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What is an ADHD Assessment?
If you or your child exhibit symptoms of ADHD, your doctor is likely to want to talk with you. He or she may ask questions about your family and health background. The person will also ask about your child's school life. He or she will speak to your child's teachers, coaches, scout and religious leaders, and other people who know them well.
Symptoms
If you or someone you know thinks they might have ADHD the first step in obtaining an assessment is to locate an expert in health care who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Look for someone who specializes in children's mental health or ask your family doctor for an appointment. The person doing the evaluation will begin by speaking to you about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They might also ask questions about your health, work, school and social life. The examiner will want see any records you have, like performance evaluations from your job or school, as well as old report cards.
Interviews with teachers, family members and other adults will be part of a full assessment. The examiner will utilize a variety of questionnaires and rating systems to evaluate the person's ADHD, including standard testing used in school evaluations. You will be asked to give examples on how you behave in different situations. They will then compare your behavior to the DSM V ADHD criteria -- inattention, hyperactivity, and the tendency to be impulsive.
The evaluator will also determine whether the person's ADHD affects their daily functioning. They will also determine if the symptoms are more severe than is expected for their age and development level. They will evaluate the individual's problems to the experiences of others in similar situations, like 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 also be causing significant impairments in at least two aspects of their lives. This will typically mean that children have problems with their schoolwork, and their relationships with their parents or siblings. For adults, it may be a loss of a job as a result of inattention issues and trouble keeping the track of bills or paperwork.
The evaluator may also talk to other people who are familiar with the person, such as relatives and friends as well as Scout or religious leaders. They will want to hear about the way in which the person behaves in various situations, as well as how they behave at home and in other settings outside of school or work.
Diagnosis
To be considered to have ADHD, you must have a minimum of 6 traits (symptoms) that first appeared before age 12. These symptoms must also be present for at minimum six consecutive months. The symptoms should also be hindering you from functioning well at school, work, and/or home. The symptoms can't be caused by another mental health issue. Your GP can refer to a specialist for an assessment. You can download a supportive letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP or print the quotes from NICE 87 guideline that explain why you should have an assessment.
Your specialist will talk with you about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also inquire about your family history and social background, and your educational and work history. They may ask for your school records from the past and interview teachers or other individuals who knew you as a child. The examiner will attempt to determine if there is a different explanation for your symptoms, and may suggest that you undergo neuropsychological tests or other diagnostic tests.
A thorough assessment may take a long time. Some adults need more than one visit with their physician to complete the procedure. The evaluator will go over the results with you, and could suggest treatments that could help.
You might have either the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD. The type of ADHD that is inattentive is defined by a lack of attention and staying focused and also by forgetfulness and/or a lack of 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.
A few adults with ADHD are unable to comprehend how their condition affects their lives and relationships. This can result in strained or dissolved marriages as well as financial issues and problems with parenting. During the evaluation the clinician will talk with the ADHD person as well as their spouse or partner to understand how their symptoms impact the relationship. You might be asked to fill out checklists that describe your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric examination for ADHD typically involves an interview with both the person being evaluated as well as their caregivers as well as the completion of questionnaires and rating scales which compare the behaviors of those with ADHD against the behaviors of people who are not affected, as well as tests that are standardized. The evaluator will also request teachers to complete questionnaires and review the reports of the child.
Those who have symptoms of ADHD should be prepared to talk about how their symptoms affect their work at home, social, and personal 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 will want to know whether these symptoms are present for all time or if they first started in childhood (technically before 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, school, family life or social interactions. This impairment can be demonstrated through being fired from a position, failing the course or not paying bills in time. People with mild ADHD symptoms can have problems in a few areas, but do not have major issues.
There are a myriad of things that can trigger similar symptoms to those of ADHD, including physical conditions and stress. A mental health healthcare professional or health care professional will assess the person's mood, medical history, and other variables to rule out the possibility of these.
Behavioral therapy is a standard treatment for ADHD. It helps patients learn more effective ways to manage their symptoms and build stronger strategies for coping. It may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches people how to transform negative thoughts into positive ones. It can also reduce the effects of chronic conditions and mental health issues, such as addiction or depression.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from marital or couples therapy. It can help them understand the perspective of their partner and improve their communication. It can also help their partner understand how to support and cope 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 conjunction with therapy and training, which can improve the symptoms and help people function better at school, work at home, or even in their activities. But, it isn't an effective cure, and patients must continue to work with their physician to understand how to manage their ADHD symptoms. It may take a few times to find the ideal combination of medications and dosages but it is crucial to remember that there are a myriad of choices.
An experienced specialist will interview the child, parent or adult about their experiences with ADHD and pay particular attention to the behaviors that happen in various settings, such as at home and in school. They will also examine the person's academic and occupational history and ask questions about their life as a family. They may request old report cards or performance assessments and may also contact the person's school.
Be aware that in order for a person to be considered to have ADHD the symptoms must have started in the early years of childhood (technically before the age of 12). Although an expert will only talk about the current symptoms in an assessment for diagnosis, they might have to talk to people who knew the person as when they were children, and interview their parents or teachers.
ADHD medications typically contain stimulants that appear to regulate and increase levels of brain chemicals referred to as Neurotransmitters. They are available in different forms, including liquids, tablets and patches. Stimulants may cause negative effects like difficulty sleeping, agitation and loss of appetite. However psychiatrist adhd assessment are generally safe if taken according to doctor's instructions. Non-stimulants, like atomoxetine as well as certain antidepressants, are also used to treat ADHD. They generally work slower and have less adverse negative effects, but they aren't recommended for all people.
A combination of medications therapy, therapy, and behavioral modifications are the most effective method of treating ADHD symptoms. It's not unusual for adults and children to try different medications and then alter them over time as their needs change or they experience significant changes in their lives.