ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) is a multifaceted condition. It can have three subtypes, and the symptoms can vary. It can also be confused with other mental health disorders and physical conditions.
For that reason, getting an accurate ADHD assessment is important. Your doctor or therapist will need to fill out questionnaires, speak with you and others and examine any relevant documents.
Signs and symptoms
A health professional will evaluate the patient's behavior or, for adults the school and childhood experiences. They will also take into consideration the person's mental and physical health history, mood, lifestyle and family factors. They might also speak with people who know the person such as parents, friends and teachers, to gain details about their relationship with the person as well as how their symptoms impact their lives.
To be diagnosed, one must exhibit symptoms in at least two environments, including at home, work and school, and they must cause disruption in their daily life. The symptoms must have been present for at least for six months. The symptoms must be incompatible with the person's developmental level. The symptom must have first appeared in children before the age of 12. In addition, they shouldn't be caused by a disorder, like anxiety or depression.
Inattention is the most frequent symptom, meaning that the person has difficulty staying focused or focused. They might also lose things frequently or forget appointments and make careless errors at work or in school. They might spend long periods of time snoozing, have trouble finishing tasks and frequently 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 quick decisions without thinking about consequences, and struggle to wait for their turn.
A health care provider will also look for indications of other illnesses like anxiety, sleep disorders or depression. In the course of a physical examination the doctor will inquire about family history and personal histories and will then provide the patient with an array of tests to assess their ability to pay attention, think quickly, stay organized and manage their emotions.
Diagnosis
In order for a person to be diagnosed with ADHD, or ADD as it was previously known the health professional must conduct an assessment. This may include a detailed explanation of the person's symptoms, rating scales completed by the person and their caregivers, family medical background, school and work records and other relevant information. The person being evaluated could also be asked to take physical examination. A medical exam is required to rule out any conditions or diseases which may cause symptoms similar to ADHD such as brain tumors, vision problems, hearing issues as well as thyroid disorders, depression and head injuries.
In some cases, a psychiatric evaluation will be required in addition to a medical exam. In these instances the evaluator speaks with the patient along with other important people in the patient's life including spouses or parents, as well as siblings for children as well as coaches and teachers for adults on their experiences and observations of the patient. These interviews can give valuable insight into what is happening to the person, and whether or not tests are required to determine if they suffer from ADHD.
It can be difficult to get an assessment, particularly if you are worried that you don't have ADHD. It is also possible to be concerned that your career or relationships may be impacted if diagnosed with a disorder. It is beneficial to ask family members, friends and colleagues for recommendations for an expert who is certified and has experience in performing ADHD assessments. It is recommended to inquire with the individual's insurance company to find out which specialists are covered by their insurance and to know what the assessment will cost.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD can help manage symptoms that cause problems at school or work, in your relationships, or in your personal. The first step is to obtain a diagnosis. The most crucial part of the process is locating the right health professional who is qualified to assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor 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. Some insurance plans also offer an approved list of health professionals by specialization. If you attend a support group for people with ADHD you may discover that some of the members have worked with specific experts and can offer suggestions.
A medical specialist who assesses ADHD will likely require 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 suffering from ADHD with those who do not 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 physical or psychiatric conditions. Certain people with ADHD may also suffer from depression, sleep disorders, or other mood disorders. They might also suffer from learning disabilities, which can cause them to have difficulties reading and writing. These conditions can trigger similar symptoms to those afflicted by ADHD, and it is crucial to identify them in order to treat them effectively.
Once your symptoms are identified and your doctor prescribes a course of action that will include medication or psychotherapy. Behavioral therapy helps you learn to monitor your behavior and alter it when necessary. Cognitive behavioral therapy can improve the way you manage your emotions and think. Psychotherapy can also help you improve interpersonal relationships and resolve issues in your marriage or family.
Medication
There are a myriad of drugs that can be used to treat ADHD in both children and adults. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine help to increase and balance levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. They are often the first drugs prescribed to treat ADHD. These medications are available as immediate-release pills or modified release tablets, which deliver an even dose throughout the day. The effectiveness of these medications is different for each individual so it could take some time to find the right dosage and medication that works for you or your child.
Initial treatment plans will include a regular medical evaluation of symptoms and side-effects. The doctor will alter the dosage as needed. Behavioral therapy is also often recommended for ADHD such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy for adults. There are many other therapies that can help people suffering from ADHD including mindfulness meditation and yoga.
All medication comes with potential side effects, so it is essential to speak with your doctor about any concerns you have. It is also important to inform your doctor about the other medications you or your child take including prescription and over-the-counter. Certain medications interact with stimulant medications and can result in dangerous side effects.
For many people with ADHD, finding the right dosage and medication will require time and patience. Be sure to discuss all of the options with your doctor and follow the instructions for taking the medication. Inform your doctor of any modifications to your diet, as certain foods may interfere with how the medication is taken in. Additionally, young people 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, whether a child or an adult, receives a diagnosis of ADHD or ADD, their healthcare provider will work with them to create an individualized treatment plan that incorporates medication and therapy. They will assist you in determining the correct dosage and monitor the reaction of your child or yourself to the medication.
There are many types of medication available to treat ADHD. The most popular are psychostimulants that affect brain neurotransmitters and can help increase energy, improve focus and alertness. They include amphetamines, such as Adderall and methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta. click the next page include antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor and Viloxazine. Non-stimulant medications, which don't affect neurotransmitters, are prescribed to those with inattentive ADHD. These include Strattera, Qelbree, and Intuniv.
Therapy will help you learn to manage your symptoms and alter your behavior. Your therapist will guide you create strategies for managing time and help you organize yourself. They will help you learn to manage your emotions, and help you build positive relationships. They may also recommend couples and family counseling classes to enhance communication.
Disorganization is another symptom of ADHD and can make it difficult to complete tasks or remain organized at home or at work. It is possible that you struggle to keep track of appointments or deadlines, lose important documents and have difficulty keeping your workspace neat and tidy. Behavioral therapy may include training in skills to help you relax your mind, get better quality sleep and work on managing anxiety.
Many people suffering from ADD/ADHD have difficulties sleeping through the night. They are often awakened by racing thoughts or unrestful sleep. They are unable to stick to a schedule and tend to delay their work. This results in unfinished projects or tasks. Behavioral therapy can help you learn to develop better self-discipline and improve your ability to prioritize tasks and reduce the amount of caffeine and nicotine in your diet.