What is an ADHD Assessment?
Your doctor will want to discuss with you about whether your child or you is suffering from ADHD. He or she might ask about your family health history and your family history. They may also ask about your child's school experience. He or she may meet with teachers or scout and religious leaders, coaches, and others who know your child well.
Symptoms
Find a doctor with experience in diagnosing ADHD If you or someone you love suspects they may have it. Ask your family doctor to recommend you to a specialist who is an expert in children's mental healthcare. The person conducting the assessment will begin by speaking with you about your issues and how they affect your life. They might also ask questions about your health as well as your work, school, and social life. The examiner will need to examine any documents you have, such as performance evaluations from your work or school as well as your old report cards.
A thorough assessment of ADHD will also include interviews with the person's family members as well as teachers, and other adults who interact with them. The examiner will utilize different questions and rating scales to evaluate the person for ADHD and standardized tests used in school evaluations. You will be asked to provide examples on how you behave in various situations. They will examine your behavior in relation to the DSM V criteria for ADHD -- inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
The evaluator also checks whether the person's ADHD hinders their daily functioning. They will determine if the symptoms are more severe than is normal for their age or developmental level. They will compare the person's problems to similar issues of other people in similar situations, such as their peers at school or on a sports 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 led to significant impairments in at least two different areas of their lives. This will typically mean that children are struggling with their schoolwork and their relationships with parents or siblings. Adults could lose their jobs when they are unable to pay attention or keeping track of bills and paperwork.
The evaluator will also speak to other people who know the person well such as relatives, friends and religious or scout leaders. They will want to hear about the way in which the person behaves in different settings and also how they behave at home and in other places other than work or school.
Diagnosis
You must show at least six traits (symptoms), which began before 12 years of age. The symptoms must be present for at least six consecutive months. The symptoms must also interfere with your ability to perform at school, at home, or at work. The symptoms can't be caused by a mental health disorder. Your doctor may refer you an expert to conduct an assessment. You can download a supportive letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP, or print quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines that describe the reasons you should undergo an assessment.
Your doctor will talk to you about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will also inquire about your family education, social and academic background. More may ask for your old school records and interview teachers or other people who knew you as a child. The evaluator will rule out other possible explanations for your symptoms and may suggest that you have neuropsychological testing or other diagnostic tests.
A thorough assessment can take several hours. Adults may have to make more than one visit to their physician to complete the evaluation. The evaluator may discuss the results and suggest possible treatments with you.
You might have either the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD. Symptoms of the inattentive type include difficulties staying focused and attentive, forgetfulness and/or poor 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 cannot comprehend how their condition affects their lives and relationships. This can lead to strained or dissolved marriages as well as financial issues and problems with parenting. During the evaluation, the clinician may talk with both the individual with ADHD and their partner or spouse to understand how their issues impact the relationship. You might be asked to fill out checklists of your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric examination for ADHD usually involves an interview with both the individual being assessed and the caregivers for them, the completion of questionnaires and rating scales comparing behaviors of people with ADHD and the behavior of those who do not have it, as well as standardized testing. The evaluator will also ask teachers to fill out questionnaires and look at the reports of the child.
Anyone suffering from ADHD symptoms should be prepared to discuss how their symptoms affect their work, social and personal life. Expect to be asked questions about how often you interrupt others, if you lose things easily, or if you are unable to finish tasks. The examiner wants to know if these symptoms were always present or if they began in the early years of childhood (technically prior to 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 impairment can be demonstrated by being dismissed from a job, failing an educational course or not paying bills on time. People with mild ADHD symptoms can have difficulties in certain areas, but don't experience 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, medical history, and other factors to rule out these possibilities.
Behavioral therapy is a common treatment for ADHD. It helps people learn how to better manage their symptoms and build stronger coping skills. It can include cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches people how to transform negative thoughts into positive ones. It also helps reduce the effects of any underlying condition or mental health issues such as depression or substance misuse.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from marital or couple therapy. It can help them understand the perspective of their partner and improve their communication. It can also help the person they love to learn how to support them and cope with the challenges of living with someone who suffers from ADHD.
Medication
Medications can help with the hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity that are hallmarks of ADHD. They are often prescribed in combination with therapy and skills-training, which can improve the symptoms and allow people to function better at school, work, home or in their leisure activities. Medication is not a panacea and patients should consult with their doctor in order to determine the best method to manage their ADHD symptoms. It may take several tries to find the ideal dosage of medication and dosage. However, it's crucial to keep in mind that there are a variety of alternatives.
A trained specialist will talk to the child, parent or adult about their experiences with ADHD and pay particular attention to the behaviors that happen in several settings, such as at home and in school. They will also look at the person's educational and occupational background and ask questions about their life as a family. They will ask for old report cards or performance evaluations and may also want to speak with the person's teacher.
Keep in mind that for someone to be considered to have ADHD the symptoms must have started in the earliest years of their life (technically before the age of 12). Although an expert may only talk about the current symptoms in a diagnostic assessment they may require a conversation with others who knew the individual as an infant, and interview their parents or teachers.
The treatment for ADHD typically includes stimulants, which appear to increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They are available in a variety of forms, including liquids, tablets, and patches. Stimulants may cause negative effects like sleep disturbance, agitation and loss of appetite. However, they are generally safe if used according to the doctor's prescription. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine and certain antidepressants, are also used to treat ADHD. They tend to be slower-working and have less side effects, but they are not recommended for everyone.
The most effective method of treating ADHD symptoms is a combination of medications treatment, behavior therapy, and behavioral changes. Adults and children can test a variety of medications and then alter them according to their needs or as their circumstances change.