ADHD Assessment and Treatment
Before beginning any treatment, it is crucial to conduct a thorough evaluation of ADHD. This includes an interview with the doctor as well as information from outside sources like spouses or other family members, DSM-5 ADD symptom checklists and rating scales and standardized testing.
Experts may also see your child's school records and speak to teachers, religious or scout leaders or coaches. This is because ADHD symptoms must have been present since childhood to be diagnosed as an adult.
Symptoms of ADHD
ADHD symptoms differ based on age, but a lot of children with this condition have difficulty focusing or paying attention. They may fumble or mutter out answers to questions or interrupt other people. They may also have trouble with organization, be easily bored and have a tough waiting to be the next. The signs of impulsive behavior include involving themselves in activities without permission, rushing around or climbing up places they shouldn't. They also may be inclined to use exuberant excitement or anger as a way to get their attention and may even make others angry or playing pranks on them.
In an assessment, a doctor might utilize questionnaires or interviews to determine if the child has ADHD. Teachers may also be asked to complete rating scales. They can also conduct a neurodevelopmental or physical exam to determine if there are any medical conditions that may trigger symptoms of ADHD. This includes thyroid conditions and mood disorders.
The evaluation will also need to know if your child has any other mental health issues, such as oppositional defiant disorders, conduct disorder or anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your family history. For example if other family members have ADHD or other psychiatric issues.
Adults suffering from ADHD have a difficult time managing their lives, which includes household and work obligations. They may also have issues being a good coworker or family members. The symptoms of these people can cause them to be late for appointments or not attend social events. Their struggles at 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 an individual who is familiar with them. This could include a spouse, parent, teacher, coach, nanny, or coach for children. The details will aid the doctor decide what tests, if any are required, will rule out other conditions causing ADHD symptoms. They may also employ 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 according to the severity of the symptoms and how they affect the individual's daily activities. Getting a correct diagnosis is crucial to gain control over the symptoms which can interfere with the family and work. The diagnosis is done by a medical professional who is specialized in ADHD and related disorders, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical background and symptoms, as well as when they first started to notice. They may request the patient to keep a diary of their symptoms and the impact on their lives. This can be extremely helpful to get a clear picture of the problem, and to decide on the tests or evaluations will be required to determine if ADHD is the root cause.
The doctor may also use questionnaires in order to assess the severity of symptoms. This may include parent and teacher questionnaires to determine if children are suffering from 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 do an exam to make sure there's no physical condition like thyroid issues or seizures, which could be the cause of the issue. description here may be conducted to check for other conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Sometimes, the doctor may request brain scans to rule out possible causes of the symptoms. These tests are not used to diagnose ADHD however they can be useful when other diagnostic procedures have failed.
For adults who suspect that they or their child may have ADHD the best place to begin is to talk to an primary health care provider. If the patient does not have a primary doctor, they can contact their insurance provider for a list that includes health professionals who are trained to conduct an ADHD assessment.
Treatment options
The first step in treating is an evaluation by a doctor who can determine if symptoms are caused by ADHD or another mental health issue. A thorough assessment could include an interview with a parent and child and rating scales that assess the child's behavior with that of those without ADHD.
Many medical conditions can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD which include thyroid problems seizures, head injuries and seizures. A physical exam could be required to determine these causes. A psychological examination will also be required to determine if the symptoms are due to ADHD or another mental health condition such as anxiety.
ADHD symptoms can have a major impact on work, school and relationships. The person being evaluated should be honest and candid with the examiner about any issues they're experiencing. They shouldn't hold back because of fear of being judged or shame. They should describe their symptoms as in detail as they can, including how they impact their lives at home and at school. Parents should be included in evaluations, but not in the decision-making process.
The type of medication prescribed depends on the condition that is causing it as well as the symptoms and age of the child. For example, stimulants are commonly prescribed to teens and children with ADHD. They stimulate brain activity in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. These medications are available in the form of immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication slowly throughout the day. Methylphenidate is one of the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD.
Other kinds of treatment for ADHD might include counseling for the family or marital relationship, or cognitive behavior therapy, which helps to teach specific skills to transform negative behavior into positive ones. These treatments may be beneficial to adults with ADHD, as well educational and occupational accommodations.
The most important thing is the follow-up. There should be regular meetings to review the progress made and determine the next steps. Parents should encourage teachers and other professionals to participate in the process, such as religious or scout leaders. These professionals can offer valuable information about how the child behaves in different settings and give a fuller picture of the child's behavior.
Medication
There are many different drugs used to treat ADHD. The most common are stimulants that work by increasing the activity in specific brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used stimulant among teenagers, adults and children older than five years old is the most well-known. It is available in tablet form, usually 2 to 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 they feel better after taking medication. These effects can be seen in educational, social and home settings. The impact on performance in these settings is measured with one or more standardized rating scales that compare the behaviours of an individual to the behavior of others. These ratings are not diagnostic in themselves however they provide useful, data that can be used in the evaluation process.
In addition to medications in addition to medication, there are other non-medicated treatments for ADHD which include behavior 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 using medication on their children. The guidelines recommend that psychotherapy and interventions in the classroom be part of the treatment plan of teenagers and adolescents with ADHD.
Most commonly, ADHD medication can cause nausea, sleep disturbances and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Children and teens who are taking stimulants could develop tics. They are repetitive actions or sounds like eye-blinking or throat clearing. Some teens and children who take ADHD medication might experience a slight decrease in their growth, but this is typically not significant and doesn't impact their final height.
These medications have the potential to cause addiction and abuse, but research suggests that there is no significant risk with the doses prescribed to treat ADHD. ADHD can increase the risk of addiction to substances in some kids and teens but this isn't due to the medication.
Another potential adverse result of ADHD medication is the chance of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). A recent study showed that those who used stimulant drugs for ADHD had a greater chance of developing CVD than those who did not take the medication. Researchers looked at data from 278 027 individuals, including 10 388 people who suffer from ADHD. They compared the participants with 51 672 people who did not have ADHD. The participants were monitored for 14 years.