What is an ADHD Assessment?
Your doctor will discuss with you whether or not your child exhibits signs of ADHD. They may ask about your family background and health. He or she will also ask about your child's school life. They may also talk to teachers or scout and religious leaders as well as coaches and other people who know your child well.
Symptoms
Find a doctor who has experience diagnosing ADHD if you or someone you know suspects they may have it. Ask your family doctor to recommend you to a specialist who is an expert in children's mental healthcare. The person conducting the assessment will begin by speaking with you about your issues and how they affect your life. They may also ask about your work, school and social life. The examiner might ask you to see old report cards and performance evaluations at school or at work, as well as other records.
Interviews with teachers, family members, and other adults will be a part of a comprehensive assessment. The examiner will employ different questions and rating scales to evaluate the person for ADHD and standardized tests used in school evaluations. They will also ask you to provide examples of how you act in various situations. They will examine your behavior in relation to the DSM V criteria for ADHD hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive.
The evaluator will check whether the ADHD affects the person's daily functioning. They will also consider whether their symptoms are significantly more severe than is normal for their age or development. They will evaluate the individual's issues to similar issues of other people in similar situations, such as their peers in school or on a sports 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. The symptoms must also have led to significant impairments in at least two different areas of their lives. For children, this could usually mean problems in their schoolwork and relationships with parents and siblings. Adults could lose their job in the event that they struggle to pay attention or keeping track of expenses and paperwork.
The evaluator can also talk to those who are familiar with the person, for example, family members and friends, or religious or scout leaders. They will want to know about how the person acts in different settings as well as how they behave at home and in other places outside of work or school.
Diagnosis
You must show at least six traits (symptoms), which began before 12 years of age. You must also be suffering from these symptoms continuously for at least six months. The symptoms must also get hindering you from functioning well at school, work or at home. The symptoms can't be caused by another mental health disorder. Your doctor can recommend you to a specialist for an assessment. You can download a support 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 the impact they have on your life. They will also inquire about your family as well as your educational and social history. They may ask for your school records from the past and interview teachers or other people who were with you as a child. The evaluator might try to rule out any other possible explanations for your symptoms and suggest you undergo neuropsychological testing or diagnostic tests.
A thorough examination can take several hours. Certain adults require more than one visit with their specialist to complete the process. The evaluator will go over the results with you and could suggest treatments that could be beneficial.
You might have either the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD. The ADHD that is inattentive is characterized by difficulty paying attention and staying focused and also by forgetfulness or a lack of organizational 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 are unable to comprehend how their condition affects their lives and relationships. This can result in divorce or separation as well as financial issues and problems with parenting. During the assessment, a psychologist may talk with the ADHD person and their spouse or partner to determine how their issues influence the relationship. You might be asked to fill out checklists of your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric evaluation for ADHD typically involves an interview with both the person being evaluated as well as his or her caregivers as well as the completion of questionnaires and rating scales which compare the behaviors of those with ADHD with those of people without it and standardized testing. In how much is an adhd assessment of children, the examiner may also look at their school reports and request that teachers fill out questionnaires.
Those who have symptoms of ADHD should be prepared to discuss how their issues affect their work at home, social, and personal life. Expect to be asked how often you interrupt others, or if you misplace things easily, and when you don't finish tasks. The examiner would like to determine if these signs were always present or if they first started to manifest in the early years of childhood (technically, before the age of 12).
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must be experiencing significant difficulties in at least two of the following areas: work and school, family life or social relationships. Examples of this include being fired from a job, failing an exam or not making payments on time. Mild ADHD symptoms can lead to some problems, but not major disruptions.
There are many things that can trigger similar symptoms to those of ADHD such as physical ailments and stress. A mental health professional or health care provider will evaluate the person’s mood, medical history and other variables to rule out the possibility of these.
Behavioral therapy is a standard treatment for ADHD. It helps patients learn how to better manage their symptoms and build stronger coping skills. It could include cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches people how to transform negative thinking into positive thoughts. It can also reduce the effects of underlying conditions and mental health issues, such as substance abuse or depression.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from marital or couples therapy. It can help them understand their partner and improve communication. It can also help their partner learn to help them and deal with the challenges of living with someone who suffers from ADHD.
Medication
ADHD is defined by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. The use of medication can help alleviate these symptoms. These medications are usually prescribed in conjunction with therapy and training, which can improve the symptoms and help people function better at work, school at home, or even in their hobbies. Medication is not a panacea and patients need to consult with their physician to understand the best way to manage their ADHD symptoms. It may take a few times to find the ideal dosage and combination of medications however, it is crucial to keep in mind that there are many alternatives.
A specialist will interview parents, children or adult to learn about their experiences with ADHD. They will pay attention to the behaviors that occur in various settings, such as at school and home. They will also examine the person's academic and occupational history and ask questions about their family life. They will usually request performance evaluations from their workplace or old reports and will want to talk with the person's teachers.
Remember that for a person to be diagnosed with ADHD their symptoms must have started in the early years of childhood (technically before the age of 12). Although an expert may only talk about the current symptoms in an assessment of diagnosis, they may need to speak to others who knew the patient as an infant, and interview their parents or teachers.
ADHD medication typically contains stimulants that appear to regulate and increase levels of brain chemicals called Neurotransmitters. These drugs are available in various forms such as tablets, liquids and patches. Stimulants may cause side effects such as difficulty sleeping, agitation and loss of appetite. However, they are generally safe when following the prescriptions of a doctor. Nonstimulants, which include atomoxetine and other antidepressants are also used to treat ADHD. They generally have a slower effect and have less negative effects, but not everyone should take them.
The most effective treatment for ADHD symptoms is a combination of medications as well as behavior therapy and behavioral changes. Adults and children can try several medications and change them depending on their needs or the circumstances change.