What is an ADHD Assessment?
If you or your child have symptoms of ADHD, your doctor is likely to want to talk with you. They may ask questions about your family and health history. You might also inquire about the education of your child. He or she will speak to your child's teachers, coaches, scouts, and religious leaders, as well as other people that know them well.
Symptoms
If you or someone you know suspects they may have ADHD, the first step in getting an evaluation is to find an expert in the field who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD. Look for someone who specializes in children's mental health or ask your family physician for a referral. The person who will conduct the assessment will begin by speaking to you about your concerns and how they affect your life. They may also ask you questions regarding your health or work schedule, as well as school and social life. The examiner will want to look over any records you may have, including performance evaluations from your job or school, as well as old report cards.
A full assessment of ADHD will also include interviews with family members of the person as well as teachers, and other adults who interact with them. The examiner will use different questions and rating scales to evaluate the person for ADHD and standardized tests used in school evaluations. They will also require you to give examples of how you behave in different situations. They will compare your behavior with the DSM V ADHD criteria -- inattention, hyperactivity, and the tendency to be impulsive.
The evaluator will check if the ADHD interferes with the person's daily functioning. They will consider whether their symptoms are significantly more severe than what is expected for their age or developmental level. They will compare the person's problems to similar issues of other people in similar situations, such as 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 have caused significant impairments in at least two aspects of their lives. For children, this could typically mean issues with their schoolwork and relationships with parents and siblings. For adults, it could be a loss of a job as a result of a lack of attention and trouble keeping records of bills or paperwork.
The evaluator will also speak to other people who know the person well like relatives, friends, as well as religious or scout leaders. They will want to hear about the behavior of the person in various settings, as well as how they behave at home and at other places outside of work or school.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to have a minimum of 6 traits (symptoms) that started prior to the age of 12. Additionally, you must be experiencing these symptoms continuously for at least six months. The symptoms must also interfere with your ability to function at home, school, or work. how to get an adhd assessment uk can not be caused by any other mental disorder. Your GP can recommend you to an expert to conduct an assessment. You can print quotes from NICE 87 guidelines or download a letter of support from ADHD UK that you can send to your GP.
Your specialist will talk with you about your health issues and how they affect your life. They will also ask about your family history and social background, and your educational and work history. They might request your school records from your past, and they might be interested in interviewing teachers or other people who have known you since you were a child. The evaluator might try to rule out any other possible explanations for your symptoms and suggest that you undergo neuropsychological tests or diagnostic tests.
A thorough assessment can take several hours. Some adults may need to make more than one visit to their physician to complete the process. The evaluation specialist may discuss the results and suggest possible treatments with you.
You might have either the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD. The signs of the inattentive type include trouble staying focused and attentive and forgetfulness as well as poor organization 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.
Certain adults with ADHD are unable to comprehend how their conditions affect their lives and relationships. This can result in divorce or separation as well as financial issues and problems with parenting. During the assessment the doctor may have a conversation with both the individual with ADHD and their partner or spouse to gain an understanding of how their symptoms affect the relationship. They may ask both of you complete checklists of your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric evaluation for ADHD usually involves an interview with the person being evaluated and their caregivers, the completion of questionnaires or rating scales that measure the behavior of people suffering from ADHD to the behavior of those who don't have it, and standardized testing. The evaluator may also ask teachers to complete questionnaires and look at the reports of the child.
Those with ADHD symptoms should be prepared to explain how their ADHD symptoms affect their work, social, and home life. Expect to be asked about how often you interrupt others, if you lose things easily, or if you don't finish tasks. The person evaluating them will want to know if these symptoms were present from the beginning or if they first started in the early years of childhood (technically prior to age 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 are getting fired from a job, not passing in a class or not making payments on time. Mild ADHD symptoms can lead to some problems, but not major disruptions.
Stress and physical conditions can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. A mental health professional or health care provider will examine the person's mood, medical background and other factors in order to rule out these causes.
Behavioral therapy is one of the most commonly used treatments for ADHD. It assists people in developing better coping skills and learn how to manage their symptoms. It may include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps people learn how to change negative thinking into positive thoughts. It can also reduce the effects of chronic conditions and mental health issues, such as substance abuse or depression.
Marital or couples therapy can be beneficial for people with ADHD. It can help them understand their partner and improve their communication. It can also assist their partner to learn how to support them and manage the challenges of living with someone with ADHD.
Medication
ADHD is characterized by hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Certain medications can help reduce these symptoms. These medications are usually prescribed in conjunction with therapy and training that can help reduce symptoms and allow people to function better at school, work, home or in their leisure activities. However, medications are not a cure and people must still work with their doctor to understand how to manage their ADHD symptoms. It may take a few tries to determine the best dosage of medication and dosage but it is crucial to keep in mind that there are a myriad of options.
A specialist will talk to a parent, child or adult to learn about their experiences with ADHD. They will pay special attention to behaviors that happen in various settings, such as at school and home. They will also inquire about the family history of the person and their academic and occupational background. They will ask for old reports or performance evaluations and may also speak with the person's teacher.
It is important to remember that to be diagnosed with ADHD, the person's symptoms must have begun in the earliest years of their life (technically prior to age 12). Although an expert may only talk about the current symptoms in a diagnostic assessment they may have to talk to people who knew the person as when they were children, and interview their parents or teachers.
ADHD medications typically contain stimulants that are believed to balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as Neurotransmitters. These drugs are available in a variety of forms, including tablets, liquids and patches. They can trigger side effects such as insomnia or agitation as well as loss of appetite, but are generally considered safe when prescribed by a physician. Non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine or certain antidepressants are also used to treat ADHD. They tend to be slower-acting and have fewer adverse effects, however not everyone should be taking them.
A combination of medication, therapy, and behavior changes is the most effective way of treating ADHD symptoms. It is not uncommon for children and adults to test different medications and then alter them over time as their needs change or when they experience significant life changes.