ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) is a complex condition. It has three sub-types and can present with varying symptoms. Also, it can be confused with other mental health disorders as well as physical ailments.
It is therefore crucial to get an accurate ADHD diagnosis. Your therapist or physician will require you to complete questionnaires, talk to both you and others and go over any pertinent documents.
Signs and symptoms
A health professional will examine the patient's behavior or, for adults the school and childhood experiences. They will also look at the person's physical and mental health history, their mood and lifestyle and family factors. They may ask people who are close to the person, like teachers, parents and friends about their relationship and how their symptoms affect them.
To be diagnosed, a person must have symptoms in at minimum two different settings, like at home, work or school, and cause problems in their daily life. The symptoms must have been present for at minimum for six months. They must also have been not appropriate for the individual's developmental level. The symptom must have appeared in children before the age of 12. They shouldn't be triggered by other disorders, like anxiety or depression.
The most frequently reported symptom of ADHD is inattention, meaning that the person has trouble staying on track or keeping their mind on track. They can also frequently lose things, forget appointments, and make a few mistakes at work or in school. They may spend a lot of time snoozing, have trouble finishing tasks and often forget 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 snap decisions without considering the consequences, and may have difficulty waiting for their turn.
A doctor can also look for other ailments like depression, anxiety, or sleep disorders. The provider will also ask about the family history of the patient and will give them a series of tests to assess their ability to concentrate, think quickly and stay organized.
Diagnosis
A healthcare professional must conduct an assessment before a person is able to be diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, as it was previously called. This could include a detailed explanation of the person's symptoms, ratings scales that are completed by the person and their caregivers, medical history, school and job records and other relevant details. The person being evaluated may be required to undergo an examination. A medical exam is essential to rule out conditions or diseases which may cause symptoms similar to ADHD such as brain tumors, vision issues, hearing issues, depression, thyroid disorders, and head injuries.
In some cases in addition to the medical exam an assessment of psychiatric disorders could be necessary. In these situations the evaluator will talk to the patient and other significant people in his or her life -- for example, spouses, parents, siblings for children teachers, coaches and teachers for adults -- about their experiences and observations of the person's behavior. These interviews can provide valuable information about what's happening to the individual, and whether or not tests are required to determine if they suffer from ADHD.
It can be difficult to go through the process of seeking an assessment, particularly in the event that you are concerned that you might not have ADHD. get assessed for adhd may also worry that your job or relationships will suffer if they are diagnosed with a condition. Asking family members, friends and colleagues to recommend a specialist with expertise in ADHD assessments could be beneficial. It is also advisable to check with your insurance provider to find out which specialists are covered and what the test will cost.
Treatment
Finding treatment for ADHD can help you get control of symptoms that may be causing significant problems at work or school as well as in your relationships and in your home life. The first step is getting an assessment. The most crucial part of this process is finding an experienced health professional to evaluate your symptoms. You can ask your doctor or therapist for a referral or you can contact your local chapter of an organization for mental health that is nationwide to get the list of specialists near you. Certain insurance plans offer an alphabetical list of health professionals. You may find that many members of a support group for ADHD sufferers have worked with certain professionals and are able to make suggestions.
A health care professional who is evaluating ADHD will likely ask you to fill out a number standardized rating scales or questionnaires on the behavior you are experiencing. These ratings are based on research that compares your behavior with those of people who don't have ADHD.
If you meet the criteria for ADD, your health care specialist may recommend further testing to check for other psychiatric or physical disorders. For example, some individuals with ADHD have depression, sleep disorders or other mood disorders, or problems that make it difficult for them to learn writing and reading. These conditions can have similar symptoms as ADHD and must be identified for treatment.
Once your symptoms have been recognized, your doctor can prescribe either psychotherapy or medication. Behavioral therapy teaches you how to monitor your own behavior and modify it if needed. Cognitive behavioral therapy can improve the ways you manage your emotions and think. Psychotherapy can assist you in improving your interpersonal relationships and solve issues in your marriage or with your family.
Medication
There are a myriad of medications that can treat ADHD in both adults and children. The stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine work by helping boost and balance levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. These are usually the first drugs prescribed to treat ADHD. These medications are available as immediate-release tablets (short-acting) or modified-release tablets which provide an even dose throughout the day. These medications aren't identical. It could take some time to locate a medication and dosage that is appropriate for your child or for you.
The initial treatment plan will comprise regular clinical monitoring of side effects and symptoms. The doctor will modify the medication as needed. ADHD is usually treated using behavior therapy, like cognitive-behavioral and dialectical therapy for adults. There are a myriad of other treatments that can benefit people suffering from ADHD, such as mindfulness meditation and yoga.
All medication comes with potential side effects, so it is important to talk to your physician about any concerns you may have. Discuss with your physician all other medications you or your child are taking including prescriptions and over-the-counter. Certain medications interact with stimulant medications and can cause dangerous side effects.
Finding the appropriate dosage of medication and the right medication for ADHD is a process that requires time and patience. Discuss all your options with your doctor and follow the directions on how to take the medication. It is also important to inform your doctor of any changes to your diet, as some foods can affect the way that the medication is taken up by your body. Additionally, young people who are taking stimulant medications may experience minor growth delay and an increase in heart rate or blood pressure.
Therapy
If a child, or an adult, is diagnosed with ADHD or other disorders, the healthcare professional will devise a treatment program for them that includes therapy and medication. They'll assist you in finding the right dosage and track your or your child's reaction to the medication to make sure that it's working for you.
There are a variety of medication available to treat ADHD. The most commonly used are psychostimulants, which affect brain neurotransmitters and can help increase energy, improve alertness and increase focus. They include amphetamines, such as Adderall and methylphenidates like Ritalin and Concerta. They also include antidepressants like Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Non-stimulant drugs, that don't impact neurotransmitters are prescribed for people with the inattention-deficit presentation of ADHD and include Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree (viloxazine) and Intuniv (guanfacine).
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'll help you develop coping strategies to deal with your emotions and help you build positive relationships. They may also recommend family and marriage counseling or classes to enhance communication.
Disorganization is another common ADHD symptom. It can make it hard to stay organized or finish tasks at home or work. You may find it difficult to remember deadlines or appointments. You could also lose important documents and find it difficult to keep your workspace clean and tidy. Behavioral therapy could include training to help you relax your mind, improve your sleep quality and practice coping anxiety.
Many adults with ADD/ADHD have trouble falling asleep at night. They are often woken by racing thoughts or unrestful sleep. They aren't able to follow the same routine and tend to put off tasks, which can lead to not completing tasks or putting off projects. Behavioral therapy can help you learn to improve your self-control, improve your ability to prioritize and reduce the amount of caffeine and nicotine in your diet.