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ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) is a multifaceted condition. It is a complex condition that has three sub-types and can present with varying symptoms. It can also be confused with physical ailments and other mental disorders.
It is therefore crucial to obtain an accurate ADHD diagnosis. Your therapist or doctor will need to complete questionnaires, interview you and other people, and review any pertinent documents.
Signs and symptoms
A health care provider will look at the person's behavior, or for adults their school and childhood experiences. They will also take into account the person's mental health, physical background, mood, family and lifestyle issues. They may interview people who know the person, like parents, friends and teachers, to gather details about their relationship with the person as well as how their symptoms impact their daily lives.
To be eligible for an assessment, a person must be exhibiting symptoms in two or more situations, such as at school, home and work, and they must cause disruption in daily life. The symptoms must have been present for at minimum for six months. They also must have been not appropriate for the person's development level. For kids, the symptom must have been present prior to age 12. They shouldn't be triggered by other conditions, like depression or anxiety.
Inattention is the most frequent indication that a person has difficulty staying focused or focused. They might also lose things often, forget appointments, and make careless errors at school or work. They may spend a lot of time 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 disrupt others and make quick decisions without thinking about consequences, and struggle to wait for their turn.
A doctor may also check for other conditions like depression, anxiety, or sleep disorders. In addition to a physical exam the doctor will ask questions about family and personal history and will also give the person several tests designed to measure their ability to pay attention, think quickly, stay focused and control their emotions.
Diagnosis
A healthcare professional must conduct an assessment before a person is able to be diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, as it was previously called. This will include a detailed description of the scale and a rating both by the person as well as caregivers. It could also include medical history of the family, records of school and work, and other relevant details. A physical examination could be required of the person who is being assessed. A medical exam is required to rule out illnesses or diseases which may cause symptoms similar ADHD like brain tumors, vision problems, hearing issues as well as thyroid disorders, depression and head injuries.
In certain instances the psychiatric examination may be required in addition to a medical exam. In these situations the evaluator speaks with the patient, along with other important people in the life of the patient, such a spouse, parents, and siblings for children, as well as teachers and coaches for adult on their observations and experiences with the person. These interviews can provide valuable information about what's happening with the person, and whether or not tests are required to determine if they have ADHD.
The process of seeking an assessment can feel overwhelming, especially for those who are worried that they might not have ADHD and be branded with a condition which could harm their career or personal relationships. It is beneficial to ask your family, friends and colleagues for recommendations on an experienced specialist with experience in performing ADHD assessments. It is recommended to inquire with the person's insurance to learn which professionals are covered under their plans and to find out what the assessment will cost.
Treatment
Finding treatment for ADHD can help you take control over the symptoms that could cause significant issues at school or work, in your relationships or in your private life. The first step is to get an diagnosis. The most important aspect of this process is finding a qualified health care professional to assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor or therapist for an appointment, or you can contact your local chapter of an organization for mental health that is nationwide to get a list of professionals near you. Certain insurance plans offer an alphabetical list of health professionals. If you're a part of an organization that supports people with ADHD, you may find many of the members have worked with particular experts and can offer suggestions.
A health care specialist who assesses ADHD will likely require you to fill out several scales of ratings that are standardized or questionnaires regarding the behavior you are experiencing. These ratings are based upon research that compared the behaviors of people suffering from ADHD with those who do not suffer from it.
If you meet the requirements of ADD, your doctor may refer you to a specialist for further testing to rule out any other possible mental or physical disorders. Certain people with ADHD may also suffer from sleep disorders, depression, or other mood disorders. They might also suffer from learning disabilities that cause them to have difficulties writing and reading. These conditions can exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD and should be identified to be treated effectively.
When your symptoms are diagnosed, your doctor will prescribe either psychotherapy or medication. Behavioral therapy will teach you to be aware of your behavior and modify them when needed. Cognitive behavioral therapy can improve your thinking and manage your emotions. Psychotherapy can also help improve interpersonal relationships and resolve issues in your marriage or family.
Medication
There are a myriad of medications that can be utilized to treat ADHD in adults and children. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine aid in balancing brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They are often the first drugs prescribed to treat ADHD. These medications are available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that provide an even dose throughout the day. The effectiveness of these medications differs for each person so it could take some time to locate the right dosage and medication that works for you or your child.
The initial treatment plan will comprise regular clinical monitoring of symptoms and side effects. The doctor will alter the dosage as needed. Behavioral therapy is also often recommended for ADHD which includes cognitive-behavioral therapies and dialectical behavior therapy for adults. There are a myriad of other treatments that can benefit people suffering from ADHD including mindfulness meditation and yoga.
All medication comes with potential side effects, so it is important to talk to your doctor regarding any concerns you might have. Tell your provider all other medications that you or your child take, including those prescribed and over-the counter. Certain medications interact with stimulant drugs and can cause dangerous side effects.
Finding the right medication dose and medication for ADHD can take time and patience. Be sure to discuss all the options with your doctor and adhere to the directions for taking the medication. Inform your doctor of any modifications to your diet, as certain foods can affect the way in which the medication is absorption. Additionally, young people taking stimulant medications may have a slight delay in growth and an increase in blood pressure or heart rate.
Therapy
If you have a child or adult, is diagnosed with ADHD and a healthcare professional is consulted, they will develop a treatment plan for them that will include medication and therapy. They'll assist you in finding the right dosage and track your or your child's reaction to the medication to make sure that it's working for you.
There are many types of medications that can be used to treat ADHD. Psychostimulants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain, can help increase alertness and energy and also improve focus. These include amphetamines such as Adderall and methylphenidates like Ritalin and Concerta. They also include antidepressants such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Non-stimulant drugs, which do not impact neurotransmitters, are prescribed for those with the inattentive 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 help you to use time management skills and develop organizational strategies. They will help you learn to cope with your emotions, and help you develop positive relationships. They may also recommend family and marriage counseling or classes to improve communication.
Disorganization can be another common ADHD symptoms. It can make it difficult to stay on track or complete tasks at home or work. psych assessment for adhd can be difficult to remember appointments or deadlines. You might also lose important paperwork and have trouble keeping your workspace neat and tidy. Behavioral therapy may include skills training to help you relax your mind, improve your sleep quality and learn to cope with anxiety.
Many adults with ADD/ADHD have trouble sleeping through the night. They are often awakened by racing thoughts or unrestful sleep. They have trouble following a schedule and tend to procrastinate. This results in unfinished projects or tasks that are not completed. Behavioral therapy helps you build more self-control, improve your ability of prioritizing and reduce the amount of caffeine and nicotine in your daily diet.