ADHD Assessment and Treatment
Before starting any treatment, it is important to conduct a thorough evaluation of ADHD. This should include an interview with the clinician, information from independent sources such as spouse or other family members, DSM-5 ADD symptom checklists and rating scales and standardized testing.
Experts may also want to look over your child's school records and talk with teachers as well as religious leaders, scout leaders or coaches. ADHD symptoms must be present from the beginning of childhood to be recognized at an adult age.
Symptoms of ADHD
ADHD symptoms vary depending on age, but a lot of children with this condition struggle to focus or pay attention. They might fumble, blurt out answers to questions, or interrupt other people. They might also struggle with organizing skills, are easily bored and have difficulty waiting their turn. Some signs of impulsive behavior include a tendency to engage in activities without permission, rushing around or climbing up places they aren't allowed to go. They might also be at risk of using extreme anger or excitement as a source of stimulation for others, such as making them mad or playing pranks on them.
In an assessment, a doctor might utilize questionnaires or interviews to determine whether a child has ADHD. Teachers may also be asked to complete rating scales. They can also conduct physical or neurodevelopmental tests to find any medical issues that could trigger symptoms of ADHD. This includes mood disorders and thyroid issues.
The evaluator can also ask whether your child has any other mental disorder like conduct disorder, oppositional defiant syndrome or anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your family background. For example whether any other members of your family suffer from ADHD or other psychiatric disorders.
Adults with ADHD typically have difficulty managing their lives, including work and home obligations. They may also have trouble getting along with their coworkers or family members. Their symptoms can also cause them to be late for appointments or fail to attend social gatherings. The academic challenges they face can lead to a 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 interview both the patient and someone who is familiar with them. assessed for adhd could be a spouse, parent, teacher or coach, nanny or coach for children. The information collected will allow the doctor to determine which tests might determine if other conditions are causing symptoms of ADHD. It is also possible to employ a checklist to determine the symptoms in adults.
Diagnosis
The method of diagnosing ADHD requires a series of appointments with therapists or doctors. The diagnosis is made according to the severity of the symptoms and how they impact the person's life. A correct diagnosis is crucial to gain control over the symptoms that can hinder the family and work. The diagnosis is done by a medical professional who specializes in ADHD, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical background and symptoms, as well as the date they first noticed. They may ask the patient to keep a record of their symptoms and their impact on their lives. This can be extremely useful in obtaining an exact picture of the issue and aiding in determining what tests or assessments are needed to determine whether ADHD is the reason behind the symptoms.
The doctor will also use questionnaires to evaluate the severity of symptoms. The doctor may use questionnaires for parents and teachers to evaluate children, and 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 conduct an exam to determine if there isn't any physical issue, like thyroid problems or seizures, which could be the cause of the issue. Other tests could be performed to screen for other conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
Sometimes, the doctor will conduct brain scans to identify other possible causes of the symptoms. These tests are not used to diagnose ADHD but they can be helpful when other tests for diagnosing the condition have failed.
For adults who suspect that they or their child is suffering from ADHD, the best place to start is by talking with a primary health care provider. If the patient does not have a primary care physician, they should contact their insurance company for a list of health professionals in their area who are qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment.
Treatment options
A doctor can tell if symptoms are caused by ADHD or a different mental illness. A thorough assessment could include an interview with a parent and child, as well as rating scales that compare the child's behavior to people who do not have ADHD.
There are many medical conditions that could cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. My Web Page include thyroid problems or head injuries, as well as seizures. A physical exam may be needed to rule out these causes. A psychological exam will be necessary to determine if symptoms are caused by ADHD or another mental health issue, such as anxiety.
The signs of ADHD can cause significant impairment in school, work and in relationships. The person being evaluated should be honest and candid with the examiner about the issues they're facing. They shouldn't be hesitant because of fear of being judged or shame. They should report symptoms as accurately as is possible, including the way they affect them at home and at school. Parents should be involved in the evaluation process, however, they should not take the decision to administer medication to their child.
The kind of medication prescribed will depend on the child's age, the condition that is causing the symptoms and the kind of medication prescribed. For example, stimulants are commonly prescribed to children and teens with ADHD. They work by increasing brain activity in areas that control attention and behavior. These medications can be in the form of tablets with immediate release or modified-release tablets that release the medicine slowly throughout the day. Methylphenidate, the most common medication prescribed for ADHD, is available in tablet form.
Other options for treating ADHD include marital and family therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches specific techniques to change negative behavior to positive ones. Certain adults with ADHD may benefit from these therapies, as well as from educational and occupational accommodations.
The most important part is the follow-up. There should be frequent meetings to evaluate the progress made and determine next steps. Parents should encourage teachers and other professionals to take part in the process, including religious or scout leaders. These experts can provide valuable advice on how the child behaves and function in different situations.
Medication
There are many different drugs that are used to treat ADHD. The most common are stimulants, which function by increasing activity in certain brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate, the most commonly used stimulant in teenagers, adults and children over five years old, is the most well-known. It is available in tablet form and is typically taken two to three times per day. It is available as immediate-release (short-acting), or extended-release (taken every day in the morning and released throughout the day).
Many people claim to feel better after taking medication. These effects can be seen in educational, social and home settings. The impact of these variables on performance is measured by using one or more standardized ratings scales, which compare the performance of a person with other people. These ratings are not diagnostic in themselves however they provide useful, objective information for the evaluation process.
In addition to medication There are also non-medical treatments for ADHD that include therapy for behavior and training for parents and teachers. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that parents undergo training in managing their behavior prior to trying medication on their children. The guidelines recommend that psychotherapy and interventions in the classroom be included in the treatment plans for teenagers and adolescents with ADHD.
Most commonly, ADHD medication can cause nausea, sleep disturbances and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Some children and teens who are taking stimulants might develop tics. They are repetitive sounds or movements like eye-blinking or throat clearing. Some children and teens who are taking ADHD medication might experience a slight decrease in their height, but this is typically minor and doesn't alter their height at the end of the day.
Stimulant medication has the potential to cause addiction and abuse, however research has proven that this is not an issue at the dosages prescribed for ADHD. Some kids and teens who have ADHD are more prone for addiction issues however this is due to the disorder not the medication.
Another potential negative effect of ADHD medication is the risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). A recent study revealed that those who used stimulant medications for ADHD had a higher risk of developing CVD than others who did not take the medication. Researchers examined data from 278 027 individuals, including 10 388 with ADHD. They compared the participants with 51 672 people who did not have ADHD. These participants were followed for 14 years.