What is an ADHD Assessment?
If you or your child have symptoms of ADHD your doctor is likely to want to talk with you. The doctor might ask questions about your family and health history. They may also ask about the schooling of your child. He or she will talk to your child's teachers, coaches, scout and religious leaders, and other people that know them well.
Signs and symptoms
Find a healthcare professional who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD if you or someone you know thinks they might be suffering from it. Look for someone who specializes in children's mental health or ask your family doctor for a referral. The person conducting the assessment will start by talking to you about your concerns and how they affect your life. They may also ask questions about your health or work schedule, as well as school and social life. The examiner will need to examine any documents you have, like performance evaluations from your work or school and old report cards.
A thorough assessment of ADHD will also include interviews with family members of the person as well as teachers and other adults who interact with them. The examiner will employ a variety of instruments and rating systems to assess the person's ADHD as well as standard tests used in school evaluations. You will be asked to give examples of how you behave in various situations. They will examine your behavior in relation to the DSM V criteria for ADHD hyperactivity, inattention and inattention, hyperactivity and.
The evaluator will also determine whether the person's ADHD affects their daily functioning. They will consider whether the symptoms are more severe than expected for their age or developmental stage. They will evaluate the individual's issues to the experiences of others 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 symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at least two major settings in their life. This will typically mean that children have problems with their schoolwork, and their relationships with parents or siblings. For adults, it may result in losing a job because of difficulty paying attention and trouble keeping records of bills or paperwork.
The evaluator will also speak to other people who are familiar with the person like relatives, friends, as well as Scout leaders or religious groups. They will want to know about the behavior of the person in various settings, as well as how they behave at home and at other places other than work or school.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least six characteristics (symptoms) that began before age 12. The symptoms must be present for at least six consecutive months. The symptoms must also interfere with your ability to function at home, school, or at work. The symptoms cannot be caused by any other mental disorder. Your GP can refer you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. Print out the quotations from NICE 87 guidelines or download an official letter from ADHD UK that you can give to your GP.
Your doctor will talk to you about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will also ask you about your family, social and educational history. They might request your school records from the past and interview teachers and other people who knew you as a child. The examiner will attempt to eliminate other possible explanations for your symptoms, and may suggest that you have neuropsychological testing or other diagnostic tests.
A thorough examination can take several hours. Some adults require more than one visit with their physician to complete the process. The evaluator will go over the results with you, and may suggest treatments that may help.
You might have either the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD. The symptoms of the type that is inattentive include difficulties staying focused and paying attention, forgetfulness and/or 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.
Some adults with ADHD are unable to understand how their conditions affect their lives and relationships. This can lead to broken or fractured marriages as well as financial issues and problems with parenting. During the evaluation the clinician will talk with the ADHD person and their spouse or partner to determine how their issues impact the relationship. You might be asked to fill in checklists of your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric examination for ADHD typically involves an interview with both the individual being evaluated and his or her caregivers, the completion of rating scales and questionnaires comparing behaviors of people with ADHD with those of people without it and tests that are standardized. The evaluator may also request teachers to complete questionnaires and look at the report cards of the child.
Those who have symptoms of ADHD should be prepared to discuss how their issues affect their work, home, and social life. They should be prepared to be asked questions such as how often they interrupt others and how easily they lose things, and how often they are unable to keep up on tasks. The examiner wants to determine if these signs were present throughout their entire lives or if they began in childhood (technically, before the age of 12).
To be diagnosed with ADHD, one must be experiencing significant difficulties in at least two of the following areas: work and family life, school or social relationships. This impairment can be demonstrated by being fired from a job, failing an educational course, or not paying your bills on time. Mild ADHD symptoms can lead to some problems, but not major disruptions.
Physical and emotional stress can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate the person's mood, their medical background and other factors to rule out these possible causes.
Behavioral therapy is one of the most common treatments for ADHD. It assists people in learning better ways to manage their symptoms and build stronger coping skills. It may include cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches people how to change negative thoughts into positive ones. It can also help reduce the effects of chronic conditions and mental health issues, such as addiction or depression.
Marital or couples therapy can also be helpful for adults with ADHD. It can help them understand their partner's viewpoint and improve their communication. It can also help their partner learn how to support them and cope with the difficulties of living with someone who suffers from ADHD.
Medication
ADHD is characterised by hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. The use of medication can help reduce these symptoms. adhd assessments are often prescribed in conjunction with therapy and skill-training which can reduce symptoms and help people perform better at work, school at home, or even in their hobbies. However, medications are not an answer to all problems and people should continue to work with their physician to learn how to manage their ADHD symptoms. It could require a few attempts to find the right dosage and combination of medications, but it is important to remember that there are a myriad of options.
A specialist will talk to a parent, child or an adult to understand their experiences with ADHD. They will pay particular attention to the behaviors that occur in various settings, such as at school and home. They will also review the person's educational and occupational history and ask questions about their life as a family. They will request old report cards or performance evaluations and may also speak with the person's teacher.
It is crucial to remember that to be diagnosed with ADHD the person's symptoms must have been present since childhood (technically before the age of 12). Therefore, even though an expert will only discuss current symptoms when conducting a diagnostic assessment however, they may need to speak with others who knew the person as a child and might even talk to the person's parents or teachers.
The treatment for ADHD typically includes stimulants, which are believed to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These medications are available in different forms, including tablets, liquids and patches. The stimulants can cause side effects such as insomnia, agitation, and loss of appetite. However they are generally safe if used according to the doctor's prescription. Nonstimulants, which include atomoxetine and certain antidepressants, are also used to treat ADHD. They generally have a slower effect and have less adverse effects, however not everyone should take them.
A combination of medications therapy, therapy, and behavioral modifications are the most effective method of treating ADHD symptoms. It's not unusual for children and adults to try multiple medications and change them as their needs change or when they experience significant changes in their lives.