What is an ADHD Assessment?
If you or your child exhibit symptoms of ADHD Your doctor is likely to want to talk with you. The doctor may inquire about your family background and health. You may also ask about the education of your child. He or she will speak to your child's teachers, coaches, scout and religious leaders, as well as other people that know them well.
Symptoms
Find a health professional who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD if you or someone you know suspects that they have it. Find a specialist in children's mental health, or ask your family physician for an appointment. The person who will conduct the assessment will begin by speaking to you about your concerns and how they affect your life. They may also ask you questions regarding your health, work, school and social life. The examiner may ask to see old report cards, performance evaluations at work or school, and other documents.
Interviews with teachers, family members as well as other adults will form part of a full assessment. The examiner will utilize different questionnaires and rating scales to assess the person's ADHD and standardized tests used in school evaluations. You will be asked to give examples of how you behave in various situations. They will consider your behavior in relation to the DSM V criteria for ADHD -- inattention, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive.
The evaluator will determine whether the ADHD hinders the individual's daily activities. They will also consider whether their symptoms are significantly more severe than what is expected for their age or development. They will evaluate the symptoms of a person with others in similar situations. For instance, they will compare their peers at school or in 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 signs must have led to significant impairment in at least two significant environments in their life. This usually means that children have problems with schoolwork, as well as their relationships with parents or siblings. Adults could lose their jobs when they are unable to pay attention or keeping track of bills and paperwork.
The evaluator may also speak to other people who are familiar with the person, such as relatives and friends and religious or scout leaders. They will be interested in knowing what the person's behavior is in various situations, including at home and in other settings beyond school or work.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD you must exhibit at least six characteristics (symptoms) that first appeared before age 12. You must also be suffering from these symptoms ongoingly for at minimum six months. The symptoms must also interfere with your ability to perform at home, school, or work. The symptoms cannot be caused by any other mental disorder. Your doctor may refer you an expert to conduct an assessment. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP or print out quotes from the NICE 87's guideline to provide the reasons why you should undergo an assessment.
Your specialist will discuss your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also ask you about your family as well as your educational and social history. They may ask for your school records from the past and interview teachers and other people who were with you as a child. The evaluator might try to rule out other possible explanations for your symptoms and suggest you undergo neuropsychological testing or diagnostic tests.
A thorough evaluation may take several hours. Some adults need more than one appointment with their specialist 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 ADHD that is inattentive is defined by a lack of attention and staying focused as well as a tendency to forget and/or a lack in 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.
Some adults with ADHD cannot comprehend how their symptoms affect their lives and relationships. This can result in divorce or separation or financial problems, as well as issues with parenting. During the evaluation the doctor may have a conversation with both the person suffering from ADHD and their spouse or partner to understand how their symptoms impact the relationship. They might have both of you fill out checklists that describe your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric examination for ADHD usually involves an interview with both the person being evaluated and the caregivers for them as well as the completion of rating scales and questionnaires which compare the behaviors of those with ADHD with the behavior of those who do not have it and tests that are standardized. The evaluator may also ask teachers to complete questionnaires and review the reports of the child.
People who suffer from 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 when you don't finish tasks. The evaluator will want to know whether these signs are present for all time or if they began in childhood (technically before 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, family life, school or social relationships. This can be proven by being dismissed from a position, failing a course or not paying your bills in time. Mild ADHD symptoms can lead to some issues, but not serious disruptions.
cheap adhd assessment uk and physical ailments can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A mental health specialist or health care professional will evaluate the person’s mood, medical history, and other variables to rule out these causes.
Behavioral therapy is one of the most common treatments for ADHD. It assists patients in developing better coping abilities and learn how to manage their symptoms. It can include cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches people how to transform negative thoughts into positive ones. It also helps reduce the effects of any underlying conditions or mental health issues such as depression or substance misuse.
Marital or couples therapy can be beneficial for those with ADHD. It can help them understand their partner and improve communication. It can help their partner know how to support and manage someone with ADHD.
Medication
ADHD is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature. Medications may help to alleviate these symptoms. These medications are often prescribed in combination with therapy and skills-training that can help reduce symptoms and help people function better at work, school, home or in their hobbies. It is not a cure-all and patients need to consult with their physician to determine the best method to manage their ADHD symptoms. It may take a few times to determine the best combination of medications and dosages however, it is 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 with particular focus on the behavior that occurs in several environments, such as at home and in school. They will also examine the person's academic and occupational history and ask questions about their life as a family. 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 important to keep in mind that in order to be diagnosed as having ADHD, the symptoms of the patient must have begun in childhood (technically prior to age 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 a child, and even interview their teachers or parents.
ADHD medications typically contain stimulants that appear to balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as Neurotransmitters. These medications are available in different forms, including tablets, liquids and patches. Stimulants may cause adverse effects, such as difficulty sleeping, agitation and loss of appetite. However they are generally safe if used according to the doctor's prescription. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine and certain antidepressants can also be used for ADHD. They are generally slower acting and have less adverse effects, but not everyone should take them.
The most effective method of treating ADHD symptoms is a combination of medication as well as behavior therapy and behavioral changes. Adults and children can experiment with different medications and alter them according to their needs or as their circumstances change.