What is an ADHD Assessment?
Your doctor may talk to you about whether your child or you exhibits signs of ADHD. They may ask questions about your family and health background. He or she will also ask about your child's school experience. He or she may speak to teachers, religious and scout leaders as well as coaches and other people who know your child.
Symptoms
Find a healthcare professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD if you or someone you know suspects that they have it. Find a specialist in the field of mental health for children, or ask your family physician for an appointment. The person conducting the assessment will start by talking to you about your concerns and how they affect your life. They may also inquire about your school, work and social life. The examiner might ask you to see your old reports or performance evaluations from work or school, and other records.
A full evaluation of ADHD will also include interviews with family members of the person as well as teachers and other adults who interact with them. The examiner will use a variety of questionnaires and rating scales to evaluate the person for ADHD, including standardized testing used in school evaluations. You will be asked to give examples on how you behave in different situations. They will examine your behavior in relation to the DSM V criteria for ADHD -- inattention, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive.
The evaluator also checks whether the person's ADHD affects their daily functioning. They will consider whether their symptoms are significantly more severe than what is expected for their age or development. They will assess the symptoms of a person with other people in similar situations. For example, their peers at school or on the same 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. In addition, the symptoms must have led to significant impairment in at least two major settings in their life. This usually means that children struggle with their schoolwork and their relationships with their parents or siblings. For adults, it could mean losing a job because of inattention issues and trouble keeping the track of bills or paperwork.
The evaluator may also speak to those who are familiar with the person, for example, friends and family members or religious or scout leaders. They will want to know about how the person acts in various situations, as well as how they behave at home and in other settings outside of school or work.
Diagnosis
You must have at least six traits (symptoms) that began before the age of 12. Additionally, you must be experiencing these symptoms continuously for at minimum six months. The symptoms must also become impeding your ability to function well at school, work, and/or home. The symptoms can not be caused by any other mental disorder. Your GP can recommend you to an expert to have an assessment. You can download a supportive letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP or print out quotes from the NICE 87's guideline to provide the reasons why you should undergo an assessment.
Your specialist will talk with you about your issues and how they impact your life. They will also inquire about your family as well as your educational and social history. They may ask for your old school records and may also need to speak with teachers or other people who know you from when you were a kid. The evaluator might try to rule out any other possible explanations of your symptoms and suggest you undergo neuropsychological testing or diagnostic tests.
A thorough examination can take several hours. Adults may have to make more than one appointment with their doctor to complete the procedure. The evaluator may discuss the results and suggest possible treatments with you.
You might have either the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD. The symptoms of the inattentive type are difficulties staying focused and paying attention or forgetfulness, as well as poor organization 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.
Some adults with ADHD are unable to understand how their conditions affect their lives and relationships. This can result in strained or dissolved marriages as well as financial issues and problems with parenting. During the assessment, a clinician may speak with the ADHD person and their partner or spouse to learn how their problems impact the relationship. You might be asked to fill in checklists of your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric examination for ADHD usually includes an interview with both the person being evaluated as well as his or her caregivers and the submission of questionnaires and rating scales that compare the behavior of people suffering from ADHD and the behaviors of people who are not affected, as well as standardized testing. In the case of children, the evaluator may take a look at their reports and ask for teachers to fill out questionnaires.
Anyone suffering from symptoms of ADHD should be prepared to discuss how their issues affect their work, home, and social life. They should be prepared to be asked questions such as how often they interrupt others and how easily they lose things, and how often they fail to follow through on tasks. The examiner would like to know if the symptoms were present throughout their entire lives or if they began in childhood (technically prior to the age of 12).
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must have significant issues in at least two of the following areas: work, family life, school or social relationships. Examples of this disorder are getting fired from a job, failing a class, or not paying bills on time. Mild ADHD symptoms can lead to some problems, but not major disruptions.
There are a myriad of things that could trigger similar symptoms to those of ADHD such as physical ailments and stress. A mental health professional or health care provider will examine the person's mood, medical history, and other aspects to rule out these causes.
Behavioral therapy is among the most commonly used treatments for ADHD. It helps people learn how to better manage their symptoms and develop more effective strategies for coping. It could include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps people learn how to transform negative thinking into positive thoughts. It can also help reduce the effects of any underlying condition or mental health issues like depression and alcohol abuse.
Adults with ADHD may also benefit from couples or marital therapy. It can help them appreciate their partner's viewpoint and improve communication. It can also help their partner learn to help them and manage the challenges of living with someone who has ADHD.
Medication
ADHD is defined by hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature. The use of medication can help reduce the symptoms. They are often prescribed in conjunction with therapy and skill-training that can help reduce symptoms and allow people to function better at school, work at home, or in their leisure activities. The use of medication is not a panacea and patients should consult with their doctor in order to understand the best way to manage their ADHD symptoms. It could take several attempts to find the best dosage and combination of medications. However, it's important to remember that there are a variety of choices.
An experienced specialist will speak with the parent, child, or adult about their experiences with ADHD with particular attention to the behaviors that happen in several settings, such as at school and at home. They will also inquire about the person's family background and their academic and occupational background. online adhd assessment ask for performance evaluations from work or old report cards and will want to speak to the person's teachers.
Remember that for a person to be considered to have ADHD the symptoms must have been evident since the early years of childhood (technically before the age of 12). Although an expert may only discuss the present symptoms during an assessment for diagnosis, they might have to talk to people who knew the person as an infant, and interview their teachers or parents.
ADHD medications typically contain stimulants that are believed to regulate and increase levels of brain chemicals called Neurotransmitters. They are available in various forms including tablets, liquids, and patches. They can trigger negative effects like difficulty sleeping, agitation and loss of appetite. However, they are generally safe if following the prescriptions of a doctor. Non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine or certain antidepressants are also used for ADHD. They typically work slower and have less side effects, but they are not suitable for everyone.
The most effective method of treating ADHD symptoms is a combination of medications, behavior therapy, and behavioral changes. Adults and children can test a variety of medications and then alter them depending on their needs or the circumstances change.