What Freud Can Teach Us About Add ADHD Assessment
ADHD Assessment - Getting a Diagnosis
Attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) or ADD is a complex disorder. It has three sub-types and can present with varying symptoms. Additionally, it is confused with other mental health disorders as well as physical ailments.
To that end, getting an accurate ADHD assessment is essential. Your therapist or physician must fill out questionnaires, interview both you and others and look over any relevant documents.
Signs and symptoms
A health care provider will examine the patient's behavior or, for adults the school and childhood experiences. They will also take into account the person's mental health, physical background, mood, family and lifestyle issues. They may interview people who are familiar with the person such as parents, friends and teachers, to get information on their relationship with the person and how their symptoms impact their daily lives.
To be diagnosed, a person must exhibit symptoms in at least two different settings, like at work, home and school, and they must cause problems in their daily lives. The symptoms must have been present for at minimum for six months. They must also have been not appropriate for the individual's developmental level. For children, the symptom must have been present prior to age 12. In addition, they shouldn't be caused by a different disorder, like anxiety or depression.
The most frequent symptom of ADHD is inattention, which means the person is having trouble staying on task or keeping their mind on track. They may also frequently lose things, forget appointments and make careless mistakes at school or at work. They may spend a lot of time in a state of mind and have difficulty finishing their work and often fail to complete homework or assignments.
Hyperactivity-impulsivity, the other main symptom of ADHD, causes the person to move about excessively, even when it's not appropriate, or to fidget, tap or talk. They may disrupt others, make rapid decisions without considering the consequences, and may have difficulty waiting their turn.
A doctor will also look for indications of other conditions such as anxiety, sleep disorders or depression. The provider will also ask about the patient's family history and provide a series of tests to assess their ability to concentrate and think quickly. They also need to be organized.
Diagnosis
A health professional must perform an assessment before a person can be diagnosed with ADHD or ADD or ADD, as it was previously known. This will likely include a detailed description of the symptoms of the individual, rating scales completed by the person and their caregivers, family medical history, school and job records and other relevant details. The person being assessed may also be asked to take an examination. A medical examination is necessary to rule out conditions or diseases that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD such as brain tumors, problems with vision hearing problems, depression, thyroid disorders, and head injuries.
In some cases in addition to the medical exam an assessment of psychiatric disorders could be necessary. In these cases the evaluator will talk to the patient as well as other significant people in his or her life -- such as spouses, parents and siblings for children teachers, coaches and teachers for adults -about their experiences and observations of the person's behavior. The personal insights gained from these interviews may help to clarify what is happening to the person and what, if any, tests might be needed to determine if the patient has ADHD.
The process of requesting an assessment can be overwhelming, particularly for those who are concerned that they might not have ADHD and may be labeled with a disorder which could harm their professional or personal relationships. It is beneficial to ask friends, relatives and colleagues for recommendations on an expert who is certified and has previous experience performing ADHD assessments. It is recommended to inquire with the individual's insurance provider to determine which specialists are covered under their plans and to find out how much the evaluation will cost.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause issues at work or school or in your relationships or in your personal life. The first step is to get an assessment, and the most important part of this process is to find an expert in health care who is competent to assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor your therapist for a recommendation or contact the local chapter of a national mental health organization for a list of professionals in your region. Some insurance plans provide the list of specialty health care professionals. If you attend an organization that supports people with ADHD you may discover that some of the members have worked with particular specialists and are able to provide recommendations.
In addition to reviewing your family and medical background, a medical professional who evaluates ADHD symptoms may ask you to complete several standardized rating scales and questionnaires about the behavior you've been experiencing. These ratings are from research that compares your behavior with those of people who do not suffer from ADHD.
If you meet the criteria of ADD, your doctor may recommend you to an expert for further tests in order to rule out other possible physical or psychiatric issues. For instance, some people who suffer from ADHD have depression, sleep disorders, or other mood disorders, or problems that make it difficult for them to learn reading and writing. These conditions can cause similar symptoms to those afflicted by ADHD and it is essential to recognize them in order to treat them appropriately.
If your symptoms are discovered and your doctor prescribes the best course of action, which will include either medication or psychotherapy. Behavioral therapy can help you to be aware of your behavior, and alter them if necessary. Cognitive behavioral therapy can improve the ways you manage your emotions and think. Psychotherapy can also help improve interpersonal relationships and resolve issues in your marriage or family.
Medication
There are many drugs that can be used to treat ADHD in both children and adults. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine work by helping boost and balance levels of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. They are often the first drugs prescribed to treat ADHD. These medications are available as immediate-release pills (short-acting) or modified-release tablets which provide an even dose throughout the day. These medications are not all the same. adhd assessment near me may take some time to locate the medication and dosage that works for your child or for you.
Initial treatment plans will include regular clinical evaluation of symptoms and side-effects. The doctor will adjust the medication as required. ADHD is often treated through behavior therapy, like cognitive-behavioral and dialectical therapy for adults. Other treatments can assist people with ADHD. They include mindfulness meditation and yoga.
All medication comes with potential negative side effects, therefore it is essential to speak to your physician about any concerns you have. Discuss with your physician all other medications you or your child is taking including prescriptions and over-the-counter. Certain medications interact with stimulant medications and can cause dangerous side effects.
For many people with ADHD Finding the appropriate dosage and medication will require time and patience. Make sure you discuss all the options with your doctor and follow the instructions for taking the medication. Inform your doctor about any changes to your diet since certain foods may interfere with how the medication is absorption. In addition, some young people who are taking stimulant medications may suffer from a minor delay in growth as well as an increase in heart rate or blood pressure.
Therapy
If a child or adult receives a diagnosis of ADHD the healthcare professional will collaborate with them to develop an individual treatment plan that incorporates medication and therapy. They will assist you in determining the right dosage and will monitor the reaction of your child or yourself to the medication.
There are many types of drugs available to treat ADHD. The most commonly used are psychostimulants, which alter neurotransmitters in the brain and can help increase energy levels, improve focus and alertness. Amphetamines, like Adderall, and methylphenidates like Ritalin and Concerta are a few examples. They include antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor and Viloxazine. Non-stimulant drugs that don't impact neurotransmitters, are prescribed to those with inattentive ADHD. These include Strattera, Qelbree, and Intuniv.
Therapy will help you learn how to manage your symptoms, and alter your behavior. Your therapist will assist you to develop strategies for managing your time and teach you how to organize yourself. They will show you how to manage your emotions, and assist you develop positive relationships. They might also suggest counseling for your family or marriage, or classes that help improve communication.
Disorganization is another common manifestation of ADHD and it can make it difficult to complete tasks or stay organized at home or at work. You might find it difficult to remember deadlines or appointments. You might also lose important documents and find it difficult to keep your workspace neat and clean. Behavioral therapy can include a program of training to assist you in calming your mind, get better sleep and practice coping with anxiety.
Many people suffering from ADD/ADHD have difficulties falling asleep at night. They are often woken by racing thoughts or restless sleep. They aren't able to follow a routine and tend to delay tasks, leading to being unable to finish tasks or delaying projects. Behavioral therapy can help you develop more self-control, improve your ability to prioritize and reduce the amount of caffeine and nicotine in your daily diet.