ADHD Assessment and Treatment
It is important to keep in mind that a thorough evaluation of ADHD is essential prior to starting any treatment. This includes an interview with the doctor and information from other sources like spouses or other family members, DSM-5 ADD symptom checklists and rating scales as well as standardized testing.
Experts might also look over your child's school records and talk with teachers as well as religious leaders, scout leaders or coaches. This is because ADHD symptoms must have been present since childhood before they can be diagnosed as an adult.
ADHD symptoms
ADHD symptoms vary depending on age, but many children with this condition struggle to focus or pay attention. They may fidget or blurt out answers when asked questions or interrupt others. They might also have issues with organization, get easily bored and have a tough waiting to be the next. Impulsive behavior is often described as engaging in activities or rushing around in circles without permission. They might also be inclined to use extreme excitement or anger to stimulate themselves for others, such as making them angry or playing pranks on them.
A doctor can use questionnaires or clinical interviews to determine if a child is ADHD. They can also ask teachers to complete 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 evaluation will also need to determine if your child suffers from any other mental health conditions such as oppositional defiant disorder or anxiety disorders or conduct disorder. They will also ask about your family history, for instance, whether anyone else has ADHD or other psychiatric conditions.
Adults who suffer from ADHD struggle with managing their lives, including the demands of home and work. They may also have difficulty getting along with their coworkers or family members. They might be late for appointments or fail to show up for social engagements due to their ailments. Their difficulties in school can result in 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 interview the patient as well as someone who is familiar with them such as a spouse or parent for adults, or a teacher, coach or nanny for children. The information provided by the doctor will help them decide what tests, if necessary, can identify other conditions that cause ADHD symptoms. They may also employ a checklist designed to identify the signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults.
Diagnosis
The process of determining ADHD involves a series of sessions with therapists and doctors. The diagnosis is according to the severity of the symptoms and how they impact the individual's daily activities. A correct diagnosis is essential to gaining control over the symptoms which can affect the family and work. A medical professional who is an expert in ADHD such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist will be able to identify the problem.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history and symptoms, including an explanation of when they first began to show. They may request that the patient keep a diary of their symptoms and their impact on their lives. This is a great way to gain a clear understanding of the problem and to decide which tests or evaluations are needed to determine whether ADHD is the reason.
In addition to observing how a person functions in various settings, the doctor will use questionnaires to assess the signs. The doctor might use questionnaires for parents or teachers to assess children, as well as 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 will also do an exam to ensure there isn't any physical issue like thyroid issues or seizures, that could be the cause of the problem. Other tests may be conducted to determine if there are other issues such as depression or anxiety.
Sometimes, the doctor will conduct brain scans to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. These tests, which aren't commonly used to diagnose ADHD but are a helpful instrument when other diagnostic procedures have been ruled out.
For adults who suspect that they or their child is suffering from ADHD the best place to begin is to speak with a primary care physician. If the person does not have a primary doctor, they should inquire with their insurance company to request the list of health professionals in their area who are able to perform an ADHD evaluation.
Treatment options
A doctor can determine if the symptoms are caused by ADHD or another mental disorder. An extensive evaluation could include an interview with a child and parent and 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 associated with ADHD. These include thyroid issues as well as head injuries and seizures. It is possible to undergo a physical exam in order to rule out these conditions. A psychological examination is needed to determine if symptoms are caused by ADHD or a different mental health condition such as anxiety.
Symptoms of ADHD can lead to significant difficulties in work, school and in relationships. The person who is being evaluated should discuss the problems they are experiencing in a candid and honest manner with the examiner and not be hesitant out of shame or fear of being judged. They should be able to describe the symptoms as accurately as is possible and include the ways they affect them both at home and at school. Parents should be involved in the evaluation, but they should not make the decision to medicate their child.
The type of medication prescribed will depend on the child's age and the condition creating the symptoms, and the kind of medication being prescribed. For instance, stimulants are often prescribed to children and teens with ADHD. They work by increasing brain activity in areas that control attention and behaviour. They are available in tablets with immediate release and modified-release that release the drug slowly throughout the day. Methylphenidate, which is the most popular medication prescribed for ADHD is available in tablet form.
Other treatment options for ADHD include family and marital therapy or cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches specific techniques to transform negative behavior into positive behavior. Certain adults with ADHD might benefit from these treatments, as well as from occupational and educational accommodations.
Highly recommended Internet page is the follow-up. It is essential to hold regular meetings to assess the progress and decide on next steps. Parents should encourage teachers and other professionals to participate in the process, including religious or scout leaders. They can provide valuable information on how the child behaves in various environments and provide a more complete picture of how the child is performing.
Medication
ADHD is treated with different medications. Most commonly, stimulants are used to increase brain activity in specific brain regions that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used stimulant for adults, teenagers and children older than 5 years old. It comes in tablet form and is typically taken two to three times per day. It is available in immediate-release (short acting) or extended-release versions (taken one time a day and released throughout the entire day).
Many people say they feel better after taking medication. These effects can be seen in social, educational and home settings. The effect of these factors on performance is measured by using one or more standardized ratings scales, which compare the behavior of an individual to other people. These ratings are not diagnostic in their own right however they provide useful, data that can be used in the evaluation 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 receive training in managing their behavior prior to using medication on their children. The guidelines recommend that psychotherapy as well as classroom-based interventions should be included in the treatment plans for teenagers and adolescents with ADHD.
The most frequent adverse effects of ADHD medication are upset stomach, changes in blood pressure and heart rate, and sleep disturbances. Teens and children who take stimulants may develop tics, which are repetitive movements or sounds such as eye blinking or throat clearing. ADHD medication may cause a slight reduction in growth for certain children and teens, but it's usually minimal and doesn't affect their final height.
Stimulant medication does have the potential to lead to dependence and abuse, but studies have shown that this is not a problem when it comes to dosages prescribed for ADHD. Some kids and teens who suffer from ADHD are at higher risk for substance use problems however this is due to the disorder and not the medication.
A potential adverse result of ADHD medication includes the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Recent research has revealed that those who take stimulant medications to treat ADHD have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease than those who don't. Researchers looked at data from 278 027 people, including 10 388 people who suffer from ADHD. They compared the participants with 51 672 controls without ADHD. The participants were monitored for 14 years.