ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) is a complicated condition. It is a complex condition that has three sub-types and may present with different symptoms. It is also possible to confuse with physical conditions and other mental disorders.
It is therefore important to obtain an accurate ADHD diagnosis. Your doctor or therapist will require you to complete questionnaires, conduct interviews with you and other people, and review any relevant documents.
Signs and symptoms
A health professional will examine the patient's behavior or, in the case of adults the school and childhood experiences. They will also take into account the person's mental health, physical history, mood, and 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 and how the symptoms affect their lives.
To be diagnosed, a person has to be exhibiting symptoms in at least two different settings, like at home, work or school, and they must cause a dysfunction in their daily life. Symptoms must be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must have been incompatible with the person's developmental level. For children, the symptom must have begun before the age of 12. They aren't caused by other disorders, such as anxiety or depression.
The most common sign of ADHD is inattention, which indicates that the sufferer has difficulty staying on task or keeping their mind on track. They may also frequently lose things, forget appointments, and make mistakes at work or school. They might spend long periods of time snoozing 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 interrupt others, make quick decisions without thinking about consequences and have trouble waiting for their turn.
A health care provider may also check for other conditions such as anxiety, depression or sleep disorders. In addition to a physical exam, the provider will ask questions about family and personal history and will also give the patient a series of tests designed to measure their ability to pay attention and think quickly, stay focused and control their emotions.
Diagnosis
A health professional must complete an assessment before a person can be diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, as it was previously known. This may include a detailed explanation of the symptoms of the individual, rating scales completed by the person and their family members, medical history, school and job records, as well as other pertinent details. A physical exam may be required of the individual who is being assessed. A medical examination is necessary to rule out conditions or diseases which may cause symptoms similar to ADHD like brain tumors, vision problems, hearing issues and thyroid disorders, depression, and head injuries.
In some cases an evaluation of psychiatric issues may be required in addition to a medical exam. In these instances, the evaluator will interview the patient and other significant individuals in his or her life -- like spouses, parents, siblings for children, teachers and coaches for adults -about their experiences and observations about the patient's behavior. These interviews can provide valuable insight into what is happening to the individual and whether tests are needed to determine if they suffer from ADHD.
It can be difficult to seek an assessment, especially if you are worried that you may not have ADHD. It is also possible to be worried that your relationships or career will suffer if they are diagnosed with a condition. It is helpful to ask your family, friends and colleagues for recommendations on an experienced specialist with expertise in conducting ADHD assessments. It is recommended to inquire with the individual's insurance provider to determine which specialists are covered by their plans and also to determine how much the test will cost.
Treatment
Finding treatment for ADHD can help you gain control of symptoms that may be causing significant problems at school or at work as well as in your relationships and in your private life. The first step is to get an diagnosis. The most important part of this process is to find an experienced health professional to evaluate your symptoms. You may ask your doctor or therapy provider for recommendations, or contact the local chapter of a national mental health association for a list of professionals in your area. Some insurance plans have the list of specialty health professionals. If you attend a support group for people with ADHD, you may find many of the members have worked with specific professionals and can provide suggestions.
In addition to examining your medical and family history, a health care specialist who assesses ADHD symptoms will likely require you to fill out a number of standardized ratings scales and questionnaires regarding the behavior you've been experiencing. These ratings are based on research that compares the behaviors of people with ADHD with those who do not have it.
If you fit the criteria of ADD, your doctor may refer you to an expert for further tests to rule out other possible mental or physical issues. For instance, some people with ADHD suffer from sleep disorders, depression or other mood disorders, or difficulties that hinder reading and writing. These conditions can have similar symptoms to ADHD and must be identified to be treated effectively.
When your symptoms are identified, your doctor may prescribe medication or psychotherapy. Behavioral therapy can help you to monitor your own behaviors, and change them when needed. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help improve the way you manage your emotions and think. Psychotherapy can also help improve interpersonal relationships and deal with problems in your family or marriage.
Medication
There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat ADHD in adults and children. Drugs like amphetamine and methylphenidate help to regulate brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They are typically the first drugs to be used to treat ADHD. They are available in immediate-release pills (short-acting) or modified-release tablets that deliver an even dose throughout the day. These medications aren't identical. It may take some time to identify a medication and dosage that is suitable for your child or.
The initial treatment plan will consist of regular monitoring of side effects and symptoms. The doctor will alter the medication as needed. ADHD is usually treated using behavioral therapy, for example cognitive-behavioral and dialectical behaviour therapy for adults. Other treatments can assist those suffering from ADHD. These include yoga and mindfulness meditation.
Every medication has the potential for adverse effects, so it is essential to speak to your physician about any concerns you have. It is also crucial to inform your doctor of any other medicines you or your child take including prescription and over-the-counter. Certain medications interact with stimulant medications and can cause dangerous side effects.
For many people with ADHD Finding the appropriate dosage and medication will require time and patience. Be sure to discuss all of your options with your doctor and adhere to the instructions to take the medication. Inform your doctor about any modifications to your diet, as certain foods can interfere with the way that the medication is absorption. Additionally, young people taking stimulant medications may experience minor growth delay and an increase in heart rate or blood pressure.
Therapy
If you or your child adult is diagnosed with ADHD and a healthcare professional is consulted, they will devise a treatment program for them that includes therapy and medication. book adhd assessment will help you determine the correct dosage and monitor the reaction of your child or yourself to the medication.
There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat ADHD. The most commonly used are psychostimulants which alter neurotransmitters in the brain and may help boost energy, increase concentration and alertness. Amphetamines, like Adderall and methylphenidates such as Ritalin and Concerta are two examples. These include antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Effexor and Viloxazine. Non-stimulant medications, which don't affect neurotransmitters, are prescribed for those with the inattention-deficit manifestation of ADHD and include Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree (viloxazine) and Intuniv (guanfacine).
Therapy will help you learn to manage your symptoms and alter your behavior. Your therapist will teach you how to manage your time techniques and devise organizational strategies. They will show you how to cope with your emotions and help you build positive relationships. They may also recommend couples and family counseling classes to enhance communication.
Disorganization is another common symptom of ADHD and it can make it difficult to finish tasks or stay organized at home or at work. You may find it difficult to remember deadlines or appointments. You may also lose important documents and find it difficult to keep your workspace neat and clean. Behavioral therapy can include a course in skills that will assist you in calming your mind, get better quality sleep and work on managing anxiety.
Many adults with ADD/ADHD find it difficult to go to sleep at night and are frequently awakened by frantic thoughts or restless sleep. They have difficulty following a routine and tend to put off tasks, which can lead to unfinished tasks or putting off projects. Behavioral therapy can help you learn to be more disciplined and improve your ability to prioritize tasks and reduce the amount of caffeine and nicotine in your diet.