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What is an ADHD Assessment?
Your doctor will want to speak to you about whether your child or you has symptoms of ADHD. They may ask about your family background and health. They may also inquire about the education of your child. He or she will speak to your child's teachers, coaches, scout and religious leaders, and others who know them well.
Symptoms
If you or someone you know thinks they may have ADHD, the first step to get an assessment is to locate an expert in health care who has expertise in diagnosing the condition. Ask your family doctor to recommend you to a specialist who is an expert in the field of children's mental health. The person evaluating you will ask about your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. They might also inquire about your work, school and social activities. The examiner will want to see any records you have, like performance evaluations from your work or school, as well as 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 use various instruments and rating systems to evaluate the person's ADHD as well as standard tests used in school evaluations. They will also require you to provide examples of how you behave in different situations. They will compare your behavior to the DSM V ADHD criteria -hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive.
The evaluator will also determine whether the person's ADHD affects their daily functioning. They will consider whether the symptoms are more severe than expected for their age or developmental level. They will compare the person's problems to those of other people in similar situations, like their peers at 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. The symptoms must have caused significant impairments in at least two areas of their lives. This usually means that children struggle with their schoolwork, and their relationships with parents or siblings. For adults, it could result in losing a job because of difficulty paying attention and trouble keeping track of paperwork or bills.
The evaluator will also talk to other people who are familiar with the person such as relatives, friends and Scout leaders or religious groups. They will want to know how the person behaves in different situations, including at home and in other settings other than school or work.
Diagnosis
You must be able to show at least six traits (symptoms) that started before the age of 12. Additionally, you must be experiencing these symptoms continuously for at least six months. The symptoms must also interfere with your ability to perform at home, school, or work. The symptoms aren't caused by a mental health disorder. Your doctor may recommend you to an expert for an assessment. You can print out quotations from NICE 87 guidelines or download an official letter from ADHD UK that you can give to your GP.
Your doctor will discuss your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also ask about your family and social history as well as your education and work history. They might also request your school records from the past and interview teachers and other people who were with you as a child. The evaluator might try to rule out any other explanations for your symptoms and suggest you undergo neuropsychological tests or diagnostic tests.
A thorough examination could take several hours. Some adults require more than one appointment with their specialist to complete the procedure. The evaluator will discuss the results with you and may suggest treatment options that could be beneficial.
You might have either the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD. The signs of the type that is inattentive include trouble staying focused and paying attention or 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.
A few adults with ADHD cannot comprehend how their symptoms affect their lives and relationships. This can cause financial problems, strained or broken relationships, and parental issues. During online adhd assessment , the clinician may talk with both the person suffering from ADHD and their spouse or partner to gain an understanding of how their symptoms impact the relationship. They may ask both of you fill out checklists that describe your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric assessment for ADHD usually involves an interview with both the person being assessed and his or her caregivers, the completion of questionnaires and rating scales comparing behaviors of people with ADHD and the behaviors of people who are not affected, as well as tests that are standardized. The evaluator might also ask teachers to fill out questionnaires and examine the reports of the child.
People who suffer from ADHD should be prepared to discuss how their symptoms affect their work, home, and social life. Expect to be asked about how often you interrupt others, if you lose things easily, and if you don't finish tasks. The examiner wants to know if these symptoms were always present or if they began in the early years of childhood (technically, before the age of 12).
To be diagnosed with ADHD, one must have significant issues in at least two of the following areas: work and school, family life or social interactions. Examples of this impairment are being fired from a job, not passing an exam or not making payments on time. People with mild ADHD symptoms can still have difficulties in certain areas, but do not experience major disruptions.
There are many factors that can cause similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD like physical conditions and stress. A health care provider or mental health professional will examine the person's mood, medical background and other factors to rule out these possible causes.
Behavioral therapy is among the most common treatments for ADHD. It assists people in learning how to better manage their symptoms and build stronger coping skills. It can include cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches people how to change negative thoughts into positive ones. It can also reduce the effects of conditions that are underlying and mental health issues such as addiction or depression.
Marital or couples therapy can be helpful for adults with ADHD. It can help them understand their partner's perspective and improve communication. It can also help their partner understand how to support them and cope with the challenges of living with someone with ADHD.
Medication
The use of medication can aid in reducing the inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that are hallmarks of ADHD. They are often prescribed in combination with therapy and skills-training which can reduce symptoms and help people perform better at work, school at home, or in their 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 find the ideal combination of medications and dosages however, it is crucial to keep in mind that there are many options.
A specialist will talk to a parent, child or an adult to understand their experiences with ADHD. They will pay special attention to behaviors that happen in various settings, such as at home and in school. They will also look at the person's academic and occupational background and ask questions about their family life. They will usually request performance evaluations from the workplace or old reports and will be looking to speak with the person's teachers.
It is crucial to remember that in order to be diagnosed as having ADHD the symptoms of the patient must have started in childhood (technically prior to age 12). So, although an expert will only discuss current symptoms when conducting an assessment of diagnosis however, they may require the assistance of others who knew the child, and could even speak with the person's parents or teachers.
Medication to treat ADHD typically includes stimulants, which appear to increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They are available in different forms including tablets, liquids, and patches. They can trigger side effects such as insomnia, agitation, and loss of appetite. However they are generally safe when following the prescriptions of a doctor. Non-stimulants, like atomoxetine as well as certain antidepressants, are also used to treat ADHD. They are generally slower acting and have fewer adverse effects, but not everyone should take them.
The most effective treatment for ADHD symptoms is a combination of medication treatment, behavior therapy, and behavioral changes. It's not unusual for adults and children to take different medications and then alter them as their needs change or when they experience significant life changes.