ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) is a complicated condition. It may have three subtypes, and the symptoms may vary. It is also possible to confuse with physical conditions and other mental disorders.
For that reason, getting an accurate ADHD assessment is essential. Your therapist or doctor will require you to fill out questionnaires, interview you and other people and go over any pertinent documents.
Signs and symptoms
To determine ADHD, a health care provider will examine the person's current or for adults their childhood behavior and school experiences. They will also take into consideration the person's mental and physical health history, their mood and lifestyle and family factors. They may also interview people who know the person, like parents, friends and teachers, to gather details about their relationship with the person and how their symptoms impact their lives.
To be diagnosed, a person must have symptoms in at minimum two environments, including at home, work and school, and cause problems in their daily lives. The symptoms must have been present for at minimum for 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. Additionally, they cannot be caused by a disorder, like anxiety or depression.
The most common sign of ADHD is inattention, meaning that the person is having trouble staying focused or keeping their attention on the task at hand. They might also frequently lose things, forget appointments and make a few mistakes at work or at school. They may spend a lot of time in a state of mind, have trouble finishing tasks and often fail to complete 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, take quick decisions without thinking about the consequences, and may have difficulty getting their turn.
A doctor can also look for other ailments like depression, anxiety, or sleep disorders. In addition to a physical examination, the provider will inquire about family and personal histories and will then give the person several tests designed to assess their ability to focus and think quickly, stay well-organized and manage their emotions.
Diagnosis
A health professional must perform an assessment before a person can be diagnosed with ADHD or ADD or ADD as it was previously called. This will include a detailed description and rating scales completed by both the person as well as caregivers. It could also include medical history of the family, records of work and school as well as other pertinent information. A physical exam may be required of the individual being evaluated. A medical exam is important to rule out other conditions or diseases that could cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD including brain tumors, hearing problems, vision issues as well as thyroid disorders, depression and head injuries.
In some cases in addition to the medical exam, a psychiatric evaluation may be necessary. In these situations the evaluator will interview the patient, along with other important people in the patient's life, such a spouse, parents, and siblings for children and coaches and teachers for adults on their observations and experiences of the person. These interviews can give valuable information about what's happening to the individual, and whether or not tests are needed to determine if they suffer from ADHD.
The process of requesting an assessment may be overwhelming, especially for those who are concerned that they may not have ADHD and may be labeled as having a condition that could damage their career or personal relationships. Asking family members, friends and coworkers to recommend a specialist who has experience in ADHD assessments can be helpful. You should also check with your insurance company to find out which specialists are covered and what the assessment will cost.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD can help manage symptoms that can cause issues at school or work or in your relationships or in your personal. The first step is to obtain a diagnosis, and the most important step in this process is to find the right health professional who is qualified to evaluate your symptoms. You can ask your therapist or doctor for recommendations or you can contact your local chapter of an organization that is national in its mental health to obtain the list of specialists near you. Certain insurance plans also offer an approved list of health professionals by specialization. If you attend a support group for those with ADHD you may discover that many of the members have worked with particular experts and can offer suggestions.
A medical professional who is evaluating ADHD will likely request you to complete several scales of ratings that are standardized or questionnaires about the behavior you are 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 requirements of ADD, your doctor may recommend you to an expert for further testing in order to rule out other mental or physical issues. Some people with ADHD also suffer from sleep disorders, depression or other mood disorders. They may also have learning disabilities that cause them to have difficulty writing and reading. These conditions can exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD and should be identified for treatment.
Once your symptoms are identified and your doctor prescribes an action plan that will include psychotherapy or medications. Behavioral therapy helps you learn to track your own behavior and modify it if needed. Cognitive behavioral therapy improves the ways you manage your emotions and think. Psychotherapy can assist you in improving your interpersonal relationships as well as resolve problems in your marriage or with your family.
Medication
There are a variety of drugs that can be used to treat ADHD in both children and adults. The stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine work by helping boost and balance levels of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. They are often the first drugs prescribed to treat ADHD. These medications are available as immediate-release pills (short-acting) or modified-release tablets that deliver an even dose throughout the day. The effectiveness of these medications differs for each person, so it may take some time to locate the right medication and dose that works for you or your child.
The initial treatment plan will comprise regular monitoring of side effects and symptoms. The doctor will adjust medication as necessary. Behavioral therapy is frequently recommended for ADHD which includes cognitive-behavioral therapies and dialectical behavior therapy for adults. There are a variety of other treatments that can benefit those suffering from ADHD, such as mindfulness meditation and yoga.
Every medication can cause negative side effects, therefore it is essential to speak to your doctor about any concerns you have. Tell your provider all other medications you or your child take such as those prescribed and over-the-counter. Certain medications may interact with stimulant medications and can cause dangerous side effects.
Finding the right medication dose and the right medication for ADHD can take time and patience. Discuss all options with your physician and follow the instructions on how to take the medication. Inform your doctor of any changes to your diet as certain foods may interfere with the way that the medication is taken in. Additionally, young people 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 child or adult receives a diagnosis of ADHD the healthcare professional will collaborate with them to develop an individualized treatment plan that includes therapy and medication. They'll assist you in finding the appropriate dosage and will monitor your child's or your own reaction to the medication to make sure it is working well for you.
There are a variety of medication available to treat ADHD. The most popular are psychostimulants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain and can boost energy, increase focus and alertness. They include amphetamines, such as 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 people with inattentive ADHD. These include Strattera, Qelbree, and Intuniv.
Therapy will help you learn to manage your symptoms and alter your behavior. Your therapist will assist you to create strategies for managing time and help you organize yourself. They'll show you ways to deal with your emotions and assist you to build positive relationships. They may also recommend family and marriage counseling or classes to enhance communication.
Disorganization is another manifestation of ADHD and it can make it difficult to complete tasks or stay organized at home or at work. cheap adhd assessment uk can be difficult to remember deadlines or appointments. You may also lose important paperwork and have difficulty keeping your workspace clean and clean. Behavioral therapy can include training to help you relax your mind, improve your sleep quality and learn to cope with anxiety.
Many adults with ADD/ADHD have difficulty falling asleep at night. They are often woken by racing thoughts or unrestful sleep. They struggle to follow the schedule and often procrastinate. This results in unfinished projects or tasks. Behavioral therapy can help you develop better self discipline, improve your ability to prioritize tasks and reduce the amount caffeine and nicotine in your daily diet.