ADHD Assessment and Treatment
Before beginning any treatment, it is crucial to conduct a thorough assessment of ADHD. This should include a clinician interview, additional information from sources, such as a spouse or family member, DSM-5 ADD symptom scales and checklists, as well tests that are standardized.
Experts might suggest talking to your child's religious leaders, teachers as well as scouts, coaches or scouts. ADHD symptoms must be evident since childhood in order to be diagnosed at an adult age.
ADHD symptoms
ADHD symptoms can vary based on age, but a lot of children with this condition have difficulty focusing or paying attention. They might fumble or mutter out answers when asked questions, or interrupt other people. They might also struggle with organization, get easily bored and have a difficult waiting to be the next. The signs of impulsive behavior include jumping into activities without permission, or running around or climbing where they shouldn't. They might also be at risk of using extreme anger or excitement as a way to get their attention, such as making others angry or playing pranks on them.
A doctor can employ questionnaires or interviews to determine if a child has ADHD. They may also ask teachers to complete ratings scales. They may also perform physical or neurodevelopmental tests to find any medical issues that could cause symptoms of ADHD. These include thyroid disorders and mood disorders.
The evaluater will also want to determine if your child suffers from any other mental health conditions such as oppositional defiant disorder or anxiety disorders or conduct disorder. They will also ask about your family history, including whether any other family members have ADHD or other psychiatric conditions.
Adults with ADHD have a difficult time managing their lives, which includes work and home responsibilities. They may also have trouble working with family members or colleagues. They may be late for appointments or fail to show up for social engagements 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 examine the patient along with someone who knows them well -- such as a spouse or parent for adults or a teacher, coach or nanny for children. The information collected will allow the doctor to determine which, if any, tests could rule out other conditions that cause symptoms of ADHD. They may also employ an assessment tool designed to detect these symptoms in adults.
Diagnosis
The method of diagnosing ADHD involves a series of appointments with doctors and therapists. The diagnosis is determined by the presence of symptoms and their impact on the person's life. Making a proper diagnosis is crucial to gain control over the symptoms, which can affect work and family life. A healthcare provider who is an expert in ADHD such as a psychologist or psychiatrist can determine the cause of the disorder.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history and symptoms, including the date they first noticed. They may request the patient to keep a journal of their symptoms and their impact on their lives. This is a great way to have a clearer picture of the problem, and to decide on the tests or assessments will be needed to determine if ADHD is the cause.
adhd assessment may also utilize questionnaires to evaluate symptoms. The doctor might use questionnaires for parents or 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.
Certain doctors may also conduct an exam to ensure there isn't any physical issue, such as thyroid problems or seizures, which could be the cause of the problem. Other tests can be done to determine if there are other issues like anxiety or depression.
Sometimes, the doctor will order brain scans to help identify other possible causes of the symptoms. These tests, which aren't commonly used to diagnose ADHD, can be a useful test when other tests for diagnosing the condition have been cleared.
If you or your child thinks they may have ADHD or other disorders, it is best to speak with an experienced primary physician. If the patient does not have a primary doctor, they can contact their insurance provider for a list that includes health professionals who are certified to conduct an ADHD evaluation.
Treatment options
A doctor can tell if symptoms are due to ADHD or another mental condition. A thorough assessment could include an interview with a child and parent as well as rating scales that compare the child's behavior with that of those who do not have ADHD.
There are a variety of medical conditions that can trigger symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. These include thyroid issues, head injuries, and seizures. It is possible to conduct a physical exam in order to rule out any of these conditions. A psychological exam will be needed to determine if symptoms are due to ADHD or a different mental health condition such as anxiety.
ADHD symptoms can have a profound impact on work, school, and relationships. The person being evaluated must be honest and forthcoming with the examiner about the problems they're facing. They shouldn't hide their feelings for fear of criticism or shame. They should be able to describe their symptoms as in detail as they can and include how they impact their lives at home and at school. Parents should be included in the evaluation process, but not in the decision-making process.
The kind of medication prescribed will depend on the child's age and the condition causing the symptoms and the type of medication. For instance, stimulants are often prescribed to teens and children with ADHD. They help by stimulating brain activity in areas that regulate attention and behaviour. These medications can be in the form of immediate-release tablets 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 forms of treatment for ADHD may involve family and marital counseling or cognitive behavior therapy, which provides specific techniques to change negative behavior to positive ones. Some adults who have ADHD might benefit from these treatments, as well as from educational and occupational accommodations.
The most important part of treatment is follow-up 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. These experts can provide valuable information about how the child behaves and function in different situations.
Medication
ADHD is treated using various medications. The most commonly used are stimulants that work by increasing activity in certain brain areas that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used stimulant for teens, adults and children who are older than five years old is the most well-known. It is a tablet form, typically 2 to 3 times a day. It is available in immediate release (short-acting), or extended-release (taken every day in the morning, and released throughout the day).
Many people say they feel better after taking a medication. These effects can be seen in educational, social and home settings. The effect on performance in these environments is measured with one or more standardized rating scales, which compare behaviours of an individual to those of other people. The scores of these forms aren't considered diagnostic by themselves however they serve as important sources of objective information in the evaluation process.
There are a variety of non-medical treatment options for ADHD, including behavior therapy and training for parents and teachers. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents receive training in behavior management before trying medication for their children. The guidelines recommend that psychotherapy as well as classroom-based interventions be included in the treatment plan for adolescents and teens suffering from 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 is usually minor and doesn't affect their height.
These medications have the potential for addiction and abuse, but research shows that there is no significant risk with the dosages used to treat ADHD. Certain teens and children who suffer from ADHD are at higher risk for substance use problems however, this is due to the disorder, not the medication.
Another potential negative effect of ADHD medication is the chance for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recent research found that people who use stimulant drugs to treat ADHD have a higher chance of developing cardiovascular disease than those who don't. Researchers looked at data from 278 027 people, including 10 388 people with ADHD. They compared them to 51 672 participants who did not have ADHD. The participants were monitored for 14 years.