What is an ADHD Assessment?
If you or your child have symptoms of ADHD your doctor is likely to want to talk with you. They may ask questions about family and health history. They may also inquire about your child's school life. He or she will talk to your child's teachers, coaches, scouts, and religious leaders, as well as others who are familiar with them.
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 the condition. Find a doctor who is specialized in children's mental health or ask your family physician for an appointment. The person who examines you will start by asking about your symptoms and their impact on your life. They might also ask questions about your health, work, school and social life. The examiner will want to look over any records you may have, including performance evaluations from your work or school and old report cards.
Interviews with family members, teachers and other adults will be part of a comprehensive evaluation. The examiner will employ a variety of instruments and rating systems to evaluate the person's ADHD, including standard testing used in school evaluations. You will be asked to give examples on your behavior in different situations. They will then compare your behavior to DSM V ADHD criteria -- inattention, hyperactivity, and the tendency to be impulsive.
The evaluator will also check whether the person's ADHD hinders their daily functioning. They will also assess whether the symptoms are more severe than expected for their age and development level. They will compare the person's issues with similar issues of other people in similar situations, for example their peers in 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. The symptoms must have led to significant impairments in at least two different areas of their lives. For children, this can usually mean problems in their schoolwork and relationships with parents and siblings. For adults, it could mean losing a job because of difficulty paying attention and difficulty keeping records of bills or paperwork.
The evaluator can also talk to people who are familiar with the person, for example, friends and family members or scout or religious leaders. They will want to hear about the behavior of the person in different settings, as well as how they behave at home and at other places outside of work or school.
Diagnosis
You must show at least six traits (symptoms) that began before 12 years of age. You must also be suffering from these symptoms continuously for at least six months. The symptoms must also become hindering you from functioning well at school, work or at home. The symptoms cannot be caused by any other mental disorder. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. You can print quotes from NICE 87 guidelines or download the letter of support 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 ask about your family history and social background as well as your education and work history. They might also request your old school records and interview teachers and other people who were with you as a child. The examiner will attempt to determine if there is a different explanation for your symptoms and may recommend that you undergo neuropsychological testing or other diagnostic tests.
A thorough examination may take a long time. Some adults require more than one appointment with their physician to complete the procedure. The evaluation will discuss 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 symptoms of the type that is inattentive include difficulties staying focused and attentive, forgetfulness and/or poor ability to organize. 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 comprehend how their condition affects their lives and relationships. This can result in financial issues, strained or broken marriages, and issues with parenting. During the assessment, the clinician may talk with both the person suffering from ADHD and their spouse or partner to get a better understanding of how their symptoms impact the relationship. You might be asked to fill out checklists of your symptoms.
how to get adhd assessment uk for ADHD typically involves an interview with the person being assessed and their caregivers, completion of questionnaires or rating scales that compare the behavior of those with ADHD to the behavior of those who don't have it, and standardized tests. The evaluator may also ask teachers to fill out questionnaires and look at the reports of the child.
Those who have symptoms of ADHD should be prepared to discuss how their symptoms affect their work, home, and social life. They should be prepared to be asked questions such as how often they interrupt others and how easily they lose things, and how often they fail to follow through on their tasks. The examiner wants to know if these symptoms were present throughout their entire lives or if they started in childhood (technically, before the age of 12).
A person must experience significant problems in two or more of the following areas to be diagnosed with ADHD including school and work life, family relationships or social interactions. This can be proven by being fired from a job, completing the course, or not paying your bills in time. People with mild ADHD symptoms may still experience trouble in some areas, but they do not experience major disruptions.
There are many factors that could trigger similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD such as physical ailments and stress. A health care professional or mental health professional will examine the person's mood, medical history and other factors to rule out these possibilities.
Behavioral therapy is among the most commonly used treatments 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 teaches how to transform negative thoughts into positive thoughts. It can also help reduce the effects of conditions that are underlying and mental health issues like addiction or depression.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from marital or couples therapy. It can help them understand their partner and improve their communication. It can assist their partner to know how to support and manage someone with ADHD.
Medication
ADHD is characterised by hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. Medications may help to reduce the symptoms. These medications are usually prescribed in combination with therapy and skills-training that can help reduce symptoms and help people perform better at work, school at home, or in their leisure activities. The use of medication is not a panacea and patients need to consult with their doctor to learn how best to manage their ADHD symptoms. It could take several attempts to find the best combination of medication and dosages. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that there are a variety of options.
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 various settings, such as at school and home. They will also look at the person's occupational and academic history and ask questions about their life as a family. They may request old report cards or performance evaluations and may also speak with the person's teacher.
Remember that for a person to be considered to have ADHD the symptoms must have started in childhood (technically before the age of 12). While an expert will talk about the current symptoms in a diagnostic assessment they may have to talk to people who knew the person as a child, and even interview their parents or teachers.
ADHD medications typically contain stimulants that appear to balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as Neurotransmitters. They are available in different forms, including liquids, tablets, and patches. The stimulants can cause adverse effects like trouble sleeping, agitation, and a loss of appetite, but are generally considered safe when they are prescribed by a physician. Nonstimulants, which include atomoxetine as well as certain antidepressants, are also used to treat ADHD. They tend to be slower-working and have less side effects, but they aren't recommended for all people.
A combination of medication therapy, therapy, and behavioral changes are most effective in treating ADHD symptoms. It's not uncommon for adults and children to try different medications and then alter them as their needs change or when they experience significant life changes.