ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) is a complicated condition. read on has three types and can present with varying symptoms. It is also possible to confuse with physical conditions and other mental disorders.
It is therefore crucial to get an accurate ADHD diagnosis. Your doctor or therapist will have to complete questionnaires, interview you and other people, and examine any relevant documents.
Signs and symptoms
To determine ADHD, a health care professional will assess the person's current or, in adults their childhood behavior and school experiences. They will also consider the person's mental health and physical history, mood, as well as family and lifestyle issues. They may also inquire with people who are close to the person, including parents, teachers and friends about their relationship with them and how their symptoms affect them.
To be diagnosed, a person has to be exhibiting symptoms in at least two environments, including at home, work or school, and they must cause a dysfunction in their daily lives. The symptoms must have been present at least for six months. The symptoms must have been incompatible with the person's developmental level. The symptoms must have been noticed in children prior to the age of 12. They can't also be caused by other conditions, like anxiety or depression.
The most frequent sign of ADHD is inattention, which means the person is having trouble staying on task or keeping their attention on the task at hand. They can also lose things frequently or forget appointments and make mistakes in school or at work. They may spend a lot of time snoozing or have difficulty completing tasks 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 and make quick decisions without weighing the consequences, and struggle to wait for their turn.
A doctor will also be looking for signs of other conditions, such as anxiety, sleep disorders or depression. In the course of a physical examination the doctor will inquire about family and personal history and will also provide the patient with several tests designed to assess their ability to pay attention and think quickly, remain organized and manage their emotions.
Diagnosis
A health professional must perform an assessment before a patient can be diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, as it was formerly known. This could include a detailed explanation of the person's symptoms, ratings scales completed by the person and their caregivers, medical history, work and school records and other relevant details. A physical examination could be required of the person being evaluated. A medical exam is essential to rule out any conditions or diseases which may cause symptoms similar ADHD like brain tumors, vision problems hearing issues, depression, thyroid disorders and head injuries.
In certain situations the psychiatric examination may be required in addition to a medical exam. In these instances, the evaluator interviews the patient along with other important people in the patient's life like spouses, parents, and siblings for children as well as teachers and coaches for adult on their observations and experiences of the patient. These interviews can give valuable information about what's happening to the person and whether or not tests are needed to determine if they have ADHD.
It can be difficult to go through the process of seeking an assessment, particularly in the event that you are concerned that you might not have ADHD. It is also possible to worry that your relationships or career could be affected if you are diagnosed with a condition. Asking family members, friends and colleagues to recommend a professional with expertise in ADHD assessments could be beneficial. It is also advisable to check with your insurance provider to see which professionals are covered and what the test will cost.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD can help manage symptoms that cause problems at work or at school, in your relationships, or in your personal. The first step is getting an diagnosis. The most important part of this process is finding a qualified health care professional to assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor therapist for a recommendation, or contact the local chapter of a national mental health association for a list of professionals in your area. Some insurance plans provide the list of specialty health care professionals. If you're a part of an organization that supports people with ADHD you may discover that some of the members have worked with certain experts and can offer recommendations.
A health care professional who evaluates ADHD will likely ask you to fill out various scales of rating that are standardized or questionnaires regarding the behavior you're experiencing. These ratings are based on research that compares the behaviors of people who suffer from ADHD to those who don't have it.
If you meet the requirements of ADD, your doctor may recommend you to an expert for further tests in order to rule out other physical or psychiatric disorders. Certain people with ADHD may also suffer from depression, sleep disorders, or other mood disorders. They could also be suffering from learning disabilities that cause them to struggle with reading and writing. These conditions can have similar symptoms to ADHD and should be identified for treatment.
Once your symptoms have been identified, your doctor may prescribe medication or psychotherapy. Behavioral therapy can teach you to monitor your own behaviors, and change them when necessary. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help improve the ways you 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 myriad of drugs that can be used to treat ADHD in both children and adults. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are used to boost and balance the levels of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. These are usually the first drugs prescribed to treat ADHD. They are available as immediate-release pills (short-acting) or modified-release tablets that provide a consistent dose throughout the day. The effectiveness of these drugs differs for each person, so it may take some time to locate the right dosage and medication that is suitable for you or your child.
Initial treatment plans will include regular medical evaluation of side-effects and symptoms. The doctor will adjust medication if needed. ADHD is usually treated using behavioral therapy, for example cognitive-behavioral and dialectical behaviour therapy for adults. Other therapies can help those suffering from ADHD. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga.
All medication comes with potential negative side effects, therefore it is crucial to talk with your doctor regarding any concerns you might have. Inform your doctor about any other medications you or your child take such as those prescribed and over-the-counter. Certain drugs may interact with stimulant medications and can cause dangerous side effects.
Finding the right dose of medication and the right medication for ADHD will take time and patience. Be sure to discuss all of your options with your physician, and always follow the instructions for taking the medication. Inform your doctor of any changes to your diet as certain foods can interfere with the way in which the medication is absorption. Some young people taking stimulant medications may also have a slight slowing of growth, an increase in blood-pressure or heart rate.
Therapy
If a person of any age is diagnosed with ADHD, their healthcare provider will work with them to design an individual treatment plan that includes medication and therapy. They will assist you in determining the correct dosage and monitor the reaction of your child or yourself to the medication.
There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat ADHD. Psychostimulants, which act on brain neurotransmitters can increase alertness and energy as well as focus. Amphetamines, such as Adderall and methylphenidates such as Ritalin and Concerta are two examples. These include antidepressants such Wellbutrin, Effexor and Viloxazine. Non-stimulant drugs, that do not impact neurotransmitters, are prescribed for people with the inattentive presentation of ADHD and include Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree (viloxazine) and Intuniv (guanfacine).
Therapy will teach you how to manage your symptoms and change your behavior. Your therapist will help you to use time management techniques and devise organizational strategies. They will teach you how to manage your emotions and help you build relationships that are positive. They might also suggest marriage and family counseling or classes that help improve communication.
Disorganization is another common ADHD symptom. It can make it difficult to stay on track or finish tasks at home or work. It can be difficult to keep track of your appointments or deadlines, lose important documents and have difficulty maintaining your work space clean and clean. Behavioral therapy can include a program of training to help you calm your mind, get better sleep and practice coping with anxiety.
Many adults with ADD/ADHD have difficulty sleeping through the night. They are often awakened by racing thoughts or restless sleep. They struggle to follow an agenda and tend to procrastinate. This leads to incomplete projects or tasks that are not completed. Behavioral therapy can help you learn to improve your self-control and increase your ability to prioritize and reduce the amount of nicotine and caffeine in your diet.