What is an ADHD Assessment?
If you or your child exhibit symptoms of ADHD your doctor will want to talk to you. He or she may ask questions about your family and health background. He or she might also inquire about the schooling of your child. He or she will talk 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 thinks they might have ADHD, the first step in obtaining an assessment is to locate an expert in the field who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Ask your family doctor to recommend you to a specialist who is an expert in children's mental healthcare. The person evaluating you will ask about your symptoms and their impact on your life. They may also ask questions regarding your health, work, school and social life. The examiner could ask you to see old report cards, performance evaluations at school or at work, as well as other documents.
A thorough 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 employ a variety of questionnaires and rating scales to assess the person's ADHD and standardized tests used in school evaluations. You will be asked to provide examples of how you behave in different situations. They will also compare your behavior to the DSM V ADHD criteria -- inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
The evaluator will determine whether the ADHD interferes with the person's daily functioning. They will also assess whether the symptoms are more severe than what is expected for their age and developmental level. They will evaluate the individual's issues to similar issues of other people in similar situations, such as their peers at 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. In addition, the symptoms must have led to significant impairment in at least two significant environments in their life. This could mean that children struggle 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 could also talk to those who are familiar with the individual, such as family members and friends, or scout or religious leaders. They will want to know how the person behaves in various situations, including at home and other places beyond school or work.
Diagnosis
You must show at least six traits (symptoms), which began before 12 years of age. Additionally, you must be experiencing these symptoms ongoingly for at minimum six months. The symptoms must also interfere with your ability to perform at home, school, or work. The symptoms cannot be caused by another mental health issue. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist for an assessment. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP or print the quotes from the NICE 87 guideline that explain why you should have an assessment.
Your specialist will discuss your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. They will also ask about your family history and social background, and your educational and work history. They might request your old school records as well as interview teachers or other individuals who knew you as a child. I Am Psychiatry might try to rule out any other possible explanations of your symptoms and suggest you undergo neuropsychological testing or diagnostic tests.
A thorough examination can take several hours. Certain adults may need to attend more than one visit with their doctor to complete the evaluation. The evaluator will go over the results with you, and may suggest treatment options that may help.
You might have either the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD. The signs of the inattentive type are difficulty staying focused and paying attention, forgetfulness and/or poor 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.
Many adults suffering from ADHD have difficulty understanding how their conditions affect their lives and relationships. This can lead to financial issues and broken or strained relationships, and parental issues. During the evaluation the clinician will talk with the ADHD person as well as their spouse or partner to understand how their symptoms impact the relationship. They might have both of you fill out checklists that list your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric examination for ADHD usually involves an interview with both the person being evaluated and their caregivers and the submission of rating scales and questionnaires which compare the behaviors of those with ADHD against those of people without it, as well as standardized testing. For children, the evaluator might take a look at their school reports and ask for teachers to complete questionnaires.
People suffering from ADHD symptoms should be prepared to discuss how their symptoms impact their social, work, and home 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 would like to determine if these signs were present throughout their entire lives or if they began in childhood (technically before the age of 12).
A person has to have significant difficulties in two or more of the following areas to be diagnosed with ADHD: work and school family relationships, life, or social interactions. This can be proven through being fired from a job, completing an educational course, or not paying your bills on time. Mild ADHD symptoms can cause issues, but they are not major disruptions.
There are many factors that can trigger similar symptoms to those of ADHD like physical conditions and stress. A mental health professional or health care provider will examine the person's mood, medical history and other aspects to rule out the possibility of these.
Behavioral therapy is a popular treatment for ADHD. It helps patients learn better ways to manage their symptoms and develop more effective strategies for coping. It can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches people how to transform negative thoughts into positive ones. It also helps reduce the effects of conditions that are underlying and mental health issues, such as substance abuse or depression.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from marital or couple therapy. It can help them comprehend their partner's viewpoint and improve their communication. It can help their partner learn how to help and manage someone with ADHD.
Medication
The use of medication can aid in reducing the inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that are hallmarks of ADHD. These medications are usually prescribed in conjunction with therapy and skill-training which can reduce symptoms and help people function better at work, school, home or in their leisure activities. But, it isn't an answer to all problems and people should continue to work with their physician to learn how to manage their ADHD symptoms. It may take a few tries to determine the best dosage and combination of medications however, it is crucial to remember that there are a myriad of alternatives.
A specialist will interview a parent, child or adult to learn about their experiences with ADHD. They will pay special focus on the behavior that occurs in various settings, such as at school and home. They will also ask about the person's family history and their academic and occupational background. They will usually request performance evaluations from the workplace or old reports and will be looking to speak with the person's teachers.
Be aware that in order for a person to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must have been evident since the earliest years of their life (technically before the age of 12). So, although an expert will only discuss current symptoms when conducting an assessment for diagnosis it is likely that they will have to talk with other people who knew the child and might even talk to the person's parents or teachers.
ADHD medications typically contain stimulants that appear to balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as Neurotransmitters. They are available in a variety of forms, including liquids, tablets and patches. Stimulants can cause side effects such as trouble sleeping or agitation as well as loss of appetite, but are generally considered safe when they are prescribed by a doctor. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine and certain antidepressants are also prescribed for ADHD. They generally work slower and have fewer side effects, however they are not suitable for all people.
A combination of medications therapy, therapy, as well as behavior changes is the most effective way of treating ADHD symptoms. Adults and children can try several medications and change them depending on their needs or the circumstances change.