What is an ADHD Assessment?
If you or your child exhibit symptoms of ADHD your doctor is likely to want to talk with you. The doctor may inquire about your family health history and your family history. cheap adhd assessment uk or she might also inquire about the education of your child. He or she will talk to your child's teachers, coaches, scouts, and religious leaders, and other people who are familiar with them.
Symptoms
Find a doctor who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD if you or someone you know thinks they might be suffering from it. Look for someone who specializes in children's mental health or ask your family physician for a referral. The person who examines you will begin by asking about your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. They may also ask questions regarding your health as well as your work, school, and social life. The examiner will want to look over any records you may have, including performance evaluations from work or school, as well as old report cards.
Interviews with teachers, family members as well as other adults will be a part of a comprehensive evaluation. The examiner will utilize a variety of instruments and rating systems to evaluate the person's ADHD and will also use standard tests used in school evaluations. They will also ask you to give examples of how you behave in various situations. They will also compare your behavior to DSM V ADHD criteria -- inattention, hyperactivity, and the tendency to be impulsive.
The evaluator will determine whether the ADHD affects the person's daily functioning. They will also consider whether the symptoms are more severe than is normal for their age or developmental level. They will evaluate the individual's issues with the experiences of others in similar situations, such as their peers at school or on a sports 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. Additionally, the symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at least two major settings in their life. For children, this will typically result in problems with their school work and relationships with parents and siblings. For adults, it could be a loss of a job as a result of difficulty paying attention and having trouble keeping records of bills or paperwork.
The evaluator could also talk to those who are familiar with the person, such as family members and friends or scout or religious leaders. They will want to know about how the person acts in various situations as well as how they behave at home and in other settings other than work or school.
Diagnosis
You must have at least six traits (symptoms), which began before the age of 12. You must also be suffering from these symptoms ongoingly for at minimum six months. The symptoms must also become hindering you from functioning effectively at work, school, and/or home. The symptoms aren't caused by a mental health condition. Your doctor can recommend you to an expert for an assessment. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP or print out quotes from the NICE 87 guideline that 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 ask about your family history and social background as well as your education and work history. They may ask for your school records from the past and interview teachers or other individuals who knew you as a child. The evaluator might try to rule out any other possible explanations of your symptoms and suggest you undergo neuropsychological tests or diagnostic tests.
A thorough examination can take several hours. Certain adults require more than one visit with their physician to complete the process. The evaluator will discuss the results with you, and may suggest treatments that may help.
You might have either the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD. The ADHD that is inattentive is defined by a lack of attention and remaining focused and also by forgetfulness or a lack of 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.
A few adults with ADHD are unable to understand how their symptoms affect their lives and relationships. This can cause financial difficulties, strained or broken marriages, and parenting problems. During the assessment the doctor may have a conversation with both the individual with ADHD and their spouse or partner to understand how their symptoms affect the relationship. You may be asked to fill in checklists that describe your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric assessment for ADHD usually involves an interview with both the person being evaluated and the caregivers for them, the completion of rating scales and questionnaires that compare the behavior of people suffering from ADHD with the behaviors of people who are not affected and standardized testing. In the case of children, the examiner may also look at their report cards and ask for teachers to fill out questionnaires.
Those who have symptoms of ADHD should be prepared to discuss how their issues affect their work at home, social, and personal life. Expect to be asked questions about how often you interrupt others, if you lose things easily, or if you don't finish tasks. The examiner wants to determine if these signs were present throughout their entire lives or if they started in the early years of childhood (technically, before the age of 12).
A person must have significant issues in two or more of the following areas to be diagnosed with ADHD such as school and work life, family relationships, or social interactions. Examples of this are being fired from a job, failing a class, or not paying bills on time. People with mild ADHD symptoms may still experience difficulties in certain areas, but they do not have major issues.
Stress and physical ailments can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate the person's mood, their medical background and other factors to rule out the possibility of these conditions.
Behavioral therapy is a standard treatment for ADHD. It assists people in developing more effective coping skills and understand how to manage their symptoms. It may include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps people learn how to transform negative thoughts into positive thoughts. It can also help reduce the effects of chronic conditions and mental health issues, such as substance abuse or depression.
Adults suffering from ADHD may also benefit from marital or couples therapy. It can help them understand their partner and improve their communication. It can also help their partner understand how to support them and cope with the difficulties of living with someone who has ADHD.
Medication
Medications can help with the hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity that are the hallmarks of ADHD. They are often prescribed along with skill training and therapy that can help improve symptoms and allow people to function better at school, home at work or in their activities. But, it isn't a cure and people must still work with their doctor to learn how to manage their ADHD symptoms. It could take a few tries to find the ideal dosage of medication and dosage. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that there are many alternatives.
A specialist will interview a child, parent or an adult to find out about their experiences with ADHD. They will pay special attention to behaviors that happen in different settings, including at home and in school. They will also ask about the person's family background and their academic and occupational background. They may request old reports or performance evaluations and may also contact the person's school.
Remember that for a person to be diagnosed with ADHD their symptoms must have been evident since the early years of childhood (technically before the age of 12). Although an expert may only discuss the current symptoms during a diagnostic assessment they may require a conversation with others who knew the patient as a child, and even interview their parents or teachers.
ADHD medication typically contains stimulants that appear to regulate and increase levels of brain chemicals referred to as Neurotransmitters. These drugs are available in a variety of forms, including tablets, liquids and patches. They can trigger side effects such as difficulty sleeping, agitation and loss of appetite. However they are generally safe if used according to the doctor's prescription. Non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine or certain antidepressants can also be used for ADHD. They generally work slower and have less adverse effects, however they are not recommended for everyone.
The most effective treatment for ADHD symptoms is a combination of medications treatment, behavior therapy, and behavioral changes. Children and adults may test a variety of medications and then alter them depending on their needs or the circumstances change.