ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) or ADD is a complex disorder. It may have three types, 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 doctor or therapist must fill out questionnaires, interview both you and others and look over any relevant documents.
Signs and symptoms
A health professional will examine the patient's behavior or, for adults the school and childhood experiences. camhs adhd assessment will also look at the person's mental and physical health history, mood and lifestyle and family factors. They may also inquire with people who are close to the person, including teachers, parents and family members about their relationship and how symptoms affect them.
To be diagnosed, a person must have symptoms in at minimum two environments, including at home, work or school, and they must cause problems in their daily lives. The symptoms must have been present for at least for six months. The symptoms must have been incompatible with the person's developmental level. For children, the symptom must have started before age 12. They can't also be caused by other disorders, like anxiety or depression.
Inattention is the most frequent symptom, meaning that the person has difficulty staying focused or on task. They may also frequently lose things, miss appointments, or make careless errors at school or work. They may spend a lot of time in a state of mind and have difficulty finishing their work 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 and make quick decisions without weighing the consequences, and are unable to wait for their turn.
A doctor will also look for indications of other ailments such as anxiety, sleep disorders or depression. The provider will also ask about the history of the patient's family and will give them a series of tests to measure their ability focus and think quickly. They also need to be organized.
Diagnosis
For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD, or ADD as it was previously known medical professionals must conduct an assessment. This will include a comprehensive description and rating scales that are completed by both the individual and caregivers. It may also include medical history of the family, records of work and school as well as other pertinent information. A physical examination may be required of the individual who is being assessed. A medical examination is necessary to rule out illnesses or diseases that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD such as brain tumors, problems with vision, hearing issues, depression, thyroid disorders, and head injuries.
In some instances in addition to the medical exam an assessment of psychiatric disorders might be necessary. In these situations, the evaluator will interview the patient and other significant individuals in his or her life -- for example, spouses, parents, siblings for children as well as teachers and coaches for adults -- about their experiences and observations of the patient's behavior. The insights gained from these interviews may aid in determining what is happening to the patient and what tests are needed to determine if the individual has ADHD.
The process of requesting an assessment can be overwhelming, especially for those who are worried that they may not have ADHD and may be labeled as having a condition that could affect their professional or personal relationships. Asking family members, friends and colleagues to recommend a specialist with experience in ADHD assessments could be beneficial. It is also advisable to check with your insurance company to determine which specialists are covered and what the assessment will cost.
Treatment
Finding treatment for ADHD can help you get control of symptoms that may cause serious problems at work or school, in your relationships or in your personal life. The first step is to obtain a diagnosis. The most important part of the process is locating the right health professional who is qualified to assess your symptoms. You can consult your therapist or doctor for a referral or call the local chapter of an organization that is national in its mental health to find a list of professionals near you. Certain insurance plans also offer an approved list of health care providers by specialty. If you attend a support group for people with ADHD, you may find some of the members have worked with certain specialists and are able to provide suggestions.
In addition, to reviewing your medical and family background, a medical professional who is evaluating ADHD symptoms will likely request you to fill out a number of standardized questionnaires and rating scales regarding the behavior you've been experiencing. These ratings are based on research that compares the behaviors of people suffering from ADHD to those who don't suffer from it.
If you meet the requirements of ADD Your doctor may recommend you to a specialist for further testing in order to rule out other mental or physical disorders. Some people with ADHD also suffer from depression, sleep disorders, or other mood disorders. They might also suffer from learning disabilities, which cause them to have difficulty writing and reading. These conditions can cause similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD and it is crucial to recognize them to treat them appropriately.
If your symptoms are discovered, your doctor will prescribe an action plan that will include either medication or psychotherapy. Behavioral therapy can teach you to be aware of your behaviors, and change them when needed. Cognitive behavioral therapy can improve your thinking abilities and manage your emotions. Psychotherapy can also help improve your interpersonal relationships and resolve issues in your family or marriage.
Medication
There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat ADHD in adults and children. The stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate help balance brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They are typically the first drugs prescribed to treat ADHD. They can be taken as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets, which provide an even dose throughout the day. These medications are not all the same. It may take some time to locate a medication and dosage that works for your child or for you.
The initial treatment plan will comprise regular monitoring of symptoms and side effects. The doctor will alter the medication as necessary. ADHD is often treated with behavior therapy, like cognitive-behavioral and dialectical behaviour therapy for adults. There are a variety of other therapies that can help people suffering from ADHD, such as mindfulness meditation and yoga.
All medications can have negative side effects. It is important to discuss any concerns with your doctor. Tell your provider all other medications you or your child is taking such as those prescribed and over-the-counter. Certain drugs interact with stimulant drugs and may cause dangerous side effects.
For many people suffering from ADHD Finding the appropriate dosage and medication will take time and patience. Make sure you discuss all the options with your doctor, and always follow the instructions to take the medication. Inform your doctor about any changes to your diet as certain foods may interfere with how the medication is absorption. In addition, some young people who are taking stimulant medication may have a slight delay in growth and an increase in blood pressure or heart rate.
Therapy
If a child or adult is diagnosed with ADHD, their healthcare provider will work with them to create an individualized treatment plan that includes therapy and medication. They'll help you find the appropriate dosage and will monitor the reaction of your child or yourself to the medication to make sure that it's working for you.
There are many types of medications available to treat ADHD. Psychostimulants, which act on brain neurotransmitters can boost energy and alertness and also improve focus. These include amphetamines like Adderall and methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta. They also include antidepressants like Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Non-stimulant medicines that do no impact neurotransmitters are prescribed to people with inattentive ADHD. These include Strattera, Qelbree, and Intuniv.
Therapy will help you learn how to manage your symptoms, and alter your behavior. Your therapist will guide you how to manage your time techniques and develop strategies for organizing. They'll teach you coping mechanisms to deal with your emotions and assist you to build positive relationships. They may also recommend marriage and family counseling or classes to improve communication.
Disorganization is a common ADHD symptom. It can make it difficult to stay on track or complete tasks at home or at work. You might find it difficult to remember deadlines or appointments. You could also lose important documents and have difficulty keeping your work area neat and tidy. Behavioral therapy may include a program of training to help you relax your mind, have better quality sleep and work on managing anxiety.
Many people with ADD/ADHD find it difficult to get to sleep at night, and are often awakened by racing thoughts or a restless sleep. They have trouble following the schedule and often delay the completion of tasks. This results in unfinished projects or tasks that are not completed. Behavioral therapy helps you develop more self-control, improve your ability to prioritize tasks and reduce the amount of caffeine and nicotine in your daily diet.