If you're the parent of a child who has been diagnosed with ADHD, you may be wondering what's next. One option is to have your child undergo a psychological assessment.

It can help determine the specific nature of your child's ADHD and identify any co-existing conditions. This post will discuss five things typically covered in a psychological assessment for ADHD.

1. The Specific Nature of Your Child's ADHD

There are different types of ADHD, and each type can present differently. A psychological assessment will help identify your child's specific type of ADHD.

ADHD can be divided into three types: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. Inattentive ADHD is when a child has trouble paying attention but isn't overly active. Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD is when a child is both highly active and impulsive. Finally, combined ADHD is when a child has inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms.

A psychologist in Tallahassee will study your child's behavior to see which type of ADHD they have.

A psychological assessment will help identify your child's specific symptoms and how severe they are.

2. Any Co-Existing Conditions

The next part of the assessment will look at other conditions that may be present along with ADHD. Many children and adults with ADHD also suffer from anxiety, depression, or learning disabilities. It’s important to identify and treat any co-existing conditions to manage the symptoms of ADHD best.

A psychological assessment in Tallahassee can help identify co-existing conditions and determine the right course of treatment.

For example, learning disabilities can be treated in many ways like:

-Tutoring

-Changes in the school curriculum

-IEP or 504 plan

- medication

Anxiety and depression can also be treated with:

-Talk therapy

-Stress management techniques like yoga or meditation

Thus, the psychological assessment looks at not just ADHD but also any other disorders that may be present. Creating a treatment plan that will be most effective in managing all the symptoms is important.

3. Whether Medication Is Necessary

Depending on the symptoms, medication may or may not be necessary. For example, if your child is experiencing severe symptoms, such as problems at school or home, then medication may be recommended. However, behavior therapy may be better if your child's symptoms are milder.

Psychological assessments for ADHD can help determine whether medication is necessary for your child. These medicines contain stimulants that help to improve focus, concentration, and impulsivity.

If your child is prescribed medication, closely monitoring their symptoms and side effects is important. Some common side effects of ADHD medication include trouble sleeping, decreased appetite, and weight loss. However, these side effects are usually mild and go away after a few weeks of taking medicine.

4. Any Interventions That May Be Helpful

Therapeutic interventions for ADHD can help reduce symptoms and improve functioning. Some common interventions that may be recommended include behavioral therapy, medication, and educational accommodations.

Final Thoughts

Psychological assessments for ADHD are thorough and cover many different areas. Therefore, they are an important part of diagnosing and treating ADHD.