ADHD Assessment and Treatment
It is important to keep in mind that a thorough evaluation of ADHD is necessary before starting any treatment. This should include a doctor interview, information from other sources, such as a spouse or family member, DSM-5 ADD symptom scales and checklists, as well tests that are standardized.
Experts might also review your child's school record and talk with teachers and scout or religious leaders or coaches. This is because ADHD symptoms must have been present since childhood in order to be diagnosed as an adult.
Signs and symptoms of ADHD
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 organizing, become easily bored and have a hard time waiting for their turn. Symptoms of impulsive behavior can include involving themselves in activities without permission, rushing around or climbing places they shouldn't. conversational tone may be prone to using explosive anger or excitement as a way to get their attention for others, such as making them angry or playing pranks with them.
A doctor can employ questionnaires or interviews to determine if a child is ADHD. They can also ask teachers to complete rating scales. They can also conduct an exam of the brain or a physical to identify possible medical problems that may cause symptoms of ADHD such as thyroid conditions or mood disorders.
The evaluator can also ask whether your child has any other mental disorders like conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder, or anxiety disorders. They will also ask about your family history, for instance, whether anyone else has 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 getting along with their coworkers or family members. These symptoms can cause them to be late for appointments or to not show up at social engagements. Their academic difficulties 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 as well as 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 what tests might rule out other conditions that are causing symptoms of ADHD. It is also possible to utilize a checklist to detect the symptoms in adults.
Diagnosis
The method of diagnosing ADHD involves several sessions with therapists and doctors. The diagnosis is based on symptoms and how they affect the person's daily life. A correct 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, like a psychologist or psychiatrist can identify the problem.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history and symptoms, which includes an explanation of when they first noticed. The doctor might ask the patient for an account of the symptoms they experience and how they impact their lives. This is very helpful in getting an accurate picture of the problem and aiding in determining what tests or evaluations are required to determine whether ADHD is the reason behind the symptoms.
The doctor will also use questionnaires in order to assess symptoms. The doctor might use 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 do an exam to make sure there isn't any physical issue like thyroid issues or seizures, which could be the cause of the issue. Other tests could be performed to look for other ailments like anxiety or depression.
Occasionally, the doctor will conduct brain scans to 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 eliminated.
If you or your child thinks they may have ADHD and you suspect that they do, it is recommended to consult an experienced primary doctor. If the person doesn't have a primary care doctor, they should inquire with their insurance provider for the list of health specialists in their area who are certified to perform an ADHD evaluation.
Treatment options
The first step to treatment is an evaluation by a physician who can determine whether the symptoms are related to ADHD or another mental health issue. A thorough evaluation may include a conversation with the child and parents and rating scales that measure behavior to that of people who do not have ADHD.
A variety of medical conditions can cause symptoms that resemble the symptoms of ADHD, including thyroid problems, seizures and head injuries. It is possible to perform an examination for physical health to rule out any of these conditions. A psychological examination is needed to determine if symptoms are due to ADHD or another mental health issue, such as anxiety.
The signs of ADHD can result in significant impairment in work, school and relationships. The person being evaluated should be honest and candid with the examiner about the problems they're facing. They shouldn't hold back in fear of being judged or shame. They should report symptoms as accurately as they can and also how they affect them both at home and at school. Parents should be involved in the evaluation process, 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 example, stimulants are commonly prescribed to children and teens with ADHD. They help by stimulating brain activity in areas that regulate attention and behavior. These medications are available in tablets that are immediate-release and modified-release that release the drug slowly throughout the day. Methylphenidate, which is the most popular medication prescribed for ADHD is available in tablet form.
Other types of treatment for ADHD may involve counseling for marital and family relationships or cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches specific skills to change negative behavior to positive ones. Some adults who have ADHD may benefit from these treatments and also from educational and occupational accommodations.
The most crucial aspect of treatment is the follow-up phase by having regular meetings to review progress and decide on the next steps. Parents should encourage teachers and other professionals to be involved in the process, such as Scout or religious leaders. These people can offer valuable information about how the child behaves in different environments and provide a more complete picture of how the child is performing.
Medication
ADHD is treated with various medications. Most commonly, stimulants work by increasing brain activity in specific brain regions that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most widely used stimulant for teenagers, adults and children older than 5 years old. It is available in tablet form, usually 2 to 3 times a day. It comes in immediate-release (short acting) or extended-release versions (taken once a day, but released throughout the entire day).
Many people say they feel better after taking medication. These effects can be seen in educational, social and home settings. The effect of these factors on performance is measured by using one or more standardized ratings scales that measure the performance of a person with other people. These ratings are not diagnostic in themselves but they can provide valuable, data that can be used in the evaluation process.
In addition to medications, there are also non-medicated treatments for ADHD that include behavioral therapy and training for parents and teachers. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents receive training in behavioral management prior to trying medications for their children. The guidelines also call for psychotherapy and intervention in the classroom to be a part of the treatment plan for teens and adolescents with ADHD.
The most frequent side effects of ADHD medication are stomach upset, changes in blood pressure and heart rate and sleep disturbances. Children and teens who are taking stimulants might develop tics. They are repetitive actions or sounds like eye-blinking or throat clearing. ADHD medication can cause a slight slowdown in growth for certain adolescents and children, however it's usually minimal and doesn't affect their height.
These medications have the potential for abuse and addiction, but studies show that there isn't a significant risk for the doses used to treat ADHD. ADHD can increase the risk of substance abuse in some teens and children however this isn't due to the medication.
Another possible adverse result of ADHD medication is the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). A recent study revealed that people who took stimulant medication for ADHD had a higher risk of developing CVD than those who did not take the drugs. Researchers analyzed data from 278 027 people comprising 10 388 people with ADHD. They compared these participants to 51 672 healthy controls without ADHD. The participants were monitored for 14 years.