ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) is a complicated condition. It has three sub-types and may present with different symptoms. It can also be confused with other mental health disorders and physical ailments.
For that reason, getting an accurate ADHD assessment is important. Your doctor or therapist will have to complete questionnaires, interview you and others and look at any relevant documents.
Symptoms
A health care provider will evaluate the patient's behavior or, in the case of adults their school and childhood experiences. They will also look at the person's physical and mental health history, their mood and lifestyle factors affecting family and friends. They may interview people who are familiar with the person such as parents, friends and teachers, to gather details about their relationships with the person and how the symptoms affect their lives.
To be able to receive a diagnosis, a person must show symptoms in two or more settings, like at school, home and work, and they must cause dysfunction in daily life. The symptoms must have been present for at minimum for six months. The symptoms must be incompatible with the person's developmental level. The symptom must have appeared in children before the age of 12. They shouldn't be triggered by other conditions, like anxiety or depression.
The most frequently reported characteristic of ADHD is inattention, which indicates that the sufferer has difficulty staying focused or keeping their attention on the task at hand. They might also lose things frequently or forget appointments and make a few mistakes at work or at school. They may 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 interrupt others, make quick decisions without weighing the consequences, and struggle to wait for their turn.
A health care provider may be able to detect other illnesses such as depression, anxiety, or sleep disorders. 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 pay attention and think quickly. They also need to be organized.
Diagnosis
A health professional must complete an assessment before a person can be diagnosed with ADHD or ADD or ADD, as it was formerly known. This may include a detailed explanation of the person's symptoms, rating scales completed by the individual and their caregivers, family medical history, work and school records and other relevant information. The person being evaluated may be required to undergo physical examination. A medical examination is essential to rule out other ailments or diseases that may cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD like hearing disorders, brain tumors as well as vision problems as well as thyroid disorders, depression and head injuries.
In certain situations an evaluation of psychiatric issues may be required in addition to a medical examination. In these cases, the evaluator will interview the patient as well as other important people in his or her life -- like spouses, parents and siblings for children as well as teachers and coaches for adults -- about their experiences and observations of the patient's behavior. Personal insight gleaned from these interviews may help to clarify what is happening to the person and which tests might be needed to determine if the patient is suffering from ADHD.
The process of seeking an assessment may be overwhelming, particularly for those who are concerned that they may not have ADHD and be branded as having a condition which could harm their professional or personal relationships. It is a good idea to ask friends, relatives and colleagues for recommendations for an experienced specialist with experience in performing ADHD assessments. It is recommended to inquire with the person's insurance provider to determine which specialists are covered by their plans and to find out how much the test will cost.
Treatment
Getting treatment for ADHD can help you gain control of symptoms that may cause significant issues at work or school as well as in your relationships or in your personal life. The first step is to get a diagnosis, and the most important step in this process is to find a health care professional who is competent to assess your symptoms. You can consult your doctor or therapist for a referral or call the local chapter of an organization for mental health that is nationwide to get the list of specialists near you. Certain insurance plans also offer a list of approved health professionals by specialization. You may find that many members of a support group for ADHD sufferers have worked with specific professionals and are able to make suggestions.
In addition to reviewing your medical and family background, a medical professional who is evaluating ADHD symptoms may ask you to complete a number of standardized questionnaires and rating scales regarding the behavior you've been experiencing. These ratings are based upon research that compares the behaviors of people with ADHD with those who do not suffer from it.
If you meet the requirements for ADD, your health care professional may refer you for further testing to check for other possible psychiatric or physical conditions. For instance, some people with ADHD have sleep disorders, depression or other mood disorders, or learning problems that make it difficult for them to learn reading and writing. These conditions can trigger similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD, and it is crucial to identify them in order to treat them effectively.
Once your symptoms are identified the doctor will prescribe the best course of action, which will include psychotherapy or medications. Behavioral therapy can help you to monitor your own behaviors, and change them when necessary. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help improve the ability to manage your emotions and think. Psychotherapy can also help improve your interpersonal relationships and address issues in your relationship or family.
Medication
There are many medications that can treat ADHD in both children and adults. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine work by helping boost and balance levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. These are usually the first drugs prescribed to treat ADHD. These medications are available as immediate-release tablets (short-acting) or modified-release tablets that deliver an even dose throughout the day. The effectiveness of these drugs differs for each person so it could take a while to find the right dose and dosage that is right for you or your child.
The initial treatment plan will comprise regular monitoring of symptoms and side effects. The doctor will adjust the dosage as needed. Behavioral therapy is also often recommended for ADHD which includes cognitive-behavioral therapies and dialectical behavior therapy for adults. Other therapies can aid people with ADHD. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga.
Every medication can cause side effects. It is crucial to discuss any concerns with your doctor. It is also crucial to tell your provider about all the other medications you or your child takes including prescription and over-the-counter. Certain medications can interact with stimulant medication and cause dangerous side effects.
For many people suffering from ADHD finding the right dosage and medication will require time and patience. Discuss all options with your doctor and adhere to the directions on how to take the medication. Inform your doctor about any changes 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 a person of any age is diagnosed with ADHD, their healthcare provider will collaborate with them to develop an individualized treatment plan that incorporates medication and therapy. They will help you determine the correct dosage and monitor the reaction of your child or yourself to the medication.
There are many types of medications that can be used to treat ADHD. Psychostimulants, which act on neurotransmitters within the brain can increase energy and alertness as well as focus. They include amphetamines, such as Adderall and methylphenidates such as Ritalin and Concerta. They also include antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Non-stimulant medications, which do not impact neurotransmitters, are prescribed to people suffering from the inattentive presentation of ADHD and include Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree (viloxazine) and Intuniv (guanfacine).
Therapy will help you learn to manage your symptoms and change your behavior. Your therapist will help you to use time management skills and develop organizational strategies. They'll help you develop coping strategies to deal with your emotions and help create positive relationships. They may also recommend counseling for your marriage or family, or classes to enhance communication.
great post to read is another common sign of ADHD and can make it difficult to complete tasks or stay organized at home or at work. It is possible that you struggle to keep track of your appointments or deadlines, misplace important documents and have difficulty keeping your work area clean and tidy. Behavioral therapy can include training to calm your mind, improve your sleep quality and develop coping skills.
Many adults with ADD/ADHD have trouble falling asleep at night. They are often woken by a flurry of thoughts or a lack of sleep. They struggle to follow an agenda and tend to delay the completion of tasks. This can lead to unfinished projects or tasks. Behavioral therapy can help you to develop better self-discipline and increase your ability to prioritize tasks and reduce the amount of nicotine and caffeine in your diet.