What is an ADHD Assessment?
Your doctor will want to speak to you if you or your child is suffering from ADHD. He or she might ask about your family background and health. He or she may also ask about the education of your child. They will also talk to your child's teachers, coaches, scouts, and religious leaders, and other people that know them well.
Signs and symptoms
If you or someone you know thinks they have ADHD the first step in getting an assessment is to locate a health care professional who has experience diagnosing it. Find a specialist in children's mental health or ask your family physician for a referral. The person who examines you will ask 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 will need to see any records you have, including performance evaluations from work or school as well as your old report cards.
A thorough assessment of ADHD will also include interviews with the person's family members as well as teachers and other adults who interact with them. The examiner will use different questionnaires and rating scales to evaluate the person for ADHD as well as standardized testing used in school evaluations. You will be asked to provide examples of how you behave in different situations. They will also compare your behavior to the DSM V ADHD criteria -- inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
The evaluator will also determine whether the person's ADHD interferes with their everyday functioning. They will also consider whether the symptoms are more severe than expected for their age or development. They will also compare the person's issues with those of other people in similar situations, such as their peers at school or on a sports 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 also be causing significant impairments in at least two different areas of their lives. This usually means that children are struggling with schoolwork, as well as their relationships with parents or siblings. For adults, it may result in losing a job because of inattention issues and trouble keeping the track of bills or paperwork.
The evaluator will also talk to other people who are familiar with the person, such as relatives and friends as well as religious or scout leaders. They will want to know what the person's behavior is in various situations, including at home, as well as other places beyond school or work.
Diagnosis
To be considered to have ADHD it is necessary to have a minimum of 6 characteristics (symptoms) that first appeared before age 12. These symptoms must also be present for at least six consecutive months. The symptoms must also get impeding your ability to function well at work, school, and/or home. The symptoms cannot be caused by another mental health condition. Your doctor may recommend you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. You can print out quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines or download a letter of support from ADHD UK that you can send to your GP.
Your doctor will talk to you about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also ask you about your family education, social and academic background. They may ask for your school records from your past, and they might need to speak with teachers or others who have known you since you were a kid. The evaluator will determine if there is a different explanation for your symptoms, and may recommend that you have neuropsychological testing or other diagnostic tests.
A thorough examination may take a long time. Some adults may need to attend more than one visit with their doctor to complete the evaluation. The evaluator may discuss the results and suggest possible treatments with you.
You might have either the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD. Symptoms of the type that is inattentive include difficulties staying focused and paying attention and 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.
Many adults suffering from ADHD are unable to understand how their symptoms 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 partner or spouse to understand how their symptoms impact the relationship. They may ask both of you complete checklists that list your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric examination for ADHD usually involves an interview with the person being evaluated as well as 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, and standardized testing. I Am Psychiatry may also ask teachers to fill out questionnaires and examine the report cards of the child.
People who suffer from ADHD should be prepared to discuss how their issues affect their work at home, social, and personal life. They should be prepared to be asked questions about how often they interrupt others and how easily they lose things and how often they are unable to keep up on their tasks. The evaluator will want to know whether these signs were present from the beginning or if they first started in the early years of childhood (technically before age 12).
To be diagnosed with ADHD, one must have significant issues in at least two of the following areas: work and family life, school or social relationships. Examples of this include being fired from a job, not passing a class or not paying the bills on time. Mild ADHD symptoms can cause some issues, but they are not major disruptions.
Physical and emotional stress can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. A mental health healthcare professional or health care professional will evaluate the person’s mood, medical history and other aspects to rule these out.
Behavioral therapy is a standard treatment for ADHD. It helps people develop better coping abilities and learn how to manage their symptoms. It could include cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches people how to transform negative thinking into positive thoughts. It can also reduce the effects of underlying conditions and mental health issues such as substance abuse or depression.
Therapy for couples or marriage can be beneficial for people with ADHD. It can help them understand their partner's perspective and improve their communication. It can help their partner learn how to help and manage someone with ADHD.
Medication
ADHD is defined by hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Certain medications can help reduce the symptoms. They are often prescribed along with therapy and training which can ease symptoms and allow people to perform better at home, school, work or in their leisure activities. The use of medication is not a panacea and patients must work with their doctor in order to learn how best to manage their ADHD symptoms. It could take a few tries to find the best combination of medication and dosages. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that there are many choices.
An experienced specialist will speak with the child, parent, or adult about their experiences with ADHD and pay particular attention to the behaviors that happen in a variety of situations, including at school and at home. They will also examine the person's occupational and academic history and ask questions about their family life. They will request old report cards or performance assessments and may also contact the person's school.
Remember that for a person to be considered to have ADHD their symptoms must have been evident since the earliest years of their life (technically before the age of 12). So, while an expert will only discuss the current symptoms during a diagnostic assessment, they will likely require the assistance of others who knew the child, and could even speak with the person's parents or teachers.
The treatment for ADHD typically includes stimulants, which appear to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These medications are available in various forms such as tablets, liquids and patches. They can trigger adverse effects, such as sleep disturbance, agitation and loss of appetite. However, they are generally safe if following the prescriptions of a doctor. Nonstimulants, which include atomoxetine as well as certain antidepressants, are also used to treat ADHD. They generally work slower and have fewer side effects, however they aren't recommended for everyone.
The most effective method of treating ADHD symptoms is a combination of medications treatment, behavior therapy, and behavioral changes. Children and adults may test a variety of medications and then alter them as their needs or circumstances change.