What is an ADHD Assessment?
If you or your child have symptoms of ADHD your doctor will want to speak with you. He or she may ask questions about family and health background. They may also inquire about your child's school life. They might meet with teachers or scout and religious leaders as well as coaches and other people who know your child.
Symptoms
Find a doctor who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD If you or someone you know thinks they might be suffering from it. Ask your family doctor to refer you to a doctor who is an expert in the field of children's mental health. The person doing the evaluation will begin by speaking to you about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They might also inquire about your school, work, and social life. The examiner might ask you to see your old reports and performance evaluations at school or at work, as well as other documents.
Interviews with teachers, family members and other adults will form part of a comprehensive evaluation. The examiner will utilize a variety of questionnaires and rating systems to evaluate the person's ADHD and will also use standard tests used in school evaluations. They will also require you to give examples of how you act in various situations. They will then compare your behavior to the DSM V ADHD criteria -- inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
The evaluator will also check whether the person's ADHD interferes with their everyday functioning. They will consider whether their symptoms are significantly more severe than is normal for their age or development. They will evaluate the individual's issues to the experiences of others in similar situations, for example their peers in school or on 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. The symptoms must also have caused significant impairments in at least two areas of their lives. For children, this can typically result in problems with their schoolwork and relationships with parents and siblings. For adults, it could mean losing a job because of inattention issues and trouble keeping track of paperwork or bills.
The evaluator may also talk to other people who know the person well, such as relatives and friends, as well as Scout leaders or religious groups. They will want to know about the behavior of the person in various situations and also how they behave at home and in other settings outside of work or school.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to have at least 6 characteristics (symptoms) that started before the age of 12. These symptoms must also be present for at minimum six consecutive months. The symptoms must also become impeding your ability to function well at work, school, and/or home. The symptoms cannot be caused by any other mental disorder. Your doctor may refer you an expert to conduct an assessment. You can download a help letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP or print the quotes from NICE 87's guideline to explain why you should have an assessment.
Your specialist will talk with you about your issues and how they impact your life. They will also inquire about your family and social history as well as your educational and work history. They may ask for your old school records as well as interview teachers and other people who knew you as a kid. The evaluator may try to rule out other possible explanations of your symptoms and recommend that you undergo neuropsychological testing or diagnostic tests.
A thorough assessment could take several hours. Some adults require more than one appointment with their specialist to complete the procedure. The evaluator will discuss the results and suggest possible treatments with you.
You might have either the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD. Symptoms of the type that is inattentive include difficulties staying focused and paying attention, forgetfulness and/or 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 conditions affect their lives and relationships. This can lead to divorce or separation as well as financial issues and problems with parenting. During how much is an adhd assessment may speak with both the person suffering from ADHD and their spouse or partner to get a better understanding of how their symptoms impact the relationship. You might be asked to fill in checklists that describe your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric examination for ADHD typically involves an interview with both the individual being evaluated and his or her caregivers, the completion of questionnaires and rating scales which compare the behaviors of those with ADHD against those of people without it and standardized testing. The evaluator might also ask teachers to fill out questionnaires and review the report cards of the child.
People suffering from ADHD symptoms should be prepared to discuss how their ADHD symptoms affect their work, social, and home life. They should be prepared to be asked questions about how often they interrupt others, how easily they lose things, and how often they don't follow through on tasks. The examiner wants to determine if these signs were present throughout their entire lives or if they began in childhood (technically, before the age of 12).
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must be experiencing significant difficulties in at least two of the following areas: work and school, family life or social relationships. Examples of this impairment include being fired from a job, failing in a class, or not paying bills on time. Mild ADHD symptoms can lead to some problems, but not major disruptions.
Stress and physical conditions can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. A health care professional or mental health professional will examine the person's mood, their medical background and other factors to rule out these possibilities.
Behavioral therapy is a common treatment for ADHD. It assists people in learning how to better manage their symptoms and develop more effective coping skills. It may include cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches people how 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 addiction to drugs.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from couples or marital therapy. It can help them better understand their partner and improve their communication. It can help their partner learn how to help and cope with someone with ADHD.
Medication
Medications can help with the inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that are 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, at home at work, at home or in their leisure activities. Medication is not a panacea and patients should consult with their doctor to determine the best method to manage their ADHD symptoms. It could take a few times to find the ideal dosage and combination of medications, but it is important to keep in mind that there are a myriad of alternatives.
An experienced specialist will speak with the child, parent or adult about their experiences with ADHD with particular focus on the behavior that occurs in various settings, such as at school and at home. They will also ask about the person's family history as well as their academic and occupational background. They will request old report cards or performance assessments and may also want to talk to the person's teacher.
Keep in mind that for someone to be considered to have ADHD their symptoms must have started in the early years of childhood (technically before the age of 12). While an expert will discuss the current symptoms during an assessment of diagnosis, they may need to speak to others who knew the individual as an infant, and interview their teachers or parents.
The treatment for ADHD typically includes stimulants, which are believed to increase and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They are available in a variety of forms, including liquids, tablets and patches. Stimulants can cause side effects such as insomnia, agitation, and a loss of appetite, however they generally considered safe when taken as directed by a physician. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine and other antidepressants are also used to treat ADHD. They tend to be slower-working and have less adverse effects, however they aren't recommended for everyone.
The most effective treatment for ADHD symptoms is a combination of medications treatment, behavior therapy, and behavioral changes. Adults and children can try several medications and change them depending on their needs or the circumstances change.