ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) or ADD is a complicated disorder. It can have three subtypes and the symptoms can vary. It can also be confused with other mental health disorders and physical conditions.
For that reason, getting an accurate ADHD assessment is crucial. Your therapist or physician will require you to complete questionnaires, conduct interviews with both you and others, and review any relevant documents.
Signs and symptoms
A health care provider will look at the person's behavior or, for adults the school and childhood experiences. They will also take into account the person's mental health, physical background, mood, family and lifestyle issues. They might also speak with people who are familiar with the person, like parents, friends and teachers, to gain details about their relationship with the person as well as how their symptoms impact their lives.
To be diagnosed, a person must have symptoms in at minimum two environments, including at home, work and school, and they must cause disruption in their daily lives. The symptoms must have been present for at least six months. The symptoms must have been not appropriate to the individual's developmental level. For kids, the symptom must have begun before the age of 12. They aren't caused by other conditions, like depression or anxiety.
The most frequently reported sign of ADHD is inattention, which means the sufferer has difficulty staying on task or keeping their attention on the task at hand. They may also lose things frequently or forget appointments and make careless mistakes at work or at school. They could spend a lot of time daydreaming or having difficulty 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 may disrupt others, make quick decisions without thinking about the consequences, and have difficulty waiting their turn.
A doctor may also check for other conditions such as depression, anxiety, or sleep disorders. In the course of a physical examination the doctor will ask questions about family and personal history and will then give the person an array of tests to measure their ability to pay attention and think quickly, stay well-organized and manage their emotions.
Diagnosis
A healthcare professional must conduct an assessment before a person is able to be diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, as it was formerly known. This will include a comprehensive description and rating scales that are completed by both the individual and their caregivers. It may also contain medical history of the family, records of school and work and other pertinent details. A physical examination may be required of the person being examined. A medical exam is important to rule out other ailments or diseases that may cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD including brain tumors, hearing problems as well as vision problems and thyroid disorders, depression and head injuries.
In some cases the psychiatric examination may be required in addition to a medical exam. In these situations, the evaluator interviews the patient, along with other important individuals in the patient's life, such a spouse or parents, as well as siblings for children and coaches and teachers for adults to discuss their observations and experiences of the person. These interviews can provide valuable information about what's happening to the person and whether tests are required to determine if they have ADHD.
It can be overwhelming to go through the process of seeking an assessment, especially if you are worried that you might not have ADHD. It is also possible to worry that your relationships or career could be affected if you are diagnosed with a disorder. Asking family members, friends and colleagues to recommend a specialist with expertise in ADHD assessments can be beneficial. It is also a good idea to inquire with the person's insurance to learn which professionals are covered by their plans and to find out how much the test will cost.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD can help control symptoms that are causing problems at work or at school, in your relationships, or in your personal life. The first step is to get a diagnosis. The most important step in the process is locating a health care professional who is qualified to assess your symptoms. You can consult your doctor or therapist for a referral or you can contact the local chapter for an organization for mental health that is nationwide to obtain a list of professionals near you. Some insurance plans have an alphabetical list of health care 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 suggestions.
A medical specialist who assesses ADHD will likely request you to complete several scales of ratings that are standardized or questionnaires on the behavior you're experiencing. These ratings are from research that compares your behaviors to those of people who don't have ADHD.
If you meet the requirements for ADD If you are diagnosed with ADD, your healthcare specialist may recommend further testing to check for other psychiatric or physical issues. For example, some individuals with ADHD have sleep disorders, depression or other mood disorders, or problems that make it difficult for them to learn writing and reading. These conditions may have similar symptoms as ADHD and must be identified to be treated effectively.
After your symptoms have been recognized, your doctor can prescribe either psychotherapy or medication. Behavioral therapy helps you learn to track your behavior and alter it when necessary. Cognitive behavioral therapy can improve the ways you manage your emotions and think. Psychotherapy can also assist you to improve your interpersonal relationships and deal with problems in your relationship or family.
Medication
There are many medications that can be utilized to treat ADHD in adults and children. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are used to boost and balance the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. They are often the first drugs to be used to treat ADHD. These medications are available as immediate-release pills or modified release tablets that provide an even dose throughout the day. These medicines aren't all the same. It could take time to locate a medication and dosage that is appropriate for your child or.
Initial treatment plans will include regular examination of symptoms and side-effects. The doctor will modify the medication as required. Behavioral therapy is also often recommended for ADHD which includes cognitive-behavioral therapies and dialectical behavior therapy for adults. There are a variety of other therapies that can help people with ADHD including yoga and mindfulness meditation.
Every medication can cause adverse effects, so it is crucial to talk to your doctor about any concerns you have. Tell a cool way to improve or your child take including prescriptions as well as over-the-counter. Certain medications interact with stimulant medications and can cause dangerous side effects.
For many people with ADHD finding the right medication and dose will take time and patience. Be sure to discuss all of your options with your doctor and follow the instructions for taking the medication. Inform your doctor about any modifications to your diet, as certain foods can interfere with how the medication is absorption. Additionally, young people taking stimulant medication can experience minor growth delay and an increase in heart rate or blood pressure.
Therapy
If a person of any age receives a diagnosis of ADHD the healthcare professional will work with them to design an individual treatment plan that includes therapy and medication. 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 medication available to treat ADHD. The most common are psychostimulants, which affect brain neurotransmitters and can boost energy levels, improve concentration and alertness. Amphetamines like Adderall, and methylphenidates like Ritalin and Concerta are a few examples. They also include antidepressants such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Non-stimulant medications, which do not impact neurotransmitters, are prescribed to people suffering from the inattention-deficit presentation of ADHD and include Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree (viloxazine) and Intuniv (guanfacine).
Therapy will help you understand how to manage your symptoms and change your behaviors. Your therapist will teach you to use time management techniques and devise organizational strategies. They will teach you how to cope with your emotions and help you develop positive relationships. They might also suggest couples and family counseling classes to enhance communication.
Disorganization is another common ADHD symptom. It can make it hard to stay organized or complete tasks at home or at work. You might struggle to keep track of your appointments or deadlines, forget important paperwork, or have difficulty maintaining your work space neat and tidy. Behavioral therapy can include training in skills to help you calm your mind, get better sleep and practice coping with anxiety.
Many adults with ADD/ADHD have difficulties sleeping through the night. They are often woken by racing thoughts or restless sleep. They are unable to stick to an established routine and are more likely to procrastinate, resulting in unfinished tasks or putting off projects. Behavioral therapy can help you develop more self-control, increase your ability of prioritizing and reduce the amount of caffeine and nicotine in your daily diet.