ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) or ADD is a complicated disorder. It may have three types, and the symptoms can be different. It can also be confused with physical conditions and other mental disorders.
Therefore, obtaining an accurate ADHD assessment is crucial. Your therapist or doctor will need to fill out questionnaires, speak with you and your family members, and examine any relevant documents.
Signs and symptoms
To determine if someone has ADHD A health professional will look at the person's current or in adulthood their childhood behavior as well as school experiences. They will also take into account the person's mental health and physical history, mood, and family and lifestyle issues. They may interview people who know the person well such as parents, friends and teachers, to gather details about their relationship with the person as well as how the symptoms affect their daily lives.
To be eligible for a diagnosis, the person must be exhibiting symptoms in two or more settings, like at home, school or work, and cause disruption in daily life. The symptoms must have been present for at least six months. They must also be not appropriate for the person's development level. For children, the symptom must have been present prior to age 12. Additionally, they cannot be caused by a different disorder, such as anxiety or depression.
Inattention is the most frequent indication that a person has difficulty staying focused or on task. They can also lose things often, miss appointments, or make careless errors at work or in school. They might spend long periods of time daydreaming and have difficulty finishing their work and often forget 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 may disrupt others and make quick decisions without weighing the consequences and have trouble waiting for their turn.
A doctor will also look for indications of other conditions such as sleep disorders, anxiety or depression. The provider will also ask about the family history of the patient and will give them a series of tests to assess their ability to focus and think quickly. They also need to be organized.
Diagnosis
A healthcare professional must conduct an assessment before a person is able to be diagnosed with ADHD or ADD or ADD as it was previously known. This could include a detailed explanation of the person's symptoms, rating 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 who is being assessed. A medical examination is essential to rule out other ailments or diseases that can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD including hearing disorders, brain tumors as well as vision problems as well as thyroid disorders, depression and head injuries.
In some cases an evaluation of psychiatric issues may be required in addition to a medical examination. In these instances, the evaluator interviews the patient as well as other important individuals in the patient's life including spouses parents, siblings, and spouse for children, as well as teachers and coaches for adult to discuss their observations and experiences of the patient. Personal insight gleaned from these conversations can aid in determining what is happening to the person and which tests are needed to determine if the patient has ADHD.
The process of requesting an assessment can feel overwhelming, especially for those who are worried that they might not have ADHD and may be labeled with a condition that could affect their career or personal relationships. It is helpful to ask your family, friends and coworkers for recommendations for an experienced specialist with expertise in conducting ADHD assessments. You should also inquire with your insurance provider to find out which specialists are covered and what the test will cost.
Treatment
The treatment you receive for ADHD can help you get control over the symptoms that could cause serious problems at work or school as well as in your relationships or in your private life. The first step is to get an assessment, and the most important part of this process is to find a health care professional who is competent to assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor or your therapist for a recommendation or contact the local chapter of a national mental health organization for a list of professionals in your area. Some insurance plans have the list of specialty health care providers. You may find that many members of a support group for ADHD sufferers have worked with certain professionals and are able to make suggestions.
A medical professional who evaluates ADHD will likely ask you to fill out various scales of rating that are standardized or questionnaires about the behavior you're experiencing. These ratings are based upon research that compared the behaviors of people who suffer from ADHD to those who don't have it.
If you meet the criteria of ADD Your doctor may recommend you to a specialist for further testing in order to rule out other possible mental or physical disorders. Some people with ADHD also suffer from depression, sleep disorders, or other mood disorders. They may also have learning disabilities, which cause them to struggle with reading and writing. These conditions can trigger similar symptoms to those afflicted by ADHD, and it is essential to recognize them to treat them effectively.
After your symptoms have been identified, your doctor may prescribe either medication or psychotherapy. Behavioral therapy will teach you how to observe your own behavior and change it when necessary. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help improve the way you think and manage your emotions. Psychotherapy can help you improve your interpersonal relationships as well as resolve problems in your marriage, or with your family.
Medication
There are a myriad of drugs that can be used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. The stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate help to regulate brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They are often the first drugs used to treat ADHD. They are available as immediate-release pills (short-acting) or modified-release tablets that deliver an even dose throughout the day. The effectiveness of these drugs varies among individuals and it can take some time to locate the right dose and dosage that works for you or your child.
Initial treatment plans will include regular clinical evaluation of symptoms and side-effects. The doctor will alter the medication as necessary. ADHD is usually treated using behavioral therapy, for example cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy for adults. Other therapies can help people with ADHD. These include yoga and mindfulness meditation.
All medications have potential negative side effects. It is important to discuss any concerns with your doctor. It is also crucial to inform your doctor of the other medicines you or your child is taking, both prescription and over-the-counter. Certain drugs may interact with stimulant medications and trigger dangerous side effects.
Finding the right dose of medication and the right medication for ADHD can take time and patience. Be sure to discuss all your options with your physician and adhere to the instructions to take the medication. It is also important to inform your physician about any changes to your diet, because certain foods may affect the way that the medication is taken up by your body. In addition, some young people taking stimulant medication may have a slight delay in growth and an increase in blood pressure or heart rate.
Therapy
If a person of any age is diagnosed with ADHD, their healthcare provider will collaborate with them to develop an individual treatment plan that includes medication and therapy. They'll assist you in finding the right dosage and track the reaction of your child or yourself to the medication to make sure it is working well for you.
There are many types of medications that can be used to treat ADHD. The most popular are psychostimulants which affect brain neurotransmitters and can boost energy levels, improve concentration and alertness. They include amphetamines, such as Adderall and methylphenidates like Ritalin and Concerta. They also include antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Non-stimulant medications, which don't affect neurotransmitters, are prescribed to people with inattentive ADHD. They include Strattera, Qelbree, and Intuniv.
Therapy will assist you in learning to manage your symptoms and change your behavior. Your therapist will assist you to create strategies for managing time and teach you how to organize yourself. They will teach you how to manage your emotions and help you build positive relationships. They may also recommend family and marriage counseling or classes to improve communication.
Disorganization is another common sign 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 deadlines or appointments. Learn Alot more might also lose important documents and have difficulty keeping your work area neat and clean. Behavioral therapy may include training in skills to assist you in calming your mind, get better quality sleep, and learn to manage anxiety.
Many people suffering from ADD/ADHD have trouble sleeping through the night. They are often woken by a flurry of thoughts or a lack of sleep. They are unable to stick to a schedule and tend to delay their work. This can lead to unfinished projects or tasks. Behavioral therapy helps you develop more self-control, increase your ability to prioritize and reduce the amount of caffeine and nicotine you consume in your daily diet.