What is an ADHD Assessment?
Your doctor will want to talk to you whether or not your child has symptoms of ADHD. They may ask about your family background and health. He or she will also ask about your child's school life. They will also talk to your child's teachers, coaches, scouts and religious leaders, as well as others who are familiar with them.
Signs and symptoms
If you or someone you know suspects they might have ADHD the first step to get an evaluation is to find a health care professional who is experienced in diagnosing it. Find a specialist in children's mental health or ask your family doctor for a referral. The person conducting the assessment will start by talking with you about your issues and how they impact your life. They might also inquire about your school, work and social activities. The examiner may ask to see your old report cards and performance evaluations at school or at work, and other documents.
A thorough evaluation of ADHD will also include interviews with the person's family members as well as teachers and other adults who interact with them. The examiner will employ a variety of instruments and rating systems to assess the person's ADHD and will also use standard tests used in school evaluations. You will be asked to give 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.
The evaluator will also determine whether the person's ADHD hinders their daily functioning. They will consider whether their symptoms are significantly more severe than is normal for their age or development. They will compare the person's issues with those of other people in similar situations, like 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 be causing significant impairments in at least two areas of their lives. For children, this will usually mean problems in their schoolwork as well as their relationships with parents and siblings. Adults could lose their job if they have trouble paying attention or keeping track of bills and paperwork.
The evaluator may also speak to those who are familiar with the person, for example, family members and friends, or scout or religious leaders. They will want to know how the person behaves in different situations, including at home and other places beyond school or work.
Diagnosis
You must have at least six traits (symptoms) that started before the age of 12. Additionally, you must be experiencing these symptoms continuously for at minimum six months. The symptoms should also be in the way of functioning well at work, school or at home. The symptoms cannot be caused by any other mental disorder. Your doctor may refer you an expert to conduct an assessment. You can print quotes from NICE 87 guidelines or download a letter of support from ADHD UK that you can give to your GP.
Your doctor will talk to you about your issues and how they impact your life. They will also inquire about your family, social and educational background. They might request your old school records, and they might be interested in interviewing teachers or other people who have known you since you were a child. The evaluator may try to rule out other possible explanations for your symptoms and suggest that you undergo neuropsychological testing or diagnostic tests.
A thorough assessment can take several hours. Some adults may need to make more than one visit to their physician to complete the process. The evaluation will discuss the results with you, and may suggest treatment options that could help.
You might have either the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD. The inattentive form of ADHD is characterised by difficulties paying attention and remaining focused as well as a tendency to forget or a lack of 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 conditions affect their lives and relationships. This can lead to financial issues, strained or broken marriages, and issues with parenting. During the evaluation, a clinician may speak with the ADHD person and their partner or spouse to learn how their problems affect the relationship. You might be asked to fill out checklists describing your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric evaluation for ADHD typically involves an interview with both the person being evaluated as well as the caregivers for them and the submission of questionnaires and rating scales that compare the behavior of people suffering from ADHD with the behavior of those who do not have it and standardized testing. For children, the evaluator may also look at their reports and ask teachers to fill out questionnaires.
Those with ADHD symptoms must be prepared to explain how their symptoms affect their social, work and family life. They should expect to be asked questions about how often they interrupt others, how easily they lose things, and how often they don't follow through on their tasks. The evaluator will want to know whether these signs have always been there or if they first started in childhood (technically before age 12).
A person must experience significant issues in two or more of the following areas to be diagnosed with ADHD including school and work life, family relationships, or social interactions. This can be proven by being dismissed from a position, failing a course or not paying your bills on time. People with mild ADHD symptoms can still have problems in a few areas, but do not experience major disruptions.
Stress and physical ailments can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. A health care professional or mental health professional will assess the person's mood, their medical background and other factors to rule out these possible causes.
Behavioral therapy is among the most common treatments for ADHD. It assists people in developing more effective coping skills and understand how to manage their symptoms. It could include cognitive behavior therapy which teaches people to transform negative thoughts into positive ones. adhd online assessment helps reduce the effects of underlying conditions and mental health issues, such as addiction or depression.
Adults with ADHD can also benefit from marital or couple therapy. It can help them understand the perspective of their partner and improve their communication. It can also help their partner learn how to support them and deal with the difficulties of living with someone who has ADHD.
Medication
ADHD is characterised by hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. Medications may help to reduce these symptoms. They are often prescribed in conjunction with therapy and training which can reduce symptoms and help people perform better at school, work at home, or even in their leisure activities. However, medications are not an effective cure, and patients must remain in contact with their doctor to understand how to manage their ADHD symptoms. It may take a few times to find the right combination of medications and dosages however, it is crucial to keep in mind that there are many choices.
An experienced specialist will interview the child, parent or adult about their experiences with ADHD and pay particular attention to the behaviors that happen in various situations, including at home and in school. They will also look at the person's academic and occupational history and ask questions about their family life. They typically request performance evaluations from their workplace or old reports and will want to talk with the person's teachers.
Remember that for a person to be considered to have ADHD the symptoms must have begun in childhood (technically before the age of 12). Although an expert may only talk about the current symptoms in an assessment of diagnosis, they may have to talk to people who knew the person as a child, and even interview their parents or teachers.
Treatment for ADHD typically contains stimulants that appear to increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These medications are available in different forms such as tablets, liquids and patches. The stimulants can cause negative effects like difficulty sleeping, agitation and loss of appetite. However, they are generally safe when taken according to doctor's instructions. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine and other antidepressants are also used to treat ADHD. They typically work slower and have less adverse negative effects, but they are not recommended for everyone.
A combination of medications therapy, therapy, as well as behavior changes are most effective in treating ADHD symptoms. It is not uncommon for adults and children to try various medications and alter them over time as their needs change or when they experience significant changes in their lives.