ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) or ADD is a complicated disorder. It has three types and can present with varying symptoms. It can also be confused with other mental health disorders as well as physical ailments.
For that reason, getting an accurate ADHD assessment is essential. Your doctor or therapist will have to fill out questionnaires, talk with you and others and review any pertinent documents.
Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD A health care provider will examine the person's current behavior or for adults their childhood behavior and school experiences. They will also take into consideration the person's mental and physical health history, mood, family and lifestyle factors. They may ask people who are close to the person, including parents, teachers and family members about their relationship and how symptoms affect them.
To be diagnosed, one must be exhibiting symptoms in at least two different settings, like at work, home and school, and cause problems in their daily life. The symptoms must have been present at minimum for six months. They must also have been not appropriate for the person's development level. For kids, the symptom must have started before age 12. They aren't caused by other disorders, such as anxiety or depression.
Inattention is the most commonly reported indication that a person has difficulty staying focused or focused. They might also lose things frequently, forget appointments and make a few mistakes at work or at school. They could spend much of their time dreaming or have difficulty finishing 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 disrupt others and make quick decisions without considering consequences, and struggle to wait for their turn.
A health care provider may also look for other ailments such as depression, anxiety, or sleep disorders. In addition to a physical exam, the provider will inquire about family and personal histories and will then give the patient an array of tests to measure 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, as it was previously called. This will comprise a thorough description and rating scales completed both by the person as well as caregivers. It could also include medical records from the family, details of work and school as well as other pertinent details. The person being evaluated could be required to take an examination. psychiatrist adhd assessment is essential to rule out other ailments or diseases that may cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD, such as hearing disorders, brain tumors and vision issues as well as thyroid disorders, depression and head injuries.
In certain instances, a psychiatric evaluation will be required in addition to a medical exam. In these situations the evaluator will talk to the patient as well as other important people in their life -- like parents, spouses, siblings for children as well as teachers and coaches for adults -- about their experiences and observations of the patient's behavior. These interviews can provide valuable insight into what is happening to the individual and whether tests are needed to determine if they have ADHD.
The process of requesting an assessment may be overwhelming, particularly for those who are worried that they might not have ADHD and be branded as having a condition which could harm their professional or personal relationships. It is helpful to ask friends, relatives and colleagues for recommendations on an experienced specialist with expertise in conducting ADHD assessments. It is also a good idea to inquire with the person's insurance provider to determine which specialists are covered by their insurance and also to determine how much the test will cost.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD can help you manage symptoms that are causing problems at work or school as well as in your relationships or in your personal life. The first step is to get a diagnosis. The most important part of this process is finding a qualified health care professional to evaluate your symptoms. You can ask your doctor or therapy provider for recommendations, or contact the local chapter of a national mental health organization to find a list of specialists in your region. Some insurance plans provide the list of specialty health care professionals. You may find that many members of a support group for ADHD sufferers have worked with specific professionals and can make suggestions.
A medical professional who is evaluating ADHD will likely request you to complete a number standardized rating scales or questionnaires about the behavior you are experiencing. These ratings are based on research that compared the behaviors of people suffering from ADHD to those who don't have it.
If you meet the requirements for ADD, your health care specialist may refer you to additional tests to determine other possible psychiatric or physical disorders. Many people who suffer from ADHD may also suffer from sleep disorders, depression, or other mood disorders. They could also be suffering from learning disabilities, which can cause them to have difficulty reading and writing. These conditions may have similar symptoms as ADHD and need to be recognized for treatment.
Once your symptoms have been identified, your doctor may prescribe either psychotherapy or medication. Behavioral therapy will teach you how to track your own behavior and change it when necessary. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help improve your thinking and manage your emotions. Psychotherapy can also help improve your interpersonal relationships and deal with problems in your relationship or family.
Medication
There are a variety of drugs that can be used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine help to regulate brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They are typically the first drugs 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 are not identical. It could take time to identify a medication and dosage that is suitable for your child or for you.
The initial treatment plan will consist of regular clinical monitoring of symptoms and side effects. The doctor will modify the medication as necessary. Behavioral therapy is frequently recommended for ADHD which includes cognitive-behavioral therapies and dialectical behavior therapy for adults. There are a myriad of other therapies that can aid people suffering from ADHD, such as yoga and mindfulness meditation.
All medication comes with potential side effects, so it is essential to speak to your doctor regarding any concerns you might have. It is also crucial to inform your doctor of the other medications you or your child is taking, both prescription and over-the-counter. Certain medications can interact with stimulant medication and cause dangerous side effects.
For many people with ADHD finding the right dosage and medication will require time and patience. Discuss all your options with your physician and follow the instructions on how to take the medication. Inform your doctor about any modifications to your diet, as certain foods may interfere with how the medication is taken in. Certain young people who are who are taking stimulant medication may suffer a slight delay in growth, an increase in blood-pressure or heart rate.
Therapy
If you or your child adult is diagnosed with ADHD or other disorders, the healthcare professional will create a treatment plan for them, which includes medication and therapy. They'll assist you in finding the right dosage and track your child's or your own reaction to the medication to ensure 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 boost energy, increase focus and alertness. Amphetamines, such as Adderall and methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta are examples. They also include antidepressants such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Non-stimulant drugs, that don't affect neurotransmitters, are prescribed for people with the inattentive presentation of ADHD and include Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree (viloxazine) and Intuniv (guanfacine).
Therapy will help you understand how to manage your symptoms and alter your behaviors. Your therapist will guide you how to manage your time skills and develop organizational strategies. They'll show you ways to deal with your emotions and assist you to build relationships that are positive. They may also recommend counseling for your family or marriage, or classes that help improve communication.
Disorganization is another common manifestation of ADHD and it can make it difficult to complete tasks or stay organized at home or at work. You might struggle to keep track of appointments or deadlines, lose important documents and have difficulty maintaining your work space clean and tidy. Behavioral therapy can include training to help you relax your mind, improve your sleep quality and develop coping skills.
Many people with ADD/ADHD experience difficulty falling asleep at night. They are often woken by racing thoughts or restless sleep. They struggle to follow the schedule and often procrastinate. This leads to incomplete projects or tasks that are not completed. Behavioral therapy can help you develop more self-control, improve your ability to prioritize and reduce the amount of caffeine and nicotine in your daily diet.