ADHD Assessment and Treatment
Before beginning any treatment, it is crucial to conduct a thorough evaluation of ADHD. This should include an interview with the doctor, information from independent sources like spouses 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 speak with teachers and scout or religious coaches or leaders. ADHD symptoms must be present from childhood to be recognized at an adult age.
The symptoms of ADHD
ADHD symptoms differ based on age, but a lot of children with this condition have difficulty focusing or paying attention. They might fidget or mutter answers to questions or interrupt other people. They might also struggle organizing, become easily bored and have a hard time waiting for their turn. The behavior of an impulsive person is described as engaging in activities or rushing around without permission. They also may be prone to using exuberant excitement or anger as a source of stimulation, such as making others angry or playing pranks with them.
A doctor may use questionnaires or clinical interviews to determine if a child has ADHD. They can also ask teachers to complete rating scales. They can also conduct an examination of the neurodevelopmental or physical to detect possible medical issues that can cause symptoms of ADHD, such as thyroid disorders or mood disorders.
The evaluator may also ask whether your child is suffering from any other mental disorders like conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder, or anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your family background. For example if other family members suffer from ADHD or other psychiatric issues.
Adults with ADHD have a difficult time managing their lives, which includes work and home responsibilities. They may also have difficulty being a good coworker or family members. The symptoms of these people can result in them being late for appointments or fail to attend social gatherings. Their academic difficulties 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 along with someone who knows them well -- a spouse or parent for adults, or a teacher, coach, nanny or coach for children. The information collected will help the doctor determine which, if any, tests can 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 process of diagnosing ADHD involves several appointments with doctors and therapists. The diagnosis is dependent on the presence of symptoms and their impact on the individual's life. Getting a correct diagnosis is crucial to gain control over the symptoms, which can interfere with the family and work. The diagnosis is done by a medical professional who is specialized in ADHD like psychologist or psychiatrist.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical background and symptoms and when they first appeared. The doctor might request a diary detailing their symptoms and how they affect their lives. This can be extremely helpful in getting an accurate picture of the issue and assisting in determining which tests or evaluations are required to determine whether ADHD is the reason behind the symptoms.
The doctor may also utilize questionnaires in order to assess the symptoms. The doctor may utilize questionnaires for parents and teachers to assess children and an interview with the patient to assess the symptoms. 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 may also perform an exam to ensure there isn't any physical issue that could cause thyroid problems or seizures, which could be the root of the issue. Other tests could be performed to check for other conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
Occasionally, the doctor will conduct brain scans to determine the cause of the symptoms. These tests are not used to diagnose ADHD but can be useful when other tests for diagnosis have failed.
For adults who suspect they or their child has ADHD, the best place to start is by talking with a primary health care provider. If the person doesn't have a primary doctor, they should call their insurance company for an inventory of health specialists in their area who are certified to perform an ADHD assessment.
Treatment options
The first step in treatment is an evaluation by a doctor who can determine whether the symptoms are related to ADHD or another mental health condition. An extensive evaluation could include a conversation with the child and parents and rating scales to compare behavior to that of people without ADHD.
There are many medical conditions that can trigger symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. These include thyroid issues, head injuries, and seizures. It may be necessary to conduct a physical exam in order to rule out the presence of these ailments. A psychological examination is required to determine if the symptoms are due to ADHD or a different mental health issue, such as anxiety.
Symptoms of ADHD can lead to significant problems in work, school and in relationships. The person being evaluated should be honest and forthcoming with the examiner about the problems they're having. They shouldn't hide their feelings in fear of being judged or shame. They should describe symptoms as accurately as is possible and also how they affect them at home and at school. Parents should be involved in the assessment, but they should not make the decision to prescribe medication for their child.
The dosage of the medication will depend on the child's age and the condition leading to the symptoms and the kind of medication. For example, stimulants are typically prescribed to adolescents and children with ADHD. They work by increasing brain activity in areas that regulate attention and behavior. These medications are available as tablets that are immediate-release and modified-release, which release the medicine gradually throughout the day. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication prescribed for ADHD, is available in tablet form.
Other treatment options for ADHD include family and marital therapy or cognitive behavioral treatment, which teaches specific techniques to change negative behavior into positive behaviors. These treatments can be beneficial to some adults suffering from ADHD as well as educational and occupational accommodations.
Related Web Page is the follow-up. There should be frequent meetings to review the progress made and determine the next steps. Parents should be encouraged to involve teachers and other professionals, like Scout and religious leaders in the process. They can offer valuable information about how the child behaves in different environments and provide a more complete picture of the child's behavior.
Medication
There are a variety of medications used to treat ADHD. The most commonly used are stimulants, which function by increasing activity in specific brain areas that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used stimulant among teenagers, adults and children over age 5. It is taken in tablet form, usually 2-3 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 report that their symptoms and impairment significantly improve after a period of medication. These effects are typically observed in the home, school, and social environments. The effect on performance in these settings is measured by using one or more standard rating scales, which evaluate the behavior of the person with the behavior of others. The scores of these rating forms are not considered to be diagnostic in themselves, but they serve as important sources of information that can be used when evaluating the process.
In addition to medication There are also non-medicated treatments for ADHD which include behavior therapy and training for parents and teachers. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that parents receive training in managing their behavior prior to trying medications on their children. The guidelines also recommend psychotherapy and intervention in the classroom to be a part of the treatment plan for adolescents and teens with ADHD.
The most frequent adverse effects of ADHD medication are stomach upset, changes in blood pressure and heart rate as well as sleep disturbances. Certain teens and children who are taking stimulants may develop tics, which are repetitive movements or sounds, such as eye blinking, or clearing the throat. Some children and teens who take ADHD medication might experience a slight decrease in their growth, however this is typically minor and doesn't affect their final height.
Stimulant medications do have the potential to cause abuse and addiction, but studies show that this is not a significant risk at the dosages used to treat ADHD. ADHD can increase the risk of substance abuse in a few teens and kids but this isn't due to the medication.
A potential side consequence of ADHD medication is the possibility of developing cardiovascular disease. Recent research has found that those who take stimulant medications to treat ADHD have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease than those who do not. The researchers analyzed data from 278 027 people which included 10 388 individuals with ADHD. They compared these individuals to 51 672 people who did not have ADHD. The participants were followed for 14 years.