ADHD Assessment and Treatment
It is crucial to keep in mind that a thorough assessment of ADHD is required prior to beginning any treatment. This should include an interview with a clinician and information from other sources such as spouses or other family members, DSM-5 ADD symptom checklists and rating scales, as well as tests that are standardized.
get an adhd assessment may want to talk to your child's teachers, religious leaders as well as scouts, coaches or scouts. ADHD symptoms must be present from childhood to be recognized at an adult age.
ADHD symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD vary by age, but children with ADHD are often having trouble staying focused on their tasks or paying attention to other people. They may fumble or mutter out answers when asked questions, or interrupt other people. They may also struggle with organizational skills, are easily bored and have difficulty waiting their turn. Impulsive behavior can be characterized by jumping into activities or running around without permission. They may also be prone to using extreme anger or excitement to stimulate themselves, for example, by making others angry or pulling off pranks.
In an assessment, a doctor might utilize questionnaires or interviews to determine whether a child has ADHD. They can also ask the child's teachers to fill out rating scales. They may also perform a physical or neurodevelopmental exam to detect possible medical issues that could trigger symptoms of ADHD like thyroid disorders or mood disorders.
The evaluation will also need to determine if your child suffers from any other mental health conditions, such as oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder or anxiety disorders. They will also ask about your family history, for instance, whether any other family members have ADHD or other psychiatric disorders.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have trouble managing their lives, which includes work and home responsibilities. They may also have difficulty getting along with their coworkers or family members. They might be late for appointments or fail to show up for social engagements due to their symptoms. Their difficulties in school can result in academic failure and poor 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 -- a spouse or parent for adults or a teacher, coach or nanny for children. The information collected will help the doctor determine what, if any, tests can determine if other conditions are causing symptoms of ADHD. They may also utilize a checklist to detect these signs in adults.
Diagnosis
The method of diagnosing ADHD requires a series of sessions with therapists or doctors. The diagnosis is based on the presence of symptoms and their impact on the individual's life. It is essential to get the correct diagnosis to control the symptoms that may affect family and work life. The diagnosis is given by a healthcare professional who is specialized in ADHD, such as psychologist or psychiatrist.
The doctor will review the patient's medical background and symptoms, as well as an explanation of when they first appeared. They might ask the patient to keep a diary of their symptoms as well as their impact on their lives. This can be very helpful to get a clear picture of the issue, and also to determine which tests or evaluations will be required to determine if ADHD is the reason.
In addition to observing how a person functions in various settings, the doctor will utilize questionnaires to evaluate the symptoms. This may include parent and teacher questionnaires to determine if children are suffering from the disorder, as well as 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.
Certain doctors may also conduct an exam to ensure there's no physical condition like thyroid issues or seizures, that could be the cause of the problem. Other tests are also available to check for other conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Sometimes, the doctor may order brain scans in order to rule out possible causes for the symptoms. These tests, which aren't routinely used to diagnose ADHD, are a helpful instrument when other diagnostic procedures have been eliminated.
For adults who suspect that they or their child is suffering from ADHD the best place to start is to talk to a primary care physician. If the person doesn't have a primary physician, they should contact their insurance provider for a list of health professionals in their area who are able to conduct an ADHD assessment.
Treatment options
The first step to treatment is an evaluation by a doctor who will determine if the symptoms are due to ADHD or another mental health condition. A thorough evaluation can include an interview with a parent and child, as well as rating scales that assess the child's behavior to people without ADHD.
Many medical conditions can trigger symptoms that resemble those of ADHD such as thyroid issues, seizures and head injuries. A physical exam could be needed to rule out these causes. A psychological examination will be required to determine if the symptoms are due to ADHD or another mental health issue, such as anxiety.
Symptoms of ADHD can result in significant problems in school, work and in relationships. The person being assessed must discuss the issues they are experiencing candidly and honestly with the examiner, and not be hesitant because of shame or fear of criticism. They should explain the symptoms in as much detail as possible including how they affect them at home as well as at school. Parents should be involved in evaluations but not in the decision-making process.
The kind of medication prescribed will depend on the condition that is causing it, symptoms and age of the child. For instance stimulants are commonly prescribed in teens and children to treat ADHD due to their effectiveness in stimulating the areas of the brain that control attention and behavior. These medications are available in tablets that are immediate-release and modified-release, which 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 treatment, which teaches specific techniques to transform negative behaviors to positive ones. These therapies may be beneficial for some adults with ADHD as well as educational and occupational accommodations.
The most crucial aspect of treatment is following-up, with frequent meetings to review progress and decide on next steps. Parents should be encouraged to involve teachers and other professionals, like Scout leaders and religious leaders in the process. These people can provide valuable information on how the child behaves in various settings and give a fuller picture of the child's behavior.
Medication
ADHD is treated using various medications. The most popular are stimulants that work by increasing the activity in specific brain areas that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used stimulant among teens, adults and children older than five years old, is the most well-known. It comes in tablet form and is typically taken 2 to 3 times a day. It is available as immediate-release (short-acting) or extended-release (taken once a day in the morning, and released throughout the day).
Many people report that their symptoms and impairments significantly improve after a period of medication. These effects are typically observed in school, home and social situations. The impact on performance in these settings is measured using one or more standardized rating scales, which evaluate the behavior of the person with those of other people. These ratings are not diagnostic in their own right, but provide valuable information that can be used to aid in the evaluation process.
In addition to medication There are also non-medicated solutions for ADHD that include behavioral therapy and training for parents and teachers. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that parents attend training in the area of behavior management prior to trying medications on their children. The guidelines recommend that psychotherapy as well as classroom-based interventions should be included in 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 might develop tics. These are repetitive movements or noises such as eye-blinking, or throat clearing. Some teens and children who take ADHD medication may experience a slight reduction in their height, but it is usually minor and doesn't alter their height at the end of the day.
Stimulant medication does have the potential to lead to dependence and abuse, but studies have shown that this is not an issue when it comes to dosages prescribed for ADHD. ADHD can increase the risk of substance abuse in some kids and teens but this isn't due to the medication.
A possible side consequence of ADHD medication is the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Recent research found that people who use stimulant drugs to treat ADHD have a higher chance of developing cardiovascular disease than those who do not. The researchers analyzed data from 278 027 individuals comprising 10 388 people who suffer from ADHD. They compared the participants with 51 672 healthy controls without ADHD. The participants were monitored for 14 years.