ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) is a complicated condition. It is a complex condition that has three sub-types and can manifest with various symptoms. It can also be confused with other mental health disorders and physical conditions.
It is therefore important to receive an accurate ADHD diagnosis. Your therapist or doctor will need to fill out questionnaires, talk with you and others and review any pertinent documents.
Signs and symptoms
A health professional will examine the patient's behavior or, for adults their school and childhood experiences. They will also consider the person's mental health as well as physical history, mood, as well as family and lifestyle issues. They may also interview people who know the person such as parents, family members and teachers, to gather information about their relationship with the person and how the symptoms affect their daily lives.
To be diagnosed, a person has to exhibit symptoms in at least two different settings, like at home, work and school, and cause problems in their daily lives. The symptoms must have been present for at least six months. They must also be inappropriate for the person's developmental level. For children, the symptom must have started before age 12. Lastly, they can't be caused by another disorder, such as depression or anxiety.
Inattention is the most common symptom, meaning that the person has difficulty staying focused or focused. They might also lose things often or forget appointments and make careless errors at work or school. They may spend a lot of time snoozing and have difficulty finishing their work and often fail to complete 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 or make quick decisions without thinking about consequences and have trouble waiting for their turn.
A doctor will also be looking for signs of other illnesses, such as anxiety, sleep disorders or depression. The provider will also ask about the patient's family history and provide a series of tests to assess their ability to concentrate and think quickly. They also need to be organized.
Diagnosis
In order for a person to be diagnosed with ADHD or ADD as it was previously known the health professional will have to conduct an assessment. This may include a detailed explanation of the person's symptoms, ratings scales that are completed by the person and their caregivers, family medical history, work and school documents, and other pertinent details. The person being evaluated could be required to take physical examination. A medical exam is necessary to rule out other conditions or diseases that can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD like hearing disorders, brain tumors, vision issues as well as thyroid disorders, depression and head injuries.
In certain situations, a psychiatric evaluation will be required in addition to a medical exam. In these cases the evaluator is required to talk with the patient and other significant individuals in his or her life -- like parents, spouses, siblings for children as well as teachers and coaches for adults -regarding their experiences and observations of the person's behavior. These interviews can provide an important insight into what's happening to the individual, and whether or not tests are needed to determine if they suffer from ADHD.
The process of requesting an assessment can be overwhelming, especially for those who are concerned that they may not have ADHD and will be labeled with a condition which could harm their career or personal relationships. Asking family members, friends and coworkers to recommend a professional with experience in ADHD assessments can be beneficial. It is also advisable to check with your insurance provider to find out which specialists are covered and how much the assessment will cost.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD can help manage symptoms that can cause issues at work or school or in your relationships or in your personal. The first step is obtaining a diagnosis. The most important part of this process is to find an experienced health professional to evaluate your symptoms. You can ask your doctor therapy provider for recommendations, or contact the local chapter of an organization that is national in its mental health for a list with a list of professionals in your region. Some insurance plans also offer a list of approved health care providers based on their specialization. If you attend a support group for those with ADHD, you may find many of the members have worked with specific specialists and are able to provide recommendations.
In addition to reviewing your family and medical background, a medical professional who is evaluating ADHD symptoms will likely require you to fill out various standardized rating scales and questionnaires about your behavior that you've been experiencing. These ratings are from research that compares your behaviour to those of others who do not suffer from ADHD.
If you meet the criteria of ADD Your doctor may refer you to an expert for further testing to rule out other possible mental or physical disorders. For instance, some people who suffer from ADHD suffer from sleep disorders, depression or other mood disorders, or learning disabilities that cause difficulty with writing and reading. These conditions can exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD and should be identified to be treated effectively.
After your symptoms have been identified, your doctor may prescribe either psychotherapy or medication. Behavioral therapy helps you learn to monitor your own behavior and modify it when necessary. Cognitive behavioral therapy can enhance your thinking abilities and manage your emotions. Psychotherapy can assist you in improving your interpersonal relationships and resolve problems in your marriage or with your family.
Medication
There are a variety of medications that can treat ADHD in both children and adults. The stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine help to increase and balance neurotransmitters in the brain. They are often the first drugs prescribed to treat ADHD. These medications can be taken as immediate-release pills or modified-release tablets, which provide a consistent dosage throughout the day. The effectiveness of these medicines varies among individuals, so it may take some time to locate the right dose and dosage that is right for you or your child.
The initial treatment plan will consist of regular clinical monitoring of side effects and symptoms. The doctor will alter the medication as necessary. ADHD is often treated with behavioral therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral and dialectical behaviour therapy for adults. There are a myriad of other therapies that can help those suffering from ADHD, such as yoga and mindfulness meditation.
All medications can have adverse effects. It is essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. It is also essential to inform your doctor of the other medicines you or your child takes in addition to prescriptions and over-the counter. Certain drugs interact with stimulant drugs and may cause dangerous side effects.
Finding the right medication dose and dosage for ADHD will take time and patience. Discuss all options with your physician and follow the instructions on how to take the medication. Inform your doctor of any changes to your diet since certain foods can affect the way that the medication is absorbed. 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 you have a child or adult is diagnosed with ADHD, the healthcare provider will devise a treatment program for them that includes therapy and medication. They will help you determine the appropriate dosage and track the reaction of your child or yourself to the medication.
There are many types of drugs available to treat ADHD. Psychostimulants, which act on neurotransmitters in the brain can increase alertness and energy and improve focus. These include amphetamines like Adderall and methylphenidates like Ritalin and Concerta. They include antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor and Viloxazine. Non-stimulant medications, which do no impact neurotransmitters are prescribed to people with inattentive ADHD. They include Strattera, Qelbree, and Intuniv.
Therapy will help you understand how to manage your symptoms and modify your behaviors. Your therapist will help you how to utilize time management techniques and develop strategies for organizing. They will teach you how to manage your emotions and help you develop positive relationships. They may also recommend family and marriage counseling or classes to improve communication.
Disorganization can be another common ADHD sign. It can make it difficult to stay organized or complete tasks at home or work. You may find it difficult to remember appointments or deadlines. You might also lose important documents and have difficulty keeping your work area neat and clean. Behavioral therapy could include training to relax your mind, improve sleep quality and learn to cope with anxiety.
Many adults with ADD/ADHD find it hard to get to sleep at night, and are often awakened by frantic thoughts or restless sleep. They have difficulty following the same routine and tend to procrastinate, resulting in not completing tasks or putting off projects. Behavioral therapy can help you learn to be more disciplined and improve your ability to prioritize tasks and reduce the amount of caffeine and nicotine in your diet.