ADHD Assessment and Treatment
Before starting any treatment, it is important to complete a full evaluation of ADHD. This should include a clinician interview, other sources, like spouse or family members, DSM-5 ADD symptom scales and checklists, as well tests that are standardized.
Experts may also look over your child's school records and speak to teachers, religious or scout coaches or leaders. This is because ADHD symptoms must be present since childhood before they can be recognized as an adult.
ADHD symptoms
ADHD symptoms can vary based on age, however many children with this condition are unable to focus or pay attention. They may fumble or mutter out answers when asked questions, or interrupt other people. They may also have trouble with organization, get easily bored and have a tough time waiting for their turn. Some signs of impulsive behavior include jumping into activities without permission, rushing around or climbing where they shouldn't. They may also be prone to using explosive anger or excitement to stimulate their own egos, for example through causing others to be angry or pulling jokes.
A doctor may utilize questionnaires or clinical interviews to determine if a child is ADHD. They may also request that the child's teachers fill out rating scales. They can also conduct physical or neurodevelopmental tests to determine if there are any medical conditions that may trigger symptoms of ADHD. These include thyroid disorders and mood disorders.
The evaluator may also ask whether your child is suffering from any other mental disorder such as conduct disorder as well as oppositional defiant syndrome and anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your family background. For instance, if any other family members have ADHD or any other psychiatric disorder.
Adults suffering from ADHD have a difficult time managing their lives, including work and home responsibilities. They may also have trouble being a good coworker or family members. They may also be late to appointments or fail to show up for social occasions due to their symptoms. 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 the patient as well as a person who knows them well. This could include a spouse, parent, teacher, coach, nanny, or a coach for children. The information gathered will help the doctor determine which tests can determine if other conditions cause symptoms of ADHD. They may also employ a checklist to determine these signs in adults.
Diagnosis
The process of diagnosing ADHD requires a series of appointments with therapists or doctors. The diagnosis is made based on symptoms and how they affect the person's daily life. It is essential to get the correct diagnosis to manage symptoms that could affect the family life and work. The diagnosis is done by a medical professional who specializes in ADHD, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
The doctor will discuss the patient's medical history and symptoms and when they first appeared. They might ask the patient to keep a record of their symptoms and their impact on their lives. This can be extremely helpful to have a clearer picture of the problem and to decide on the tests or evaluations are needed to determine if ADHD is the reason.
The doctor will also use questionnaires in order to assess the symptoms. The doctor might utilize 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 perform an examination to make sure that there isn't any physical issue such as thyroid problems or seizure, which could be the cause of the problem. Other tests may be conducted to check for other conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Sometimes, the doctor might request brain scans to rule out possible causes for the symptoms. These tests are not used to diagnose ADHD however they can be useful when other tests for diagnosis have failed.
If you are an adult who suspects that you or their child may have ADHD, the best place to begin is to talk to the primary care physician. If the patient does not have a primary physician, they should contact their insurance company for the 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 physician who can determine if symptoms are related to ADHD or another mental health issue. A thorough assessment could include an interview with a parent and child and rating scales that evaluate the child's behavior with that of those without ADHD.
A variety of medical conditions can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD which include thyroid problems, seizures and head injuries. It might be necessary to perform an examination for physical health to rule out the presence of these conditions. A psychological examination will be needed to determine if symptoms are caused by ADHD or another mental health issue, such as anxiety.
ADHD symptoms can have a significant impact on school, work, and relationships. The person being evaluated must be honest and candid with the examiner about the issues they're experiencing. They shouldn't be hesitant because of fear of being judged or shame. They should explain their symptoms in as much detail as possible including the way they affect their lives at home and at school. Parents should be involved in evaluations, but not in the decision-making process.
The type of medication prescribed depends on the condition that is causing it as well as the symptoms and age of the child. For example, stimulants are typically used in children and teens to treat ADHD because they work by increasing activity in areas of the brain that regulate attention and behavior. These medications may come in the form of tablets that release immediately or modified-release tablets that release the medication slowly throughout the day. Methylphenidate, which is the most popular medication prescribed for ADHD, is available in tablet form.
Other treatments for ADHD include family and marital therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches specific techniques to transform negative behavior into positive behaviors. These treatments can be beneficial to some adults suffering from ADHD, as well educational and occupational accommodations.
The most important aspect is the follow-up. It is essential to hold regular meetings to assess the progress and decide on the next steps. Parents should encourage teachers and other professionals to take part in the process, including Scout or religious leaders. They can provide valuable information on how the child behaves in various settings and give a fuller picture of the child's functioning.
Medication
There are many different drugs used to treat ADHD. Most commonly, stimulants work by increasing the activity of certain brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most widely used stimulant for teenagers, adults and children who are over 5 years old. It is available in tablet form and is usually taken 2 to 3 times per day. It is available in immediate release (short-acting) or extended-release (taken once a day in the morning, and released throughout the day).
Many people report that they feel better after taking medication. These effects can be seen in social, educational and home settings. The effect on performance in these environments is measured with one or more standardized rating scales, which evaluate the behaviours of an individual to those of other people. The scores of these forms aren't considered diagnostic by themselves, but they serve as important sources of information in the evaluation process.
There are a variety of non-medical treatment options for ADHD, including the use of behavioral therapy and training for parents and teachers. linked web site of Pediatrics recommends that parents attend training on behavioral management prior to trying medications for their children. The guidelines recommend that psychotherapy and interventions in the classroom be part of the treatment plan of adolescents and teens suffering from ADHD.
The most common side effects of ADHD medication include stomach upset as well as changes in heart rate and blood pressure as well as sleep disturbances. Teens and children who are taking stimulants may develop tics which are repeated actions or sounds, such as eye blinking, or throat clearing. Some teens and children who take ADHD medication may notice a slight slowdown in their height, but this is typically minor and does not impact their final height.
The stimulant drugs do have the potential for addiction and abuse, but studies show that there isn't a significant risk for the doses prescribed to treat ADHD. Certain teens and children with ADHD are more prone for addiction issues, but that is due to the disorder, not the medication.
A potential side effect of ADHD medication is the possibility of developing cardiovascular disease. A recent study revealed that those who used stimulant medication for ADHD were more likely of developing CVD than others who did not take the drugs. Researchers examined data from 278 027 people, including 10 388 with ADHD. They compared these individuals to 51 672 people who did not have ADHD. The participants were followed for 14 years.