ADHD Assessment and Treatment
It is essential to remember that a complete assessment of ADHD is necessary before starting any treatment. This should include an interview with the doctor, information from independent sources such as spouses or other family members, DSM-5 ADD symptom checklists and rating scales, as well as tests that are standardized.
Experts may want to talk to your child's religious leaders, teachers Scouts, coaches, or scouts. ADHD symptoms must be evident since childhood in order to be recognized at an adult age.
ADHD symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD vary by age, however children who suffer from ADHD are often having trouble staying focused on tasks or paying attention to people. They may fidget or mutter answers to questions, or interrupt others. They might also have issues with organization, get easily bored and have a difficult waiting to be the next. Impulsive behavior is often characterized by getting involved in activities or running around in circles without permission. They may also be prone to use extreme emotions or anger to motivate themselves, for example, by making others angry or playing off pranks.
In an evaluation, a physician may employ questionnaires or clinical interviews to determine whether a child has ADHD. They may also request that the child's teachers complete rating scales. They can also conduct a physical or neurodevelopmental exam to detect possible medical issues that could trigger symptoms of ADHD like thyroid disorders or mood disorders.
The evaluator might also inquire whether your child has any other mental disorders like conduct disorder, oppositional defiant syndrome or anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your family history, including if anyone else has ADHD or other psychiatric disorders.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have trouble managing their lives, including household and work obligations. They may also have trouble working with colleagues or family members. They might also be late to appointments or not show up for social occasions due to their symptoms. The difficulties they face in school could lead to 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 both the patient and a person who is familiar with them. This could be a spouse, parent, teacher or coach, nanny or a coach for children. The information collected will allow the doctor to determine which, if any, tests might determine if other conditions cause symptoms of ADHD. They may also employ a checklist designed to identify these signs in adults.
Diagnosis
The process of diagnosing ADHD involves a series of appointments with therapists or doctors. The diagnosis is by analyzing the symptoms and how they affect the individual's daily activities. A correct diagnosis is essential to gaining control over the symptoms, that can hinder life at work and with family. A healthcare provider 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, which includes an explanation of when they first noticed. The doctor might request a journal of their symptoms and how they impact their lives. how do you get assessed for adhd can be very useful in gaining an accurate picture of the problem and assisting in determining which tests or evaluations are needed to determine if ADHD is the reason behind the symptoms.
In addition to observing how the person performs in various environments, the doctor will utilize questionnaires to evaluate the signs. This could include questionnaires to parents and teachers to assess children for the disorder, as well as an interview with the 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.
Certain doctors may also conduct an exam to ensure there isn't a physical condition that could cause thyroid problems or seizures, which could be the root of the problem. Other tests can be done to check for other conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Sometimes, the doctor may request brain scans to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. These tests are not used to diagnose ADHD however they can be useful when other tests for diagnosing the condition have not worked.
For adults who suspect that they or their child is suffering from ADHD the best place to start is by talking with an primary health care provider. If the patient does not have a primary doctor or a primary care physician, they can ask their insurance provider for a list that includes health professionals who are qualified to conduct an ADHD evaluation.
Treatment options
A doctor can determine if symptoms are caused by ADHD or another mental condition. A thorough assessment could include a conversation with the child and a parent and rating scales that compare the behavior of those with and without ADHD.
Many medical conditions can cause symptoms that resemble the symptoms of ADHD which include thyroid problems, seizures and head injuries. A physical exam could be required to determine these causes. A psychological examination will be required to determine if the symptoms are due to ADHD or a different mental health condition such as anxiety.
The symptoms of ADHD can cause significant impairment in school, work and relationships. The person being evaluated should be able to discuss the issues they're experiencing candidly and honestly with the examiner and not be hesitant out of shame or fear of criticism. They should explain their symptoms in as much detail as they can including how they impact them at home and at school. Parents should be included in the evaluation process but not in the decision-making process.
The type of medication prescribed is based on the condition that is causing it the symptoms and the age of the child. For example stimulants are commonly prescribed in children and teens to treat ADHD due to their effectiveness in stimulating the areas of the brain that regulate attention and behavior. They are available in immediate-release tablets and modified-release tablets, which release the medicine slowly throughout the day. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD.
Other treatment options for ADHD include family and marital therapy or cognitive behavioral treatment that teaches specific strategies to change negative behavior into positive behaviors. These treatments can be beneficial to some adults suffering from ADHD, as well occupational and educational accommodations.
The most important part of treatment is following-up with regular meetings to examine progress and determine next steps. Parents should be encouraged to involve teachers and other professionals, including Scout and religious leaders in the process. These experts can provide valuable information about how the child behaves and performs in various situations.
Medication
There are many different medications that are used to treat ADHD. Most commonly, stimulants increase the activity of certain brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most widely used stimulant for adults, teenagers and children older than 5 years old. It is available in tablet form and is typically taken between 2 and 3 times a day. It comes in immediate-release (short acting) or extended-release forms (taken one time a day but released throughout the entire day).
Many people claim to feel better after taking medication. These effects are usually seen in the home, school, and social settings. The impact on performance in these settings is assessed using one or more standardized rating scales, which evaluate the behaviours of an individual to those of others. The scores on these forms aren't considered to be diagnostic in themselves however they are important sources of information when evaluating the process.
There are a variety of non-medical treatment options for ADHD such as the use of behavioral therapy and training for 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 recommend that psychotherapy as well as classroom-based interventions be part of the treatment plans for teenagers and adolescents with ADHD.
Most often, ADHD medication can cause nausea, sleep disturbances and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Teens and children who are taking stimulants may develop tics which are repeated actions or sounds, such as eye blinking or clearing the throat. ADHD medication may cause a slight reduction in growth for certain adolescents and children, however it's usually minimal and doesn't affect their final height.
These medications have the potential to cause abuse and addiction, but studies show that there isn't a significant risk for the dosages used to treat ADHD. ADHD can increase the likelihood of substance abuse in some teens and children but this isn't due to the medication.
A possible side consequence of ADHD medication is the possibility of developing cardiovascular disease. A recent study revealed that those who took stimulant drugs for ADHD had a higher risk of developing CVD than others who did not take the medication. Researchers looked at data from 278 027 people, including 10 388 people with ADHD. They compared these individuals to 51 672 people who did not have ADHD. These participants were tracked for 14 years.