ADHD Assessment and Treatment
Before beginning any treatment, it is essential to conduct a thorough assessment of ADHD. This should include a clinician interview, additional information from sources, like spouse or family members, DSM-5 ADD symptom scales and checklists, and tests that are standardized.
Experts might suggest talking to your child's teachers, religious leaders Scouts, coaches, or scouts. ADHD symptoms must be evident from childhood to be diagnosed at an adult age.
Signs and symptoms of ADHD
The signs of ADHD vary by age, however children who suffer from the condition often have trouble staying focused on their tasks or paying attention to people. They may fidget and mutter out answers to questions or interrupt other people. They may also have trouble with organization, get easily bored and have a tough waiting to be the next. The signs of impulsive behavior include involving themselves in activities without permission, or running around or climbing up places they aren't supposed to go. They could also be inclined to using explosive emotions or anger to motivate their own egos, for example through causing others to be angry or pulling jokes.
In an assessment, a doctor may employ questionnaires or clinical interviews to determine whether a child has ADHD. Teachers may also be asked to complete ratings scales. They can also conduct physical or neurodevelopmental tests to identify any medical conditions that could trigger symptoms of ADHD. These include mood disorders and thyroid issues.
The evaluator will also want to determine if your child suffers from any other mental health issues like oppositional defiant disorders, anxiety disorders or conduct disorder. They will also inquire about your family history, for instance, whether anyone else has ADHD or other psychiatric conditions.
Adults with ADHD have a difficult time managing their lives, including work and home responsibilities. They may also have difficulty working with family members or coworkers. They may be late for appointments or fail to attend social events because of their health issues. The academic challenges they face 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 someone who is familiar with them -- a spouse or parent for adults, or a teacher, coach, nanny or coach for children. The information gathered will help the doctor determine what tests can determine if other conditions are causing symptoms of ADHD. They may also employ a checklist to determine the signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults.
Diagnosis
The method of diagnosing ADHD requires a series of appointments with doctors or therapists. The diagnosis is dependent on the presence of symptoms and their impact on the individual's life. Getting a correct diagnosis is essential for gaining control over the symptoms which can affect life at work and with family. The diagnosis is done by a medical professional who specializes in ADHD and related disorders, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.
The doctor will review the patient's medical background and symptoms, as well as an explanation of when they first began to show. The doctor may ask the patient to keep a diary detailing their symptoms and how they impact their lives. getting assessed for adhd can be extremely helpful to get a clear picture of the problem and to decide on the tests or assessments will be needed to determine if ADHD is the cause.
In addition to observing how a person functions in various situations, the doctor may employ questionnaires to determine the signs. This could include questionnaires for parents and teachers to evaluate children for the disorder, and a patient interview to identify 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 will also conduct an exam to determine if there's no physical condition such as thyroid issues or seizure, which could be the reason for the issue. Other tests can be done to check for other conditions like anxiety or depression.
Sometimes, the doctor may conduct brain scans to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. These tests are not used to diagnose ADHD but can be useful when other diagnostic procedures have not worked.
For adults who suspect that they or their child may have ADHD, the best place to begin is to talk to an primary doctor. If the patient does not have a primary doctor, they can contact their insurance provider to request a list that includes health professionals who are certified to conduct an ADHD evaluation.
Treatment options
The first step to treatment is an evaluation by a physician who can determine whether the symptoms are caused by ADHD or another mental health issue. An extensive evaluation could include an interview with a parent and child and rating scales that evaluate the child's behavior with that of those without ADHD.
There are a variety of medical conditions that can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. These include thyroid problems or head injuries, as well as seizures. A physical exam may be required to rule out these causes. A psychological examination may be required to determine if the symptoms are caused by ADHD or another mental health condition, like anxiety.
ADHD symptoms can have a major impact on school, work, and relationships. The person being evaluated should be honest and open with the examiner about the problems they're having. They shouldn't hold back in fear of being judged or shame. They should describe the symptoms in as much detail as possible, including how they impact them at home as well as at school. Parents should be involved in evaluating their children, but not in the decision-making process.
The type of medication prescribed will depend on the condition that is causing it the symptoms and the age of the child. For instance stimulants are commonly prescribed in teens and children to treat ADHD because they help by stimulating the areas of the brain responsible for attention and behavior. These medications may come in the form of tablets with immediate release 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 types of treatment for ADHD might include counseling for the family or marital relationship, or cognitive behavior therapy, which provides specific techniques to change negative behavior into positive ones. Some adults who have ADHD may benefit from these therapies, as well as from occupational and educational accommodations.
The most crucial aspect of treatment is the follow-up phase by having regular meetings to evaluate progress and decide on next steps. Parents should be encouraged to involve teachers and other professionals, like religious and scout leaders, in the process. They can provide valuable information on how the child behaves in different situations and offer a complete picture of how the child is performing.
Medication
ADHD is treated using different medications. The most popular are stimulants that work by increasing activity in certain brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used stimulant among teenagers, adults 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 versions (taken once a day and released throughout the day).
Many people have reported that their symptoms and impairments significantly improve after a period of medication. These effects can be seen in educational, social and home settings. The effect of these factors on performance is evaluated by using one or more standardized ratings scales, which compare the performance of a person to other people. These ratings are not diagnostic in themselves, but provide valuable data that can be used in the evaluation process.
There are non-medical treatment options for ADHD, including behavioral therapy and training of teachers and parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents attend training on behavioral management prior to trying medications for their children. The guidelines also recommend psychotherapy and a classroom-based intervention to be part of the treatment plan for adolescents and teens with ADHD.
The most common adverse effects of ADHD medication are upset stomach as well as changes in heart rate and blood pressure as well as sleep disturbances. Certain children and teens who are taking stimulants could develop tics. These are repetitive actions or sounds, such as eye-blinking or clearing the throat. Some children and teens who take ADHD medication may notice a slight slowdown in their height, but this is typically not significant and does not affect their final height.
Stimulant medication does have the potential to cause addiction and abuse, however studies have shown that this is not the case at the dosages prescribed for ADHD. Certain adolescents and children who suffer from ADHD are more prone for substance use problems, but that is due to the disorder and not the medication.
A possible adverse effect of ADHD medication is the possibility of developing cardiovascular disease. Recent research found that people who take stimulant medication to treat ADHD have a higher chance of developing cardiovascular disease than those who don't. Researchers examined data from 278 027 people, which included 10 388 people with ADHD. They compared them with 51 672 people who were not diagnosed with ADHD. These participants were followed for 14 years.