ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) or ADD is a complicated disorder. It has three types and may present with different symptoms. Also, it can be confused with other mental health disorders as well as physical conditions.
To that end, getting an accurate ADHD assessment is essential. Your therapist or physician must complete questionnaires, talk to you and other people and go over any pertinent documents.
Symptoms
A health professional will look at the person's behavior or, for adults, their school and childhood experiences. They will also take into consideration the person's physical and mental health history, their mood and lifestyle and family factors. add adhd assessment might also speak with people who know the person such as parents, friends and teachers, to gather details about their relationships with the person and how the symptoms affect their lives.
To be diagnosed, a person must be exhibiting symptoms in at least two environments, including at work, home and school, and they must cause a dysfunction in their daily life. Symptoms must be present for at least six months. The symptoms must have been incompatible with the person's developmental level. The symptom must have first appeared in children before the age of 12. They aren't caused by other conditions, like anxiety or depression.
The most common characteristic of ADHD is inattention, meaning that the person is having trouble staying focused or keeping their mind focused. They may also lose things often, forget appointments, and make a few mistakes at school or work. 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 might interrupt others and make quick decisions without thinking about consequences, and struggle to wait for their turn.
A doctor will also be looking for signs of other conditions, such as anxiety, sleep disorders, or depression. The provider will also ask about the family history of the patient and provide a series of tests to assess their ability to focus and think quickly. They will also test their ability to stay organized.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD or ADD as it was previously referred to medical professionals will have to conduct an assessment. This will include a comprehensive description and rating scales completed both by the person as well as caregivers. It could also include medical records from the family, details of work and school, and other relevant details. The person being evaluated may also be asked to take a physical exam. A medical exam is required to rule out any conditions or diseases that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD such as brain tumors, problems with vision hearing issues, depression, thyroid disorders, and head injuries.
In certain situations an evaluation of psychiatric issues may be required in addition to a medical examination. In these instances the evaluator is required to talk with the patient and other significant people in their life -- for example, parents, spouses, siblings for children, teachers and coaches for adults -regarding their experiences and observations about the patient's behavior. These interviews can provide an important insight into what's happening with the person and whether tests are required to determine if they have ADHD.
It can be difficult to get an assessment, particularly when you're worried that you may not have ADHD. It is also possible to worry that your relationships or career may be impacted if diagnosed with a disorder. Asking friends, family members and coworkers to recommend a specialist who has expertise in ADHD assessments could be beneficial. It is also a good idea to inquire with the person's insurance provider to determine which specialists are covered by their insurance and to know how much the evaluation will cost.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD can help you manage symptoms that cause problems at work or at school as well as in your relationships or in your personal life. The first step is obtaining an assessment. The most crucial part of this process is finding an experienced health professional to assess your symptoms. You may ask your doctor or therapy provider for recommendations, or contact the local chapter of an organization that is national in its mental health for a list with a list of professionals in your area. Certain insurance plans offer an alphabetical list of health care providers. You might find that a lot of members of a support group for ADHD sufferers have worked with certain professionals and can make recommendations.
In addition to reviewing your medical history and family background, a medical professional who evaluates ADHD symptoms will likely require you to fill out a number of standardized questionnaires and rating scales regarding your behavior that you've been experiencing. These ratings are based upon research that compared the behaviors of people who suffer from ADHD with those who do not suffer from it.
If you meet the requirements of ADD Your doctor may recommend you to an expert for further testing in order to rule out other mental or physical issues. Many people who suffer from ADHD also have depression, sleep disorders or other mood disorders. They might also suffer from learning disabilities, which cause them to struggle with writing and reading. These conditions can have similar symptoms to ADHD and should be identified to be treated appropriately.
If your symptoms are discovered the doctor will prescribe the best course of action, which will include medication or psychotherapy. Behavioral therapy helps you learn to observe your behavior and alter it if needed. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help improve the ways you manage your emotions and think. Psychotherapy can help you improve your interpersonal relationships and solve problems in your marriage, or with your family.
Medication
There are a myriad of medications that can be used to treat ADHD in children and adults. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine work by helping boost and balance levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. They are typically the first drugs used to treat ADHD. They are available in immediate-release tablets (short-acting) or modified-release tablets that deliver an even dose throughout the day. The effectiveness of these medicines varies among individuals so it could take some time to find the right dose and dosage that is right for you or your child.
Initial treatment plans will include a periodic medical evaluation of symptoms and side-effects. The doctor will alter the dosage as needed. ADHD is often treated with behavior therapy, like cognitive-behavioral and dialectical therapy for adults. There are many other therapies that can help those suffering from ADHD like mindfulness meditation and yoga.
Every medication can cause negative side effects. It is important to discuss any concerns with your doctor. Inform your doctor about all other medications you or your child are taking including prescriptions as well as over-the-counter. Certain medications interact with stimulant drugs and can cause dangerous side effects.
For many people with ADHD finding the right dosage and medication will take time and patience. Discuss all options with your doctor and follow the instructions on how to take the medication. It is also essential to inform your physician of any changes to your diet, because certain foods may interfere with the way the medication is absorbed by your body. Young people who are taking stimulant medications may also experience a minor growth delay or an increase in blood pressure or heart rate.
Therapy
If a person, whether a child or an adult, is diagnosed with ADHD, their healthcare provider will work with them to design an individualized treatment plan that incorporates medication and therapy. They'll help you determine the right dosage and monitor your or your child's reaction to the medication to make sure that it's working for you.
There are a variety of drugs available to treat ADHD. Psychostimulants, which affect brain neurotransmitters can boost energy and alertness and also improve focus. These include amphetamines like Adderall and methylphenidates like Ritalin and Concerta. These include antidepressants such Wellbutrin, Effexor and Viloxazine. Non-stimulant drugs that do no impact neurotransmitters are prescribed to those with inattentive ADHD. They include Strattera, Qelbree, and Intuniv.
Therapy will help you learn 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'll show you ways to deal with your emotions and help you create positive relationships. They may also recommend counseling for your family or marriage, or classes that help improve communication.
Disorganization is another common manifestation of ADHD and it can make it difficult to complete tasks or stay organized at home or at work. You may find it difficult to remember deadlines or appointments. You might also lose important paperwork and have trouble keeping your workspace neat and tidy. Behavioral therapy may include skills training to relax your mind, improve your sleep quality and learn to cope with anxiety.
Many adults with ADD/ADHD find it difficult to get to sleep at night, and are often awakened by racing thoughts or a restless sleep. They are unable to stick to an established routine and are more likely to put off tasks, which can lead to being unable to finish tasks or delaying projects. Behavioral therapy can help you learn to develop better self-discipline and improve your ability to prioritize and reduce the amount of caffeine and nicotine in your diet.