ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) is a complicated condition. It has three sub-types and can manifest with various symptoms. It is also possible to confuse with physical conditions as well as other mental disorders.
Therefore, obtaining an accurate ADHD assessment is crucial. Your doctor or therapist will have to fill out questionnaires, talk with you and others and review any pertinent documents.
Symptoms
A health professional will look at the person's behavior, or for adults, their school and childhood experiences. They will also look at the person's mental and physical health history, their mood and family and lifestyle factors. They may ask people who are close to the person, including parents, teachers and family members, about their relationship and how the symptoms affect them.
To be diagnosed, a person has to be exhibiting symptoms in at least two environments, including at home, work and school, and they must cause problems in their daily lives. The symptoms must have been present at least for six months. The symptoms must have been inappropriate to the person's development level. For children, the symptom must have started before age 12. They can't also be caused by other conditions, like depression or anxiety.
The most common sign of ADHD is inattention, which indicates that the person is having trouble staying on task or keeping their mind on track. They may also lose things frequently, forget appointments, and make careless errors at school or work. They may spend hours 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 disrupt others, make snap decisions without considering the consequences, and have trouble getting their turn.
A health care provider will also look for signs of other conditions, such as anxiety, sleep disorders, or depression. The doctor will also inquire about the history of the patient's family and will give them a series of tests to assess their ability to pay attention and think quickly. They will also test their ability to stay organized.
Diagnosis
A health professional must complete an assessment before a person is able to be diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, as it was previously known. This will include a detailed description and rating scales that are completed both by the person and their caregivers. It may also contain family medical history, records of work and school and other pertinent information. The person being assessed may be required to take an examination. A medical examination is necessary to rule out any conditions or diseases that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD like brain tumors, vision issues hearing issues, depression, thyroid disorders and head injuries.
In some cases in addition to the medical exam, a psychiatric assessment could be required. In these instances, the evaluator interviews the patient, along with other important individuals in the patient's life like spouses, parents, and siblings for children as well as coaches and teachers for adults on their experiences and observations of the person. The personal insights gained from these interviews may help clarify what's happening to the patient and which, if any, tests might be needed to determine if the patient has ADHD.
It can be overwhelming to go through the process of seeking an assessment, particularly when you're worried that you might not have ADHD. You may also be concerned that your job or relationships could be affected if you are diagnosed with a condition. It is a good idea to ask your family, friends and colleagues for recommendations on an experienced specialist with expertise in conducting ADHD assessments. It is recommended to inquire with the person's insurance to learn which professionals are covered by their insurance and also to determine what the assessment will cost.
Treatment
Getting treatment for ADHD can help you gain control of the symptoms that could cause significant issues at work or school, in your relationships or in your personal life. The first step is getting an assessment. The most crucial part of this process is to find a qualified health care professional to examine your symptoms. You can ask your therapist or doctor for a referral or you can call the local chapter of an organization that is national in its mental health to find an overview of the professionals in close proximity to you. Certain insurance plans offer an alphabetical list of health care providers. You might find that a lot of members of a support group for ADHD sufferers have worked with certain professionals and are able to make suggestions.
In addition to examining your medical history and family history, a health specialist who assesses ADHD symptoms may request you to fill out a number of standardized rating scales and questionnaires about the behavior you've been experiencing. visit here are from research that compares your behaviour to those of people who do not suffer from ADHD.
If you meet the requirements of ADD If you meet the criteria of ADD, your doctor might refer you to an expert for further tests in order to rule out other physical or psychiatric issues. Certain people with ADHD also suffer from depression, sleep disorders or other mood disorders. They could also be suffering from learning disabilities that cause them to have difficulty writing and reading. These conditions can exhibit similar symptoms as ADHD and need to be recognized for treatment.
Once your symptoms have been identified, your doctor may prescribe either psychotherapy or medication. Behavioral therapy will teach you how to observe your own behavior and modify it when needed. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help improve your thinking abilities and manage your emotions. Psychotherapy can help you improve your interpersonal relationships and solve issues in your marriage or with your family.
Medication
There are a variety of drugs that can be used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine work by helping boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They are usually the first drugs prescribed to treat ADHD. These medications can be taken as immediate-release pills or modified release tablets, which provide an even dose throughout the day. These medications are not all the same. It may take some time to find the right dosage and medication that works for your child or for you.
Initial treatment plans will include regular clinical evaluation of side-effects and symptoms. The doctor will modify the medication as necessary. ADHD is often treated with behavior therapy, like cognitive-behavioral and dialectical therapy for adults. There are many other therapies that can help people suffering from ADHD like yoga and mindfulness meditation.
All medications have potential side effects. It is essential to discuss any concerns with your physician. Tell your provider all other medications that you or your child take, including those prescribed as well as over-the-counter. Certain medications interact with stimulant medications and may cause dangerous side effects.
For many people with ADHD Finding the appropriate dosage and medication will require time and patience. Make sure you discuss all of your options with your doctor and follow the instructions to take the medication. It is also essential to inform your physician about any changes in diet, as some foods can interfere with the way the medication is taken up by your body. Some young people who take stimulant medications might experience a minor growth delay and an increase in blood pressure or heart rate.
Therapy
If a child or adult receives a diagnosis of ADHD or ADD, their healthcare provider will collaborate with them to develop an individual treatment plan that includes therapy and medication. They will help you determine the right dosage and will monitor the reaction of your child or yourself to the medication.
There are several types of drugs available to treat ADHD. The most popular are psychostimulants, which alter neurotransmitters in the brain and may help boost energy, improve focus and alertness. They include amphetamines, such as Adderall and methylphenidates like Ritalin and Concerta. They also include antidepressants like Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Non-stimulant drugs, which do not impact neurotransmitters, are prescribed for those with the inattention-deficit manifestation of ADHD and include Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree (viloxazine) and Intuniv (guanfacine).
Therapy will help you learn how to manage your symptoms, and change your behavior. Your therapist will assist you to develop strategies for managing your time and teach you how to organize yourself. They will teach you how to cope with your emotions, and help you build positive relationships. They might also suggest couples and family counseling classes to enhance communication.
Disorganization can be another common ADHD symptom. It can make it hard to stay organized or complete tasks at home or work. It can be difficult to keep track of your appointments or deadlines, lose important documents and have difficulty maintaining your work space neat and clean. Behavioral therapy could include training to help you relax your mind, improve sleep quality and practice coping anxiety.
Many adults with ADD/ADHD find it difficult to go to sleep at night, and are often woken up by a racing mind or restless sleep. They have trouble following the schedule and often delay their work. This can lead to unfinished projects or tasks. Behavioral therapy can help you develop better self discipline, improve your ability to prioritize and reduce the amount caffeine and nicotine in your daily diet.