ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) or ADD is a complicated disorder. It is a complex condition that has three sub-types and can present with varying symptoms. Additionally, it is confused with other mental health disorders and physical ailments.
To that end, getting an accurate ADHD assessment is crucial. Your doctor or therapist will need to complete questionnaires, conduct interviews with both you and others and look over any relevant documents.
Symptoms
A health professional 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 might also ask those who are close to the person, like teachers, parents, and friends about their relationship and how symptoms affect them.
To be able to receive a diagnosis, the person must be exhibiting symptoms in at least two settings, like at school, home and work, and they must cause problems in everyday life. Symptoms must have been present for at minimum six months. They must also have been inappropriate for the person's developmental level. The symptom must have appeared in children before the age of 12. Lastly, they can't be caused by another disorder, such as anxiety or depression.
adhd assessments near me reported sign of ADHD is inattention, meaning that the sufferer has difficulty staying on task or keeping their mind focused. They can also frequently lose things, forget appointments, and make mistakes at work or school. They may spend a lot of time snoozing or have difficulty completing tasks and often forget homework or assignments.
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 interrupt others, take snap decisions without considering the consequences, and have trouble waiting their turn.
A health care provider may also look for other ailments like depression, anxiety or sleep disorders. In the course of a physical examination, the provider will ask questions about family and personal history and will then provide the patient with several tests designed to measure their ability to pay attention and think quickly, stay organized and manage their emotions.
Diagnosis
A health professional must perform an assessment before a person is able to be diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, as it was formerly known. This could include a detailed explanation of the person's symptoms, rating scales completed by the person and their caregivers, medical background, school and work documents, and other pertinent details. A physical examination may be required for the person being examined. A medical exam is important to rule out any other conditions or diseases that may cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD including hearing issues, brain tumors, vision issues and thyroid disorders, depression and head injuries.
In certain situations, a psychiatric evaluation will be required in addition to a medical examination. In these cases the evaluator speaks with the patient, as well as other important people in the life of the patient like spouses or parents, as well as siblings for children, as well as teachers and coaches for adult on their observations and experiences of the patient. Personal insight gleaned from these conversations can help to clarify what is happening to the individual and which, if any, tests may be required to determine if the person is suffering from ADHD.
The process of seeking an assessment can be overwhelming, especially for those who are worried that they might not have ADHD and will be labeled with a condition which could harm their professional or personal relationships. It is beneficial to ask family members, friends and colleagues for recommendations for an experienced specialist with previous experience performing ADHD assessments. It is also a good idea to inquire with the person's insurance to learn which professionals are covered by their plans and to find out how much the evaluation will cost.
Treatment
Finding treatment for ADHD can help you take control over the symptoms that could be causing significant problems at work or school as well as in your relationships or in your personal life. The first step is getting a diagnosis, and the most important part of the process is locating an expert in health care who is qualified to assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor therapist for a recommendation, or contact the local chapter of a national mental health organization for a list of professionals in your area. Some insurance plans also offer an approved list of health care providers by specialty. If you are a member of an organization that supports people with ADHD, you may find many of the participants have worked with specific experts and can offer suggestions.
A medical specialist who assesses ADHD will likely require you to fill out various scales of rating that are standardized or questionnaires on the behavior you're experiencing. These ratings are basing on research that compares your behavior to those of people who do not suffer from ADHD.
If you meet the criteria for ADD If you are diagnosed with ADD, your healthcare specialist may recommend additional tests to determine other possible psychiatric or physical issues. For instance, some people with ADHD suffer from depression, sleep disorders or other mood disorders, or learning difficulties that hinder reading and writing. These conditions can cause similar symptoms to those afflicted by ADHD and it is important to identify them in order to treat them effectively.
When your symptoms are recognized, your doctor can prescribe either medication or psychotherapy. Behavioral therapy will teach you how to observe your own behavior and change it when needed. Cognitive behavioral therapy can improve the ability to manage your emotions and think. Psychotherapy can also help improve your interpersonal relationships and deal with problems in your family or marriage.
Medication
There are a variety of drugs that can be used to treat ADHD in both children and adults. Drugs like amphetamine and methylphenidate aid in balancing brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They are typically the first drugs prescribed to treat ADHD. They are available in immediate-release tablets (short-acting) or modified-release tablets that provide a consistent dose throughout the day. These medications aren't identical. It could take time to identify the right dosage and medication that is suitable for your child or you.
The initial treatment plan will consist of regular monitoring of side effects and symptoms. The doctor will alter the dosage as needed. Behavioral therapy is often recommended for ADHD, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy for adults. There are a myriad of other treatments that can benefit people with ADHD like yoga and mindfulness meditation.
Every medication has the potential for side effects, so it is important to talk to your physician about any concerns you have. Discuss with your physician all other medications you or your child take, including those prescribed and over-the counter. Certain medications interact with stimulant drugs and can cause dangerous side effects.
For many people with ADHD, finding the right dosage and medication will require time and patience. Be sure to discuss all of the options with your doctor and adhere to the directions for taking the medication. It is also crucial to inform your physician about any changes to your diet, since certain foods can interfere with the way the medication is absorption by your body. Certain young people who are who take stimulant medications might experience a minor growth delay, an increase in blood-pressure or heart rate.
Therapy
If a person of any age is diagnosed with ADHD, their healthcare provider will work with them to create an individualized treatment plan that includes therapy and medication. They will help you determine the appropriate dosage and track the reaction of your child or yourself to the medication.
There are many types of medications that can be used to treat ADHD. The most common are psychostimulants which affect brain neurotransmitters and may help boost energy, increase alertness and increase focus. Amphetamines like Adderall, and methylphenidates like Ritalin and Concerta are two examples. These include antidepressants such Wellbutrin, Effexor and Viloxazine. Non-stimulant drugs that do no impact neurotransmitters are prescribed to patients with inattentive ADHD. These include Strattera, Qelbree, and Intuniv.
Therapy will show you how to manage your symptoms and alter your behavior. Your therapist will guide you to use time management techniques and devise organizational strategies. They will teach you how to manage your emotions and help you build relationships that are positive. They may also recommend family and marriage counseling or classes to improve communication.
Disorganization is another common ADHD symptom. It can make it difficult to stay on track or complete tasks at home or work. It can be difficult to keep track of appointments or deadlines, lose important paperwork and have trouble keeping your workspace clean and neat. Behavioral therapy may include skills training to help you relax your mind, improve your sleep quality and practice coping anxiety.
Many people suffering from ADD/ADHD have trouble sleeping. it difficult to go to sleep at night and are often awakened by frantic thoughts or restless sleep. They have difficulty following an established routine and are more likely to procrastinate, resulting in being unable to finish tasks or delaying projects. Behavioral therapy can help you develop more self-control, improve your ability to prioritize tasks and reduce the amount of caffeine and nicotine you consume in your daily diet.