be affected if you are diagnosed with a disorder. It is a good idea to ask friends, relatives and colleagues for recommendations for an experienced specialist with previous experience performing ADHD assessments. You should also inquire with your insurance provider to see which professionals are covered and how much the assessment will cost.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD can help manage symptoms that cause problems at school or work, in your relationships, or in your personal. The first step is to obtain a diagnosis. The most crucial part of this process is to find an expert in health care who is qualified to evaluate your symptoms. You can ask your doctor or therapy provider for recommendations, or contact the local chapter of a national mental health association for a list of professionals in your area. Some insurance plans also provide a list of approved health care providers based on their specialization. You might find that a lot of members of a support group for ADHD sufferers have worked with certain professionals and can make suggestions.
A health care professional who is evaluating ADHD will likely request you to complete various scales of rating that are standardized or questionnaires about the behavior you are experiencing. These ratings are from research that compares your behavior with those of people who do not have ADHD.
If you fit the criteria of ADD Your doctor may refer you to an expert for further testing to rule out other possible physical or psychiatric issues. For instance, some people who suffer from ADHD suffer from sleep disorders, depression or other mood disorders, or learning disabilities that cause difficulty with writing and reading. These conditions may have similar symptoms as ADHD and should be identified to be treated effectively.
Once your symptoms are identified, your 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 improve the way you manage your emotions and think. Psychotherapy can also assist you to improve interpersonal relationships and deal with problems in your relationship or family.
Medication
There are a variety of drugs that can be used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. The stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine help to increase and balance neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. They are often the first drugs prescribed to treat ADHD. These medications are available as immediate-release tablets (short-acting) or modified-release tablets which provide an even dose throughout the day. The effectiveness of these medications varies among individuals so it could take some time to find the right dosage and medication that works for you or your child.
Initial treatment plans will include a regular clinical evaluation of symptoms and side-effects. The doctor will adjust the medication as required. ADHD is usually treated using behavior therapy, like cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy for adults. There are many other therapies that can help people suffering from ADHD including yoga and mindfulness meditation.
All medications have potential adverse effects. It is essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. Inform your doctor about any other medications you or your child is taking such as those prescribed and over-the-counter. Certain medications can interact with stimulant medications and can cause dangerous side effects.
Finding the right medication dose and the right medication for ADHD will take time and patience. Be sure to discuss all of your options with your physician and adhere to the instructions to take the medication. Inform your doctor of any changes to your diet since certain foods can affect the way that the medication is taken in. Additionally, young people taking stimulant medication may experience minor growth delay and an increase in heart rate or blood pressure.
Therapy
If you or your child adult is diagnosed with ADHD and a healthcare professional is consulted, they will devise a treatment program for them that includes medication and therapy. They'll help you determine the appropriate dosage and will monitor the reaction of your child or yourself to the medication to ensure it is working well for you.
There are several types of medications that can be used to treat ADHD. The most common are psychostimulants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain and can help increase energy, improve concentration and alertness. These include amphetamines like Adderall and methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta. They also include antidepressants such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Non-stimulant medicines that don't affect neurotransmitters, are prescribed to those with inattentive ADHD. These include Strattera, Qelbree, and Intuniv.
Therapy will assist you in learning to manage your symptoms and change your behaviors. Your therapist will help you to use time management techniques and devise organizational strategies. They will show you how to cope with your emotions, and assist you develop positive relationships. They might also suggest marriage and family counseling or classes to improve communication.
Disorganization is a common ADHD sign. It can make it hard to stay on track or complete tasks at home or work. You might find it difficult to remember appointments or deadlines. You may also lose important documents and find it difficult to keep your workspace neat and clean. Behavioral therapy could include a program of training to help you relax your mind, get better quality sleep and practice coping with anxiety.
Many people suffering from ADD/ADHD have difficulty sleeping through the night. They are often awakened by racing thoughts or unrestful sleep. They aren't able to follow an established routine and are more likely to delay tasks, leading to unfinished tasks or putting off projects. Behavioral therapy can help you to develop better self-discipline and improve your ability to prioritize and reduce the amount of caffeine and nicotine in your diet.