ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) is a multifaceted condition. It is a complex condition that has three sub-types and can manifest with various symptoms. Additionally, it is confused with other mental health disorders as well as physical conditions.
It is therefore crucial to get an accurate ADHD diagnosis. Your doctor or therapist will have to complete questionnaires, interview you and other people, and look at any relevant documents.
Signs and symptoms
To determine if someone has ADHD A health care provider will examine the person's current behavior or in adulthood their childhood behavior and school experiences. They will also consider the person's mental health as well as physical history, mood, and family and lifestyle issues. They might also speak with people who are familiar with the person such as parents, friends and teachers, to get details about their relationship with the person and how the symptoms affect their lives.
To be eligible for a diagnosis, the person must show symptoms in two or more situations, such as at home, school or work, and they must cause disruption in daily life. The symptoms must have been present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must be not appropriate to the individual's developmental level. For kids, the symptom must have started before age 12. In addition, they shouldn't be caused by a different disorder, like anxiety or depression.
The most common characteristic of ADHD is inattention, meaning that the sufferer has difficulty staying on task or keeping their mind on track. They may also lose things frequently or forget appointments, and they can also make a few mistakes at work or at school. They may also spend much of their time dreaming or have difficulty finishing 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 interrupt others and make quick decisions without thinking about consequences, and are unable to wait for their turn.
A doctor will also look for signs of other conditions such as anxiety, sleep disorders or depression. In the course of a physical examination, the provider will ask questions about family and personal history and will then provide the patient with an array of tests to assess their ability to focus and think quickly, remain focused and control their emotions.
Diagnosis
A health professional must perform an assessment before a patient can be diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, as it was formerly known. This may include a detailed description of the person's symptoms, ratings scales that are completed by the person and their family members, medical history, work and school records, as well as other pertinent details. A physical examination could be required of the person being examined. A medical examination is essential to rule out other conditions or diseases that may cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD, such as brain tumors, hearing problems, vision issues, depression, thyroid disorders and head injuries.
In certain situations, in addition to the medical exam, a psychiatric evaluation could be required. In these situations the evaluator speaks with the patient, along with other important individuals in the patient's life, such a spouse, parents, and siblings for children, as well as coaches and teachers for adults on their observations and experiences of the person. Personal insight gleaned from these interviews may help to clarify what is happening to the person and which tests may be required to determine if the individual is suffering from ADHD.
The process of requesting an assessment can feel overwhelming, especially for those who are worried that they may not actually have ADHD and may be labeled as having a condition that could damage their career or personal relationships. It is beneficial to ask friends, relatives and colleagues for recommendations on an experienced specialist with experience in performing ADHD assessments. It is also a good idea to inquire with the person's insurance company to find out which specialists are covered under their plans and also to determine what the assessment will cost.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD can help manage symptoms that are causing problems at school or work or in your relationships or in your personal life. The first step is getting a diagnosis. The most crucial part of this process is to find an expert in health care to evaluate your symptoms. You can ask your doctor or therapist for recommendations or contact the local chapter for an organization for mental health that is nationwide to find a list of professionals near you. Some insurance plans provide an alphabetical list of health care professionals. There are many members of a support group for ADHD sufferers have worked with certain specialists 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 on the behavior you're experiencing. These ratings are based on research that compares your behavior to those of people who do not have ADHD.
If you meet the requirements of ADD If you meet the criteria of ADD, your doctor might recommend you to an expert for further tests in order to rule out other mental or physical disorders. For example, some individuals with ADHD suffer from depression, sleep disorders, or other mood disorders, or disabilities that cause difficulty with writing and reading. These conditions can trigger similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD, and it is important to identify them in order to treat them appropriately.
Once your symptoms are identified, your doctor will prescribe a course of action that will include either medication or psychotherapy. Behavioral therapy will teach you how to track your own behavior and change it when needed. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help improve the ability to manage your emotions and think. Psychotherapy can help you improve your interpersonal relationships and solve problems in your marriage, or with your family.
Medication
There are a myriad of drugs that can be used to treat ADHD in both children and adults. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine help to increase and balance neurotransmitters in the brain. They are often the first drugs prescribed to treat ADHD. These medications are available as immediate-release pills or modified release tablets, which deliver a consistent dosage throughout the day. adhd assessment uk cost of these medications varies among individuals so it could take some time to locate the right dose and dosage that is suitable for you or your child.
Initial treatment plans will include a regular clinical evaluation of side-effects and symptoms. The doctor will alter the medication if needed. ADHD is usually treated using behavioral therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy for adults. There are many other treatments that can benefit people suffering from ADHD like mindfulness meditation and yoga.
Every medication can cause negative side effects. It is important to discuss any concerns with your doctor. It is also important to inform your doctor of any other medications your child or you is taking in addition to prescriptions and over-the counter. Certain drugs interact with stimulant drugs and can result in dangerous side effects.
Finding the right medication dose and dosage for ADHD is a process that requires 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 changes to your diet as certain foods can interfere with the way that the medication is absorption. Young people who are taking stimulant medications may also suffer a slight delay in growth, an increase in blood-pressure or heart rate.
Therapy
If a person, whether a child or an adult, receives a diagnosis of ADHD, their healthcare provider will work with them to design an individual treatment plan that incorporates medication and therapy. They'll help you find the appropriate dosage and will monitor your child's or your own reaction to the medication to ensure it is working well for you.
There are several types of medications available for treating ADHD. The most popular are psychostimulants that affect brain neurotransmitters and can help increase energy levels, improve focus and alertness. Amphetamines, like Adderall, and methylphenidates like Ritalin and Concerta are two examples. These include antidepressants such Wellbutrin, Effexor and Viloxazine. Non-stimulant medications, which don't affect neurotransmitters, are prescribed for people with the inattention-deficit presentation of ADHD and include Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree (viloxazine) and Intuniv (guanfacine).
Therapy will show you how to manage your symptoms, and change your behavior. Your therapist will help you create strategies for managing time and learn how to organize yourself. They will help you learn to cope with your emotions, and help you develop positive relationships. They might also suggest marriage and family counseling or classes to improve communication.
Disorganization is a common ADHD symptoms. It can make it difficult to stay organized or complete tasks at home or at work. You might find it difficult to remember appointments or deadlines. You could also lose important paperwork and have trouble keeping your work area neat and clean. Behavioral therapy could include training in skills to help you relax your mind, have better quality sleep and work on managing anxiety.
Many people suffering from ADD/ADHD have trouble sleeping. it hard to get to sleep at night, and are often awakened by frantic thoughts or restless sleep. They have trouble following the schedule and often delay their work. This leads to incomplete projects or tasks. Behavioral therapy can help you develop more self-control, increase your ability to prioritize tasks and reduce the amount of caffeine and nicotine in your daily diet.