ADHD Assessment and Treatment
It is essential to keep in mind that a thorough evaluation of ADHD is necessary before starting any treatment. This should include an interview with a clinician 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 may also want to look over your child's school records and speak with teachers, religious or scout leaders or coaches. ADHD symptoms must be evident from childhood to be diagnosed at an adult age.
The symptoms of ADHD
ADHD symptoms differ based on age, but a lot of children with this condition have difficulty focusing or paying attention. They might fidget or mutter answers to questions, or interrupt others. They might also have issues organizing, become easily bored and have a hard time waiting for their turn. Symptoms of impulsive behavior can include a tendency to engage in activities without permission, running around or climbing where they shouldn't. They could also be inclined towards using extreme emotions or anger to motivate themselves, such as by making others angry or playing jokes.
In an evaluation, a physician may employ questionnaires or clinical interviews to determine if the child is suffering from ADHD. They can also ask teachers to complete ratings scales. They can also conduct an exam of the brain or a physical to detect possible medical issues that can cause symptoms of ADHD, such as thyroid disorders or mood disorders.
The evaluator might also inquire whether your child has any other mental disorders such as conduct disorder as well as oppositional defiant syndrome and anxiety disorders. They will also ask you about your family background. For instance, if any other members of your family suffer from ADHD or other psychiatric issues.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time managing their lives, including household and work obligations. They may also have trouble getting along with their coworkers or family members. These symptoms can result in them being late for appointments or to not attend social events. Their academic issues 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 conduct an interview with the patient as well as an individual who knows them very well. This could be a spouse, parent, teacher or coach, nanny or coach for children. The information gathered will help the doctor determine what tests could rule out other conditions that are causing symptoms of ADHD. They might also use an assessment tool designed to detect these symptoms in adults.
Diagnosis
The process of diagnosing ADHD involves a series sessions with therapists or doctors. The diagnosis is determined by the presence of symptoms and their impact on the individual's life. A correct diagnosis is crucial to gain control over the symptoms that can hinder life at work and with family. The diagnosis is made by a healthcare provider who is specialized in ADHD like a psychologist or psychiatrist.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history and symptoms as well as the date they first appeared. They might ask the patient to keep a diary of their symptoms and the impact on their lives. This is a great way to gain a clear understanding of the issue, and to decide which tests or evaluations will be needed to determine if ADHD is the cause.
In addition to observing how a person performs in different situations, the doctor may use questionnaires to assess the signs. This may include questionnaires to parents and teachers to determine if children are suffering from 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 exam to ensure there isn't a physical condition, such as thyroid problems or seizures, which could be the root of the issue. Other tests may be conducted to check for other conditions like anxiety or depression.
Occasionally, the doctor will request brain scans to identify other possible causes of the symptoms. These tests, which aren't commonly used to diagnose ADHD, could be a useful tool when other tests for diagnosing the condition have been ruled out.
For adults who suspect that they or their child is suffering from ADHD the best place to start is to speak with an primary doctor. If the patient does not have a primary physician and is looking for a referral to their insurance company for an inventory of health professionals who are qualified to conduct an ADHD evaluation.
Treatment options
The first step in treating is an evaluation by a doctor who will determine if the symptoms are caused by ADHD or other mental health issues. An extensive evaluation could include an interview with a child and parent, as well as rating scales that assess the child's behavior with those of people who do not have ADHD.
There are a variety of medical conditions that can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. more.. include thyroid problems, head injuries, and seizures. A physical exam may be required to rule out these causes. A psychological examination may be needed to determine if symptoms are caused by ADHD or some other mental health issue, like anxiety.
ADHD symptoms can have a profound impact on school, work and relationships. The person being evaluated should discuss the problems they are experiencing candidly and honestly with the examiner, and not hold back because of shame or fear of being judged. They should describe the symptoms in as much detail as they can and include how they affect them at home as well as at school. Parents should be involved in the evaluation process, however, they should not take the decision to prescribe medication for their child.
The dosage of the medication will depend on the child's age and the condition causing the symptoms and the type of medication prescribed. Stimulants, for example, are often prescribed to children and teens with ADHD. They work by increasing brain activity in areas that regulate attention and behavior. These medications are available in tablets that are immediate-release and modified-release that release the drug gradually throughout the day. Methylphenidate, the most common medication prescribed for ADHD, is available in tablet form.
Other kinds of treatment for ADHD may involve counseling for marital and family relationships or cognitive behavioral therapy which helps to teach specific skills to transform negative behavior to positive ones. These therapies may be beneficial to adults with ADHD and also occupational and educational accommodations.
The most important aspect of treatment is follow-up by having regular meetings to review progress and decide on the next steps. Parents should be encouraged to include teachers and other professionals, like religious and scout leaders, in the process. These professionals can provide valuable information about how the child behaves and behaves in various situations.
Medication
There are many different drugs that are used to treat ADHD. Most commonly, stimulants work by increasing the activity of certain brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used stimulant for adults, teenagers and children over age 5. It is a 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 day).
Many people report that they feel better after taking a medication. These effects can be seen in social, educational and home settings. more.. of these variables on performance is evaluated by using one or more standardized ratings scales that compare the performance of a person to other people. These ratings are not diagnostic by themselves, but provide valuable information that can be used to aid in the evaluation process.
In addition to medications There are also non-medicated treatments for ADHD that include therapy for behavior and training for teachers and parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that parents undergo training in the area of behavior management prior to using medications on their children. The guidelines recommend that psychotherapy as well as classroom-based interventions be included in the treatment plan of adolescents and teens suffering from 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 might develop tics. These are repetitive actions or sounds like eye-blinking or throat clearing. ADHD medication can cause a slight slowdown in growth for some children and teens, but it is usually minor and doesn't affect their height.
The stimulant medications have the potential to lead to addiction and abuse, however research has shown that this is not an issue at the dosages prescribed for ADHD. Some kids and teens with ADHD are at higher risk for problems with substance use however this is due to the disorder, not the medication.
Another potential adverse consequence of ADHD medication is the chance for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recent research has found that those who use stimulant drugs to treat ADHD have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease than those who don't. Researchers analyzed data from 278 027 individuals comprising 10 388 people with ADHD. They compared these individuals to 51 672 healthy controls without ADHD. They followed them for 14 years.