What is an ADHD Assessment?
If you or your child exhibit symptoms of ADHD, your doctor will want to speak with you. He or she may ask questions about your family and health background. He or she will also ask about your child's education. They may also talk to teachers or scout and religious leaders, coaches, and others who know your child well.
Signs and symptoms
If you or someone you know suspects they might have ADHD, the first step in getting an assessment is to locate a health care professional who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Your family doctor should recommend you to a specialist who is an expert in the field of children's mental health. The person who evaluates you will start by asking about your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. They may also ask you questions about your health or work schedule, as well as school and social life. The examiner will want see any records you have, like performance evaluations from your job or school, as well as old report cards.
A complete evaluation of ADHD will also include interviews with the person's family members as well as teachers and other adults who interact with them. The examiner will employ a variety of ratings and questionnaires to assess the person's ADHD as well as standard tests used in school evaluations. They will also ask you to provide examples of how you behave in various situations. They will compare your behavior to the DSM V ADHD criteria -hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.
The evaluator will also check whether the person's ADHD affects their daily functioning. They will also consider whether the symptoms are more severe than what is expected for their age and developmental level. They will compare the person's problems to the experiences of others in similar situations, such as their classmates 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 situations in their lives. This usually means that children are struggling with their schoolwork and their relationships with their parents or siblings. For adults, it may 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 talk to other people who are familiar with the person such as relatives, friends as well as religious or scout leaders. They will be looking to find out how the person behaves in various situations, such as at home and other places other than school or work.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD you must exhibit at least 6 traits (symptoms) that first appeared before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six consecutive months. The symptoms must also affect your ability to perform at home, school, or work. The symptoms cannot be caused by any other mental disorder. Your GP can refer an expert to conduct an assessment. You can print out quotations from NICE 87 guidelines or download an official letter from ADHD UK that you can send to your GP.
Your doctor will discuss with you about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also inquire about your family history and social background, and your educational and work history. They may ask for your school records from the past and may be interested in interviewing teachers or other people who have known you since you were a child. The evaluator will rule out other possible explanations for your symptoms, and may suggest that you have neuropsychological testing or other diagnostic tests.
A thorough assessment can take several hours. adhd assessment cost uk need more than one visit with their specialist to complete the process. The evaluation will discuss the results with you and could suggest treatments that could be beneficial.
You might have either the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD. The symptoms of the type that is inattentive include difficulty staying focused and attentive, forgetfulness and/or 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.
A few adults with ADHD are unable to understand how their condition affects their lives and relationships. This can lead to strained or dissolved marriages as well as financial issues and problems with parenting. During the evaluation the doctor may have a conversation with both the person suffering from ADHD and their partner or spouse to gain an understanding of how their symptoms impact the relationship. You may be asked to fill in checklists that describe your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric evaluation for ADHD usually involves an interview with both the person being assessed and the caregivers for them, the completion of questionnaires and rating scales which compare the behaviors of those with ADHD against those of people without it, as well as tests that are standardized. For children, the evaluator may take a look at their reports and ask teachers to complete questionnaires.
Those with ADHD symptoms must be prepared to explain how their symptoms affect their social, work and family life. Expect to be asked how often you interrupt others, if you lose things easily, or if you are unable to finish tasks. The person evaluating them will want to know if these symptoms have always been there or if they first started in childhood (technically prior to age 12).
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must have significant issues in at least two of the following areas: work and family life, school, or social relationships. Examples of this impairment include being fired from a job, failing a class, or not paying bills on time. Mild ADHD symptoms can lead to some issues, but not serious disruptions.
Stress and physical ailments can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. A health care professional or mental health professional will assess the person's mood, medical history and other factors to rule out the possibility of these conditions.
Behavioral therapy is among the most popular treatments for ADHD. It helps people develop more effective coping skills and understand how to manage their symptoms. It can include cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches people 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 who suffer from ADHD. It can help them comprehend the perspective of their partner and improve their communication. It can also help the person they love to learn how to support them and manage the challenges of living with someone who has ADHD.
Medication
ADHD is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature. The use of medication can help reduce the symptoms. They are often prescribed in combination with therapy and skills-training which can reduce symptoms and help people perform better at work, school at home, or even in their hobbies. It is not a cure-all and patients need to consult with their doctor in order to determine the best method to manage their ADHD symptoms. It could require a few attempts to determine the best combination of medications and dosages however, it is crucial to keep in mind that there are many options.
An experienced specialist will interview the child, parent, or adult about their experiences with ADHD and pay particular attention to behaviors that occur in various situations, including at school and at home. They will also examine the person's occupational and academic background and ask questions about their life as a family. They will ask for old report cards or performance evaluations and may also want to contact the person's school.
Keep in mind that for someone to be considered to have ADHD the symptoms must have started in childhood (technically before the age of 12). Although an expert may only discuss the current symptoms during a diagnostic assessment they may have to talk to people who knew the patient as when they were children, and interview their teachers or parents.
Medication to treat ADHD typically includes stimulants, which appear to increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. These drugs are available in various forms such as tablets, liquids and patches. The stimulants can cause adverse effects, such as difficulty sleeping, agitation and loss of appetite. However they are generally safe when taken according to doctor's instructions. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine and other antidepressants are also used to treat ADHD. They are generally slower acting and have less adverse effects, but not everyone should take them.
The most effective treatment for ADHD symptoms is a combination of medication as well as behavior therapy and behavioral changes. It is not uncommon for adults and children to test various medications and alter them over time as their needs change or when they experience significant life changes.