What is an ADHD Assessment?
If you or your child exhibit symptoms of ADHD your doctor will want to talk to you. The doctor might ask questions about your family and health history. He or she will also ask about your child's school life. He or she will speak to your child's teachers, coaches, scouts and religious leaders, as well as others who know them well.
Symptoms
If you or someone you know suspects they may have ADHD the first step to get an evaluation is to find a health care professional who is experienced in diagnosing it. Your family doctor should refer you to someone who is an expert in the field of children's mental health. The person conducting the assessment will start by talking with you about your issues and how they impact your life. They might also inquire about your school, work and social life. The examiner will need to look over any records you may have, such as performance evaluations from your work or school and old report cards.
A full 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 different questionnaires and rating scales to assess the person's ADHD as well as standardized testing used in school evaluations. They will also require you to provide examples of how you act in different situations. They will evaluate your behavior in relation to the DSM V criteria for ADHD -- inattention, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive.
The evaluator will determine if the ADHD affects the person's daily activities. They will also assess whether the symptoms are more severe than is expected for their age and developmental level. They will compare a person's symptoms to others in similar situations. For example, their peers at school or on the same 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. Additionally, the symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at least two important environments in their life. For children, this could usually mean problems in their school work and relationships with parents and siblings. For adults, it may be a loss of a job as a result of difficulty paying attention and difficulty keeping records of bills or paperwork.
The evaluator could also talk to those who are acquainted with the person, such as family members and friends, or scout or religious leaders. They will want to know about the way in which the person behaves in various settings, as well as how they behave at home and at other places other than work or school.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD you must exhibit a minimum of 6 traits (symptoms) that began before age 12. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six consecutive months. The symptoms should affect your ability to perform at school, at home, or at work. The symptoms can not be caused by any other mental disorder. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist for an assessment. Print out the quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines or download the letter of support from ADHD UK that you can send to your GP.
Your specialist will talk with you about your health issues and how they affect your life. They will also inquire about your family history and social background, and your educational and work history. They might request your old school records, and they might be interested in interviewing teachers or other people who have known you since you were a child. The evaluator may try to rule out other explanations for your symptoms and suggest that you undergo neuropsychological tests or diagnostic tests.
A thorough assessment can take several hours. Some adults require more than one visit with their physician to complete the process. The evaluator will discuss the results and suggest possible treatments with you.
You might have either the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD. The symptoms of the type that is inattentive include trouble staying focused and paying attention and forgetfulness as well as poor 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.
Certain adults with ADHD have difficulty understanding how their symptoms interfere with their lives and relationships. This can result in divorce or separation, financial difficulties and problems with parenting. During the evaluation, a psychologist may talk with the ADHD person and their spouse or partner to determine how their issues affect the relationship. They might have both of you fill out checklists that describe your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric evaluation for ADHD typically includes an interview with the person being assessed and their family members, completing questionnaires or rating scales that compare the behavior of those with ADHD to the behavior of those who don't have it, as well as standardized testing. The evaluator might also ask teachers to complete questionnaires and review the reports of the child.
People who suffer from ADHD should be prepared to discuss how their issues affect their work as well as home and social life. Expect to be asked questions about how often you interrupt others, or if you misplace things easily, or if you fail to complete tasks. The examiner would like to know if these symptoms were always present or if they started in 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: work and school family relationships, or social interactions. Examples of this are being fired from a job, failing in a class or not paying the bills on time. People who have mild ADHD symptoms may still experience difficulties in certain areas, but they do not have major issues.
There are a myriad of things that can trigger similar symptoms to those experienced by ADHD, including physical conditions and stress. A mental health healthcare professional or health care professional will evaluate the person’s mood, medical background and other aspects to rule out these causes.
Behavioral therapy is among the most commonly used treatments for ADHD. It helps patients learn how to better manage their symptoms and build stronger techniques for coping. It may include cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches people to change negative thoughts into positive ones. It can also help reduce the effects of any underlying conditions or mental health issues, such as depression and addiction to drugs.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from marital or couples therapy. It can help them better understand their partner and improve communication. It can help their partner know how to support and deal with someone who has ADHD.
Medication
Medications can help with the inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that are hallmarks of ADHD. They are often prescribed along with therapy and training that can help improve symptoms and allow people to perform better at school, home, work, or in their hobbies. Medication is not a panacea and patients must work with their doctor to understand the best way to manage their ADHD symptoms. It may take a few times to determine the best combination of medications and dosages, but it is important to keep in mind that there are many choices.
A specialist will interview a parent, child or an adult to understand their experiences with ADHD. They will pay attention to the behaviors that occur in different settings, including at home and in school. They will also review the person's educational and occupational history and ask questions about their life as a family. cost of adhd assessment will usually request performance evaluations from their workplace or old report cards, and will be looking to speak with the person's teachers.
It is important to remember that to be diagnosed with ADHD, the person's symptoms must have been present since childhood (technically before the age of 12). So, although experts will only talk about current symptoms when conducting an assessment of diagnosis however, they may have to talk with other people who knew the child and might even talk to the person's parents or teachers.
ADHD medication usually contains stimulants that are believed to balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as Neurotransmitters. These drugs are available in different forms that include liquids, tablets and patches. Stimulants can cause side effects like trouble sleeping or agitation as well as loss of appetite, however they generally considered safe when taken as directed by a doctor. Nonstimulants, which include atomoxetine and other antidepressants are also used to treat ADHD. They typically work slower and have less side effects, however they are not recommended for everyone.
adhd assessment online of medications, therapy, and behavior changes are most effective in treating ADHD symptoms. Children and adults may test a variety of medications and then alter them as their needs or circumstances change.