What is an ADHD Assessment?
If you or your child has symptoms of ADHD, your doctor will want to speak with you. They may ask about your family history and health. You might also inquire about the schooling of your child. They might talk to teachers as well as religious and scout leaders, coaches, and other people who know your child well.
Symptoms
If you or someone you know thinks they may have ADHD the first step in obtaining an evaluation is to find a health care professional who has expertise in diagnosing the condition. Find a doctor who is specialized in children's mental health, or ask your family doctor for an appointment. The person who examines you will ask about your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. They may also ask questions about your health or work schedule, as well as school and social life. The examiner might ask you to see old report cards and performance evaluations at school or at work, and other records.
Interviews with teachers, family members and other adults will be part of a full evaluation. The examiner will employ a variety of instruments and rating systems to assess the person's ADHD and will also use standard tests used in school evaluations. You will be asked to give examples of your behavior in different situations. They will consider your behavior in relation to the DSM V criteria for ADHD -- inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
The evaluator will determine whether the ADHD hinders the individual's daily activities. They will also consider whether the symptoms are more severe than expected for their age and developmental level. They will evaluate the symptoms of a person with others in similar situations. For instance, their classmates 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 situations in their lives. For children, this can typically mean issues with their school work and relationships with their parents and siblings. For adults, it could result in losing a job because of inattention issues and having trouble keeping track of paperwork or bills.
The evaluator may also talk to people who know the person well such as relatives, friends and Scout or religious leaders. They will be interested in knowing what the person's behavior is in different situations, including at home, as well as other places beyond school or work.
Diagnosis
To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least 6 characteristics (symptoms) that started before age 12. cheap adhd assessment must be present for at minimum six consecutive months. The symptoms must affect your ability to perform at home, school, or at work. The symptoms cannot be caused by any other mental disorder. Your GP can refer to a specialist for an assessment. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP or print the 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, and your educational and work history. They might request your school records from the past, and they might want to interview teachers or others who know you from when you were a kid. The examiner may attempt to rule out any other explanations for your symptoms and suggest that you undergo neuropsychological tests or diagnostic tests.
A thorough assessment may take a long time. Adults may have to attend more than one visit with their doctor 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 symptoms of the inattentive type include difficulties staying focused and paying attention, forgetfulness and/or poor ability to organize. 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 struggle to comprehend how their disorders affect their lives and relationships. This can lead to strained or dissolved marriages or financial problems, as well as issues with parenting. During the examination, the clinician may talk with both the person with ADHD and their partner or spouse to understand how their issues impact the relationship. They may ask both of you complete checklists that list your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric evaluation for ADHD usually includes an interview with both the person being evaluated and their caregivers as well as the completion of rating scales and questionnaires comparing behaviors of people with ADHD and those of people without it and tests that are standardized. The evaluator may also ask teachers to fill out questionnaires and examine the report cards 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. Expect to be asked questions about how often you interrupt others, if you lose things easily, and when you don't finish tasks. The examiner would like to know if the symptoms were present throughout their entire lives or if they started in the early years of childhood (technically, before the age of 12).
A person must have significant difficulties in two or more of the following areas to be diagnosed with ADHD such as school and work life, family relationships or social interactions. Examples of this include being fired from a job, failing an exam, or not paying bills on time. Mild ADHD symptoms can cause some problems, but not major disruptions.
Stress and physical conditions can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A mental health specialist or health care professional will assess the person's mood, medical history, and other variables to rule out the possibility of these.
Behavioral therapy is one of the most commonly used treatments for ADHD. It helps people learn better ways to manage their symptoms and build stronger techniques for coping. It may include cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches people how to transform negative thoughts into positive ones. It can also aid in reducing the negative effects of any underlying illness or mental health issues, like depression and alcohol abuse.
Adults suffering from ADHD may also benefit from couples or marital therapy. It can help them better understand their partner and improve communication. It can also help the person they love to learn to help them and deal with the challenges of living with someone who has ADHD.
Medication
ADHD is defined by inattention, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. Medications may help to alleviate these symptoms. These medications are often prescribed in combination with therapy and skills-training that can help reduce symptoms and allow people to function better at work, school at home, or even in their activities. Medication is not a panacea and patients need to consult with their doctor in order to understand the best way to manage their ADHD symptoms. It may take a few tries to find the right dosage of medication and dosage however, it is crucial to keep in mind that there are a variety of choices.
A specialist will interview a parent, child or an adult to find out about their experiences with ADHD. They will pay special attention to behaviors that happen in various settings, such as at home and in school. They will also review the person's academic and occupational background and ask questions about their life as a family. They usually ask for performance evaluations from work or old reports and will be looking to speak with the person's teachers.
It is important to keep in mind that in order to be diagnosed as having ADHD the person's symptoms must have been present since childhood (technically prior to age 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 child and might even talk to the person's parents or teachers.
The treatment for ADHD typically contains stimulants that appear to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They are available in different forms including tablets, liquids and patches. They can trigger side effects like trouble sleeping or agitation as well as loss of appetite, however they generally, they are safe when prescribed by a physician. Non-stimulants, like atomoxetine and other antidepressants are also used to treat ADHD. They tend to be slower-working and have fewer side negative effects, but they are not recommended for all people.
The most effective treatment for ADHD symptoms is a combination of medication, behavior therapy, and behavioral changes. It is not uncommon for adults and children to test various medications and alter them over time as their needs change or when they experience significant changes in their lives.