ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) is a complex condition. It may have three types, and the symptoms can vary. It can also be confused with physical conditions and other mental disorders.
To that end, getting an accurate ADHD assessment is important. Your doctor or therapist will need to complete questionnaires, interview you and your family members, and review any pertinent documents.
Signs and symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, a health professional will look at the person's current or in adulthood their childhood behavior and school experiences. They will also take into consideration the person's physical and mental health history, mood and lifestyle factors affecting family and friends. They might also speak with people who know the person such as parents, family members and teachers, to get information about their relationship with the person and how their symptoms impact their daily lives.
To be diagnosed, a person has to be exhibiting symptoms in at least two settings, such as at work, home and school, and they must cause a dysfunction in their daily life. Symptoms must be present for at least six months. The symptoms must have been incompatible with the person's developmental level. For children, the symptom must have been present prior to age 12. Additionally, they cannot be caused by a different disorder, like anxiety or depression.
Inattention is the most commonly reported symptom, meaning that the person is unable to stay focused or focused. They may also lose things frequently or forget appointments, and they can also make careless mistakes at work or at school. They could spend a lot of time snoozing and have difficulty finishing their work and often forget 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 might interrupt others, make rapid decisions without considering the consequences, and may have difficulty waiting their turn.
A doctor may also look for other ailments like depression, anxiety, or sleep disorders. In addition to a physical examination, the provider will inquire about family history and personal history and will then give the patient several tests designed to measure their ability to pay attention, think quickly, stay focused and control their emotions.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD, or ADD as it was previously referred to the health professional must conduct an assessment. This could include a detailed description of the person's symptoms, ratings scales completed by the individual and their family members, medical background, school and work documents, and other pertinent details. The person being evaluated may be required to take an examination. A medical examination is necessary to rule out illnesses or diseases that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD such as brain tumors, vision issues, hearing issues, depression, thyroid disorders and head injuries.
In certain situations in addition to the medical exam an assessment of psychiatric disorders could be necessary. In these cases, the evaluator will interview the patient and other significant people in his or her life -- like parents, spouses, siblings for children, teachers and coaches for adults -about their experiences and observations about the person's behavior. These interviews can give valuable information about what's happening with the person, and whether or not tests are required to determine if they suffer from ADHD.
It can be a daunting task to go through the process of seeking an assessment, particularly in the event that you are concerned that you may not have ADHD. You may also be worried that your career or relationships may be impacted if diagnosed with a condition. Asking friends, family members and coworkers to recommend a specialist who has experience in ADHD assessments could be beneficial. You should also inquire with your insurance company to determine which specialists are covered and how much the test will cost.
Treatment
The treatment you receive for ADHD can help you get control of the symptoms that could be causing significant problems at school or at work as well as in your relationships and in your home life. The first step is getting a diagnosis, and the most important part of the process is locating the right health professional who is qualified to evaluate your symptoms. You can ask your physician or therapist for a referral or call the local chapter of a national mental organization to get a list of professionals near you. Some insurance plans also offer a list of approved health professionals by specialization. You may find that many members of a support group for ADHD sufferers have worked with certain specialists and can make 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're experiencing. These ratings are based upon research that compared the behaviors of people who suffer from ADHD with those who do not have it.
If you meet the criteria of ADD If you meet the criteria of ADD, your doctor might refer you to an expert for further testing to rule out other possible mental or physical disorders. Many people who suffer from ADHD may also suffer from sleep disorders, depression or other mood disorders. They could also be suffering from learning disabilities, which can cause them to have difficulty writing and reading. These conditions can exhibit similar symptoms as ADHD and need to be recognized to be treated effectively.
Once your symptoms have been identified, your doctor may prescribe either psychotherapy or medication. Behavioral therapy can help you to be aware of your behaviors, and change them when necessary. Cognitive behavioral therapy can improve your thinking abilities and manage your emotions. Psychotherapy can also help improve interpersonal relationships and address issues in your relationship or family.
Medication
There are a variety of medications that can help treat ADHD in both children and adults. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine help to increase and balance the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. These are usually the first drugs prescribed to treat ADHD. They are available as immediate-release pills (short-acting) or modified-release tablets that provide an even dose throughout the day. The effectiveness of these medicines differs for each person so it could take some time to find the right dose and dosage that is right for you or your child.
Initial treatment plans will include regular clinical evaluation of side-effects and symptoms. The doctor will adjust 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 therapies that can help people with ADHD, such as mindfulness meditation and yoga.
All medications can have negative side effects. It is important to discuss any concerns with your doctor. Inform your doctor about any other medications you or your child are taking including prescriptions and over-the counter. Certain drugs may interact with stimulant medications and cause dangerous side effects.
For many people with ADHD, finding the right dosage and medication will require time and patience. Make sure you discuss all the options with your doctor and follow the directions for taking the medication. like it is also essential to inform your physician of any changes in diet, because certain foods may affect the way that the medication is absorbed by your body. Some young people who take stimulant medications might experience a minor growth delay and an increase in blood pressure or heart rate.
Therapy
If you or your child adult is diagnosed with ADHD or other disorders, the healthcare professional will develop a treatment plan for them that includes medication and therapy. They will assist you in determining the right dosage and will monitor the reaction of your child or yourself to the medication.
There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat ADHD. Visit Web Page that affect neurotransmitters within the brain can increase energy and alertness and also improve focus. Amphetamines, like Adderall and methylphenidates such as Ritalin and Concerta are examples. They include antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor and Viloxazine. Non-stimulant medications, which don't affect neurotransmitters, are prescribed to people with inattentive ADHD. These include Strattera, Qelbree, and Intuniv.
Therapy will teach you how to manage your symptoms, and change your behavior. Your therapist will help you develop strategies for managing your time and learn how to organize yourself. They will teach you how to manage your emotions and help you build positive relationships. They might also suggest couples and family counseling classes to improve communication.
Disorganization is another common symptom of ADHD and can make it difficult to complete tasks or stay organized at home or at work. It can be difficult to keep track of appointments or deadlines, misplace important paperwork, or have difficulty keeping your workspace clean and clean. Behavioral therapy could include training to relax your mind, improve your sleep quality and develop coping skills.
Many people with ADD/ADHD find it hard to get to sleep at night, and are often woken up by racing thoughts or a restless sleep. They aren't able to follow a routine and tend to procrastinate, resulting in being unable to finish tasks or delaying projects. Behavioral therapy can help you develop more self-control, increase your ability to prioritize tasks and reduce the amount of caffeine and nicotine in your daily diet.