ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) is a multifaceted condition. It is a complex condition that has three sub-types and may present with different symptoms. It can also be confused with physical conditions as well as other mental disorders.
It is 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
To diagnose ADHD To diagnose ADHD, a health care professional will assess the person's current behavior or for adults their childhood behavior as well as school experiences. They will also consider the person's mental health and physical history, mood, as well as family and lifestyle issues. They may interview people who know the person well, like parents, friends and teachers, to get information on their relationships with the person and how their symptoms impact their lives.
To be diagnosed, a person has to have symptoms in at minimum two different settings, like at work, home and school, and cause a dysfunction in their daily lives. Symptoms must have been present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must have been inappropriate to the person's development level. The symptoms must have been noticed in children before the age of 12. They aren't caused by other disorders, such as anxiety or depression.
Inattention is the most commonly reported sign that a person is unable to stay focused or on task. They may also frequently lose things, forget appointments, and make careless errors at school or work. They could spend hours daydreaming 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 may interrupt others, make quick decisions without weighing the consequences, and struggle to wait for their turn.
A health care provider will also look for indications of other illnesses, such as sleep disorders, anxiety or depression. The provider will also ask about the family history of the patient and provide a series of 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 is able to be diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, as it was previously called. This will likely include a detailed explanation of the person's symptoms, ratings scales that are completed by the person and their caregivers, medical history, school and job documents, and other pertinent information. A physical examination may be required of the person being evaluated. A medical examination is essential to rule out any other conditions or diseases that could cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD like brain tumors, hearing problems as well as vision problems as well as thyroid disorders, depression and head injuries.
In some instances, in addition to the medical examination, a psychiatric evaluation may be necessary. In psych assessment for adhd will talk to the patient as well as other important people in his or her life -- such as parents, spouses, siblings for children, teachers and coaches for adults -- about their experiences and observations of the person's behavior. The personal insights gained from these conversations can help to clarify what is happening to the individual and which, if any, tests are needed to determine if the individual is suffering from ADHD.
The process of requesting an assessment can be overwhelming, especially for those who are worried that they may not actually have ADHD and will be labeled with a disorder that could affect their professional or personal relationships. It is a good idea to ask your family, friends and coworkers for recommendations for a qualified specialist who has expertise in conducting ADHD assessments. It is also advisable to check with your insurance provider to determine which specialists are covered and how much the test will cost.
Treatment
Finding treatment for ADHD can help you take control of the symptoms that could cause significant issues at school or work as well as in your relationships and in your home life. The first step is getting an diagnosis. The most important part of this process is finding an experienced health professional to evaluate your symptoms. You can consult your therapist or doctor for a referral or call the local chapter of an organization for mental health that is nationwide to find an overview of the professionals in close proximity to you. Certain insurance plans also offer an approved list of health professionals by specialization. There are many members of a support group for ADHD sufferers have worked with certain professionals and can make suggestions.
In addition, to reviewing your medical history and family background, a medical professional who evaluates ADHD symptoms may request you to fill out several standardized rating scales and questionnaires about the behavior you have been experiencing. These ratings are based on research that compared the behaviors of people suffering from ADHD to those who don't suffer from it.
If you meet the requirements of ADD If you meet the criteria of ADD, your doctor might refer you to an expert for further tests to rule out other physical or psychiatric issues. For example, some individuals who suffer from ADHD suffer from sleep disorders, depression or other mood disorders, or learning disabilities that cause difficulty with writing and reading. These conditions can trigger similar symptoms to those of ADHD and it is important to recognize them to treat them effectively.
When your symptoms are recognized, your doctor can prescribe medication or psychotherapy. Behavioral therapy will teach you to monitor your own behaviors, and change them when needed. Cognitive behavioral therapy can improve the ability to manage your emotions and think. Psychotherapy can also help you improve interpersonal relationships and deal with problems in your family or marriage.
Medication
There are many medications that can be used to treat ADHD in adults and children. Drugs like amphetamine and methylphenidate help to regulate brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They are often the first medications prescribed to treat ADHD. They are available as immediate-release tablets (short-acting) or modified-release tablets which provide a consistent dose throughout the day. These medications aren't identical. It could take time to locate a medication and dosage that is appropriate for your child or for you.
Initial treatment plans will include a periodic clinical evaluation of symptoms and side-effects. The doctor will alter the medication if needed. Behavioral therapy is often recommended for ADHD such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy for adults. Other therapies can aid those suffering from ADHD. They include mindfulness meditation and yoga.
All medications have potential negative side effects. It is essential to discuss any concerns with your physician. It is also crucial to tell your provider about any other medicines you or your child take, both prescription and over-the-counter. Certain medications interact with stimulant medications and can cause dangerous side effects.
Finding the right medication dose and dosage for ADHD is a process that requires time and patience. Make sure you discuss all your options with your physician and adhere to the directions for taking the medication. It is also crucial to inform your doctor of any changes to your diet, because certain foods may alter the way the medication is absorption by your body. Young people who are taking stimulant medications may also experience a minor growth delay, an increase in blood-pressure or heart rate.
Therapy
If a child or adult receives a diagnosis of ADHD the healthcare professional will collaborate with them to develop an individualized treatment plan that includes therapy and medication. They'll help you determine the right dosage and monitor your child's or your own reaction to the medication to make sure it is working well for you.
There are many types of medication available to treat ADHD. Psychostimulants, which act on brain neurotransmitters, can help increase energy and alertness and also improve focus. These include amphetamines like Adderall and methylphenidates like Ritalin and Concerta. These include antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Effexor and Viloxazine. Non-stimulant medicines that don't impact neurotransmitters, are prescribed to people with inattentive ADHD. They include Strattera, Qelbree, and Intuniv.
Therapy will help you learn how to manage your symptoms, and alter your behavior. Your therapist will guide you to use time management techniques and devise organizational strategies. They'll teach you coping mechanisms to manage your emotions and help you build relationships that are positive. They might also suggest couples and family counseling classes to enhance communication.
Disorganization is another common symptom of ADHD and can make it difficult to complete tasks or remain organized at home or at work. You might find it difficult to remember appointments or deadlines. You may also lose important documents and find it difficult to keep your workspace neat and tidy. Behavioral therapy could include training to help you relax your mind, improve sleep quality and develop coping skills.
Many people suffering from ADD/ADHD have trouble sleeping. it difficult to go to sleep at night and are often awakened by frantic thoughts or restless sleep. They have difficulty following a routine and tend to procrastinate, resulting in not completing tasks or putting off projects. Behavioral therapy can help you to improve your self-control and increase your ability to prioritize tasks and reduce the amount of caffeine and nicotine in your diet.