ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) or ADD is a complex disorder. It may have three subtypes and the symptoms can be different. It can also be confused 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 fill out questionnaires, interview both you and others, and review any relevant documents.
Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD To diagnose ADHD, a health professional will look at the person's present or in adulthood their childhood behavior and school experiences. They will also consider the person's mental and physical health history, their mood and lifestyle and family factors. They may also inquire with people who are close to the person, such as teachers, parents and family members, about their relationship and how the symptoms affect them.
To be diagnosed, a person must exhibit symptoms in at least two environments, including at work, home and school, and they must cause problems in their daily lives. The symptoms must have been present for at minimum for six months. The symptoms must have been inappropriate to the person's development level. For kids, the symptom must have started before age 12. They aren't caused by other disorders, like depression or anxiety.
The most frequently reported characteristic of ADHD is inattention, meaning that the person is having trouble staying focused or keeping their mind focused. They can also frequently lose things, forget appointments and make mistakes in work or at school. They could spend hours daydreaming or having difficulty completing 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 interrupt others or make quick decisions without considering consequences, and struggle to wait for their turn.
A health care provider will also look for signs of other ailments, such as anxiety, sleep disorders, or depression. In addition to a physical examination, the provider will inquire about family and personal histories and will also give the person a series of tests designed to assess their ability to pay attention and think quickly, stay well-organized and manage their emotions.
Diagnosis
For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD or ADD as it was previously referred to the health professional will need to complete an assessment. This will comprise a thorough description and rating scales that are completed by both the individual and their caregivers. It may also contain medical history of the family, records of work and school, and other relevant details. The person being evaluated could also be asked to take an examination. A medical exam is important to rule out other conditions or diseases that could cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD, such as brain tumors, hearing problems and vision issues as well as thyroid disorders, depression and head injuries.
In certain instances an evaluation of psychiatric issues may be required in addition to a medical exam. In these instances, the evaluator interviews the patient, along with other important people in the patient's life, such a spouse, parents, and siblings for children as well as teachers and coaches for adult on their experiences and observations of the person. These interviews can provide an important insight into what's happening to the person, and whether or not tests are required to determine if they have ADHD.
It can be overwhelming to get an assessment, especially if you are worried that you might not have ADHD. You might also be concerned that your career or relationships could be affected if you are diagnosed with a condition. Asking friends, family members and colleagues to recommend a specialist with expertise in ADHD assessments can be beneficial. It is recommended to inquire with the person's insurance company to find out which specialists are covered by their plans and also to determine how much the evaluation will cost.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD can help control symptoms that can cause issues at work or school, in your relationships, or in your personal life. The first step is to get an assessment. The most important aspect of this process is to find an experienced health professional to examine your symptoms. You can ask your physician or therapist for recommendations, or you can call the local chapter of a national mental organization to get a list of professionals near you. Some insurance plans provide an alphabetical list of health care providers. If you are a member of a support group for those with ADHD you might find that some of the members have worked with specific professionals and can provide suggestions.
A medical professional who is evaluating ADHD will likely ask you to fill out several scales of ratings that are standardized or questionnaires on the behavior you're experiencing. These ratings are based upon research that compares the behaviors of people with ADHD to those who don't suffer from it.
If you meet the requirements for ADD, your health care specialist may refer you to further testing to check for other possible psychiatric or physical conditions. For instance, some people with ADHD have depression, sleep disorders 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 need to be recognized to be treated effectively.
When your symptoms are spotted, your doctor will prescribe a course of action that includes either psychotherapy or medications. Behavioral therapy will teach you how to observe your behavior and alter it when necessary. Cognitive behavioral therapy can improve the way you think and manage your emotions. Psychotherapy can help you improve your interpersonal relationships as well as resolve issues in your marriage or with your family.
Medication
There are a variety of drugs that can be used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine work by helping boost and balance brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They are usually the first drugs to be used to treat ADHD. They can be taken as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that provide a consistent dosage throughout the day. The effectiveness of these medications differs for each person so it could take some time to locate the right dosage and medication that works for you or your child.
The initial treatment plan will include regular clinical monitoring of symptoms and side effects. The doctor will adjust medication if needed. ADHD is often treated with behavior therapy, like cognitive-behavioral and dialectical therapy for adults. There are a variety of other therapies that can help those suffering from ADHD like mindfulness meditation and yoga.
Every medication has the potential for side effects, so it is crucial to talk to your physician about any concerns you have. Discuss with your physician all other medications that you or your child is taking including prescriptions and over-the counter. Certain drugs can interact with stimulant medications and trigger dangerous side effects.
For many people suffering from ADHD Finding the appropriate medication and dose will take time and patience. Discuss all options with your doctor and adhere to the instructions for how to take the medication. Inform how to get assessed for adhd about any changes to your diet since certain foods may interfere with how the medication is absorbed. Some young people taking stimulant medications may also have a slight slowing of growth or an increase in blood pressure or heart rate.
Therapy
If you or your child adult is diagnosed with ADHD or other disorders, the healthcare professional will create a treatment plan for them that includes medication and therapy. They'll help you determine the appropriate dosage and will monitor your or your child's reaction to the medication to ensure that it's working for you.
There are how to get assessed for adhd of medications available for treating ADHD. Psychostimulants, which affect neurotransmitters within the brain can boost energy and alertness as well as focus. These include amphetamines such as Adderall and methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta. These include antidepressants such Wellbutrin, Effexor and Viloxazine. Non-stimulant drugs, which don't impact neurotransmitters are prescribed to people suffering from the inattention-deficit manifestation of ADHD and include Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree (viloxazine) and Intuniv (guanfacine).
Therapy will help you learn how to manage your symptoms, and change your behavior. Your therapist will guide you develop strategies for managing your time and help you organize yourself. They will help you learn to manage your emotions, and assist you develop positive relationships. They might also suggest counseling for your marriage or family, or classes to improve communication.
Disorganization can be another common ADHD sign. It can make it difficult to stay on track or complete tasks at home or at work. It can be difficult to remember appointments or deadlines. You may also lose important paperwork and find it difficult to keep your work area neat and clean. Behavioral therapy can include a course in skills that will help you calm your mind, have better quality sleep and work on managing anxiety.
Many adults with ADD/ADHD find it difficult to go to sleep at night, and are often woken up by a racing mind or restless sleep. They have difficulty following the same routine and tend to procrastinate, resulting in unfinished tasks or putting off projects. Behavioral therapy helps you build better self discipline, improve your ability to prioritize tasks and reduce the amount of caffeine and nicotine you consume in your daily diet.