What is an ADHD Assessment?
If you or your child has symptoms of ADHD your doctor will want to talk to you. The doctor may inquire about your family health history and your family history. The person will also ask about your child's education. They will also talk to your child's teachers, coaches, scouts, and religious leaders, and other people who know them well.
Symptoms
If you or someone you know thinks they have ADHD the first step in getting an assessment is to locate a health care professional who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Your family doctor should refer you to someone who is an expert in children's mental healthcare. The person evaluating you will begin by asking about your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. They might also ask questions regarding your health or work schedule, as well as school and social life. The examiner will want examine any documents you have, such as performance evaluations from your work or school and old report cards.
A complete assessment of ADHD will also include interviews with the person's family members, teachers, and other adults who interact with them. The examiner will employ a variety of ratings scales and questionnaires to assess the person's ADHD as well as standardized testing used in school evaluations. They will also ask you to provide examples of how you act in various situations. They will consider your behavior in relation to the DSM V criteria for ADHD -- inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
The examiner will determine whether the ADHD interferes with the person's daily activities. They will also consider whether their symptoms are significantly more severe than expected for their age or developmental level. They will assess the symptoms of a particular person to those of other people in similar situations. For instance, they will compare their classmates at school or on an athletic 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. The symptoms must also have led to significant impairments in at least two areas of their lives. This will typically mean that children have problems with schoolwork, as well as their relationships with parents or siblings. Adults could lose their job in the event that they struggle to pay attention or keeping track of expenses and paperwork.
The evaluator may also speak to those who are familiar with the person, for example, family members and friends or religious or scout leaders. They will want to know how the person behaves in various situations, such as at home, as well as other places outside of work or school.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have a minimum of 6 traits (symptoms) that started before the age of 12. Additionally, you must be experiencing these symptoms continuously for at minimum six months. The symptoms should affect your ability to perform at home, school, or at work. The symptoms can't be caused by a mental health issue. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. You can print out quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines or download a letter of support from ADHD UK that you can present to your GP.
Your specialist will talk with you about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also ask you about your family education, social and academic background. They might request your old school records as well as interview teachers or other people who were with you as a child. The examiner may attempt to rule out other explanations for your symptoms and recommend that you undergo neuropsychological testing or diagnostic tests.
A thorough examination could take several hours. Adults may have to attend more than one visit to their physician to complete the procedure. The evaluator will go over the results with you and may suggest treatment options that could be beneficial.
You might have either the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD. The symptoms of the type that is inattentive include difficulties staying focused and paying attention or forgetfulness, as well as poor ability to organize. 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 symptoms affect their lives and relationships. This can result in divorce or separation as well as financial issues and problems with parenting. During the assessment, a psychologist may talk with the ADHD person as well as their spouse or partner to learn how their problems impact the relationship. You might be asked to complete checklists describing your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric examination for ADHD usually involves an interview with both the person being assessed and their caregivers, the completion of questionnaires and rating scales comparing behaviors of people with ADHD against the behaviors of people who are not affected, as well as standardized testing. In the case of children, the evaluator might also look at their reports and ask teachers to complete questionnaires.
People suffering from ADHD symptoms must be prepared to explain how their symptoms impact their work, social and personal life. They should expect to be asked questions like how often they interrupt others or lose things, and how often they fail to follow through on tasks. The person evaluating them will want to know if these symptoms have always been there or if they began in the early years of childhood (technically prior to age 12).
A person must experience significant problems in two or more of the following areas to be diagnosed with ADHD such as school and work life, family relationships, or social interactions. This condition can be demonstrated by being fired from a job, completing a course, or not paying your bills on time. Mild ADHD symptoms can cause problems, but not major disruptions.
There are a myriad of things that can cause similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD such as physical ailments and stress. A health care professional or mental health professional will assess the person's mood, their medical history, and other factors to rule out these possibilities.
Behavioral therapy is one of the most commonly used treatments for ADHD. It helps people develop more effective coping skills and understand how to manage their symptoms. It can include cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches people how to transform negative thinking into positive thoughts. It can also aid in reducing the effects of any underlying conditions or mental health issues like depression and substance misuse.
Therapy for couples or marriage can be helpful for people with ADHD. It can help them understand their partner's viewpoint and improve communication. adhd assessment cost uk can also help the person they love to learn to help them and deal with the difficulties of living with someone who suffers from ADHD.
Medication
ADHD is characterised by hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature. The use of medication can help reduce these symptoms. They are often prescribed in combination with therapy and skills-training which can reduce symptoms and help people perform better at school, work, home or in their leisure activities. It is not a cure-all and patients need to consult with their doctor in order to understand the best way to manage their ADHD symptoms. It may take a few tries to find the right dosage of medication and dosage but it is crucial to remember that there are a variety of options.
An experienced specialist will interview the child, parent, or adult about their experiences with ADHD and pay particular attention to the behaviors that happen in a variety of environments, such as at school and at home. They will also review the person's academic and occupational background and ask questions about their life as a family. They may request old report cards or performance assessments and may also want to contact the person's school.
Keep in mind that for someone to be considered to have ADHD their symptoms must have started in the earliest years of their life (technically before the age of 12). While an expert will discuss the current symptoms during a diagnostic assessment they may need to speak to others who knew the patient as an infant, and interview their parents or teachers.
ADHD medications typically contain stimulants that appear to regulate and increase levels of brain chemicals called Neurotransmitters. They are available in different forms like liquids, tablets, and patches. Stimulants may cause adverse effects, such as sleep disturbance, agitation and loss of appetite. However, they are generally safe when following the prescriptions of a doctor. Nonstimulants, which include atomoxetine and certain antidepressants, are also used to treat ADHD. They generally work slower and have less side negative effects, but they are not recommended for all people.
A combination of medication, therapy, and behavior changes are most effective in treating ADHD symptoms. It's not unusual for adults and children to take multiple medications and change them as their needs change or they experience significant changes in their lives.