ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) is a multifaceted condition. It can have three subtypes and the symptoms can vary. It is also possible to confuse with physical conditions and other mental disorders.
To that end, getting an accurate ADHD assessment is essential. Your therapist or doctor will need to complete questionnaires, conduct interviews with both you and others and go over any pertinent documents.
Signs and symptoms
To determine ADHD, a health care provider will examine the person's current behavior or, in adults their childhood behavior and school experiences. They will also consider the person's mental and physical health history, their mood and family and lifestyle factors. They may also inquire with people who are close to the person, such as parents, teachers and friends, about their relationship and how symptoms affect them.
To be able to receive a diagnosis, a person must be exhibiting symptoms in two or more environments, including at school, home and work, and they must cause dysfunction in daily life. The symptoms must have been present for at least for six months. The symptoms must be not appropriate to the individual's developmental level. The symptoms must have been noticed in children before the age of 12. They aren't caused by other disorders, such as depression or anxiety.
The most common characteristic of ADHD is inattention, which indicates that the person is having trouble staying on task or keeping their attention on the task at hand. They might also frequently lose things, forget appointments, and make mistakes at school or work. They may spend a lot of time daydreaming or having trouble completing tasks.
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 might interrupt others, take rapid decisions without considering the consequences, and may have difficulty waiting for their turn.
A health care provider will also be looking for signs of other illnesses, such as anxiety, sleep disorders, or depression. The doctor will also inquire about the history of the patient's family and provide a series of tests to measure their ability concentrate, think quickly and stay organized.
Diagnosis
A health professional must complete an assessment before a patient can be diagnosed with ADHD or ADD or ADD, as it was formerly known. This could include a detailed explanation of the person's symptoms, rating scales that are completed by the person and their family members, medical background, school and work records, as well as other pertinent details. The person being evaluated may be required to take physical examination. A medical examination is essential to rule out any other conditions or diseases that can cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD, such as brain tumors, hearing problems and vision issues as well as thyroid disorders, depression and head injuries.
In some cases in addition to the medical examination, a psychiatric assessment could be required. In these cases the evaluator will interview the patient as well as other important people in the life of the patient including spouses parents, siblings, and spouse for children as well as coaches and teachers for adults on their observations and experiences with the person. The personal insights gained from these interviews can often help to clarify what is happening to the patient and which tests might be needed to determine if the patient is suffering from ADHD.
The process of requesting an assessment may be overwhelming, particularly for those who are worried that they might not have ADHD and be branded with a condition that could affect their career or personal relationships. It is a good idea to ask family members, friends and colleagues for recommendations for an expert who is certified and has expertise in conducting ADHD assessments. You should also inquire with your insurance company to find out which specialists are covered and how much the assessment will cost.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD can help manage symptoms that cause problems at work or school or in your relationships or in your personal life. The first step is to obtain a diagnosis, and the most important step in this process is to find a health care professional who is qualified to assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor or therapist for an appointment, or you can contact your local chapter of an organization for mental health that is nationwide to find the list of specialists near you. Certain insurance plans also offer a list of approved health professionals by specialization. You may find that many members of a support group for ADHD sufferers have worked with certain professionals and can make suggestions.
In addition, to reviewing your medical history and family background, a medical professional who is evaluating ADHD symptoms is likely to request you to fill out a number of standardized ratings scales and questionnaires regarding the behavior you've been experiencing. These ratings are based upon research that compares the behavior of people with ADHD with those who do not suffer from it.
If you fit the criteria of ADD If you meet the criteria of ADD, your doctor might refer you to an expert for further testing in order to rule out any other possible physical or psychiatric issues. Certain people with ADHD also suffer from depression, sleep disorders, or other mood disorders. They might also suffer from learning disabilities, which can cause them to have difficulties reading and writing. These conditions can cause similar symptoms to those afflicted by ADHD and it is crucial to recognize them to treat them effectively.
Once your symptoms have been identified, your doctor may prescribe medication or psychotherapy. Behavioral therapy will teach you to monitor your own behaviors, and change them when needed. Cognitive behavioral therapy can improve the ability to manage your emotions and think. Psychotherapy can assist you in improving your interpersonal relationships as well as resolve problems in your marriage or with your family.
Medication
There are many medications that can be utilized to treat ADHD in both adults and children. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine help to increase and balance the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. They are typically the first drugs prescribed to treat ADHD. They are available as immediate-release tablets (short-acting) or modified-release tablets which provide a consistent dose throughout the day. The effectiveness of these drugs varies among individuals so it could take some time to locate the right medication and dose that is right for you or your child.
The initial treatment plan will consist of regular monitoring of side effects and symptoms. The doctor will alter the medication as needed. Behavioral therapy is frequently recommended for ADHD such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy for adults. Other treatments can assist those suffering from ADHD. These include yoga and mindfulness meditation.
All medication comes with potential negative side effects, therefore it is important to talk with your doctor about any concerns you may have. Tell your provider all other medications you or your child is taking including prescriptions and over-the-counter. Certain drugs may interact with stimulant medications and cause dangerous side effects.
Finding the appropriate dosage of medication and medication for ADHD will take time and patience. Discuss all your options with your doctor and adhere to the instructions for how to take the medication. It is also essential to inform your physician about any changes to your diet, as some foods can alter the way the medication is taken up by your body. Certain young people who are taking stimulant medications may also experience a minor growth delay or an increase in blood pressure or heart rate.
Therapy
If a person of any age receives a diagnosis of ADHD the healthcare professional will work with them to create an individual treatment plan that incorporates therapy and medication. They will assist you in determining the correct dosage and monitor the reaction of your child or yourself to the medication.
There are many types of medications that can be used to treat ADHD. adhd diagnostic assessment used are psychostimulants, which affect neurotransmitters in the brain and may help boost energy levels, improve focus and alertness. These include amphetamines like Adderall and methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta. They also include antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Non-stimulant medicines that don't affect neurotransmitters, are prescribed to people with inattentive ADHD. They include Strattera, Qelbree, and Intuniv.
Therapy will teach you how to manage your symptoms, and change your behavior. Your therapist will help you create strategies for managing time and help you organize yourself. They will show you how to cope with your emotions, and assist you build relationships that are positive. They might also suggest couples and family counseling classes to enhance communication.
Disorganization is a common ADHD symptoms. It can make it difficult to stay on track or finish tasks at home or work. You may find it difficult to remember deadlines or appointments. You may also lose important paperwork and have difficulty keeping your workspace neat and clean. Behavioral therapy can include training to relax your mind, improve your sleep quality and learn to cope with anxiety.
Many people with ADD/ADHD find it hard to get to sleep at night, and are often woken up by frantic thoughts or restless sleep. They aren't able to follow the same routine and tend to delay tasks, leading to being unable to finish tasks or delaying projects. Behavioral therapy helps you develop more self-control, increase your ability to prioritize and reduce the amount of caffeine and nicotine in your daily diet.