What is an ADHD Assessment?
Your doctor may talk to you about whether your child or you exhibits signs of ADHD. The doctor may ask questions about family and health history. You may also inquire about the education of your child. They may also talk to teachers, religious and scout leaders, coaches, and others who know your child well.
Signs and symptoms
If you or someone you know suspects they have ADHD the first step in getting an evaluation is to find an expert in health care who has expertise in diagnosing it. Ask your family doctor to refer you to a doctor who is an expert in the field of mental health for children. The person who evaluates you will ask about your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. They may also ask about your school, work and social activities. The examiner will want to look over any records you may have, like performance evaluations from work or school as well as your old report cards.
A thorough evaluation of ADHD will also include interviews with family members of the person, teachers and other adults who interact with them. The examiner will employ a variety of questionnaires and rating systems to assess the person's ADHD as well as standard tests used in school evaluations. You will be asked to provide examples on how you behave in different situations. They will compare your behavior to DSM V ADHD criteria -hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive.
The evaluator will also check whether the person's ADHD interferes with their everyday functioning. They will determine if the symptoms are more severe than expected for their age or developmental level. They will also compare the person's issues to those of other people in similar situations, for example their peers in school or on a team.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, the person must have a significant number of symptoms from both the inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity sections of the criteria. In addition, the symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at least two significant settings in their life. how do i get an adhd assessment means that children have problems with their schoolwork, and their relationships with parents or siblings. Adults could lose their job if they have trouble paying attention or keeping track of their bills and paperwork.
The evaluator may also talk to people who know the person well such as relatives, friends, as well as Scout leaders or religious groups. They will be interested in knowing how the person behaves in different situations, including at home and in other settings outside of work or school.
Diagnosis
You must be able to show at least six traits (symptoms) that started before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present for at least six consecutive months. The symptoms should also interfere with your ability to perform at school, at home, or at work. The symptoms can't be caused by a mental health condition. Your GP can recommend you to a specialist to have an assessment. Print out the quotes from NICE 87 guidelines or download an official letter from ADHD UK that you can give to your GP.
Your doctor will discuss with you about your health issues and how they affect your life. They will also inquire about your family, social and educational history. They might also request your school records from the past and interview teachers and other people who knew you as a child. The evaluator will try to determine if there is a different explanation for your symptoms, and may suggest that you undergo neuropsychological testing or other diagnostic tests.
A thorough assessment can take several hours. Adults may have to attend more than one visit to their specialist in order to complete the process. The evaluation will discuss the results with you and could suggest treatments that may help.
You might have either the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD. The symptoms of the type that is inattentive include difficulty staying focused and attentive and forgetfulness as well as poor organizational skills. People with the hyperactive/impulsive type are restless and fidgety, often interrupt conversations or activities, have a hard time waiting for their turn, and may use other people's things without permission.
Some adults with ADHD struggle to comprehend how their symptoms interfere with their lives and relationships. This can result in broken or fractured marriages, financial difficulties and problems with parenting. During the evaluation the doctor may have a conversation with both the person with ADHD and their spouse or partner to get a better understanding of how their issues impact the relationship. They may ask both of you complete checklists of your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric assessment for ADHD usually involves an interview with the person being assessed and their caregivers, the completion of questionnaires or rating scales which compare the behavior of those with ADHD to those of people who do not have it, as well as standardized testing. The evaluator might also ask teachers to complete questionnaires and review the report cards of the child.
People suffering from ADHD symptoms should be prepared to explain how their symptoms impact their work, social and personal life. Expect to be asked questions about how often you interrupt others, if you get lost things easily, and if you are unable to finish tasks. The person evaluating them will want to know whether these symptoms have always been there or if they first started in childhood (technically before age 12).
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must have significant issues in at least two of the following areas: work and family life, school, or social relationships. This can be proven through being fired from a job, failing a course or not paying bills on time. People who have mild ADHD symptoms can have trouble in some areas, but they do not have major issues.
Stress and physical ailments can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A health care professional or mental health professional will examine the person's mood, their medical background and other factors to rule out the possibility of these conditions.
Behavioral therapy is a popular treatment for ADHD. It helps people develop better coping skills and learn how to manage their symptoms. It can include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps people learn how to transform negative thinking into positive thoughts. It can also help reduce the effects of any underlying condition or mental health issues such as depression and alcohol abuse.
Couples therapy or marital therapy can also be helpful for adults with ADHD. It can help them appreciate their partner's perspective and improve their communication. It can also help the person they love to learn to help them and manage the challenges of living with someone with ADHD.
Medication
The use of medication can aid in reducing the inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that are the hallmarks of ADHD. These medications are usually prescribed in combination with therapy and skills-training which can reduce symptoms and help people perform better at work, school at home, or even in their leisure activities. It is not a cure-all and patients should consult with their doctor in order to understand the best way to manage their ADHD symptoms. It may take a few tries to determine the best combination of medications and dosages however, it is crucial to keep in mind that there are many choices.
A trained specialist will talk to the child, parent, or adult about their experiences with ADHD and pay particular attention to behaviors that occur in several environments, such as at home and in school. They will also ask about the family history of the person as well as their academic and occupational background. They will usually request performance evaluations from work or old report cards, and will want to speak to the person's teachers.
Remember that for a person to be considered to have ADHD the symptoms must have started in childhood (technically before the age of 12). So, while an expert will only speak about the current symptoms during a diagnostic assessment, they will likely need to speak with others who knew the individual as a child, and could even speak with the person's parents or teachers.
Treatment for ADHD typically includes stimulants, which are believed to increase and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These drugs are available in various forms that include liquids, tablets and patches. The stimulants can cause adverse effects such as insomnia or agitation, as well as a loss of appetite, but generally considered safe when taken as directed by a doctor. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine and certain antidepressants can also be used to treat ADHD. They tend to be slower-working and have fewer side effects, however they aren't recommended for everyone.
A combination of medication, therapy, and behavior changes is the most effective way of treating ADHD symptoms. Children and adults may try several medications and change them as their needs or circumstances change.