ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) is a complex condition. It can have three types, and the symptoms can vary. Also, it can be confused with other mental health disorders as well as physical ailments.
For that reason, getting an accurate ADHD assessment is essential. Your therapist or doctor will need to fill out questionnaires, talk with you and other people, and review any pertinent documents.
Signs and symptoms
To diagnose ADHD A health care professional will assess the person's present or for adults their childhood behavior and school experiences. They will also consider the person's physical and mental health history, mood, family and lifestyle factors. They may interview people who are familiar with the person such as parents, family members and teachers, to gain details about their relationships with the person and how their symptoms impact their lives.
To be able to receive a diagnosis, a person must show symptoms in at least two environments, including at home, school and work, and cause problems in everyday life. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must be not appropriate to the individual's developmental level. For children, the symptoms must have been present prior to age 12. They aren't caused by other conditions, like anxiety or depression.
Inattention is the most frequent symptom, meaning that the person is having trouble staying focused or focused. They can also frequently lose things, forget appointments, and make mistakes at work or school. They may spend much of their time dreaming or having trouble 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 can disrupt others, make quick decisions without thinking about the consequences, and have trouble waiting for their turn.
A medical professional will also be looking for signs of other conditions like anxiety, sleep disorders or depression. In addition to a physical examination the doctor will ask questions about family and personal history, and they will give the patient an array of tests to assess their ability to focus and think quickly, remain organized and manage their emotions.
Diagnosis
A health professional must complete an assessment before a person can be diagnosed with ADHD or ADD or ADD as it was previously known. This could include a detailed description of the person's symptoms, rating scales completed by the individual and their family members, medical history, school and job documents, and other pertinent information. The person being evaluated could be required to take physical examination. A medical exam is essential to rule out conditions or diseases which may cause symptoms similar ADHD such as brain tumors, vision problems hearing problems, depression, thyroid disorders and head injuries.
In certain situations in addition to the medical examination, a psychiatric evaluation might be necessary. In these instances, the evaluator interviews the patient, as well as other important people in the patient's life like spouses parents, siblings, and spouse for children as well as teachers and coaches for adult, about their observations and experiences with the patient. These interviews can provide valuable insight into what is happening with the person and whether tests are required to determine if they have ADHD.
The process of requesting an assessment can be overwhelming, particularly for someone who is concerned that they may not actually have ADHD and be branded as having a condition that could affect their career or personal relationships. Asking family members, friends and coworkers to recommend a specialist with expertise in ADHD assessments could be beneficial. You should also inquire with your insurance company to see which professionals are covered and how much the test will cost.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD can help you manage symptoms that cause problems at school or work as well as in your relationships or in your personal. The first step is to get a diagnosis. The most crucial part of that process is finding an expert in health care who is qualified to evaluate your symptoms. You can ask your doctor therapist for a recommendation, or contact the local chapter of a national mental health organization for a list of professionals in your area. Some insurance plans also offer a list of approved health care providers by specialty. If you're a part of a support group for people with ADHD, you may find some of the members have worked with specific experts and can offer recommendations.
In addition, to reviewing your medical and family history, a health professional who is evaluating ADHD symptoms may request you to fill out various standardized questionnaires and rating scales regarding the behavior you've been experiencing. These ratings are based on research that compared the behaviors of people who suffer from ADHD to those who don't have it.
If you meet the criteria for ADD If you meet the criteria for ADD, your health care specialist may recommend additional tests to determine other psychiatric or physical issues. Certain people with ADHD also suffer from sleep disorders, depression or other mood disorders. They could also be suffering from learning disabilities that cause them to have difficulties reading and writing. These conditions can exhibit similar symptoms as ADHD and need to be recognized to be treated effectively.
After your symptoms have been diagnosed, your doctor will prescribe medication or psychotherapy. Behavioral therapy can teach you to be aware of your behaviors, and change them when needed. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help improve your thinking and manage your emotions. Psychotherapy can also assist you to improve interpersonal relationships and address issues in your relationship or family.
Medication
There are a myriad of medications that can treat ADHD in both children and adults. The stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine are used to boost and balance brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They are often the first drugs prescribed to treat ADHD. These medications are available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets, which provide an even dose throughout the day. The effectiveness of these drugs differs for each person so it could take some time to find the right dosage and medication that is suitable for you or your child.
The initial treatment plan will comprise regular clinical monitoring of symptoms and side effects. The doctor will modify the medication as necessary. ADHD is often treated with adhd assessments , for example cognitive-behavioral and dialectical therapy for adults. Other treatments can assist people with ADHD. These include yoga and mindfulness meditation.
Every medication has the potential for negative side effects, therefore it is essential to speak with your doctor regarding any concerns you might have. Discuss with your physician all other medications that you or your child take including prescriptions and over-the counter. Certain drugs can interact with stimulant medications and can cause 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 physician and follow the instructions on how to take the medication. It is also essential to inform your physician about any changes in diet, as some foods can alter the way the medication is absorbed by your body. In addition, some young people who are taking stimulant medication may suffer from a minor delay in growth as well as an increase in heart rate or blood pressure.
Therapy
If a person of any age is diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, their healthcare provider will collaborate with them to develop an individual treatment plan that incorporates medication and therapy. They'll help you find the right dosage and track the reaction of your child or yourself to the medication to ensure that it's working for you.
There are many types of medications available to treat ADHD. Psychostimulants, which affect neurotransmitters within the brain, can help increase energy and alertness and also improve focus. Amphetamines, such as Adderall, and methylphenidates like Ritalin and Concerta are examples. These include antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Effexor and Viloxazine. Non-stimulant drugs, that don't affect neurotransmitters, are prescribed to people suffering from the inattention-deficit manifestation of ADHD and include Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree (viloxazine) and Intuniv (guanfacine).
Therapy will teach you how to manage your symptoms, and change your behavior. Your therapist will help you develop time management strategies and help you organize yourself. They'll teach you coping mechanisms to deal with your emotions and help you create positive relationships. They may also recommend marriage and family counseling or classes that help improve communication.
Disorganization is another manifestation of ADHD and it can make it difficult to complete tasks or stay organized at home or at work. You might find it difficult to remember appointments or deadlines. You could also lose important documents and find it difficult to keep your workspace neat and clean. Behavioral therapy can include training to help you relax your mind, improve sleep quality and practice coping anxiety.
Many people with ADD/ADHD find it difficult to get to sleep at night and are frequently woken up by a racing mind or restless sleep. They aren't able to follow the same routine and tend to procrastinate, resulting in unfinished tasks or putting off projects. Behavioral therapy can help you develop more self-control, improve your ability to prioritize and reduce the amount caffeine and nicotine in your daily diet.