What is an ADHD Assessment?
Your doctor may discuss with you about whether your child or you is suffering from ADHD. They may ask about your family background and health. He or she might also inquire about the schooling of your child. They will also talk to your child's teachers, coaches, scouts and religious leaders, and other people who know them well.
Signs and symptoms
If you or someone you know suspects they have ADHD the first step in getting an assessment is to locate an expert in health care who is experienced in diagnosing the condition. Look for someone who specializes in the field of mental health for children, or ask your family physician for an appointment. The person conducting the assessment will start by talking with you about your issues and how they affect your life. They might also inquire about your work, school and social activities. The examiner could ask you to see your old report cards and performance evaluations at work or school, and other records.
A complete evaluation of ADHD will also include interviews with family members of the person, teachers, and other adults who interact with them. The examiner will employ different questionnaires and rating scales to assess the person's ADHD as well as standardized testing used in school evaluations. They will also ask you to provide examples of how you act in various situations. They will consider your behavior in relation to the DSM V criteria for ADHD -- hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive.
The evaluator will check whether the ADHD affects the person's daily functioning. They will also assess whether the symptoms are more severe than is expected for their age and development level. They will also compare the person's problems to those of other people in similar situations, for example 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 signs must have led to significant impairment in at least two major settings in their life. This will typically mean that children struggle with their schoolwork, and their relationships with parents or siblings. For adults, it may mean losing a job because of a lack of attention and trouble keeping records of bills or paperwork.
The evaluator may also speak to those who are acquainted with the person, such as friends and family members or scout or religious leaders. They will be looking to find out how the person behaves in different situations, including at home and other places beyond school or work.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD you must exhibit a minimum of 6 traits (symptoms) that began before the age of 12. You also must have these symptoms ongoingly for at minimum six months. The symptoms should also affect your ability to perform at home, school, or at work. The symptoms aren't caused by another mental health disorder. Your doctor may refer you an expert to conduct an assessment. Print out get assessed for adhd from NICE 87 guidelines or download the letter of support from ADHD UK that you can send to your GP.
Your specialist will discuss your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also inquire about your family history and social background as well as your education and work history. They might request your school records from your past and may be interested in interviewing teachers or other people who have known you since you were a child. The evaluator may try to rule out other possible explanations of your symptoms and recommend that you undergo neuropsychological tests or diagnostic tests.
A thorough examination can take several hours. Certain adults may need to attend more than one visit to their specialist in order to complete the process. The evaluator may discuss the results and suggest possible treatments with you.
You might have either the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD. The ADHD that is inattentive is characterized by difficulty paying attention and remaining focused as well as a tendency to forget 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 result in financial difficulties as well as broken or stressed marriages, and parenting problems. During the evaluation, the clinician may talk with both the individual with ADHD and their spouse or partner to understand how their symptoms affect the relationship. You might be asked to fill out checklists of your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric assessment for ADHD usually involves an interview with the person being evaluated and their family members, completing questionnaires or rating scales which compare behaviors of people with ADHD to the behavior of those who don't have it, as well as standardized testing. For children, the evaluator may also look at their reports and ask for teachers to fill out questionnaires.
Anyone suffering from ADHD symptoms must be prepared to explain how their 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 will want to know whether these symptoms were present from the beginning or if they began in childhood (technically before age 12).
A person must have significant problems 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 impairment are being fired from a job, failing a class or not paying the bills on time. People with mild ADHD symptoms can still have problems in a few areas, but they do not suffer from major disruptions.
There are many factors that can trigger similar symptoms to those of ADHD like physical conditions and stress. A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate the person's mood, medical history and other factors to rule out the possibility of these conditions.
Behavioral therapy is one of the most popular treatments for ADHD. It assists people in learning how to better manage their symptoms and develop more effective techniques for coping. It can include cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches people how to transform negative thoughts into positive thoughts. It can also aid in reducing the negative effects of any underlying illness or mental health issues, like depression and addiction to drugs.
Adults suffering from ADHD may also benefit from marital or couples therapy. It can help them better understand their partner and improve communication. It can also assist their partner to understand how to support them and deal with the challenges of living with someone who suffers from ADHD.
Medication
Medicines can aid in the inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that are typical of ADHD. They are often prescribed in conjunction with therapy and skill-training, which can improve the symptoms and allow people to function better at school, work at home, or even in their hobbies. The use of medication is not a panacea and patients should consult with their doctor to determine the best method to manage their ADHD symptoms. It may take a few tries to find the ideal dosage and combination of medications, but it is important to remember that there are a myriad of choices.
A specialist will talk to parents, children or adult to learn about their experiences with ADHD. They will pay special attention to behaviors that happen in different settings, including at home and at school. They will also look at the person's academic and occupational history and ask questions about their family life. They will request old report cards or performance evaluations and may also speak with the person's teacher.
It is important to keep in mind that to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms of the patient must have begun in 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 need to speak to others who knew the patient as a child, and even interview their teachers or parents.
Medication to treat ADHD typically contains stimulants that appear to increase and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These medications are available in a variety of forms such as tablets, liquids and patches. The stimulants can cause adverse effects such as trouble sleeping, agitation, and a loss of appetite, but generally considered safe when taken as directed by a physician. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine and certain antidepressants are also used to treat ADHD. They generally work slower and have less adverse negative effects, but they are not suitable for everyone.
A combination of medications therapy, therapy, and behavioral changes are most effective in treating ADHD symptoms. It is not uncommon for children and adults to test multiple medications and change them over time as their needs change or they experience significant life changes.