ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) or ADD is a multi-faceted disorder. It is a complex condition that has three sub-types and may present with different symptoms. It is also possible to confuse with physical conditions as well as other mental disorders.
It is therefore important to obtain an accurate ADHD diagnosis. Your doctor or therapist will need to complete questionnaires, interview you and your family members, and look at any relevant documents.
Signs and symptoms
A health professional will look at the person's behavior or, in the case of adults, their school and childhood experiences. They will also consider the person's mental health, physical history, mood, as well as family and lifestyle issues. They may also interview people who know the person well, like parents, friends and teachers, to gain information about their relationship with the person as well as how their symptoms impact their daily lives.
To be diagnosed, a person has to exhibit symptoms in at least two settings, such as at work, home and school, and cause a dysfunction in their daily life. Symptoms must be present for at least six months. The symptoms must be inappropriate to the person's development level. The symptoms must have been noticed in children prior to the age of 12. They aren't caused by other disorders, such as depression or anxiety.
The most frequent symptom of ADHD is inattention, which means the person is having trouble staying on task or keeping their attention on the task at hand. They may also frequently lose things, forget appointments, and make mistakes at school or work. They may also spend hours daydreaming 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 may disrupt others or make quick decisions without considering consequences and have trouble waiting for their turn.
A health care provider will also look for signs of other illnesses, such as sleep disorders, anxiety or depression. In addition to a physical exam, the provider will ask questions about family and personal history and will also give the person a series of tests designed to test their ability to focus and think quickly, stay well-organized and manage their emotions.
Diagnosis
For a person 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 person's symptoms, ratings scales completed by the individual and their family members, medical history, school and job records, as well as other pertinent details. A physical examination could be required of the person being evaluated. A medical exam is required to rule out any conditions or diseases which may cause symptoms similar ADHD, including brain tumors, vision problems, hearing issues, depression, thyroid disorders, and head injuries.
In certain situations, a psychiatric evaluation will be required in addition to a medical examination. In these situations the evaluator will talk to the patient as well as other significant individuals in his or her life -- for example, spouses, parents, siblings for children, teachers and coaches for adults -- about their experiences and observations of the person's behavior. Personal insight gleaned from these interviews can often help to clarify what is happening to the person and what tests might be needed to determine if the individual is suffering from ADHD.
It can be overwhelming to go through the process of seeking an assessment, especially if you are worried that you may not have ADHD. You might also be worried that your relationships or career could be affected if you are diagnosed with a condition. It is helpful to ask your family, friends and colleagues for recommendations on a qualified specialist who has expertise in conducting ADHD assessments. You should also check with your insurance provider to determine which specialists are covered and how much the assessment will cost.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD can help control symptoms that are causing problems at work or school as well as in your relationships or in your personal. The first step is getting a diagnosis, and the most important step in that process is finding the right health professional who is qualified to evaluate your symptoms. You can consult your therapist or doctor for recommendations or you can contact the local chapter for a national mental organization to obtain an overview of the professionals in close proximity to you. Some insurance plans have a list by specialty of health professionals. You might find that a lot of members of a support group for ADHD sufferers have worked with specific professionals and can make recommendations.
A medical specialist who assesses ADHD will likely require you to fill out a number standardized rating scales or questionnaires regarding the behavior you're experiencing. These ratings are based on research that compares the behaviors of people who suffer from ADHD to those who don't suffer from it.
If you meet the criteria for ADD If you are diagnosed with ADD, your healthcare specialist may recommend further testing to check for other possible psychiatric or physical conditions. Some people with ADHD may also suffer from depression, sleep disorders, or other mood disorders. They could also be suffering from learning disabilities, which can cause them to have difficulties writing and reading. These conditions can have similar symptoms to ADHD and need to be recognized for treatment.
After your symptoms have been identified, your doctor may prescribe either medication or psychotherapy. Behavioral therapy will teach you how to monitor your behavior and alter it when needed. Cognitive behavioral therapy can improve the ability to manage your emotions and think. Psychotherapy can also assist you to improve your interpersonal relationships and deal with problems in your relationship or family.
Medication
There are many drugs that can be used to treat ADHD in children and adults. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine help to increase and balance neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. adhd assessment uk are typically the first drugs to be used to treat ADHD. These medications can be taken as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that provide a consistent dosage throughout the day. These medications aren't identical. It could take some time to locate a medication and dosage that is appropriate for your child or for you.
The initial treatment plan will comprise regular monitoring of symptoms and side effects. The doctor will alter the medication if needed. Behavioral therapy is also often recommended for ADHD, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy for adults. There are many other treatments that can benefit those suffering from ADHD including mindfulness meditation and yoga.
All medications can have side effects. It is crucial to discuss any concerns with your physician. Discuss with your physician any other medications you or your child take including prescriptions as well as over-the-counter. Certain medications may interact with stimulant medications and trigger dangerous side effects.
Finding the right medication dose and medication for ADHD will take time and patience. Discuss all options with your doctor and follow the directions on how to take the medication. It is also essential to inform your physician of any changes in your diet as some foods can alter the way the medication is absorption by your body. Some young people who are taking stimulant medication may have a slight slowing of growth and an increase in blood pressure or heart rate.
Therapy
If a person of any age is diagnosed with ADHD, their healthcare provider will work with them to design an individual treatment plan that includes therapy and medication. They will help you determine the right dosage and will monitor the reaction of your child or yourself to the medication.
There are a variety of medication available to treat ADHD. The most popular are psychostimulants that alter neurotransmitters in the brain and can boost energy, increase focus and alertness. Amphetamines, such as Adderall and methylphenidates such as Ritalin and Concerta are examples. assessments for adhd include antidepressants such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Non-stimulant drugs that don't impact neurotransmitters, are prescribed to those with inattentive ADHD. These include Strattera, Qelbree, and Intuniv.
Therapy will help you understand how to manage your symptoms and alter your behaviors. Your therapist will assist you to create strategies for managing time and help you organize yourself. They will teach you how to manage your emotions, and help you build positive relationships. 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 may find it difficult to remember deadlines or appointments. You may also lose important paperwork and have difficulty keeping your workspace clean and clean. assessment for adhd could include training to calm your mind, improve your sleep quality and learn to cope with anxiety.
Many people with ADD/ADHD find it hard to get to sleep at night, and are often woken up by a racing mind or restless sleep. They are unable to stick to the schedule and often procrastinate. This results in unfinished projects or tasks. Behavioral therapy helps you build better self discipline, improve your ability to prioritize and reduce the amount of caffeine and nicotine in your daily diet.