What is an ADHD Assessment?
If adhd assessment uk online or your child have symptoms of ADHD, your doctor will want to talk to you. The doctor may ask questions about family and health background. The person will also inquire about your child's school life. They may also meet with teachers or scout and religious leaders as well as coaches and other people who know your child well.
Symptoms
Find a doctor who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD if you or someone you know suspects they may have it. Ask your family doctor to refer you to someone who is an expert in children's mental healthcare. The person who examines you will begin by asking about your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. They may also inquire about your work, school and social activities. The examiner will want see any records you have, like performance evaluations from your work or school and old report cards.
Interviews with family members, teachers, and other adults will be part of a comprehensive evaluation. The examiner will use various questions and rating scales to evaluate the person for ADHD as well as standardized testing used in school evaluations. They will also require you to give examples of how you behave in different situations. They will examine your behavior in relation to the DSM V criteria for ADHD -- hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive.
The evaluator will determine whether the ADHD affects the person's daily functioning. They will also consider whether the symptoms are more severe than what is expected for their age and developmental level. They will evaluate the symptoms of a particular person to those of others in similar situations. For example, their peers at school or on an athletic 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. The symptoms must be causing significant impairments in at least two areas of their lives. For children, this will usually mean problems in their schoolwork as well as their relationships with parents and siblings. Adults may lose their job when they are unable to pay attention or keeping track of bills and paperwork.
The evaluator can also talk to those who are familiar with the person, such as family members and friends or religious or scout leaders. They will want to know how the person behaves in various situations, such as at home and other places other than school or work.
Diagnosis
To be considered to have ADHD you must exhibit a minimum of 6 traits (symptoms) that began prior to the age of 12. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six consecutive months. The symptoms must also affect your ability to function at school, at home, or at work. The symptoms aren't caused by another mental health condition. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist for an assessment. You can download a help letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP or print out quotes from the NICE 87 guideline that explain why you should have an assessment.
Your specialist will discuss your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also inquire about your family and social history as well as your educational and work history. They might ask for your old school records and may also want to interview teachers or others who have known you since you were a child. The evaluator will try to eliminate other possible explanations for your symptoms and may suggest that you undergo neuropsychological testing or other diagnostic tests.
A thorough assessment can take several hours. Some adults may need to make more than one appointment to their specialist in order to complete the evaluation. The evaluator will discuss the results with you and may suggest treatment options that could help.
You might have either the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD. The inattentive form of ADHD is defined by a lack of attention and staying focused and also by forgetfulness and/or a lack of organization 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 have difficulty understanding how their symptoms interfere with their lives and relationships. This can lead to broken or fractured marriages as well as financial issues and problems with parenting. During the assessment, a clinician may speak with the ADHD person and their partner or spouse to learn how their problems impact the relationship. They might ask both of you complete checklists that list your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric evaluation for ADHD usually involves an interview with the person being assessed and their caregivers, completion of questionnaires or rating scales that measure the behaviors of people with ADHD to those of people who do not have it, and standardized testing. The evaluator will also ask teachers to fill out questionnaires and examine the reports of the child.
Those who have symptoms of ADHD should be prepared to discuss how their issues affect their work at home, social, and personal life. They should expect to be asked questions about how often they interrupt others or lose things, and how often they fail to follow through on their tasks. The examiner would like to know if the symptoms were always present or if they began in childhood (technically, before the age of 12).
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person has to have significant problems in at least two of the following areas: work, family life, school, or social relationships. This condition can be demonstrated through being fired from a job, failing a course or not paying bills in time. Mild ADHD symptoms can cause problems, but not major disruptions.
Physical and emotional stress can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate the person's mood, their medical history and other factors to rule out the possibility of these conditions.
Behavioral therapy is one of the most common treatments for ADHD. It helps people develop better coping skills and learn how to manage their symptoms. It can include cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches how to change negative thinking into positive thoughts. It can also aid in reducing the negative effects of any underlying illness or mental health issues such as depression and alcohol abuse.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from marital or couple therapy. It can help them understand their partner and improve their communication. It can also help the person they love to learn to help them and deal with the difficulties of living with someone with ADHD.
Medication
ADHD is characterised by hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. Certain medications can help reduce these symptoms. They are often prescribed in conjunction with therapy and skill-training, which can improve the symptoms and help people perform better at work, school at home, or in their hobbies. Medication is not a panacea and patients must work with their doctor to understand the best way to manage their ADHD symptoms. It may take several tries to find the ideal dosage of medication and dosage. However, it is important to remember that there are a variety of options.
A specialist will talk to a child, parent or adult to learn about their experiences with ADHD. They will pay attention to the behaviors that occur in different settings, including at school and home. They will also ask about the person's family background and their academic and work background. They may request old report cards or performance evaluations and may also contact the person's school.
Keep in mind that for someone to be considered to have ADHD the symptoms must have started in the early years of childhood (technically before the age of 12). Therefore, even though an expert will only speak about the current symptoms during a diagnostic assessment it is likely that they will have to talk with other people who knew the person as a child and may even interview the person's parents or teachers.
The treatment for ADHD typically contains stimulants that appear to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These medications are available in various forms such as tablets, liquids and patches. The stimulants can cause adverse effects such as trouble sleeping or agitation, as well as a loss of appetite, but generally considered safe when prescribed by a doctor. Non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine or certain antidepressants are also used for ADHD. They tend to be slower-working and have less side negative effects, but they are not suitable for everyone.
A combination of medication, therapy, and behavior modifications are the most effective method of treating ADHD symptoms. It is not uncommon for children and adults to try multiple medications and change them over time as their needs change or they experience significant changes in their lives.