ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) is a complex condition. It can be classified into three subtypes, and the symptoms may vary. Additionally, it is confused with other mental health disorders and physical conditions.
To that end, getting an accurate ADHD assessment is essential. Your doctor or therapist will have to complete questionnaires, interview you and other people, and review any pertinent documents.
Signs and symptoms
A health professional will evaluate the patient's behavior, or for adults, their school and childhood experiences. They will also consider the person's mental health as well as physical history, mood, as well as family and lifestyle issues. They might also speak with people who know the person, like parents, friends and teachers, to gather details about their relationship with the person as well as how the symptoms affect their daily lives.
To be diagnosed, a person must be exhibiting symptoms in at least two settings, such as at home, work or school, and they must cause disruption in their daily lives. The symptoms must be present for at least six months. They also must have been not appropriate for the person's development level. The symptom must have appeared in children before the age of 12. They shouldn't be triggered by other disorders, such as anxiety or depression.
The most frequently reported symptom of ADHD is inattention, which means the person is having trouble staying focused or keeping their attention on the task at hand. They can also frequently lose things or forget appointments and make mistakes in work or at school. They may spend a lot of time daydreaming or have difficulty completing tasks and frequently forget 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 can interrupt others, make quick decisions without thinking about the consequences, and may have difficulty waiting their turn.
A doctor can be able to detect other illnesses such as anxiety, depression or sleep disorders. The provider will also ask about the history of the patient's family and give them a series tests to assess their ability to focus and think quickly. They also need to be organized.
Diagnosis
In order for a person to be diagnosed with ADHD, or ADD as it was previously referred to, a health professional will have to conduct an assessment. This could include a detailed description of the symptoms of the individual, rating scales that are completed by the person and their caregivers, medical history, work and school records, as well as other pertinent information. A physical exam may be required for the person who is being assessed. A medical exam is essential to rule out conditions or diseases which may cause symptoms similar to ADHD like brain tumors, vision issues hearing issues, depression, thyroid disorders and head injuries.
In some cases, a psychiatric evaluation will be required in addition to a medical examination. In these instances the evaluator will interview the patient, as well as other important people in the life of the patient like spouses or parents, as well as siblings for children as well as coaches and teachers for adults, about their observations and experiences with the person. The personal insights gained from these interviews can often help clarify what's happening to the individual and what, if any, tests might be needed to determine if the patient has ADHD.
The process of requesting an assessment can be overwhelming, particularly for those who are worried that they may not have ADHD and will be labeled with a condition that could affect their professional or personal relationships. It is helpful to ask your family, friends and colleagues for recommendations for an experienced specialist with previous experience performing ADHD assessments. It is also a good idea to check with the individual's insurance company to find out which specialists are covered by 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, in your relationships, or in your personal life. The first step is to obtain a diagnosis, and the most important part of that process is finding an expert in health care who is competent to assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor or your therapist for a recommendation or contact the local chapter of a national mental health association for a list with a list of professionals in your region. Some insurance plans have an alphabetical list of health care providers. If you're a part of a support group for those with ADHD, you may find many of the participants have worked with particular experts and can offer recommendations.
A health care professional who is evaluating ADHD will likely request you to complete several scales of ratings that are standardized or questionnaires regarding the behavior you're experiencing. These ratings are from research that compares your behavior to those of people who do not have ADHD.
If you fit the criteria of ADD, your doctor may recommend you to a specialist for further testing to rule out other physical or psychiatric disorders. Certain people with ADHD may also suffer from depression, sleep disorders or other mood disorders. They could also be suffering from learning disabilities that cause them to have difficulties reading and writing. These conditions can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD, and it is important to recognize them to treat them effectively.
When your symptoms are identified, your doctor may prescribe medication or psychotherapy. Behavioral therapy can teach you to observe your own behaviors, and change them when necessary. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help improve the way you manage your emotions and think. Psychotherapy can help you improve your interpersonal relationships and resolve problems in your marriage, or with your family.
Medication
There are a myriad of medications that can help treat ADHD in both adults and children. The stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine are used to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They are often the first drugs prescribed to treat ADHD. These medications are available as immediate-release pills (short-acting) or modified-release tablets that provide an even dose throughout the day. These medicines aren't all the same. It could take some time to identify the right dosage and medication that is appropriate for your child or you.
psychiatrist adhd assessment will include a periodic medical evaluation of side-effects and symptoms. The doctor will alter the medication as needed. ADHD is often treated with behavior therapy, like cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy for adults. Other therapies can help people with ADHD. They include yoga and mindfulness meditation.
Every medication can cause negative side effects, therefore it is essential to speak to your doctor about any concerns you have. Discuss with your physician any other medications you or your child are taking including prescriptions and over-the-counter. Certain drugs interact with stimulant drugs and may cause dangerous side effects.
Finding the appropriate dosage of medication and medication for ADHD will take time and patience. Discuss all your options with your doctor and follow the instructions on how to take the medication. It is also important to inform your physician about any changes in your diet since certain foods can alter the way the medication is taken up by your body. Some young people taking stimulant medications may also experience a minor growth delay, an increase in blood-pressure or heart rate.
Therapy
If you or your child adult, is diagnosed with ADHD or other disorders, the healthcare professional will create a treatment plan for them, which includes medication and therapy. They'll assist you in finding the appropriate dosage and will monitor your child's or your own reaction to the medication to ensure that it's working for you.
There are a variety of medication available to treat ADHD. Psychostimulants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain, can help increase energy and alertness and improve focus. They include amphetamines, such as Adderall and methylphenidates such as Ritalin and Concerta. They also include antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Non-stimulant drugs that don't affect neurotransmitters, are prescribed to people with inattentive ADHD. These include Strattera, Qelbree, and Intuniv.
Therapy will show you how to manage your symptoms and change your behavior. Your therapist will help you create strategies for managing time and teach you how to organize yourself. They will help you learn to cope with your emotions, and help you build positive relationships. They might also suggest couples and family counseling classes to enhance communication.
Disorganization is another common ADHD symptom. It can make it difficult to stay organized and finish tasks at home or work. It can be difficult to keep track of your appointments or deadlines, lose important paperwork and have trouble maintaining your work space clean and tidy. Behavioral therapy could include training to calm your mind, improve sleep quality and develop coping skills.
Many people with ADD/ADHD experience difficulty 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 delay tasks, leading to unfinished tasks or putting off projects. Behavioral therapy helps you build better self discipline, improve your ability to prioritize and reduce the amount caffeine and nicotine you consume in your daily diet.