ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) is a complicated condition. It has three types and may present with different symptoms. It can also be confused with physical conditions and other mental disorders.
It is therefore crucial to obtain an accurate ADHD diagnosis. Your therapist or doctor will require you to fill out questionnaires, interview you and other people and go over any pertinent documents.
Symptoms
A health professional will examine the patient's behavior or, for adults the school and childhood experiences. They will also consider the person's physical and mental health history, their mood and family and lifestyle factors. They may interview people who are familiar with the person such as parents, friends and teachers, to gain information on their relationships with the person and how their symptoms impact their daily lives.
To be diagnosed, a person has to have symptoms in at minimum two settings, such as at home, work and school, and they must cause disruption in their daily lives. The symptoms must have been present at least six months. The symptoms must have been inappropriate to the person's development level. adhd diagnostic assessment must have first appeared in children before the age of 12. Lastly, they can't be caused by a disorder, like depression or anxiety.
The most frequent characteristic of ADHD is inattention, which means the person has trouble staying on task or keeping their attention on the task at hand. They may also frequently lose things or forget appointments and make careless mistakes at school or at work. They could spend a lot of time daydreaming or have difficulty completing tasks and often fail to complete homework or assignments.
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 interrupt others and make quick decisions without thinking about consequences, and struggle to wait for their turn.
A health care provider may also check for other conditions like depression, anxiety or sleep disorders. The doctor will also inquire about the family history of the patient and provide a series of tests to determine their ability to pay attention, think quickly and stay organized.
Diagnosis
A health professional must complete an assessment before a person can be diagnosed with ADHD or ADD or ADD as it was previously known. This could include a detailed explanation of the person's symptoms, ratings scales that are completed by the person and their caregivers, medical history, work and school records and other relevant details. The person being evaluated may be required to take physical examination. A medical exam is essential to rule out illnesses or diseases that could cause symptoms similar ADHD such as brain tumors, vision problems, hearing issues as well as thyroid disorders, depression, and head injuries.
In certain instances, a psychiatric evaluation will be required in addition to a medical exam. In these situations the evaluator is required to talk with the patient as well as other important people in his or her life -- like parents, spouses, siblings for children, teachers and coaches for adults -regarding their experiences and observations of the person's behavior. Personal insight gleaned from these interviews can often aid in determining what is happening to the person and what, if any, tests may be required to determine if the patient has ADHD.
The process of requesting an assessment can be overwhelming, especially for those who are worried that they may not have ADHD and be branded as having a condition which could harm their professional or personal relationships. Asking friends, family members and colleagues to recommend a specialist with expertise in ADHD assessments could be beneficial. It is also advisable to check with your insurance company to see which professionals are covered and how much the test will cost.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD can help you manage symptoms that cause problems at work or school, in your relationships, or in your personal life. The first step is getting an assessment, and the most important part of that process is finding an expert in health care who is competent to assess your symptoms. You may ask your doctor or therapist for a recommendation, or contact the local chapter of an organization that is national in its mental health to find a list of specialists in your region. Some insurance plans have a list by specialty of health professionals. You might find that a lot of members of a support group for ADHD sufferers have worked with certain professionals and are able to offer recommendations.
A health care professional who evaluates ADHD will likely request you to complete a number standardized rating scales or questionnaires about the behavior you are experiencing. These ratings are based upon research that compared the behaviors of people suffering from ADHD with those who do not have it.
If you fit the criteria of ADD, your doctor may recommend you to an expert for further testing to rule out other possible physical or psychiatric disorders. Some people with ADHD may also suffer from sleep disorders, depression, or other mood disorders. They could also be suffering from learning disabilities that cause them to have difficulty reading and writing. These conditions can cause similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD and it is crucial to recognize them in order to treat them effectively.
After your symptoms have been recognized, your doctor can prescribe either psychotherapy or medication. Behavioral therapy will teach you to be aware of your behavior, and alter them when necessary. Cognitive behavioral therapy can improve your thinking and manage your emotions. Psychotherapy can also help you improve your interpersonal relationships and deal with problems in your relationship or family.
Medication
There are many drugs that can be used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. Drugs like amphetamine and methylphenidate help balance brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They are often the first medications prescribed to treat ADHD. These medications are available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets, which deliver a consistent dosage throughout the day. These medications are not identical. It may take some time to locate the medication and dosage that is appropriate for your child or.
Initial treatment plans will include regular clinical evaluation of side-effects and symptoms. The doctor will modify the medication as required. Behavioral therapy is frequently recommended for ADHD which includes cognitive-behavioral therapies and dialectical behavior therapy for adults. There are many other therapies that can aid people suffering from ADHD, such as mindfulness meditation and yoga.
All medications have potential adverse effects. It is crucial to discuss any concerns with your physician. It is also crucial to inform your doctor of any other medications your child or you takes, both prescription and over-the-counter. Certain drugs can interact with stimulant medications and can cause dangerous side effects.
For many people with ADHD Finding the appropriate dosage and medication will take time and patience. Make sure you discuss all your options with your physician and follow the instructions to take the medication. It is also important to inform your doctor of any changes in your diet because certain foods may affect the way that the medication is absorption by your body. Some young people who are taking stimulant medication may suffer a slight delay in growth, an increase in blood-pressure or heart rate.
Therapy
If a child or adult is diagnosed with ADHD, their healthcare provider will work with them to design an individualized treatment plan that includes medication and therapy. They will assist you in determining the right dosage and will monitor the reaction of your child or yourself to the medication.
There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat ADHD. The most popular are psychostimulants, which affect neurotransmitters in the brain and may help boost energy, improve concentration and alertness. Amphetamines, such as Adderall, and methylphenidates like Ritalin and Concerta are a few examples. These include antidepressants such Wellbutrin, Effexor and Viloxazine. Non-stimulant drugs, which don't affect neurotransmitters, are prescribed for those with the inattentive presentation of ADHD and include Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree (viloxazine) and Intuniv (guanfacine).
Therapy will assist you in learning to manage your symptoms and alter your behavior. Your therapist will assist you to develop time management strategies and teach you how to organize yourself. They will show you how to manage your emotions, and help you develop positive relationships. They may also recommend marriage and family counseling or classes that improve communication.
Disorganization is a common manifestation of ADHD and can make it difficult to finish tasks or stay organized at home or at work. It can be difficult to remember appointments or deadlines. You might also lose important documents and find it difficult to keep your workspace clean and tidy. Behavioral therapy could include training in skills to help you relax your mind, have better quality sleep, and learn to manage anxiety.
Many adults with ADD/ADHD find it difficult to get to sleep at night and are frequently woken up by a racing mind or restless sleep. They have difficulty following a routine and tend to procrastinate, resulting in unfinished tasks or putting off projects. Behavioral therapy helps you develop more self-control, increase your ability to prioritize tasks and reduce the amount caffeine and nicotine you consume in your daily diet.