What is an ADHD Assessment?
Your doctor will discuss with you about whether your child or you is suffering from ADHD. The doctor might ask questions about your family and health background. You may also inquire about the schooling of your child. They might meet with teachers as well as religious and scout leaders, coaches, and others who know your child.
Symptoms
If you or someone you know suspects they have ADHD the first step in getting an assessment is to locate a health care professional who has expertise in diagnosing it. Ask your family doctor to refer you to someone who is an expert in the field of children's mental health. The person conducting the assessment will begin by speaking to you about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They might also inquire about your work, school and social activities. The examiner could ask you to see your old report cards or performance evaluations from school or at work, and other records.
A full assessment of ADHD will also include interviews with family members of the person as well as teachers and other adults who interact with them. The examiner will utilize a variety of instruments and rating systems to assess the person's ADHD as well as standard tests used in school evaluations. You will be asked to provide examples on how you behave in different situations. They will consider your behavior in relation to the DSM V criteria for ADHD -- inattention, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive.
The evaluator will also check whether the person's ADHD affects their daily functioning. They will also assess whether the symptoms are more severe than expected for their age and development level. They will assess the symptoms of a person with other people who are in similar situations. For instance, 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. For children, this will usually mean problems in their school work and relationships with parents and siblings. For adults, it may result in losing a job because of difficulty paying attention and difficulty keeping records of bills or paperwork.
The evaluator may also speak to other people who know the person well, such as relatives and friends and Scout or religious leaders. They will be interested in knowing how the person behaves in various situations, such as at home and other places beyond school or work.
Diagnosis
You must be able to show at least six traits (symptoms), which began before the age of 12. These symptoms must also be present for at minimum six consecutive months. The symptoms must also become impeding your ability to function effectively at work, school or at home. The symptoms can't be caused by another mental health disorder. Your GP can refer an expert to conduct an assessment. You can print out quotations from NICE 87 guidelines or download an official letter from ADHD UK that you can send to your GP.
Your doctor will discuss with you about your health issues and how they affect your life. They will also ask about your family history and social background, and your educational and work history. They might also request your old school records and interview teachers or other individuals who knew you as a kid. The evaluator may try to rule out other possible explanations for your symptoms and suggest that you undergo neuropsychological testing or diagnostic tests.
A thorough examination can take several hours. Some adults require more than one appointment with their physician to complete the process. The evaluator may discuss the results and suggest possible treatments with you.
You might have either the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD. The inattentive form of ADHD is characterised by difficulties paying attention and remaining focused, as well as forgetfulness and/or a lack of 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.
A few adults with ADHD are unable to understand how their conditions affect their lives and relationships. This can lead to strained or dissolved marriages as well as financial issues and problems with parenting. During the assessment the clinician will talk with the ADHD person as well as their spouse or partner to learn how their problems impact the relationship. assessment for adhd might have both of you complete checklists of your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric evaluation for ADHD typically involves an interview with the person being evaluated and their caregivers, the completion of questionnaires or rating scales that compare the behavior of those with ADHD to those of people who don't have it, and standardized tests. The evaluator will also ask teachers to fill out questionnaires and review the reports of the child.
Anyone suffering from symptoms of ADHD should be prepared to discuss how their symptoms affect their work at home, social, and personal life. They should expect to be asked questions like how often they interrupt others, how easily they lose things, and how often they are unable to keep up on tasks. The evaluator wants to know if these symptoms were always present or if they started in the early years of childhood (technically prior to the age of 12).
A person has to have significant issues in two or more of the following areas to be classified with ADHD: work and school family relationships, or social interactions. Examples of this disorder are getting fired from a job, failing a class, or not paying bills on time. Mild ADHD symptoms can cause some issues, but they are not major disruptions.
Physical and emotional stress can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. A health care provider or mental health professional will assess the person's mood, medical history, and other factors to rule out these possible causes.
Behavioral therapy is one of the most commonly used treatments for ADHD. It assists people in developing better coping abilities and learn how to manage their symptoms. It can include cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches how to transform negative thoughts into positive thoughts. It can also help reduce the effects of conditions that are underlying and mental health issues such as depression or substance abuse.
Couples therapy or marital therapy can be beneficial for people who suffer from ADHD. It can help them comprehend their partner's viewpoint and improve communication. It can also assist their partner to understand how to support them and manage the difficulties of living with someone who suffers from ADHD.
Medication
ADHD is defined by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. The use of medication can help reduce these symptoms. These medications are usually prescribed in conjunction with therapy and training which can reduce symptoms and help people perform better at school, work at home, or in their leisure activities. However, medication is not a cure and people must still work with their doctor to learn how to manage their ADHD symptoms. It could take a few tries to determine the best dosage of medication and dosage however, it is crucial to keep in mind that there are a variety of choices.
A trained specialist will talk to the child, parent, or adult about their experiences with ADHD, paying special attention to behaviors that occur in a variety of settings, such as at school and at home. They will also examine the person's educational and occupational background and ask questions about their life as a family. They will usually request performance evaluations from their workplace or old reports and will be looking to speak with the person's teachers.
It is important to keep in mind that to be diagnosed with ADHD the person's symptoms must have been present since the early years of childhood (technically, before age 12). Therefore, even though experts will only talk about the current symptoms during a diagnostic assessment, they will likely need to speak with others who knew the person as a child, and could even speak with the person's teachers or parents.
Medication to treat ADHD typically includes stimulants, which appear to increase and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These drugs are available in a variety of forms that include liquids, tablets and patches. They can trigger side effects such as sleep disturbance, agitation and loss of appetite. However they are generally safe if taken according to doctor's instructions. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine and certain antidepressants are also prescribed to treat ADHD. They are generally slower acting and have less negative effects, however not everyone should be taking them.
The most effective method of treating ADHD symptoms is a combination of medication as well as behavior therapy and behavioral changes. Children and adults may experiment with different medications and alter them depending on their needs or the circumstances change.