ADHD Assessment and Treatment
Before starting any treatment, it is essential to conduct a thorough assessment of ADHD. This should include a doctor interview, other sources, like spouse or family members, DSM-5 ADD symptom scales and checklists, as well tests that are standardized.
Experts may also want to look over your child's school records and talk with teachers, religious or scout coaches or leaders. This is because ADHD symptoms must be present since childhood in order to be diagnosed as an adult.
Symptoms of ADHD
The signs of ADHD are different based on age, but children suffering from ADHD often have difficulty staying focused on their tasks or paying attention to other people. They might fumble or mutter answers when asked questions or interrupt others. They may also have trouble organizing, become easily bored and have a hard time waiting for their turn. Impulsive behavior is often characterized by getting involved in activities or running around in circles without permission. They may also be prone towards using exuberant emotions or anger to motivate themselves, for example, by making others angry or playing jokes.
In an evaluation, a physician may employ questionnaires or clinical interviews to determine whether the child is suffering from ADHD. They may also ask teachers to fill out rating scales. They may also perform physical or neurodevelopmental tests to identify any medical conditions that may trigger symptoms of ADHD. These include thyroid disorders and mood disorders.
The evaluator can also ask if your child suffers from any other mental disorder such as conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder, or anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your family history, such as if anyone else has ADHD or any other psychiatric issues.
Adults with ADHD struggle with managing their lives, which includes household and work obligations. They may also have trouble working with colleagues or family members. They may be late for appointments or fail to show up for social engagements due to their symptoms. The difficulties they face in school could cause academic failure and poor job 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 conduct an interview with both the patient and someone who is familiar with them. This could be a parent, spouse or teacher or coach, nanny or coach for children. The details will aid the doctor determine what tests, if required, will determine the cause of other conditions that can cause ADHD symptoms. They can also employ a checklist to determine these symptoms among adults.
Diagnosis
The method of diagnosing ADHD involves a number of sessions with therapists and doctors. The diagnosis is based on symptoms and how they impact the person's daily life. Making a proper diagnosis is essential to gaining control over the symptoms, that can hinder the family and work. A healthcare provider who is an expert in ADHD such as psychologists or psychiatrists will be able to determine the cause of the disorder.
The doctor will review the patient's medical background and symptoms, as well as an explanation of when they first noticed. The doctor might ask the patient to keep a journal of the symptoms they experience and how they impact their lives. This can be extremely useful in obtaining an exact picture of the issue and aiding in determining what tests or evaluations are needed to determine if ADHD is the cause of the symptoms.
The doctor may also utilize questionnaires in order to assess symptoms. This can include questionnaires for parents and teachers to assess children for the disorder, as well as an interview with a patient to determine the symptoms they are experiencing. 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 may also perform an examination to ensure there isn't any physical issue that could cause thyroid problems or seizures, which could be the root of the issue. Other tests may be conducted to screen other conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Sometimes, a doctor may request brain scans to rule out possible causes for the symptoms. These tests, which aren't typically used to diagnose ADHD, are a helpful instrument when other diagnostic procedures have been ruled out.
For adults who suspect that they or their child has ADHD the best place to begin is to talk to a primary doctor. If the patient does not have a primary doctor and is looking for a referral to their insurance provider for an inventory of health professionals who are trained to conduct an ADHD evaluation.
Treatment options
A doctor can tell if symptoms are due to ADHD or another mental condition. A thorough assessment could include a conversation with the child and parents and rating scales to compare the behavior of those with and who do not have ADHD.
There are many medical conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. These include thyroid problems as well as head injuries and seizures. A physical exam could be required to determine these causes. A psychological examination will also be necessary to determine if the symptoms are related to ADHD or another mental health condition such as anxiety.
The signs of ADHD can cause significant problems in school, work and in relationships. The person being assessed should be honest and candid with the examiner about the issues they're having. They shouldn't hold back because of fear of being judged or shame. They should describe their symptoms in as much detail as they can including how they affect their lives at home and at school. Parents should be included in the evaluation process, but not in the decision-making process.
The kind of medication prescribed will depend on the underlying condition the symptoms and the age of the child. For example stimulants are often prescribed in teens and children to treat ADHD due to their effectiveness in stimulating areas of the brain that regulate attention and behavior. These medications are available as immediate-release tablets and modified-release tablets that release the medication gradually throughout the day. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD.
Other kinds of treatment for ADHD might include counseling for marital and family relationships or cognitive behavioral therapy, which provides specific techniques to change negative behaviors to positive ones. These treatments can be beneficial for some adults suffering from ADHD and also educational and occupational accommodations.
The most important aspect of treatment is the follow-up phase, with frequent meetings to evaluate progress and decide on next steps. get an adhd assessment should encourage teachers and other professionals to participate in the process, including Scout leaders or religious leaders. These people can provide valuable information on how the child behaves in various settings and give a fuller picture of the child's behavior.
Medication
There are many different medications that are used to treat ADHD. The most popular are stimulants, which function by increasing the activity in specific brain areas that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used stimulant among teenagers, adults and children who are over 5 years old. It is taken in tablet form, typically 2 to 3 times a day. It is available in immediate-release (short-acting), or extended-release (taken every day in the morning and released throughout the day).
Many people report that their symptoms and impairment significantly improve after some time on medication. These effects can be seen in social, educational and home settings. The impact on performance in these settings is assessed with one or more standardized rating scales, which compare behaviours of an individual to those of others. The scores of these forms of rating are not considered diagnostic by themselves, but they serve as important sources of information when evaluating the process.
In addition to medications, there are also non-medical treatments for ADHD that include behavioral therapy and training for parents and teachers. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that parents undergo training in the area of behavior management prior to attempting medication on their children. The guidelines also call for psychotherapy and a classroom-based intervention to be a part of the treatment plan for adolescents and teens with ADHD.
Most commonly, ADHD medication can cause nausea, sleep disturbances, and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Certain children and teens who are taking stimulants could develop tics. These are repeated actions or sounds, such as eye-blinking or clearing the throat. ADHD medication may cause a slight reduction in growth for certain children and teens, but it is usually minor and doesn't affect their height.
These medications have the potential to cause addiction and abuse, however studies show that this is not a significant risk at the doses used to treat ADHD. ADHD can increase the likelihood of substance abuse in some kids and teens however this isn't due to the medication.
A possible side consequence of ADHD medication is the possibility of developing cardiovascular disease. A recent study revealed that those who took stimulant drugs for ADHD had a greater chance of developing CVD than those who did not take the medication. Researchers analyzed data of 278 027 individuals, including 10 388 people with ADHD. They compared them to 51 672 people who were not diagnosed with ADHD. These participants were followed for 14 years.