ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) is a complex condition. It can have three subtypes, and the symptoms may vary. It can also be confused with other mental health disorders and physical conditions.
To that end, getting an accurate ADHD assessment is essential. Your therapist or doctor will need to fill out questionnaires, speak with you and your family members, and look at any relevant documents.
Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, a health care provider will examine the person's current behavior or, in adults, their childhood behavior and school experiences. They will also take into account the person's mental health, physical background, mood, family and lifestyle issues. They may also inquire with people who are close to the person, such as teachers, parents, and family members about their relationship with them and how their symptoms affect them.
To be able to receive a diagnosis, a patient must exhibit symptoms in two or more situations, such as at home, school and work, and they must cause problems in everyday life. The symptoms must have been present at least for six months. They also must have been not appropriate for the individual's developmental level. For children, the symptoms must have started before age 12. They shouldn't be triggered by other conditions, like anxiety or depression.
The most frequent symptom of ADHD is inattention, meaning that the sufferer has difficulty staying on task or keeping their mind on track. They can also lose things frequently, forget appointments and make mistakes in work or at school. They may spend a lot of time in a state of mind and have difficulty finishing their work and often fail to complete 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 disrupt others and make quick decisions without thinking about consequences, and struggle to wait for their turn.
A health care provider may also check for other conditions like depression, anxiety, or sleep disorders. The doctor will also inquire about the history of the patient's family and give them a series tests to measure their ability focus and think quickly. They will also test their ability to stay organized.
Diagnosis
A health professional must perform an assessment before a person can be diagnosed with ADHD or ADD or ADD, as it was formerly known. This may include a detailed description of the person's symptoms, rating scales completed by the individual and their caregivers, medical history, school and job records and other relevant information. A physical examination may be required of the individual who is being assessed. A medical examination is essential to rule out other ailments or diseases that can cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD like hearing disorders, brain tumors and vision issues and thyroid disorders, depression and head injuries.
In some instances, in addition to the medical examination, a psychiatric evaluation might be necessary. In these situations the evaluator will talk to the patient and other significant individuals in his or her life -- like parents, spouses, siblings for children teachers, coaches and teachers for adults -- about their experiences and observations of the patient's behavior. These interviews can give valuable insight into what is happening to the person, and whether or not tests are required to determine if they have ADHD.
It can be overwhelming to go through the process of seeking an assessment, especially if you are worried that you might not have ADHD. It is also possible to be worried that your career or relationships may be impacted if diagnosed with a disorder. It is a good idea to ask family members, friends and colleagues for recommendations on an expert who is certified and has experience in performing ADHD assessments. It is also advisable to check with your insurance company to find out which specialists are covered and what the assessment 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 personal life. The first step is obtaining a diagnosis. The most important part of this process is to find a qualified health care professional to evaluate your symptoms. You can ask your physician or therapist for recommendations or call the local chapter of an organization for mental health that is nationwide to get a list of professionals near you. Some insurance plans have the list of specialty health care professionals. You may find that many members of a support group for ADHD sufferers have worked with certain professionals and are able to offer suggestions.
A health care professional who evaluates ADHD will likely require you to fill out a number standardized rating scales or questionnaires about the behavior you are experiencing. These ratings are from research that compares your behavior to those of people who don't have ADHD.
If you meet the requirements for ADD, your health care professional may refer you for further testing to check for other possible psychiatric or physical issues. Certain people with ADHD also have depression, sleep disorders, or other mood disorders. They could also be suffering from learning disabilities, which cause them to have difficulty writing and reading. These conditions can have similar symptoms as ADHD and should be identified to be treated effectively.
After your symptoms have been diagnosed, your doctor will prescribe either psychotherapy or medication. Behavioral therapy teaches you how to track your behavior and alter it when needed. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help improve your thinking abilities and manage your emotions. Psychotherapy can also assist you to improve interpersonal relationships and resolve issues in your marriage or family.
Medication
There are a variety of medications that can help treat ADHD in both adults and children. The stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate aid in balancing brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They are often the first drugs prescribed to treat ADHD. These medications are available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that provide a consistent dosage throughout the day. These medications aren't all the same. It may take some time to locate the medication and dosage that is suitable for your child or.
The initial treatment plan will include regular monitoring of symptoms and side effects. The doctor will modify the medication as necessary. how do i get an adhd assessment is also often recommended for ADHD which includes cognitive-behavioral therapies and dialectical behavior therapy for adults. Other treatments can assist people with ADHD. These include yoga and mindfulness meditation.
All medication comes with potential adverse effects, so it is essential to speak to your physician regarding any concerns you might have. Discuss with your physician any other medications you or your child are taking, including those prescribed as well as over-the-counter. Certain medications can interact with stimulant medications and trigger 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 adhere to the directions on how to take the medication. It is also essential to inform your physician of any changes in diet, as some foods can affect the way that the medication is absorbed by your body. Certain young people who are who are taking stimulant medication may have a slight slowing of growth or an increase in blood pressure or heart rate.
Therapy
If a child, or an adult, is diagnosed with ADHD, the healthcare provider will devise a treatment program for them, which includes therapy and medication. They'll assist you in finding the appropriate dosage and will monitor the reaction of your child or yourself to the medication to make sure it is working well for you.
There are a variety of drugs available to treat ADHD. The most popular are psychostimulants, which affect neurotransmitters in the brain and can help increase energy, increase concentration and alertness. These include amphetamines such as Adderall and methylphenidates such as Ritalin and Concerta. They also include antidepressants such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Non-stimulant drugs, which do not impact neurotransmitters, are prescribed for people with the inattentive presentation of ADHD and include Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree (viloxazine) and Intuniv (guanfacine).
Therapy will assist you in learning to manage your symptoms and alter your behavior. Your therapist will help you create strategies for managing time and help you organize yourself. They will help you learn to cope with your emotions, and help you develop positive relationships. They might also suggest couples and family counseling classes to improve communication.
Disorganization is another common ADHD symptoms. It can make it hard to stay organized and complete tasks at home or at work. It can be difficult to keep track of appointments or deadlines, forget important documents and have difficulty maintaining your work space clean and tidy. 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 people with ADD/ADHD experience trouble falling asleep at night. They are often woken by a flurry of thoughts or a lack of sleep. They are unable to stick to the same routine and tend to delay tasks, leading to not completing tasks or putting off projects. Behavioral therapy can help you to improve your self-control, improve your ability to prioritize tasks and reduce the amount of nicotine and caffeine in your diet.