What is an ADHD Assessment?
If you or your child have symptoms of ADHD, your doctor is likely to want to talk with you. The doctor may ask questions about your family and health history. They may also inquire about your child's school life. He or she will talk to your child's teachers, coaches, scouts, and religious leaders, and other people who are familiar with them.
Signs and symptoms
If you or someone you know thinks they may have ADHD the first step in obtaining an assessment is to locate a health care professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD. Look for someone who specializes in children's mental health or ask your family physician for an appointment. The person evaluating you will start by asking about your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. They may also ask questions about your health as well as your work, school, and social life. The examiner might ask you to see old report cards or performance evaluations from school or at work, and other documents.
A complete assessment of ADHD will also include interviews with family members of the person, teachers, and other adults who interact with them. The examiner will use various ratings and questionnaires to evaluate the person's ADHD and will also use standard tests used in school evaluations. You will be asked to give examples on how you behave in various situations. They will compare your behavior to the DSM V ADHD criteria -- inattention, hyperactivity, and inattention, hyperactivity, and.
The evaluator will determine if the ADHD interferes with the person's daily activities. They will consider whether the symptoms are more severe than expected for their age or development. They will assess a person's symptoms to other people who are in similar situations. For instance, their peers at school or on an athletic 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 be causing significant impairments in at least two aspects of their lives. For children, this will usually mean problems in their schoolwork and relationships with parents and siblings. For adults, it may mean losing a job because of a lack of attention and trouble keeping track of paperwork or bills.
The evaluator may also speak to people who are familiar with the person, for example, family members and friends or scout leaders from religious or scout groups. They will be looking to find out how the person behaves in various situations, such as at home and other places other than school or work.
Diagnosis
To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to have at least 6 characteristics (symptoms) that first appeared before the age of 12. Additionally, you must be experiencing these symptoms ongoingly for at least six months. The symptoms must also become impeding your ability to function well at school, work, and/or home. how to get assessed for adhd aren't caused by another mental health issue. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. You can download a help letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP, or print quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines that explain why you should have an assessment.
Your specialist will discuss your symptoms and their impact on your life. They will also ask you about your family education, social and academic history. They may ask for your school records from the past and may need to speak with teachers or other people who have known you since you were a kid. The examiner will attempt to determine if there is a different explanation for your symptoms and may suggest that you undergo neuropsychological tests or other diagnostic tests.
A thorough assessment can take several hours. Some adults need more than one appointment with their specialist to complete the process. The evaluation specialist 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 difficulty staying focused and attentive or forgetfulness, as well as poor organization 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 understand how their conditions affect their lives and relationships. This can result in strained or dissolved marriages, financial difficulties and problems with parenting. During the examination the therapist may speak with both the person suffering from ADHD and their partner or spouse to understand how their issues impact the relationship. You may be asked to complete checklists that describe your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric evaluation for ADHD usually includes an interview with both the person being assessed and their caregivers and the submission of questionnaires and rating scales which compare the behaviors of those with ADHD against the behavior of those who do not have it, as well as standardized testing. The evaluator might also ask teachers to fill out questionnaires and examine the reports of the child.
Anyone suffering from symptoms of ADHD should be prepared to talk about how their symptoms affect their work, home, and social life. They should be prepared to be asked questions like how often they interrupt others or lose things and how often they fail to follow through on tasks. The examiner wants to know if these symptoms were always present 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. This impairment can be demonstrated by being dismissed from a position, failing an educational course, or not paying your bills in time. People who have mild ADHD symptoms may still experience problems in a few areas, but don't suffer from major disruptions.
There are many factors that can cause 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 factors in order to rule these out.
Behavioral therapy is one of the most common treatments for ADHD. It helps patients learn how to better manage their symptoms and develop better strategies for coping. It may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which 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, such as depression or addiction to drugs.
Marital or couples therapy can be helpful for those who suffer from ADHD. It can help them understand their partner's perspective and improve communication. It can also help their partner learn to help them and manage the difficulties of living with someone who suffers from ADHD.
Medication
The use of medication can aid in reducing the inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that are the hallmarks of ADHD. These medications are usually prescribed in conjunction with therapy and training, which can improve the symptoms and allow people to function better at school, work at home, or in their hobbies. It is not a cure-all and patients should consult with their doctor to determine the best method to manage their ADHD symptoms. It may take a few times to find the right combination of medications and dosages however, it is crucial to keep in mind that there are a variety of alternatives.
A trained specialist will talk to the child, parent or adult about their experiences with ADHD with particular focus on the behavior that occurs in a variety of situations, including at home and in school. They will also ask about the person's family history as well as their academic and occupational background. They usually ask for performance evaluations from the workplace or old report cards, and will be looking to speak with the person's teachers.
It is crucial to remember that to be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms of the patient must have been present since the earliest years of their life (technically prior to age 12). So, although an expert will only discuss current symptoms when conducting an assessment for diagnosis however, they may need to speak with others who knew the person as a child and may even interview the person's teachers or parents.
The treatment for ADHD typically includes stimulants, which are believed to increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These drugs are available in various forms such as tablets, liquids and patches. The stimulants can cause adverse effects like trouble sleeping or agitation as well as loss of appetite, however they generally considered safe when prescribed by a physician. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine and certain antidepressants are also used for ADHD. They generally work slower and have fewer side effects, however they are not suitable for everyone.
The most effective method of treating ADHD symptoms is a combination of medications treatment, behavior therapy, and behavioral changes. It's not uncommon for adults and children to try multiple medications and change them as their needs change or they experience significant changes in their lives.