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. It can also be confused with other mental health disorders as well as physical ailments.
To that end, getting an accurate ADHD assessment is essential. Your therapist or doctor will need to fill out questionnaires, speak with you and other people, and review any pertinent documents.
Symptoms
To determine if someone has ADHD, a health care professional will assess 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, as well as family and lifestyle issues. They may interview people who know the person well such as parents, family members and teachers, to gather information on their relationship with the person and how their symptoms impact their daily lives.
To be diagnosed, a person has to exhibit symptoms in at least two environments, including at home, work and school, and they must cause a dysfunction in their daily lives. Symptoms must be present for at least six months. They also must have been not appropriate for the individual's developmental level. For kids, the symptom must have started before age 12. Additionally, they cannot be caused by a disorder, like depression or anxiety.
The most frequently reported characteristic of ADHD is inattention, which indicates that the sufferer has difficulty staying on task or keeping their mind focused. They can also frequently lose things, miss appointments, or make a few mistakes at school or work. They may spend a lot of time daydreaming or have difficulty completing tasks and often 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 might interrupt others, take quick decisions without thinking about the consequences, and have difficulty getting their turn.
A medical professional will also be looking for signs of other illnesses like anxiety, sleep disorders or depression. The provider will also ask about the patient's family history and give them a series tests to determine their ability to focus, think quickly and stay organized.
Diagnosis
For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD or ADD as it was previously known the health professional must conduct an assessment. This will likely include a detailed explanation of the person's symptoms, rating scales that are completed by the person and their caregivers, medical history, work and school records and other relevant information. The person being evaluated could be required to undergo physical examination. A medical exam is necessary to rule out any other conditions or diseases that could cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD including hearing disorders, brain tumors and vision issues, depression, thyroid disorders and head injuries.
In some cases the psychiatric examination may be required in addition to a medical examination. In these situations the evaluator will talk to the patient as well as other significant individuals in his or her life -- for example, parents, spouses, siblings for children, teachers and coaches for adults -about their experiences and observations of the person's behavior. These interviews can give valuable insight into what is happening with the person, and whether or not tests are required to determine if they have 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 professional or personal relationships. It is a good idea to ask friends, relatives and colleagues for recommendations on an expert who is certified and has expertise in conducting ADHD assessments. It is recommended to inquire with the person's insurance company to find out which specialists are covered under their plans and to find out how much the evaluation will cost.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD can help you manage symptoms that cause problems at work or at school or in your relationships or in your personal life. The first step is to get an assessment, and the most important part of that process is finding a health care professional who is qualified to assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor or therapist for a recommendation, or contact the local chapter of a national mental health organization to find a list of specialists in your region. Some insurance plans provide a list by specialty of health care providers. If you attend a support group for those with ADHD you may discover that many of the participants have worked with particular experts and can offer recommendations.
In addition, to reviewing your family and medical background, a medical professional who evaluates ADHD symptoms will likely require you to fill out several standardized rating scales and questionnaires about the behavior you've been experiencing. These ratings are based upon research that compared the behaviors of people with ADHD with those who do not have it.
If you meet the requirements for ADD If you are diagnosed with ADD, your healthcare professional may refer you for further testing to check for other psychiatric or physical disorders. For example, some individuals who suffer from ADHD suffer from depression, sleep disorders, or other mood disorders, or learning disabilities that cause difficulty with writing and reading. These conditions can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD and it is crucial to recognize them to treat them effectively.
When your symptoms are spotted, your doctor will prescribe the best course of action, which includes either medication or psychotherapy. Behavioral therapy will teach you how to monitor your own behavior and change it when necessary. Cognitive behavioral therapy can enhance your thinking abilities and manage your emotions. online adhd assessment uk can assist you in improving your interpersonal relationships and resolve problems in your marriage, or with your family.
Medication
There are a variety of medications that can help treat ADHD in both children and adults. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine aid in balancing brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These are usually the first medications prescribed to treat ADHD. They are available in immediate-release pills (short-acting) or modified-release tablets that deliver a consistent dose throughout the day. The effectiveness of these drugs varies among individuals and it can take some time to locate the right dosage and medication that works for you or your child.
Initial treatment plans will include regular medical evaluation of symptoms and side-effects. The doctor will modify the medication as required. Behavioral therapy is also often recommended for ADHD, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy for adults. There are online adhd assessment uk of other treatments that can benefit people with ADHD like yoga and mindfulness meditation.
All medication comes with potential side effects, so it is crucial to talk to your doctor about any concerns you have. It is also important to inform your doctor about the other medications your child or you is taking, both prescription and over-the-counter. Certain drugs can interact with stimulant medication and can cause dangerous side effects.
For many people suffering from ADHD finding the right medication and dose will take time and patience. Be sure to discuss all the options with your doctor and adhere to the instructions for taking the medication. It is also essential to inform your physician about any changes to your diet, as some foods can alter the way the medication is absorption by your body. Additionally, young people taking stimulant medication can have a slight delay in growth and an increase in blood pressure or heart rate.
Therapy
If you have a child or adult, is diagnosed with ADHD and a healthcare professional is consulted, they will create a treatment plan for them, which includes medication and therapy. They'll help you determine the right dosage and monitor your child's or your own reaction to the medication to make sure that it's working for you.
There are many types of drugs available to treat ADHD. The most popular are psychostimulants that affect brain neurotransmitters and can help increase energy, improve concentration and alertness. These include amphetamines such as Adderall and methylphenidates such as Ritalin and Concerta. These include antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Effexor and Viloxazine. Non-stimulant medications, which do no impact neurotransmitters are prescribed to patients with inattentive ADHD. These include Strattera, Qelbree, and Intuniv.
Therapy will teach you how to manage your symptoms and alter your behavior. Your therapist will help you to use time management techniques and develop strategies for organizing. They will show you how to manage your emotions, and assist you build positive relationships. They may also recommend counseling for your marriage or family, or classes to enhance communication.
Disorganization is another symptom of ADHD and it can make it difficult to complete tasks or stay organized at home or at work. You might find it difficult to remember appointments or deadlines. You might also lose important paperwork and have trouble keeping your workspace clean and tidy. Behavioral therapy could include training to help you relax your mind, improve your sleep quality and develop coping skills.
Many people with ADD/ADHD experience difficulties sleeping through the night. They are often awakened by a flurry of thoughts or a lack of sleep. They are unable to stick to a schedule and tend to delay their work. This results in unfinished projects or tasks that are not completed. Behavioral therapy can help you develop better self discipline, improve your ability of prioritizing and reduce the amount caffeine and nicotine you consume in your daily diet.