What is an ADHD Assessment?
If you or your child have symptoms of ADHD Your doctor will want to talk to you. The doctor may ask questions about your family and health history. They may also inquire about your child's education. He or she may speak to teachers or scout and religious leaders, coaches, and other people who know your child.
Signs and symptoms
Find a doctor with experience in diagnosing ADHD If you or someone you love thinks they might be suffering from it. Look for someone who specializes in children's mental health or ask your family physician for an appointment. The person conducting the assessment will start by talking to you about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They may also ask questions about your health or work schedule, as well as school and social life. The examiner will need to look over any records you may have, including performance evaluations from work or school as well as your old report cards.
book adhd assessment with teachers, family members and other adults will be part of a complete assessment. The examiner will use various questionnaires and rating systems to evaluate the person's ADHD, including standard testing used in school evaluations. They will also ask you to give examples of how you behave in different situations. They will examine your behavior in relation to the DSM V criteria for ADHD -- inattention, hyperactivity and inattention, hyperactivity and.
The evaluator will determine if the ADHD affects the person's daily activities. They will also determine if the symptoms are more severe than expected for their age and development level. They will evaluate a person's symptoms to other people who are in similar situations. For instance, they will compare their peers at school or in 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. In addition, the signs must have caused significant impairment in at least two important settings in their life. This will typically mean that children are struggling with their schoolwork, and their relationships with their parents or siblings. For adults, it may result in losing a job because of inattention issues and difficulty keeping the track of bills or paperwork.
The evaluator may also talk to other people who know the person well such as relatives, friends, as well as religious or scout leaders. They'll want to hear about the behavior of the person in different settings as well as how they behave at home and in 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 first appeared prior to the age of 12. Additionally, you must be experiencing these symptoms continuously for at least six months. The symptoms should also interfere with your ability to perform at home, school, or work. The symptoms cannot be caused by another mental health issue. Your GP can refer to a specialist for an assessment. You can download a supportive letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP or print out quotes from NICE 87 guidelines that provide the reasons why you should undergo an assessment.
Your specialist will discuss your symptoms and their impact on your life. They will also inquire about your family and social history as well as your educational and work history. They might request your school records from the past and may also want to interview teachers or others who know you from when you were a child. The examiner may attempt to rule out any other possible explanations of your symptoms and recommend that you undergo neuropsychological testing or diagnostic tests.
A thorough evaluation may take a long time. Adults may have to attend more than one visit with their doctor to complete the process. The evaluator will discuss the results with you, and could suggest treatments that may help.
You might have either the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD. The symptoms of the type that is inattentive include trouble staying focused and paying attention, 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.
Many adults suffering from ADHD have difficulty understanding how their symptoms interfere with their lives and relationships. This can lead to financial problems as well as broken or stressed relationships, and parental issues. During the evaluation, a psychologist may talk with the ADHD person and their partner or spouse to determine how their issues influence the relationship. You may be asked to fill in checklists describing your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric evaluation for ADHD usually involves an interview with the person being assessed and their family members, completing questionnaires or rating scales that measure the the behavior of those with ADHD to those of people who don't have it, and standardized testing. In the case of children, the evaluator might also look at their reports and ask teachers to fill out questionnaires.
Those with ADHD symptoms should be prepared to explain how their symptoms impact their work, social, and home life. Expect to be asked how often you interrupt others, or if you misplace things easily, and if you don't finish tasks. The examiner will want to know if these symptoms have always been there or if they began in childhood (technically prior to age 12).
A person must have significant issues in two or more of the following areas to be classified with ADHD including school and work family relationships, life, or social interactions. This condition can be demonstrated through being fired from a job, failing the course, or not paying your bills on time. Mild ADHD symptoms can cause problems, but not major disruptions.
Physical and emotional stress can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. A health care provider or mental health professional will examine the person's mood, their medical background and other factors to rule out these possible causes.
Behavioral therapy is a common treatment for ADHD. It helps people learn more effective ways to manage their symptoms and develop better strategies for coping. It can include cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches people how to change negative thoughts into positive ones. It also helps reduce the effects of any underlying condition or mental health issues, like depression and substance misuse.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from marital or couples therapy. It can help them comprehend the perspective of their partner and improve their communication. It can also help their partner know how to support and manage someone with ADHD.
Medication
ADHD is characterised by inattention, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature. Certain medications can help alleviate these symptoms. They are usually prescribed in conjunction with skill training and therapy that can help improve symptoms and help people function better at school, at home, work, or in their hobbies. However, medication is not an answer to all problems and people should still work with their doctor to figure out how they can manage their ADHD symptoms. It could take a few tries to find the best dosage of medication and dosage. However, it's important to remember that there are a variety of options.
A specialist will interview parents, children or adult to learn about their experiences with ADHD. They will pay particular attention to the behaviors that occur in different settings, including at home and in school. They will also ask about the person's family history and their academic and occupational background. They may request old report cards or performance assessments and may also talk to the person's teacher.
Keep in mind that for someone to be diagnosed with ADHD their symptoms must have started in the early years of childhood (technically before the age of 12). So, while an expert will only discuss current symptoms when conducting a diagnostic assessment it is likely that they will have to talk with other people who knew the person as a child, and could even speak with the person's parents or teachers.
ADHD medications typically contain stimulants that are believed to balance and boost levels of brain chemicals called Neurotransmitters. These medications are available in different forms such as tablets, liquids and patches. Stimulants can cause side effects such as trouble sleeping, agitation, and a loss of appetite, but are generally considered safe when prescribed by a physician. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine and certain antidepressants are also used for ADHD. They tend to be slower-working and have less side effects, however they are not recommended for everyone.
The most effective treatment for ADHD symptoms is a combination of medications as well as behavior therapy and behavioral changes. Children and adults may experiment with different medications and alter them as their needs or circumstances change.