What is an ADHD Assessment?
Your doctor will speak to you whether or not your child is suffering from ADHD. They may ask about your family health history and your family history. You might also inquire about the schooling of your child. He or she may talk to teachers as well as religious and scout leaders, coaches, and other people who know your child well.
Signs and symptoms
If you or someone you know thinks they may have ADHD the first step in getting an assessment is to locate an expert in health care who is experienced in diagnosing it. Your family doctor should refer you to someone who is an expert in children's mental healthcare. The person who examines you will begin by asking about your symptoms and their impact on your life. They may also ask questions regarding your health or work schedule, as well as school and social life. The examiner will need to look over any records you may have, such as performance evaluations from work or school, as well as old report cards.
A thorough assessment of ADHD will also include interviews with family members of the person, teachers, and other adults who interact with them. The examiner will employ a variety of questionnaires and rating systems to assess the person's ADHD and will also use standard tests used in school evaluations. They will also require you to give examples of how you act in various situations. like it will also compare your behavior with the DSM V ADHD criteria -hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive.
The evaluator will check whether the ADHD interferes with the person's daily functioning. They will also consider whether the symptoms are more severe than expected for their age or developmental level. They will compare the person's issues with the experiences of others in similar situations, such as their classmates at school or on 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 symptoms must have led to significant impairment in at least two major situations in their lives. This could mean that children are struggling with their schoolwork and their relationships with their parents or siblings. Adults may lose their job in the event that they struggle to pay attention or keeping track of their bills and paperwork.
The evaluator can also talk to people who are familiar with the individual, such as family members and friends, or scout or religious leaders. They will want to hear about how the person acts in different settings as well as how they behave at home and in other settings outside of work or school.
Diagnosis
To be considered to have ADHD, you must have at least 6 characteristics (symptoms) that started before the age of 12. These symptoms must also be present for at minimum six consecutive months. The symptoms must also get in the way of functioning effectively at work, school, and/or home. The symptoms aren't caused by a mental health disorder. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP or print the quotes from the NICE 87's guideline to explain why you should have an assessment.
Your specialist will discuss your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also ask you about your family, social and educational background. They might also ask for your old school records and may also need to speak with teachers or other people who have known you since you were a child. The evaluator might try to rule out any other possible explanations for your symptoms and suggest that you undergo neuropsychological tests or diagnostic tests.
A thorough examination can take several hours. Certain adults require more than one visit with their specialist to complete the procedure. 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 signs of the inattentive type include difficulties staying focused and paying attention or forgetfulness, as well as 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.
Certain adults with ADHD have difficulty understanding 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 evaluation, the clinician may talk with both the individual with ADHD and their spouse or partner to understand how their symptoms affect the relationship. They may ask both of you complete checklists that list your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric examination for ADHD typically involves an interview with the person being evaluated as well as 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, as well as standardized testing. The evaluator might also ask teachers to fill out questionnaires and review the reports of the child.
Anyone suffering from symptoms of ADHD should be prepared to talk about how their symptoms affect their work as well as home and social life. Expect to be asked about how often you interrupt others, if you lose things easily, and if you fail to complete tasks. The examiner would like to know if the symptoms were always present or if they first started to manifest in childhood (technically prior to the age of 12).
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person has to have significant problems in at least two of the following areas: work and school, family life, or social relationships. This condition can be demonstrated by being dismissed from a position, failing a course, or not paying your bills on time. Mild ADHD symptoms can cause issues, but not serious disruptions.
Stress and physical conditions can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A health care provider or mental health professional will examine the person's mood, medical background and other factors to rule out these possible causes.
Behavioral therapy is one of the most commonly used treatments for ADHD. It assists patients in developing better coping skills and learn how to manage their symptoms. It may include cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches people how to change negative thoughts into positive ones. It can also help reduce the effects of underlying conditions and mental health issues, such as depression or substance abuse.
Therapy for couples or marriage can also be helpful for those with ADHD. It can help them understand their partner and improve communication. It can also assist their partner to learn how to support them and cope with the difficulties of living with someone with ADHD.
Medication
ADHD is characterised by inattention, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature. Certain medications can help reduce these symptoms. These medications are often prescribed in combination with therapy and skills-training that can help reduce symptoms and help people perform better at school, work at home, or even in their activities. However, medication is not a cure and people must still work with their doctor to understand how to manage their ADHD symptoms. It may take several tries to find the ideal dosage of medication and dosage. However, it's crucial to keep in mind that there are a variety of options.
An experienced specialist will speak with the child, parent or adult about their experiences with ADHD and pay particular focus on the behavior that occurs in several situations, including at school and at home. They will also review the person's academic and occupational history and ask questions about their life as a family. They will request old reports or performance evaluations and may also want to speak with the person's teacher.
It is important to keep in mind that in order to be diagnosed with ADHD the person's symptoms must have begun in the earliest years of their life (technically, before age 12). So, while experts will only talk about the current symptoms during an assessment for diagnosis it is likely that they will need to speak with others who knew the person as a child and may even interview the person's teachers or parents.
Medication to treat ADHD typically includes stimulants, which are believed to increase and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These medications are available in various forms that include liquids, tablets and patches. The stimulants can cause negative effects like sleep disturbance, agitation and loss of appetite. However they are generally safe when following the prescriptions of a doctor. Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine or certain antidepressants are also used for ADHD. They typically work slower and have less side effects, however they are not recommended for all people.
The most effective method of treating ADHD symptoms is a combination of medication treatment, behavior therapy, and behavioral changes. Adults and children may test a variety of medications and then alter them according to their needs or as their circumstances change.