ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) is a complex condition. It may have three subtypes and the symptoms can vary. Also, it can be confused with other mental health disorders as well as physical conditions.
It is crucial to obtain an accurate ADHD diagnosis. Your therapist or doctor will require you to complete questionnaires, conduct interviews with you and other people, and review any relevant documents.
Symptoms
A health professional will look at the person's behavior or, for adults their school and childhood experiences. They will also take into consideration the person's mental and physical health history, mood, family and lifestyle factors. They might also speak with people who know the person well such as parents, family members and teachers, to get information about their relationship with the person and how their symptoms impact their daily lives.
To qualify for an assessment, a person must be exhibiting symptoms in at least two situations, such as at home, school or work, and they must cause disruption in daily life. Symptoms must be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must be inappropriate to the person's development level. The symptom must have first appeared in children prior to the age of 12. They shouldn't be triggered by other conditions, like depression or anxiety.
The most common characteristic of ADHD is inattention, meaning that the person is having trouble staying focused or keeping their attention on the task at hand. They can also frequently lose things, miss appointments, or make mistakes at school or work. They may spend a lot of time daydreaming or having difficulty completing 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 rapid decisions without considering the consequences, and may have difficulty waiting their turn.
A health care provider will also look for indications of other illnesses, such as sleep disorders, anxiety or depression. In addition to a physical exam the doctor will ask questions about family and personal history and will then provide the patient with an array of tests to test their ability to pay attention, think quickly, stay well-organized and manage their emotions.
Diagnosis
In order for a person to be diagnosed with ADHD or ADD as it was previously referred to the health professional will need to complete an assessment. This will include a detailed description and rating scales completed by both the person as well as caregivers. It may also include family medical history, records of school and work, and other relevant details. The person being evaluated may be required to take a physical exam. A medical exam is necessary to rule out other conditions or diseases that may cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD, such as hearing issues, brain tumors as well as vision problems as well as thyroid disorders, depression and head injuries.
In some instances, in addition to the medical exam an assessment of psychiatric disorders might be required. In these cases, the evaluator will interview the patient as well as other important people in his or her life -- for example, spouses, parents, siblings for children teachers, coaches and teachers for adults -about their experiences and observations about the patient's behavior. The insights gained from these interviews may help clarify what's happening to the person and what, if any, tests may be required to determine if the patient is suffering from ADHD.
The process of seeking an assessment can be overwhelming, especially for those who are worried that they may not have ADHD and will be labeled with a disorder that could affect their career or personal relationships. Asking friends, family members and coworkers to recommend a specialist with experience in ADHD assessments can be beneficial. It is also advisable to check with your insurance provider to determine which specialists are covered and how much the assessment will cost.
Treatment
Getting treatment for ADHD can help you take control of symptoms that may be causing significant problems at school or work as well as in your relationships and in your home life. The first step is to obtain an assessment, and the most important step in the process is locating an expert in health care who is qualified to evaluate your symptoms. You can consult your therapist or doctor for recommendations, or you can call the local chapter of a national mental organization to get a list of professionals near you. Some insurance plans also provide a list of approved health care providers by specialty. There are many members of a support group for ADHD sufferers have worked with specific professionals and are able to offer recommendations.
In addition, to reviewing your family and medical history, a health care professional who evaluates ADHD symptoms may request you to fill out various standardized questionnaires and rating scales regarding your behavior that you've been experiencing. These ratings are based on research that compares the behavior of people suffering from ADHD to those who don't have it.
If adhd online assessment meet the requirements for ADD If you are diagnosed with ADD, your healthcare specialist may recommend further testing to check for other possible psychiatric or physical disorders. For instance, some people who suffer from ADHD suffer from depression, sleep disorders or other mood disorders, or disabilities that cause difficulty with reading and writing. These conditions may have similar symptoms to ADHD and should be identified to be treated appropriately.
When your symptoms are identified, your doctor may prescribe either psychotherapy or medication. Behavioral therapy will teach you to be aware of your behaviors, and change them if necessary. Cognitive behavioral therapy can enhance your thinking abilities and manage your emotions. Psychotherapy can assist you in improving your interpersonal relationships and solve problems in your marriage or with your family.
Medication
There are many medications that can be utilized to treat ADHD in adults and children. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are used to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These are usually 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. These medications are not identical. It could take time to find the right dosage and medication that is appropriate for your child or.
Initial treatment plans will include a periodic medical evaluation of side-effects and symptoms. The doctor will adjust the dosage as needed. Behavioral therapy is often recommended for ADHD which includes cognitive-behavioral therapies and dialectical behavior therapy for adults. There are many other therapies that can aid people with ADHD including yoga and mindfulness meditation.
All medications have potential side effects. It is important to discuss any concerns with your physician. Discuss with your physician all other medications you or your child is taking such as those prescribed and over-the counter. Certain medications interact with stimulant drugs and can cause dangerous side effects.
For many people with ADHD finding the right dosage and medication will require time and patience. Discuss all options with your doctor and follow the directions on how to take the medication. It is also crucial to inform your physician of any changes in diet, because certain foods may interfere with the way the medication is absorption by your body. In addition, some young people who are taking stimulant medication may experience minor growth delay and an increase in blood pressure or heart rate.
Therapy
If a child or adult is diagnosed with ADHD the healthcare professional will work with them to design an individual treatment plan that incorporates 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 a variety of medications available to treat ADHD. Psychostimulants, which act on neurotransmitters within the brain can increase energy and alertness as well as focus. Amphetamines, such as Adderall and methylphenidates such as Ritalin and Concerta are two examples. They include antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor and Viloxazine. Non-stimulant medications, which don't affect neurotransmitters, are prescribed for those with the inattention-deficit manifestation of ADHD and include Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree (viloxazine) and Intuniv (guanfacine).
Therapy will help you learn to manage your symptoms and alter your behaviors. Your therapist will help you create strategies for managing time and learn how to organize yourself. They'll show you ways to manage your emotions and help you build relationships that are positive. They may also recommend counseling for your family or marriage, or classes that help improve communication.
Disorganization is a common symptom of ADHD and it can make it difficult to complete tasks or remain organized at home or at work. It can be difficult to remember appointments or deadlines. You might also lose important documents and have difficulty keeping your workspace neat and clean. Behavioral therapy can include training in skills to help you relax your mind, get better quality sleep, and learn to manage anxiety.
Many people with ADD/ADHD find it hard to get to sleep at night and are frequently awakened by racing thoughts or a restless sleep. They are unable to stick to a routine and tend to procrastinate, resulting in unfinished tasks or putting off projects. 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.