What is an ADHD Assessment?
If you or your child exhibit symptoms of ADHD Your doctor is likely to want to talk with you. The doctor may ask questions about your family and health history. You may also inquire about the schooling of your child. He or she may meet with teachers or scout and religious leaders, coaches, and others who know your child well.
Symptoms
If you or someone you know thinks they may have ADHD the first step to get an assessment is to locate an expert in health care who is experienced in diagnosing it. Ask your family doctor to recommend you to a specialist who is an expert in children's mental healthcare. The person who examines you will ask about your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. They might also ask questions regarding your health or work schedule, as well as school and social life. The examiner may ask to see your old report cards, performance evaluations at school or at work, as well as other records.
A full evaluation of ADHD will also include interviews with the person's family members, teachers and other adults who interact with them. The examiner will employ various questions and rating scales to evaluate the person for ADHD, including standardized testing used in school evaluations. They will also ask you to provide 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 the tendency to be impulsive.
The evaluator will also check whether the person's ADHD hinders their daily functioning. They will consider whether the symptoms are more severe than expected for their age or developmental stage. They will assess a person's symptoms to other people who are in similar situations. For instance, their peers at school or in the same 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. Additionally, the symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at least two significant environments in their life. For children, this will typically result in problems with their schoolwork as well as their relationships with parents and siblings. For adults, it could mean losing a job because of difficulty paying attention and having trouble keeping track of paperwork or bills.
The evaluator will also speak to other people who know the person well like relatives, friends as well as religious or scout leaders. They will want to know what the person's behavior is in different situations, including at home and in other settings beyond school or work.
Diagnosis
You must show at least six traits (symptoms), which began before the age of 12. You also must have these symptoms ongoingly for at minimum six months. The symptoms must also interfere with your ability to function at home, school, or work. The symptoms aren't caused by a mental health disorder. Your doctor may 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's guideline to explain why you should have an assessment.
Your doctor will talk to you about your symptoms and their impact on your life. They will also inquire about your family education, social and academic background. They might also request your school records from the past and interview teachers and other people who knew you as a kid. The examiner will attempt to eliminate other possible explanations for your symptoms and may suggest that you undergo neuropsychological tests or other diagnostic tests.
A thorough assessment may take a long time. Some adults require more than one visit with their physician to complete the procedure. The evaluator will discuss the results and suggest possible treatments with you.
You might have either the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD. The signs of the inattentive type are trouble staying focused and attentive or forgetfulness, as well as poor 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.
Some adults with ADHD cannot comprehend how their condition affects their lives and relationships. This can lead to financial issues as well as broken or stressed marriages, and issues with parenting. During the examination the therapist may speak with both the person suffering from ADHD and their partner or spouse to gain an understanding of how their symptoms affect the relationship. They may ask both of you complete checklists that describe your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric assessment for ADHD usually includes an interview with both the individual being assessed and their caregivers as well as the completion of rating scales and questionnaires comparing behaviors of people with ADHD and the behaviors of people who are not affected and tests that are standardized. The evaluator may also ask teachers to fill out questionnaires and look at the reports of the child.
Those with ADHD symptoms should be prepared to discuss how their symptoms affect their social, work and personal life. Expect to be asked about how often you interrupt others, if you lose things easily, or if you fail to complete tasks. The examiner would like to know if the symptoms were always present or if they began in the early years of childhood (technically before the age of 12).
A person must experience significant problems in two or more of the following areas to be classified with ADHD such as school and work family relationships, life or social interactions. This can be proven by being dismissed from a job, failing the course or not paying bills on time. People with mild ADHD symptoms can have problems in a few areas, but don't have major issues.
There are a myriad of things that could trigger similar symptoms to those of ADHD such as physical ailments and stress. A health care professional or mental health professional will examine the person's mood, their medical history and other factors to rule out these possibilities.
Behavioral therapy is one of the most popular treatments for ADHD. It helps people develop better coping skills and learn how to manage their symptoms. It may include cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches people how to transform negative thinking into positive thoughts. It also helps reduce the effects of underlying conditions and mental health issues, such as substance abuse or depression.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from couples or marital therapy. It can help them understand their partner and improve their communication. It can also help the person they love to learn to help them and deal with the challenges of living with someone who suffers from ADHD.
Medication
ADHD is characterised by inattention, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. The use of medication can help reduce these symptoms. They are usually prescribed in conjunction with therapy and skill training which can ease symptoms and allow people to function better at home, school at work or in their activities. However, medications are not an answer to all problems and people should remain in contact with their doctor to understand how to manage their ADHD symptoms. It may take several tries to find the ideal dosage of medication and dosage. However, it is important to remember that there are many alternatives.
A specialist will talk to parents, children or an adult to understand their experiences with ADHD. They will pay special attention to behaviors that happen in different settings, including at school and home. They will also inquire about the person's family history and their academic and occupational background. They may request old reports or performance evaluations and may also want to talk to the person's teacher.
Remember that for a person to be considered to have ADHD their symptoms must have begun in the earliest years of their life (technically before the age of 12). Although an expert may only talk about the current symptoms in a diagnostic assessment they may require a conversation with others who knew the patient as a child, and even interview their parents or teachers.
cheapest adhd assessment to treat ADHD typically includes stimulants, which are believed to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They are available in various forms including tablets, liquids and patches. The stimulants can cause adverse effects such as insomnia or agitation as well as loss of appetite, however they generally considered safe when they are prescribed by a doctor. Non-stimulants, like atomoxetine as well as certain antidepressants, are also used to treat ADHD. They generally have a slower effect and have less negative effects, however not everyone should take them.
The most effective method of treating ADHD symptoms is a combination of medication, behavior therapy, and behavioral changes. It is not uncommon for adults and children to take different medications and then alter them over time as their needs change or they experience significant life changes.