ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) is a complicated condition. It can be classified into three types, and the symptoms may vary. It is also possible to confuse with physical conditions as well as other mental disorders.
To that end, getting an accurate ADHD assessment is important. Your therapist or doctor will need to fill out questionnaires, speak with you and your family members, and review any pertinent documents.
Signs and symptoms
A health professional will look at the person's behavior, or for adults the school and childhood experiences. They will also consider the person's mental and physical health history, mood and lifestyle and family factors. They may also interview people who know the person, like parents, friends and teachers, to gather information about their relationships with the person and how the symptoms affect their lives.
To be able to receive an assessment, a person must show symptoms in at least two situations, such as at home, school or work, and they must cause problems in everyday life. Symptoms must have been present for at least six months. They also must have been not appropriate for the person's development level. The symptom must have appeared in children prior to the age of 12. In addition, they shouldn't be caused by a disorder, such as anxiety or depression.
Inattention is the most frequent indication that a person has difficulty staying focused or on task. They can also frequently lose things, forget appointments, and make mistakes at work or in school. They may also spend much of their time dreaming 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 can interrupt others, make snap decisions without considering the consequences, and have trouble waiting for their turn.
A medical professional will also be looking for signs of other conditions like anxiety, sleep disorders or depression. The doctor will also inquire about the history of the patient's family and will give them a series of tests to measure their ability pay attention, think quickly and stay organized.
Diagnosis
A health professional must complete an assessment before a person is able to be diagnosed with ADHD or ADD or ADD, as it was previously called. This will include a comprehensive description of the scale and a rating by both the individual as well as caregivers. It could also include medical records from the family, details of school and work as well as other pertinent details. A physical exam may be required of the individual being examined. A medical exam is important to rule out other ailments or diseases that may cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD like hearing disorders, brain tumors as well as vision problems as well as thyroid disorders, depression and head injuries.
In certain situations, in addition to the medical exam, a psychiatric assessment may be necessary. 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 teachers, coaches and teachers for adults -- about their experiences and observations of the person's behavior. The insights gained from these interviews may help clarify what's happening to the person and what tests might be needed to determine if the individual is suffering from ADHD.
The process of requesting an assessment may be overwhelming, especially for someone who is concerned that they may not actually have ADHD and may be labeled as having a condition that could affect their career or personal relationships. Asking family members, friends and colleagues to recommend a specialist with expertise in ADHD assessments can be beneficial. It is also a good idea to inquire with the individual's insurance to learn which professionals are covered under their plans and to know how much the test will cost.
Treatment
The treatment you receive for ADHD can help you get control of symptoms that may cause significant issues at school or work as well as in your relationships and in your private life. The first step is getting an assessment. The most important part of this process is finding a qualified health care professional to evaluate 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 region. Some insurance plans provide a list by specialty of health care professionals. You may find that many members of a support group for ADHD sufferers have worked with certain professionals and are able to offer suggestions.
In addition to reviewing your medical and family history, a health professional who is evaluating ADHD symptoms may request you to fill out several standardized questionnaires and rating scales regarding your behavior that you've been experiencing. These ratings are based upon research that compares the behaviors of people suffering from ADHD with those who do not suffer from it.
If you meet the requirements for ADD, your health care professional may refer you for further testing to check for other possible physical or psychiatric conditions. For instance, some people who suffer from ADHD suffer from depression, sleep disorders or other mood disorders, or learning difficulties that hinder writing and reading. These conditions can exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD and must be identified to be treated appropriately.
When your symptoms are spotted the doctor will prescribe a course of action that will include either psychotherapy or medications. Behavioral therapy can help you to observe your own behavior, and alter them if necessary. Cognitive behavioral therapy can improve the ability to manage your emotions and think. Psychotherapy can also help you improve your interpersonal relationships and address issues in your relationship or family.
Medication
There are a variety of drugs that can be used to treat ADHD in children and adults. The stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine work by helping boost and balance the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. They are often the first drugs prescribed to treat ADHD. These medications are available as immediate-release tablets (short-acting) or modified-release tablets which provide a consistent dose throughout the day. These medicines aren't all the same. It could take some time to locate the right dosage and medication that works for your child or.
The initial treatment plan will comprise regular clinical monitoring of symptoms and side effects. The doctor will alter the medication as required. Behavioral therapy is frequently recommended for ADHD, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy for adults. There are a variety of other therapies that can aid people suffering from ADHD including yoga and mindfulness meditation.
All medication comes with potential negative side effects, therefore it is crucial to talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have. Tell your provider all other medications you or your child take including prescriptions as well as over-the-counter. Certain drugs interact with stimulant drugs and can cause dangerous side effects.
Finding the right dose of medication and the right medication for ADHD is a process that requires time and patience. Discuss all options with your doctor and adhere to the instructions for how to take the medication. It is also crucial to inform your physician about any changes in your diet because certain foods may alter the way the medication is absorbed by your body. In addition, some young people taking stimulant medications may experience minor growth delay and an increase in heart rate or blood pressure.
Therapy
If a child, or an adult is diagnosed with ADHD, the healthcare provider will create a treatment plan for them that will include medication and therapy. They'll help you determine the appropriate dosage and will monitor the reaction of your child or yourself to the medication to ensure it is working well for you.
There are click the next page of medications available for treating ADHD. Psychostimulants, which affect neurotransmitters within the brain can boost energy and alertness and improve focus. These include amphetamines such as Adderall and methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta. They include antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor and Viloxazine. Non-stimulant medications, which don't impact neurotransmitters are prescribed for those with the inattention-deficit presentation of ADHD and include Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree (viloxazine) and Intuniv (guanfacine).
Therapy will help you learn how to manage your symptoms, and change your behavior. Your therapist will guide you to use time management techniques and devise organizational strategies. They will show you how to cope with your emotions, and assist you build relationships that are positive. They might also suggest marriage and family counseling or classes that improve communication.
Disorganization is another common symptom of ADHD and it can make it difficult to complete tasks or stay organized at home or at work. It can be difficult to keep track of appointments or deadlines, lose important paperwork and have trouble keeping your workspace clean and clean. Behavioral therapy could include a program of training to assist you in calming your mind, get better quality sleep and work on managing anxiety.
Many adults with ADD/ADHD find it difficult to get to sleep at night and are frequently woken up by a racing mind or restless sleep. They have trouble following an agenda and tend to procrastinate. This can lead to unfinished projects or tasks. 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.