ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) or ADD is a multi-faceted disorder. It has three sub-types and can manifest with various symptoms. Also, it can be confused with other mental health disorders as well as physical conditions.
Therefore, obtaining an accurate ADHD assessment is essential. Your therapist or physician will need to complete questionnaires, conduct interviews with both you and others and look over any relevant documents.
Symptoms
A health care provider will look at the person's behavior, or for adults, their school and childhood experiences. They will also consider the person's mental health and physical history, mood, and family and lifestyle issues. They may also interview people who are familiar with the person, like parents, friends and teachers, to gather details about their relationships with the person and how the symptoms affect their daily lives.
To be eligible for a diagnosis, a patient must exhibit symptoms in at least two situations, such as at home, school and work, and they must cause problems in everyday life. Symptoms must have been present for at least six months. The symptoms must have been inappropriate to the person's development level. For kids, the symptom must have started before age 12. Lastly, they can't be caused by a different disorder, like anxiety or depression.
The most frequently reported characteristic of ADHD is inattention, which indicates that the person is having trouble staying focused or keeping their mind on track. They can also lose things often, miss appointments, or make a few mistakes at work or in school. They might spend long periods 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 may disrupt others, make quick decisions without considering consequences and have trouble waiting for their turn.
A doctor can also check for other conditions like depression, anxiety, or sleep disorders. In the course of a physical examination, the provider will inquire about family history and personal history and will also give the patient several tests designed to assess their ability to pay attention and think quickly, remain well-organized and manage their emotions.
Diagnosis
For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD or ADD as it was previously known, a health professional must conduct an assessment. This could include a detailed explanation of the person's symptoms, rating scales that are completed by the person and their family members, medical background, school and work documents, and other pertinent details. The person being assessed may be required to undergo an examination. iampsychiatry.uk is essential to rule out any other conditions or diseases that can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD, such as brain tumors, hearing problems, vision issues and thyroid disorders, depression and head injuries.
In certain situations, in addition to the medical examination, a psychiatric evaluation could be required. In these situations the evaluator will talk to the patient and other significant people in their life -- such as parents, spouses, siblings for children teachers, coaches and teachers for adults -about their experiences and observations about the person's behavior. Personal insight gleaned from these interviews may aid in determining what is happening to the person and what tests may be required to determine if the patient is suffering from ADHD.
It can be overwhelming to go through the process of seeking an assessment, especially in the event that you are concerned that you might not have ADHD. You might also be concerned that your relationships or career will suffer if they are diagnosed with a disorder. Asking friends, family members and coworkers to recommend a specialist with experience in ADHD assessments can be beneficial. You should also check with your insurance provider to find out which specialists are covered and how much the assessment will cost.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD can help control symptoms that can cause issues at school or work or in your relationships or in your personal. The first step is getting an assessment. The most important aspect of this process is finding a qualified health care professional to examine your symptoms. You can consult your therapist or doctor for a referral, or you can contact the local chapter for an organization for mental health that is nationwide to obtain the list of specialists near you. Some insurance plans also offer an approved list of health care providers by specialty. If you are a member of a support group for those with ADHD you may discover that many of the participants have worked with certain experts and can offer recommendations.
In addition to examining your family and medical background, a medical professional who is evaluating ADHD symptoms may request you to fill out several standardized rating scales and questionnaires about your behavior that you've been experiencing. These ratings are from research that compares your behaviors to those of people who do not have ADHD.
If you meet the criteria for ADD, your health care professional may refer you for further tests to look for other possible psychiatric or physical issues. Some people with ADHD also suffer from sleep disorders, depression or other mood disorders. They may also have learning disabilities, which can cause them to have difficulties reading and writing. These conditions can exhibit similar symptoms as ADHD and should be identified to be treated effectively.
If your symptoms are discovered and your doctor prescribes the best course of action, which includes either psychotherapy or medications. Behavioral therapy teaches you how to observe your own behavior and change it if needed. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help improve your thinking and manage your emotions. Psychotherapy can also help improve your interpersonal relationships and deal with problems in your family or marriage.
Medication
There are a variety of medications that can be utilized to treat ADHD in adults and children. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine help to regulate brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They are typically the first drugs prescribed to treat ADHD. These medications can be taken as immediate-release pills or modified release tablets, which provide a consistent dosage throughout the day. The effectiveness of these medicines varies among individuals and it can take some time to find the right medication and dose that is right for you or your child.
Initial treatment plans will include a regular examination of symptoms and side-effects. The doctor will adjust medications as needed. Behavioral therapy is also often recommended for ADHD such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy for adults. Other therapies can aid those suffering from ADHD. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga.
All medication comes with potential adverse effects, so it is essential to speak to your physician about any concerns you may have. It is also essential to tell your provider about the other medicines you or your child is taking including prescription and over-the-counter. Certain medications may interact with stimulant medications and cause dangerous side effects.
Finding the right medication dose and medication for ADHD is a process that requires time and patience. Discuss all your options with your doctor and follow the instructions for how to take the medication. It is also important to inform your physician of any changes to your diet, since certain foods can alter the way the medication is taken up by your body. Young people who are who take stimulant medications might suffer a slight delay in growth and an increase in blood pressure or heart rate.
Therapy
If a person of any age receives a diagnosis of ADHD or ADD, their healthcare provider will work with them to design an individualized treatment plan that incorporates therapy and medication. They will help you determine the right dosage and will monitor the reaction of your child or yourself to the medication.
There are many types of medication available to treat ADHD. The most popular are psychostimulants that alter neurotransmitters in the brain and can help increase energy, improve alertness and increase focus. These include amphetamines such as Adderall and methylphenidates such as Ritalin and Concerta. They include antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor and Viloxazine. Non-stimulant medications, which do no impact neurotransmitters are prescribed to people with inattentive ADHD. These include Strattera, Qelbree, and Intuniv.
Therapy will help you learn how to manage your symptoms and change your behavior. Your therapist will guide you how to manage your time techniques and devise organizational strategies. They'll help you develop coping strategies to deal with your emotions and help build positive relationships. They may also recommend counseling for your family or marriage, or classes to improve communication.
Disorganization is another sign of ADHD and can make it difficult to finish tasks or stay organized at home or at work. It is possible that you struggle to keep track of your appointments or deadlines, misplace important paperwork and have trouble maintaining your work space clean and neat. Behavioral therapy can include training to help you relax your mind, improve your sleep quality and develop coping skills.
Many people with ADD/ADHD experience difficulty sleeping through the night. They are often awakened by racing thoughts or restless sleep. They are unable to stick to an established routine and are more likely to delay tasks, leading to not completing tasks or putting off projects. Behavioral therapy helps you develop better self discipline, improve your ability to prioritize tasks and reduce the amount caffeine and nicotine in your daily diet.