What is an ADHD Assessment?
If you or your child has symptoms of ADHD your doctor will want to speak with you. psychiatrist adhd assessment or she might ask questions about your family and health history. He or she might also inquire about the education of your child. He or she may speak to teachers, religious and scout leaders, coaches, and others who know your child.
Signs and symptoms
If you or someone you know suspects they might have ADHD, the first step in getting an evaluation is to find an expert in health care who has experience diagnosing ADHD. Look for someone who specializes in the field of mental health for children, or ask your family physician for a referral. The person evaluating you will start by asking about your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. They may also ask questions about your health as well as your work, school, and social life. The examiner might ask you to see your old reports, performance evaluations at work or school, and other documents.
A thorough evaluation of ADHD will also include interviews with the person's family members, teachers, and other adults who interact with them. The examiner will use various instruments and rating systems to evaluate the person's ADHD and will also use standard tests used in school evaluations. You will be asked to provide examples of your behavior in different situations. They will consider your behavior in relation to the DSM V criteria for ADHD -- hyperactivity, inattention and inattention, hyperactivity and.
The evaluator will also check whether the person's ADHD affects their daily functioning. They will also assess whether the symptoms are more severe than what is expected for their age and development level. They will assess the symptoms of a particular person to those of others in similar situations. For example, their classmates at school or in a 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. In addition, the signs must have caused significant impairment in at least two important settings in their life. For children, this can typically mean issues with their school work as well as their relationships with parents and siblings. For adults, it may be a loss of a job as a result of a lack of attention and having trouble keeping the track of bills or paperwork.
The evaluator will also speak to other people who know the person well such as relatives, friends as well as religious or scout leaders. They will be looking to find out what the person's behavior is in different situations, including at home and in other settings other than school or work.
Diagnosis
You must be able to show at least six traits (symptoms), which began before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six consecutive months. The symptoms should also be impeding your ability to function well at school, work, and/or home. The symptoms can't be caused by another mental health condition. Your doctor may recommend you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. You can download a supportive letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP or print out quotes from NICE 87's guideline to describe the reasons you should undergo an assessment.
Your doctor will talk to you about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also inquire about your family history and social background as well as your educational and work history. They may ask for your school records from the past and interview teachers or other people who knew you as a child. The evaluator will rule out other possible explanations for your symptoms and may recommend that you undergo neuropsychological tests or other diagnostic tests.
A thorough assessment can take several hours. Some adults need more than one visit with their specialist to complete the procedure. The evaluator may discuss the results and suggest possible treatments with you.
You might have either the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD. The ADHD that is inattentive is characterized by difficulty paying attention and remaining focused and also by forgetfulness and/or a lack in organizational 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.
Many adults suffering from ADHD are unable to comprehend how their condition affects their lives and relationships. This can result in divorce or separation or financial problems, as well as issues with parenting. During the examination, the clinician may talk with both the person suffering from ADHD and their spouse or partner to understand how their issues impact the relationship. They may ask both of you fill out checklists that list your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric assessment for ADHD typically includes an interview with the person being assessed and their caregivers, the completion of questionnaires or rating scales that compare behavior of people suffering from ADHD to those of people who don't have it, and standardized tests. The evaluator will also request teachers to complete questionnaires and review the report cards of the child.
People suffering from ADHD symptoms should be prepared to explain how their ADHD symptoms affect their work, social and family life. Expect to be asked about how often you interrupt others, if you get lost things easily, and if you don't finish tasks. The person evaluating them will want to know whether these symptoms have always been there, or if they started in the early years of childhood (technically prior to age 12).
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must have significant issues in at least two of the following areas: work and family life, school, or social relationships. Examples of this disorder include being fired from a job, not passing an exam or not paying the bills on time. Mild ADHD symptoms can lead to some issues, but not serious disruptions.
There are many factors that can trigger similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD such as physical ailments and stress. A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate the person's mood, medical history and other factors to rule out the possibility of these conditions.
Behavioral therapy is among the most commonly used treatments for ADHD. It assists patients in developing more effective coping skills and understand how to manage their symptoms. It may include cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches people to transform negative thoughts into positive ones. It can also help reduce the negative effects of any underlying illness or mental health issues, such as depression and substance misuse.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from marital or couple therapy. It can help them understand the perspective of their partner and improve their communication. It can also assist their partner to learn to help them and manage the challenges of living with someone who has ADHD.
Medication
The use of medication can aid in reducing the hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity that are the hallmarks of ADHD. They are usually prescribed in conjunction with therapy and skill training that can help improve symptoms and help people perform better at school, home, work or in their activities. It is not a cure-all and patients must work with their doctor to determine the best method to manage their ADHD symptoms. It could take a few tries to determine the most effective dosage of medication and dosage. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that there are a variety of choices.
A specialist will talk to a child, parent or an adult to find out about their experiences with ADHD. They will pay particular attention to the behaviors that occur in different settings, including at school and home. They will also ask about the person's family history and their academic and work background. They will ask for old report cards or performance assessments and may also contact the person's school.
It is important to keep in mind that to be diagnosed with ADHD, the person's symptoms must have started in the early years of childhood (technically before the age of 12). Although an expert will only discuss the present symptoms during a diagnostic assessment they may have to talk to people who knew the person as an infant, and interview their teachers or parents.
Medication to treat ADHD typically includes stimulants, which appear to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These drugs are available in a variety of forms that include liquids, tablets and patches. They can trigger side effects such as insomnia or agitation, as well as a loss of appetite, but generally considered safe when prescribed by a physician. Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine or certain antidepressants are also prescribed for ADHD. They are generally slower acting and have less adverse effects, however not everyone should be taking them.
A combination of medication therapy, therapy, as well as behavior changes is the most effective way of treating ADHD symptoms. It is not uncommon for adults and children to take various medications and alter them over time as their needs change or when they experience significant life changes.