What is an ADHD Assessment?
Your doctor will want to talk to you whether or not your child is suffering from ADHD. The doctor might ask questions about your family and health background. He or she may also inquire 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.
Signs and symptoms
Find a health professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD if you or someone you know suspects they may have it. Request your family physician to refer you to a doctor who is an expert in children's mental healthcare. The person conducting the assessment will start by talking to you about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They might also inquire about your school, work, and social life. The examiner may ask to see old report cards or performance evaluations from school or at work, as well as other records.
Interviews with family members, teachers and other adults will be a part of a full 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 ask you to provide 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 the tendency to be impulsive.
add adhd assessment will also check whether the person's ADHD hinders their daily functioning. They will also consider whether the symptoms are more severe than expected for their age and development level. They will compare the person's problems to those of other people in similar situations, for example their peers in school or on a sports 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. The symptoms must also have led to significant impairments in at least two aspects of their lives. This could mean that children have problems with schoolwork, as well as their relationships with their parents or siblings. Adults may lose their job when they are unable to pay attention or keeping track of bills and paperwork.
The evaluator could also talk to those who are acquainted with the individual, such as friends and family members or scout or religious leaders. They will want to know about the way in which the person behaves in different settings, as well as how they behave at home and at other places outside of school or work.
Diagnosis
To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD you must exhibit at least 6 characteristics (symptoms) that started prior to the age of 12. You must also be suffering from these symptoms continuously for at least six months. The symptoms must also become hindering you from functioning well at work, school or at home. The symptoms can't be caused by another mental health disorder. Your GP can recommend you to an expert to have an assessment. Print out the quotes from NICE 87 guidelines or download an official letter from ADHD UK that you can give to your GP.
Your doctor will discuss with you about your health issues and how they impact your life. They will also ask you about your family, social and educational background. They might ask for your school records from your past and may need to speak with teachers or other people who know you from when you were a child. The examiner will attempt to rule out other possible explanations for your symptoms and may suggest that you undergo neuropsychological testing or other diagnostic tests.
A thorough evaluation could take several hours. Certain adults may need to attend more than one visit to their specialist in order to complete the process. The evaluation will discuss the results with you and may suggest treatments that could be beneficial.
You might have either the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD. The inattentive form of ADHD is defined by a lack of attention and staying focused as well as a tendency to forget and/or a lack in 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 comprehend how their condition affects their lives and relationships. This can lead to divorce or separation, financial difficulties and problems with parenting. During the examination, the clinician may talk with both the person suffering from ADHD and their partner or spouse to gain an understanding of how their symptoms affect the relationship. You might be asked to fill out checklists of your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric assessment for ADHD usually includes an interview with both the individual being evaluated and the caregivers for them, the completion of rating scales and questionnaires comparing behaviors of people with ADHD against those of people without it and tests that are standardized. The evaluator may also request teachers to complete questionnaires and review the report cards of the child.
Those with ADHD symptoms must be prepared to explain how their ADHD symptoms affect their work, social and family life. Expect to be asked questions about how often you interrupt others, or if you misplace things easily, or if you are unable to finish tasks. The person evaluating them will want to know if these signs were present from the beginning or if they first started in the early years of childhood (technically before age 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 relationships. This can be proven by being dismissed from a job, completing an educational course or not paying bills on time. People with mild ADHD symptoms can have difficulties in certain areas, but do not have major issues.
There are many things that could trigger similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD like physical conditions and stress. A mental health healthcare professional or health care professional will assess the person's mood, medical background and other factors in order to rule these out.
Behavioral therapy is a common treatment for ADHD. It helps patients learn better ways to manage their symptoms and develop better techniques for coping. It can include cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches people how to transform negative thinking into positive thoughts. It can also reduce the effects of conditions that are underlying and mental health issues such as depression or substance abuse.
Adults with ADHD can also benefit from marital or couples therapy. It can help them appreciate the perspective of their partner and improve their communication. It can also help their partner learn to help them and deal with the difficulties of living with someone who has ADHD.
Medication
ADHD is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. The use of medication can help reduce the symptoms. They are often prescribed in conjunction with therapy and skill-training which can reduce symptoms and help people function better at school, work, home or in their leisure activities. It is not a cure-all and patients should consult with their doctor in order to determine the best method to manage their ADHD symptoms. It could take several attempts to find the ideal dosage and combination of medications. However, it's important to remember that there are a variety of alternatives.
An experienced specialist will speak with the parent, child, or adult about their experiences with ADHD and pay particular focus on the behavior that occurs in several settings, such as at school and at home. They will also examine the person's educational and occupational background and ask questions about their family life. They will usually request performance evaluations from work or old report cards and will be looking to speak with the person's teachers.
It is important to remember that in order to be diagnosed as having ADHD, the symptoms of the patient must have started in the early years of childhood (technically before the age of 12). Although an expert may only discuss the current symptoms during a diagnostic assessment they may require a conversation with others who knew the patient as an infant, and interview their teachers or parents.
Medication to treat ADHD typically contains stimulants that appear to increase and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. These drugs are available in a variety of forms that include liquids, tablets and patches. The stimulants can cause adverse effects like trouble sleeping, agitation, and a loss of appetite, however they generally considered safe when taken as directed by a doctor. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine and certain antidepressants are also prescribed for ADHD. They typically work slower and have less adverse negative effects, but they are not suitable for everyone.
The most effective treatment for ADHD symptoms is a combination of medications, behavior therapy, and behavioral changes. 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.