ADHD Assessment and Treatment
Before beginning any treatment, it is essential to conduct a thorough assessment of ADHD. This includes a physician interview, additional information from sources, such as a spouse or family member, DSM-5 ADD symptom scales and checklists, as well as standardized tests.
Experts may also review your child's school record and speak to teachers, religious or scout leaders or coaches. ADHD symptoms must be present from childhood to be recognized at an adult age.
ADHD symptoms
ADHD symptoms can vary based on age, but many children suffering from this disorder are unable to focus or pay attention. They may fumble or blurt out answers when asked questions or interrupt others. They might also struggle with organization, be easily bored and have a tough waiting to be the next. The behavior of an impulsive person is defined as engaging in activities or rushing around without permission. They also may be prone to using exuberant emotions or anger as a way to get their attention for others, such as making them angry or playing pranks with them.
In an assessment, a doctor may employ questionnaires or clinical interviews to determine if the child has ADHD. They can also ask teachers to fill out rating scales. They can also conduct an examination of the neurodevelopmental or physical to identify possible medical problems that could trigger symptoms of ADHD such as thyroid disorders or mood disorders.
The evaluater will also want to be aware of if your child has any other mental health conditions such as oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder or anxiety disorders. They will also ask about your family history, such as whether anyone else has ADHD or any other psychiatric issues.
Adults with ADHD have a difficult time managing their lives, including work and home responsibilities. They may also have difficulty working with colleagues or family members. assessed for adhd can also cause them to be late for appointments or to not show up at social engagements. Their academic issues can result in failure at 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 as well as someone who is familiar with them -- such as a spouse or parent for adults or a teacher, coach, nanny or coach for children. The details will aid the doctor decide what tests, if required, will help identify other conditions that cause ADHD symptoms. They may also employ an assessment tool designed to detect these signs in adults.
Diagnosis
The process of determining ADHD involves a series of sessions with therapists and doctors. The diagnosis is determined by the presence of symptoms and their impact on a person's life. A correct diagnosis is crucial to gain control over the symptoms that can hinder the family and work. The diagnosis is made by a healthcare provider who is specialized in ADHD like a psychiatrist or psychologist.
The doctor will discuss the patient's medical history and symptoms as well as the date they first appeared. They might request that the patient keep a journal 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 are required to determine if ADHD is the cause.
In addition to observing how a person functions in different environments, the doctor will utilize questionnaires to evaluate the symptoms. This may include questionnaires to parents and teachers to determine if children are suffering from the disorder, and an interview with a 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.
Some doctors will also conduct an exam to ensure that there isn't any physical issue such as thyroid issues or seizures, that could be the cause of the issue. Other tests could be performed to screen for other conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
Sometimes, a doctor may request brain scans to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. These tests, which aren't commonly used to diagnose ADHD but are a helpful instrument when other diagnostic procedures have been cleared.
If you are an adult who suspects that you or their child is suffering from ADHD the best place to start is to talk to a primary doctor. If the person does not have a primary physician and is looking for a referral to their insurance provider for the list of health professionals who are qualified 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 due to ADHD or other mental health issues. An extensive evaluation could include an interview with a child and parent as well as rating scales that assess the child's behavior with those of people who do not have ADHD.
There are many medical conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. These include thyroid problems as well as head injuries and seizures. A physical exam may also be needed to rule out these causes. A psychological examination will also be necessary to determine if the symptoms are due to ADHD or another mental health condition, like anxiety.
ADHD symptoms can have a profound impact on school, work and interpersonal relationships. The person being assessed should be honest and forthcoming with the examiner about the problems they're experiencing. They shouldn't hold back because of fear of being judged or shame. They should describe the symptoms in as much detail as they can including how they affect them at home as well as at school. Parents should be involved in the assessment, but they should not make the decision to medicate their child.
The type of medication prescribed depends on the underlying condition as well as the symptoms and age of the child. For instance, stimulants are typically used in adolescents and children to treat ADHD due to their effectiveness in increasing activity in areas of the brain that control attention and behavior. These medications can be in the form of tablets with immediate release or modified-release tablets that release the medication slowly throughout the day. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD.
Other treatments for ADHD include family and marital therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches specific techniques to change negative behavior to positive ones. Some adults with ADHD may benefit from these therapies, as well as from occupational and educational accommodations.
The most crucial aspect of treatment is follow-up with regular meetings to evaluate progress and decide on next steps. Parents should encourage teachers and other professionals to take part in the process, such as religious or scout leaders. These people can provide valuable information about how the child behaves in various situations and offer a complete picture of the child's functioning.
Medication
ADHD is treated using various medications. The majority of stimulants are used to increase the activity of certain brain regions that control attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used stimulant for adults, teenagers and children over age 5. It is available in tablet format and is usually taken 2 to 3 times a day. It is available in immediate release (short-acting) or extended-release (taken at least once per day in the morning and released throughout the day).
Many people have reported that their symptoms and impairments significantly improve after a period of medication. These effects are usually seen in school, home and social settings. The effect of these factors on performance is measured by using one or more standardized ratings scales that compare the behavior of an individual to others. The scores of these forms aren't considered diagnostic by themselves, but they serve as important sources of information that can be used during the evaluation process.
There are non-medical treatment options for ADHD, including behavior therapy and training for teachers and parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents undergo training in behavior management before trying medication for their children. The guidelines also call for psychotherapy and classroom-based intervention to be part of the treatment program for adolescents and teenagers with ADHD.
Most often, ADHD medication can cause nausea, sleep disturbances and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Certain teens and children who are taking stimulants may develop tics which are repeated actions or sounds, such as eye blinking, or clearing the throat. Certain children and teens who take ADHD medication may notice a slight slowdown in their growth, however this is typically not significant and does not impact their final height.
These medications have the potential to cause abuse and addiction, but studies show that this is not a significant risk with the doses 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 and not the medication.
Another potential negative consequence of ADHD medication is the chance of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recent research has found that those who take stimulant medication to treat ADHD have a higher chance of developing cardiovascular disease than those who do not. Researchers analyzed data from 278 027 individuals which included 10 388 individuals who suffer from ADHD. They compared them with 51 672 participants who did not have ADHD. They followed them for 14 years.