adhd assessment uk free and Treatment
It is important to remember that a complete evaluation of ADHD is required prior to beginning any treatment. This should include an interview with the clinician and information from other sources such as spouse or other family members, DSM-5 ADD symptom checklists and rating scales, as well as tests that are standardized.
Experts might suggest talking to your child's religious leaders, teachers, scouts or coaches. ADHD symptoms must be evident from childhood to be recognized at an adult age.
Signs and symptoms of ADHD
ADHD symptoms vary depending on age, but many children with this condition have difficulty focusing or paying attention. They might fumble and mutter out answers to questions or interrupt others. They might also struggle with organization, be easily bored and have a hard waiting to be the next. Impulsive behavior is often defined as engaging in activities or rushing around in circles without permission. They may also be prone to using exuberant excitement or anger as a way to get their attention and may even make others mad or playing pranks on them.
A doctor can employ questionnaires or interviews to determine if a child has ADHD. They may also ask the child's teachers to fill out rating scales. They can also conduct an examination of the brain or physical to determine if there are any medical conditions that may trigger symptoms of ADHD. These include thyroid conditions and mood disorders.
The evaluater will also want to determine if your child suffers from any other mental health issues such as oppositional defiant disorders, anxiety disorders or conduct disorder. They will also ask you about your family history. For instance, if any other members of your family have ADHD or other psychiatric disorders.
Adults with ADHD often have difficulty managing their daily lives, including home and work responsibilities. They may also have difficulty working with family members or colleagues. The symptoms of these people can result in them being late for appointments or to not show up at social engagements. The difficulties they face in school could lead to academic failure and poor performance.
For an adult to be diagnosed with ADHD, they must have six or more established symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity for at least six months. Doctors will interview the patient as well as anyone who knows them well -- such as a spouse or parent for adults or a teacher coach or nanny for children. The details will aid the doctor decide which tests, if required, will determine the cause of other conditions that can cause ADHD symptoms. They may also utilize a checklist to detect these signs in adults.
Diagnosis
The process of determining ADHD involves several appointments with therapists and doctors. The diagnosis is dependent on the presence of symptoms and their impact on the individual's life. It is important to get the correct diagnosis to manage symptoms that could hinder work and family. A medical professional who is an expert in ADHD, like a psychologist or psychiatrist, will determine the cause of the disorder.
The doctor will discuss the patient's medical background and symptoms as well as the date they first appeared. The doctor might request a diary detailing their symptoms and how they impact their lives. This can be very helpful to get a clear picture of the issue, and to decide on the tests or evaluations will be needed to determine if ADHD is the reason.
The doctor may also utilize questionnaires in order to assess the severity of symptoms. The doctor might use questionnaires for parents or teachers to assess children, as well as an interview with the patient to determine the symptoms. The questions are often similar to those in the NIMH ADHD diagnostic criteria, which help doctors identify whether a person is exhibiting hyperactive/impulsive or inattentive symptoms.
Some doctors will also perform an exam to determine if there isn't any physical condition, like thyroid problems or seizures, that could be the cause of the issue. Other tests could be performed to screen for other conditions like anxiety or depression.
Occasionally, the doctor will order brain scans to help determine the cause of the symptoms. These tests, which aren't routinely used to diagnose ADHD, are a helpful tool when other diagnostic procedures have been eliminated.
If you or your child suspects they have ADHD, it is best to speak with your primary doctor. If the person doesn't have a primary care doctor, they should call their insurance company for a list of health specialists in their area who are qualified to perform an ADHD assessment.
Treatment options
A doctor can tell if the symptoms are caused by ADHD or a different mental illness. A thorough evaluation can include an interview with a child and parent, as well as rating scales that assess the child's behavior to people without ADHD.
There are a variety of medical conditions that can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. These include thyroid problems or head injuries, as well as seizures. A physical exam may be needed to rule out these causes. A psychological exam will be needed to determine if symptoms are caused by ADHD or another mental health condition like anxiety.
The signs of ADHD can cause significant difficulties in school, work and relationships. The person who is being evaluated should be able to discuss the issues they are experiencing in a candid and honest manner with the examiner, and not hold back from fear of embarrassment or shame of criticism. They should be able to describe the symptoms as accurately as possible, including the way they affect them both at home and in school. Parents should be involved in the assessment, but they shouldn't make the decision to prescribe medication for their child.
The type of medication prescribed depends on the condition that is causing it, symptoms and age of the child. Stimulants, for example, are commonly prescribed to adolescents and children with ADHD. They help by stimulating brain activity in areas that control attention and behavior. These medications may come in the form of tablets with immediate release or modified-release tablets that release the medication slowly throughout the day. Methylphenidate, which is the most popular medication prescribed for ADHD, is available in tablet form.
Other types of treatment for ADHD might include counseling for marital and family relationships or cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches specific skills to change negative behaviors into positive ones. Certain adults with ADHD might benefit from these treatments, as well as from educational and occupational accommodations.
The most important aspect is the follow-up. There should be frequent meetings to review the progress made and determine next steps. Parents should encourage teachers and other professionals to take part in the process, for example religious or scout leaders. These professionals can provide valuable information on how the child behaves and performs in various situations.
Medication
ADHD is treated using a variety of medications. Most commonly, stimulants work by increasing brain activity in certain brain regions that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used stimulant among teenagers, adults and children older than 5 years old. It comes in tablet form and is usually taken 2 to 3 times per day. It is available in immediate-release (short acting) or extended-release versions (taken only once per day but released throughout the day).
Many people have reported that their symptoms and impairment significantly improve after some time on medication. These effects can be observed in educational, social and home settings. The effect on performance in these settings is measured by using one or more standard rating scales, which evaluate the behaviors of the individual with those of others. These ratings are not diagnostic in themselves but they can provide valuable, objective information for the evaluation process.
There are many non-medical treatments for ADHD that include the use of behavioral therapy and training for parents and teachers. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents receive training in behavioral management prior to trying medications for their children. The guidelines also recommend psychotherapy and classroom-based intervention to be part of the treatment program for adolescents and teenagers with ADHD.
The most frequent side effects of ADHD medication are upset stomach, changes in heart rate and blood pressure and sleep disturbances. Some children and teens who are taking stimulants may develop tics. They are repetitive actions or sounds such as eye-blinking, or clearing the throat. Some children and teens who take ADHD medication may notice a slight slowdown in their height, but it is usually minor and doesn't impact their final height.
The stimulant medications have the potential to trigger dependence and abuse, but studies have shown that this is not a problem with the dosages prescribed for ADHD. ADHD can increase the risk of substance abuse in some teens and children but this isn't due to the medication.
A possible side result of ADHD medication is the possibility of developing cardiovascular disease. A recent study found that those who used stimulant medication for ADHD had a higher risk of developing CVD than those who did not take the drugs. Researchers looked at data from 278 027 people, which included 10 388 with ADHD. They compared these participants to 51 672 controls without ADHD. The participants were monitored for 14 years.