ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) or ADD is a complex disorder. It can have three subtypes, and the symptoms may vary. It can also be confused with other mental health disorders and physical ailments.
It is therefore crucial to receive an accurate ADHD diagnosis. Your doctor or therapist will need to complete questionnaires, talk to you and other people and go over any pertinent documents.
Signs and symptoms
To determine if someone has ADHD, a health care provider will examine the person's present or in adulthood their childhood behavior and school experiences. They will also consider the person's mental and physical health history, mood, lifestyle and family factors. They may interview people who are familiar with the person 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 able to receive an assessment, a person must show symptoms in two or more situations, such as at home, school or work, and they must cause dysfunction in daily life. Symptoms must be present for at least six months. They must also have been inappropriate for the person's developmental level. The symptom must have appeared in children before the age of 12. Lastly, they can't be caused by a disorder, like depression or anxiety.
Inattention is the most commonly reported symptom, meaning that the person has difficulty staying focused or focused. They can also lose things often, miss appointments, or make careless errors at work or school. They may also spend hours daydreaming 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 are unable to wait for their turn.
A health care provider will also look for signs of other illnesses like anxiety, sleep disorders, or depression. The doctor will also inquire about the family history of the patient and provide a series of tests to determine their ability to concentrate and think quickly. They will also test their ability to stay organized.
Diagnosis
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 will include a comprehensive description and rating scales completed both by the person and caregivers. It could also include medical records from the family, details of school and work as well as other pertinent information. A physical examination could be required of the person being evaluated. A medical exam is required to rule out any conditions or diseases that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD like brain tumors, vision problems hearing problems as well as thyroid disorders, depression and head injuries.
In some instances in addition to the medical exam, a psychiatric assessment might be necessary. In these instances the evaluator will interview the patient along with other important people in the patient's life like spouses parents, siblings, and spouse for children and coaches and teachers for adults, about their observations and experiences with the person. These interviews can provide valuable insight into what is happening to the individual and whether or not tests are needed to determine if they suffer from ADHD.
The process of seeking an assessment can feel overwhelming, particularly for those who are worried that they may not have ADHD and be branded with a disorder that could affect their professional or personal relationships. It is beneficial to ask family members, friends and colleagues for recommendations on a qualified specialist who has experience in performing ADHD assessments. It is also a good idea to check with the individual's insurance company to find out which specialists are covered under their plans and also to determine what the assessment will cost.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause issues at work or at school, in your relationships, or in your personal life. The first step is getting a diagnosis. The most important part of this process is to find an experienced health professional to examine your symptoms. You can ask your doctor or your therapist for a recommendation or contact the local chapter of an organization that is national in its mental health to find a list of specialists in your area. Certain insurance plans offer an alphabetical list of health care providers. If you attend an organization that supports people with ADHD you might find that many of the members have worked with specific professionals and can provide recommendations.
In addition to reviewing your medical and family history, a health care professional who evaluates ADHD symptoms will likely ask you to complete a number of standardized rating scales and questionnaires about the behavior you have been experiencing. These ratings are based on research that compares the behavior of people with ADHD with those who do not have it.
If you fit 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. Certain people with ADHD may also suffer from depression, sleep disorders, or other mood disorders. They may also have learning disabilities, which can cause them to have difficulty reading and writing. These conditions can exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD and must be identified to be treated appropriately.
When your symptoms are identified, your doctor may prescribe either medication or psychotherapy. Behavioral therapy teaches you how to monitor your own behavior and change it if needed. Cognitive behavioral therapy can improve the ways you manage your emotions and think. Psychotherapy can also assist you to improve your interpersonal relationships and resolve issues in your family or marriage.
Medication
There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat ADHD in children and adults. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine help balance brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They are typically the first medications prescribed to treat ADHD. They are available as immediate-release tablets (short-acting) or modified-release tablets that deliver an even dose throughout the day. These medications are not identical. It could take time to identify the medication and dosage that is appropriate for your child or you.
The initial treatment plan will comprise regular monitoring of side effects and symptoms. The doctor will modify the medication if needed. Behavioral therapy is often recommended for ADHD, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy for adults. There are a myriad of other treatments that can benefit people suffering from ADHD like mindfulness meditation and yoga.
Every medication can cause adverse effects, so it is essential to speak to your doctor regarding any concerns you might have. It is also important to inform your doctor about all the other medications you or your child take in addition to prescriptions and over-the counter. Certain drugs interact with stimulant drugs and can result in dangerous side effects.
For many people suffering from ADHD finding the right dosage and medication will take time and patience. Make sure visit this backlink discuss all your options with your physician, and always follow the directions for taking the medication. Inform your doctor about any changes to your diet as certain foods can affect the way in which the medication is absorbed. In addition, some young people who are taking stimulant medication may suffer from a minor delay in growth as well as an increase in heart rate or blood pressure.
Therapy
If a person, whether a child or an adult, is diagnosed with ADHD, their healthcare provider will work with them to design an individual treatment plan that includes medication and therapy. They'll assist you in finding the right dosage and monitor your or your child's reaction to the medication to ensure it is working well for you.
There are many types of medications available to treat ADHD. The most popular are psychostimulants which affect neurotransmitters in the brain and can boost energy, improve concentration and alertness. These include amphetamines like Adderall and methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta. They include antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor and Viloxazine. Non-stimulant medicines that do no impact neurotransmitters are prescribed to those with inattentive ADHD. These include Strattera, Qelbree, and Intuniv.
Therapy will help you understand how to manage your symptoms and change your behavior. Your therapist will help you how to utilize time management techniques and devise organizational strategies. They'll teach you coping mechanisms to manage your emotions and help build positive relationships. They might also suggest marriage and family counseling or classes that help improve communication.
Disorganization is a common sign of ADHD and can make it difficult to complete tasks or stay organized at home or at work. You might struggle to keep track of your appointments or deadlines, forget important paperwork and have trouble keeping your workspace neat and clean. Behavioral therapy could include training to calm your mind, improve your sleep quality and develop coping skills.
Many adults with ADD/ADHD find it difficult to get to sleep at night, and are often awakened by frantic thoughts or restless sleep. They are unable to stick to the schedule and often procrastinate. This can lead to unfinished projects or tasks that are not completed. Behavioral therapy helps you develop more self-control, improve your ability to prioritize and reduce the amount caffeine and nicotine in your daily diet.