ADHD Assessment and Treatment
Before starting any treatment, it is essential to complete a full evaluation of ADHD. This should include an interview with the doctor and information from other sources such as spouse or other family members, DSM-5 ADD symptom checklists and rating scales, as well as standardized testing.
Experts might suggest talking to your child's teachers, religious leaders as well as scouts, coaches or scouts. This is because ADHD symptoms must have been present since childhood before they can be diagnosed as an adult.
ADHD symptoms
ADHD symptoms can vary based on age, however many children suffering from this disorder are unable to focus or pay attention. They might fumble or mutter answers when asked questions, or interrupt others. They might also struggle with organization skills, are easily bored and find it difficult to wait their turn. The behavior of an impulsive person is defined as getting involved in activities or running around without permission. They may also be prone to using exuberant anger or excitement to stimulate themselves, such as by making others angry or playing jokes.
A doctor might utilize questionnaires or clinical interviews to determine if a child is ADHD. They can also ask teachers to complete rating scales. They can also conduct physical or neurodevelopmental tests to find any medical issues that could cause symptoms of ADHD. These include thyroid conditions and mood disorders.
The evaluator can also ask if your child suffers from any other mental disorders like conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder, or anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your family background. For instance, if any other family members have ADHD or other psychiatric disorders.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently have trouble managing their lives, including home and work responsibilities. They may also have trouble working with family members or colleagues. They might be late for appointments or fail to show up for social occasions due to their symptoms. Their academic difficulties can lead to failure in school 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 examine the patient along with anyone who knows them well -- such as a spouse or parent for adults or a teacher, coach, nanny or coach for children. The information will help the doctor decide what tests, if necessary, can determine the cause of other conditions that can cause ADHD symptoms. It is also possible to use a checklist to identify these signs in adults.
Diagnosis
The method of diagnosing ADHD requires a series of appointments with therapists or doctors. The diagnosis is based on the presence of symptoms and their impact on the person's life. A correct diagnosis is crucial to gain control over the symptoms, which can interfere with work and family life. The diagnosis is done by a medical professional who specializes in ADHD, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.
The doctor will review the patient's medical history and symptoms, which includes the date they first appeared. The doctor might ask the patient to keep an account of their symptoms and how they impact their lives. This can be extremely helpful to have a clearer picture of the problem and to decide which tests or evaluations will be needed to determine if ADHD is the reason.
In addition to observing how a person is functioning in different settings, the doctor will utilize questionnaires to evaluate the signs. The doctor might utilize questionnaires for parents and teachers to assess children and an interview with the patient to identify the signs. 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 exam to ensure there isn't any physical issue like thyroid issues or seizures, which could be the root of the issue. on front page are also available to screen other conditions like anxiety or depression.
Sometimes, the doctor will request brain scans to determine the cause of the symptoms. These tests, which aren't typically used to diagnose ADHD however, could be a useful instrument when other diagnostic procedures have been cleared.
For adults who suspect they or their child is suffering from ADHD, the best place to start is to speak with the primary doctor. If the person does not have a primary physician and is looking for a referral to their insurance provider to request the list of health professionals who are qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment.
Treatment options
The first step in treating is an evaluation by a doctor who can determine whether the symptoms are due to ADHD or another mental health condition. A thorough evaluation can include an interview with a parent and child, as well as rating scales that compare the child's behavior with that of those without ADHD.
There are many medical conditions that can cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. These include thyroid problems or head injuries, as well as seizures. A physical exam could be required to determine these causes. A psychological exam will be required to determine if the symptoms are caused by ADHD or another mental health condition such as anxiety.
ADHD symptoms can have a profound impact on work, school and interpersonal relationships. The person being assessed should be honest and candid with the examiner about any issues they're having. They shouldn't be hesitant in fear of being judged or shame. They should describe symptoms as accurately as is possible, including the way they affect them both at home and in school. Parents should be involved in the evaluation process, however, they should not take the decision to administer medication to their child.
The type of medication prescribed will depend on the child's age and the condition leading to the symptoms and the type of medication being prescribed. For example, stimulants are typically prescribed to teens and children with ADHD. They work by increasing brain activity in areas that regulate attention and behavior. These medications may come in the form of immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medicine slowly throughout the day. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication prescribed for ADHD, is available in tablet form.
Other treatments for ADHD include family and marital therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches specific techniques to change negative behavior into positive behavior. Some adults with ADHD might benefit from these treatments and also from educational and occupational accommodations.
The most crucial aspect of treatment is follow-up with regular meetings to review progress and decide on next steps. Parents should be encouraged to include teachers and other professionals, such as religious and scout leaders, in the process. These people can provide valuable information on how the child behaves in different situations and offer a complete picture of the child's behavior.
Medication
ADHD is treated with various medications. The most popular are stimulants, which function by increasing activity in specific brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used stimulant for adults, teens and children who are older than five years old, is the most popular. It is available in tablet form, typically 2-3 times a day. It is available in immediate-release (short acting) or extended-release forms (taken one time a day, but released throughout the entire day).
Many people report that their symptoms and impairments significantly improve after a period of medication. These effects are typically observed in school, home and social situations. The impact on performance in these environments is measured with one or more standardized rating scales, which evaluate the behaviours of an individual to those of others. These ratings are not diagnostic in their own right, but provide valuable information that can be used to aid in the evaluation process.
There are many non-medical treatments for ADHD, including the use of behavioral therapy and training for teachers and parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that parents undergo training in the area of behavior management prior to attempting medications on their children. The guidelines recommend that psychotherapy and interventions in the classroom be included in the treatment plans for teenagers and adolescents with ADHD.
Most commonly, ADHD medication can cause nausea, sleep disturbances, and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Certain teens and children who are taking stimulants may develop tics which are repeated movements or sounds like eye blinking or throat clearing. ADHD medication can cause a slight slowdown in growth for certain adolescents and children, however it's usually not significant and doesn't affect their final height.
These medications have the potential for abuse and addiction, but research shows that this is not a significant risk for the doses prescribed to treat ADHD. ADHD can increase the likelihood of substance abuse in a few teens and kids however this isn't due to the medication.
A potential side consequence of ADHD medication is the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Recent research has found that those who take stimulant medications to treat ADHD have a higher chance of developing cardiovascular disease than those who do not. Researchers looked at data from 278 027 people, including 10 388 who had ADHD. They compared these individuals to 51 672 controls without ADHD. The participants were monitored for 14 years.