What is an ADHD Assessment?
Your doctor will want to talk to you about whether your child or you is suffering from ADHD. They may ask questions about family and health background. book adhd assessment may also ask about the schooling of your child. He or she will talk to your child's teachers, coaches, scouts and religious leaders, as well as other people who know them well.
Symptoms
Find a health professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD if you or someone you love suspects that they have it. Find a specialist in the field of mental health for children, or ask your family doctor for a referral. The person evaluating you will begin by asking about your symptoms and their impact on your life. They may also ask you questions about your health, work, school and social life. The examiner could ask you to see your old report cards, performance evaluations at work or school, and other records.
Interviews with teachers, family members and other adults will be a part of a complete assessment. The examiner will use various instruments and rating systems to evaluate the person's ADHD as well as standard tests used in school evaluations. They will also require you to provide examples of how you behave in different situations. They will compare your behavior with the DSM V ADHD criteria -hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.
The evaluator will also check whether the person's ADHD interferes with their everyday functioning. They will also consider whether their symptoms are significantly more severe than expected for their age or developmental level. They will also compare the person's issues with those of other people in similar situations, for example their peers at school or on 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 important situations in their lives. This could mean that children have problems with their schoolwork, and their relationships with parents or siblings. For adults, it could mean losing a job because of difficulty paying attention and difficulty keeping records of bills or paperwork.
The evaluator can also talk to those who are acquainted with the person, such as family members and friends, or scout leaders from religious or scout groups. They will be interested in knowing how the person behaves in various situations, such as at home, as well as other places beyond school or work.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have a minimum of 6 traits (symptoms) that started before age 12. The symptoms must be present for at least six consecutive months. The symptoms should affect your ability to function at school, at home, or at work. The symptoms can't be caused by a mental health issue. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. You can print quotations from NICE 87 guidelines or download a letter of support from ADHD UK that you can send to your GP.
Your doctor will discuss with you about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also ask you about your family as well as your educational and social background. They might request your school records from your past and may also need to speak with teachers or others who have known you since you were a child. The evaluator will try to rule out other possible explanations for your symptoms, and may recommend that you have neuropsychological testing or other diagnostic tests.
A thorough assessment may take a long time. Adults may have to make more than one appointment to their physician to complete the procedure. The evaluator will discuss the results with you, and may suggest treatments that may help.
You might have either the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD. The ADHD that is inattentive is characterised by difficulties paying attention and remaining focused as well as a tendency to forget or a lack of 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.
Many adults suffering from ADHD are unable to understand how their condition affects 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 with ADHD and their spouse or partner to understand how their issues impact the relationship. You may be asked to fill out checklists that describe your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric examination for ADHD typically includes an interview with the person being evaluated and their caregivers, completion of questionnaires or rating scales which compare behavior of people suffering from ADHD to the behavior of those who don't have it, and standardized tests. In the case of children, the evaluator may also examine their school reports and ask for teachers to complete questionnaires.
People who suffer from ADHD should be prepared to talk about how their symptoms affect their work, home, and social life. They should be prepared to be asked questions like how often they interrupt others or lose things and how often they are unable to keep up on their tasks. The examiner will want to know whether these signs are present for all time, or if they started in the early years of childhood (technically before the age of 12).
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person has to have significant issues in at least two of the following areas: work and school, family life or social interactions. Examples of this include being fired from a job, not passing a class or not paying the bills on time. Mild ADHD symptoms can lead to some problems, but not major disruptions.
Stress and physical conditions can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. A health care professional or mental health professional will assess the person's mood, medical background and other factors to rule out the possibility of these conditions.
Behavioral therapy is among the most commonly used treatments for ADHD. It assists patients in developing better coping abilities and learn how to manage their symptoms. It can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches people how to transform negative thoughts into positive ones. It can also help reduce the effects of any underlying conditions or mental health issues like depression and substance misuse.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also benefit from marital or couples therapy. It can help them understand their partner's viewpoint and improve their communication. It can help their partner understand how to support and manage someone with ADHD.
Medication
The use of medication can aid in reducing the inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that are the hallmarks of ADHD. They are often prescribed in conjunction with therapy and skill-training which can reduce symptoms and help people function better at work, school at home, or even in their leisure activities. The use of medication is not a panacea and patients need to consult with their physician to determine the best method to manage their ADHD symptoms. It could take a few tries to find the ideal dosage of medication and dosage however, it is crucial to remember that there are a variety of options.
A specialist will talk to parents, children or adult to learn about their experiences with ADHD. They will pay special focus on the behavior that occurs in different settings, including at school and home. They will also ask about the person's family background as well as their academic and occupational background. They will usually request performance evaluations from the workplace or old report cards and will want to speak to the person's teachers.
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). Although an expert will only discuss the present symptoms during a diagnostic assessment they may require a conversation with others who knew the individual as when they were children, and interview their parents or teachers.
Medication to treat ADHD typically includes stimulants, which are believed to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These drugs are available in different forms such as tablets, liquids and patches. Stimulants may cause negative effects like sleep disturbance, agitation and loss of appetite. However they are generally safe if taken according to doctor's instructions. Non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine or certain antidepressants can also be used to treat ADHD. They generally have a slower effect and have less adverse effects, but not everyone should take them.
A combination of medications, therapy, and behavior changes is the most effective way of treating ADHD symptoms. It is not uncommon for adults and children to try different medications and then alter them over time as their needs change or when they experience significant life changes.