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 can present with varying symptoms. It can also be confused with physical conditions as well as other mental disorders.
It is therefore important to obtain an accurate ADHD diagnosis. Your doctor or therapist will need to fill out questionnaires, speak with you and others and examine any relevant documents.
Signs and symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, a health care professional will assess the person's current behavior or, in adults, their childhood behavior and school experiences. adhd assessment online uk will also look at the person's physical and mental health history, mood and family and lifestyle factors. They may also inquire with people who are close to the person, like parents, teachers and family members about their relationship and how the symptoms affect them.
To be able to receive an assessment, a person must be exhibiting symptoms in at least two settings, like at school, home and work, and they must cause problems in everyday life. The symptoms must have been present at minimum for six months. They must also have been not appropriate for the person's development level. For children, the symptoms must have started before age 12. Lastly, they can't be caused by a different disorder, like anxiety or depression.
Inattention is the most frequent symptom, meaning that the person is unable to stay focused or on task. They can also frequently lose things, miss appointments, or make mistakes at work or in school. They may spend a lot of time daydreaming or have difficulty finishing tasks.
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 disrupt others, make quick decisions without thinking about consequences, and struggle to wait for their turn.
A health care provider may also check for other conditions like depression, anxiety or sleep disorders. In the course of a physical examination the doctor will inquire about family and personal history, and they will provide the patient with an array of tests to assess their ability to focus and think quickly, remain well-organized and manage their emotions.
Diagnosis
A healthcare professional must conduct an assessment before a person is able to be diagnosed with ADHD or ADD or ADD as it was previously called. This could include a detailed description of the person's symptoms, ratings scales completed by the person and their family members, medical history, work and school records, as well as other pertinent details. A physical exam may be required of the person who is being assessed. A medical exam is necessary to rule out other ailments or diseases that could cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD including hearing disorders, brain tumors and vision issues as well as thyroid disorders, depression and head injuries.
In certain situations in addition to the medical exam, a psychiatric assessment could be necessary. In these situations the evaluator speaks with the patient as well as other important people in the patient's life, such a spouse, parents, and siblings for children as well as coaches and teachers for adults, about their observations and experiences with the patient. The personal insights gained from these conversations can aid in determining what is happening to the person and what tests might be needed to determine if the person has ADHD.
The process of seeking an assessment may be overwhelming, especially for those who are concerned that they may not have ADHD and may be labeled with a condition that could damage their professional or personal relationships. Asking friends, family members and colleagues to recommend a specialist who has experience in ADHD assessments can be helpful. You should also inquire with your insurance company to see which professionals are covered and what the assessment will cost.
Treatment
Getting treatment for ADHD can help you take control of symptoms that may cause significant issues at school or at work as well as in your relationships and in your private life. The first step is getting a diagnosis. The most important step in the process is locating an expert in health care who is qualified to evaluate your symptoms. You may ask your doctor or your therapist for a recommendation or contact the local chapter of a national mental health organization for a list with a list of professionals in your region. Certain insurance plans also offer an approved list of health care providers by specialty. 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 history, a health professional who is evaluating ADHD symptoms will likely require you to fill out various standardized rating scales and questionnaires about the behavior you have been experiencing. These ratings are basing on research that compares your behaviour with those of people who do not have ADHD.
If you meet the criteria for ADD, your health care specialist may refer you to further testing to check for other possible psychiatric or physical disorders. For instance, some people who suffer from ADHD have sleep disorders, depression or other mood disorders, or learning problems that make it difficult for them to learn reading and writing. These conditions can exhibit similar symptoms as ADHD and must be identified to be treated effectively.
When your symptoms are diagnosed, your doctor will prescribe medication or psychotherapy. Behavioral therapy teaches you how to track your own behavior and modify it when needed. Cognitive behavioral therapy can improve the ways 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 treat ADHD in both adults and children. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine work by helping boost and balance levels of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. They are typically the first medications prescribed to treat ADHD. They can be taken as immediate-release pills or modified-release tablets, which deliver an exact dose throughout the day. The effectiveness of these drugs varies among individuals, so it may take some time to locate the right dose and dosage that works for you or your child.
Initial treatment plans will include regular examination of symptoms and side-effects. The doctor will adjust the medication as needed. ADHD is usually treated using behavioral therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy for adults. Other therapies can help those suffering from ADHD. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga.
All medications have potential negative side effects. It is essential to discuss any concerns with your physician. Inform your doctor about all other medications you or your child are taking including prescriptions and over-the counter. Certain medications interact with stimulant drugs and can result in dangerous side effects.
For many people suffering from ADHD, finding the right dosage and medication will require time and patience. Discuss all your options with your doctor and follow the instructions on how to take the medication. Inform your doctor about any modifications to your diet, as certain foods can interfere with how the medication is absorbed. Some young people who take stimulant medications might 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 the healthcare professional will work with them to design an individualized treatment plan that includes therapy and medication. They will help you determine the right dosage and will monitor the reaction of your child or yourself to the medication.
There are a variety of medications available for treating ADHD. The most common are psychostimulants that alter neurotransmitters in the brain and may help boost energy levels, improve focus 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 medicines that don't impact neurotransmitters, are prescribed to people with inattentive ADHD. These include Strattera, Qelbree, and Intuniv.
Therapy will show you how to manage your symptoms and alter your behavior. Your therapist will assist you to develop strategies for managing your time and teach you how to organize yourself. They will teach you how to manage your emotions and help you build positive relationships. They may also recommend couples and family counseling classes to improve communication.
Disorganization is another symptom of ADHD and can make it difficult to complete tasks or remain organized at home or at work. You may find it difficult to remember appointments or deadlines. You may also lose important paperwork and find it difficult to keep your work area neat and tidy. Behavioral therapy may include skills training to help you relax your mind, improve your sleep quality and practice coping anxiety.
Many people suffering from ADD/ADHD have trouble sleeping. it difficult to go to sleep at night and are frequently awakened by frantic thoughts or restless sleep. They have difficulty following the same routine and tend to put off tasks, which can lead to being unable to finish tasks or delaying projects. Behavioral therapy helps you develop more self-control, improve your ability of prioritizing and reduce the amount of caffeine and nicotine you consume in your daily diet.