ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) or ADD is a complex disorder. It can have three subtypes and the symptoms can vary. It can also be confused with other mental health disorders and physical conditions.
It is therefore crucial to get an accurate ADHD diagnosis. Your therapist or doctor will need to fill out questionnaires, speak with you and other people, and look at any relevant documents.
Symptoms
A health care provider will evaluate the patient's behavior or, in the case of adults, their school and childhood experiences. They will also look at the person's mental and physical health history, mood, lifestyle factors affecting family and friends. They may interview people who know the person well such as parents, family members and teachers, to gain details about their relationship with the person and how their symptoms impact their daily lives.
To be able to receive an assessment, a person must show symptoms in two or more situations, such as at home, school or work, and cause problems in everyday life. The symptoms must have been present at least six months. They must also have been not appropriate for the person's development level. The symptom must have appeared in children prior to the age of 12. They aren't caused by other disorders, such as depression or anxiety.
The most common sign of ADHD is inattention, which indicates that the sufferer has difficulty staying on track or keeping their mind focused. They might also lose things frequently or forget appointments and make a few mistakes at school or work. They could spend a lot of time snoozing or have difficulty completing tasks 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 might interrupt others, make snap decisions without considering the consequences, and have trouble getting their turn.
A health care provider may also look for other ailments such as anxiety, depression or sleep disorders. The provider will also ask about the history of the patient's family and provide a series of tests to assess their ability to focus and think quickly. They also need to be organized.
Diagnosis
A health professional must complete an assessment before a patient can be diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, as it was previously called. This will comprise a thorough description of the scale and a rating by both the person as well as caregivers. It may also include medical records from the family, details of school and work, and other relevant details. A physical examination may be required of the person being examined. A medical exam is necessary to rule out other conditions or diseases that may cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD including brain tumors, hearing problems, vision issues as well as thyroid disorders, depression and head injuries.
In some cases the psychiatric examination may be required in addition to a medical examination. In these situations, the evaluator interviews the patient as well as other important people in the patient's life like spouses, parents, and siblings for children as well as coaches and teachers for adults to discuss their observations and experiences with the patient. The personal insights gained from these interviews may aid in determining what is happening to the patient and which tests may be required to determine if the person is suffering from ADHD.
It can be a daunting task to go through the process of seeking an assessment, particularly when you're worried that you don't have ADHD. You might also be concerned that your relationships or career could be affected if you are diagnosed with a disorder. Asking friends, family members and colleagues to recommend a specialist with experience in ADHD assessments can be beneficial. It is also a good idea to check with the individual's insurance provider to determine which specialists are covered by their insurance and to find out what the assessment will cost.
Treatment
The treatment you receive for ADHD can help you get control of the symptoms that could cause significant issues at work or school as well as in your relationships and in your personal life. The first step is to get a diagnosis. The most crucial part of this process is to find the right health professional who is competent to assess your symptoms. You can ask your therapist or doctor for recommendations or contact the local chapter for an organization for mental health that is nationwide to get an overview of the professionals in close proximity to you. Certain insurance plans also offer an approved list of health professionals by specialization. If you're a part of an organization that supports people with ADHD, you may find many of the members have worked with particular experts and can offer suggestions.
In addition to examining your family and medical history, a health specialist who assesses ADHD symptoms will likely ask you to complete a number of standardized questionnaires and rating scales regarding your behavior that you've been experiencing. These ratings are based upon research that compares the behaviors of people who suffer from ADHD with those who do not have it.
If you meet the criteria for ADD, your health care professional may refer you for additional tests to determine other psychiatric or physical issues. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from sleep disorders, depression, or other mood disorders. They could also be suffering from learning disabilities, which can cause them to have difficulties writing and reading. These conditions can have similar symptoms as ADHD and need to be recognized to be treated appropriately.
Once your symptoms have been identified, your doctor may prescribe either psychotherapy or medication. Behavioral therapy helps you learn to track your own behavior and modify it if needed. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help improve the ways you manage your emotions and think. Psychotherapy can also help improve interpersonal relationships and resolve issues in your relationship or family.
Medication
There are a myriad of drugs that can be used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. The stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine are used to boost and balance the levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They are typically the first drugs to be used to treat ADHD. They are available as immediate-release pills (short-acting) or modified-release tablets which provide a consistent dose throughout the day. The effectiveness of these drugs is different for each individual, so it may take some time to find the right dose and dosage that is right for you or your child.
Initial treatment plans will include regular examination of symptoms and side-effects. The doctor will alter the medication as necessary. ADHD is often treated through behavior therapy, like cognitive-behavioral and dialectical behaviour therapy for adults. Other treatments can assist those suffering from ADHD. These include yoga and mindfulness meditation.
All medications have potential adverse effects. It is crucial to discuss any concerns with your physician. It is also important to inform your doctor about any other medicines you or your child take including prescription and over-the-counter. Certain drugs can interact with stimulant medication and cause dangerous side effects.
For many people suffering from ADHD Finding the appropriate dosage and medication will take time and patience. Be sure to discuss all the options with your doctor, and always follow the directions for taking the medication. Inform your doctor about any changes to your diet since certain foods can interfere with the way that the medication is taken in. Young people who are taking stimulant medications may also suffer a slight delay in growth, an increase in blood-pressure or heart rate.
Therapy
If a person of any age is diagnosed with ADHD, their healthcare provider will work with them to design an individualized treatment plan that includes therapy and medication. They will help you determine the right dosage and will monitor the reaction of your child or yourself to the medication.
There are a variety of medications available for treating ADHD. Psychostimulants that affect brain neurotransmitters can increase alertness and energy as well as focus. Amphetamines like Adderall and methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta are a few examples. These include antidepressants such Wellbutrin, Effexor and Viloxazine. Non-stimulant drugs, that do not impact neurotransmitters, are prescribed for people with the inattention-deficit presentation of ADHD and include Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree (viloxazine) and Intuniv (guanfacine).
psych assessment for adhd will help you learn to manage your symptoms and modify your behaviors. Your therapist will assist you to create strategies for managing time and learn how to organize yourself. They'll help you develop coping strategies to manage your emotions and help create positive relationships. They may also recommend counseling for your family or marriage, or classes that improve communication.
Disorganization is another common manifestation of ADHD and can make it difficult to complete tasks or stay organized at home or at work. It can be difficult to remember appointments or deadlines. You may also lose important paperwork and have trouble keeping your workspace neat and clean. Behavioral therapy can include a program of training to help you calm your mind, have better quality sleep and work on managing anxiety.
Many people with ADD/ADHD experience difficulties sleeping through the night. They are often woken by racing thoughts or restless sleep. They are unable to stick to a routine and tend to put off tasks, which can lead to not completing tasks or putting off projects. Behavioral therapy helps you build more self-control, increase your ability of prioritizing and reduce the amount of caffeine and nicotine you consume in your daily diet.