ADHD Assessment and Treatment
Before starting any treatment, it is crucial to conduct a thorough evaluation of ADHD. This includes an interview with the clinician as well as information from outside sources like spouses or other family members, DSM-5 ADD symptom checklists and rating scales and tests that are standardized.
Experts may also see your child's school records and speak to teachers, religious or scout coaches or leaders. ADHD symptoms must be evident since childhood in order to be diagnosed at an adult age.
ADHD symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD are different based on age, but children with the condition often have trouble staying focused on tasks or paying attention to other people. They may fidget, blurt out answers to questions, or interrupt others. They might also struggle organizing, become easily bored and have a difficult waiting to be the next. The signs of impulsive behavior include involving themselves in activities without permission, rushing around or climbing up places they shouldn't. They also may be inclined to use explosive anger or excitement to stimulate themselves for others, such as making them angry or playing pranks on them.
In an evaluation, a physician may employ questionnaires or clinical interviews to determine whether a child has ADHD. They may also ask teachers to complete ratings scales. They may also perform a physical or neurodevelopmental exam to identify possible medical problems that may cause symptoms of ADHD, such as thyroid disorders or mood disorders.
The evaluation will also need to determine if your child suffers from any other mental health problems such as oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder or anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your family background. For instance whether any other family members are suffering from ADHD or other psychiatric disorders.
Adults suffering from ADHD struggle with managing their lives, which includes work and home responsibilities. They may also have issues getting along with their coworkers or family members. The symptoms of these people can cause them to be late for appointments or to not attend social events. Their difficulties in school can lead to academic failure 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 an individual who knows them very well. This could be a spouse, parent, teacher or coach, nanny or a coach for children. The information gathered will help the doctor determine what, if any, tests might exclude other conditions that cause symptoms of ADHD. They could also utilize a checklist to determine these symptoms in adults.
Diagnosis
The method of diagnosing ADHD involves a series of sessions with therapists and doctors. The diagnosis is determined by the presence of symptoms and their impact on the person's life. It is essential to get the correct diagnosis to control symptoms that can affect work and family. A medical professional who is an expert in ADHD such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, will identify the problem.
The doctor will review the patient's medical history and symptoms, including an explanation of when they first appeared. They may request that the patient keep a record of their symptoms as well as their impact on their lives. This can be extremely helpful in getting an accurate picture of the problem and helping to decide what tests or evaluations are needed to determine whether ADHD is the cause of the symptoms.
In addition to observing how a person functions in various settings, the doctor will use questionnaires to assess the symptoms. The doctor could utilize questionnaires for parents and teachers to assess children, as well as 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 will also perform an exam to ensure that there isn't any physical condition such as thyroid issues or seizures, that could be the reason for the problem. Other tests may be conducted to screen other conditions like anxiety or depression.
Sometimes, the doctor will request brain scans to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. These tests are not used to diagnose ADHD but they can be helpful when other diagnostic procedures have not worked.
For adults who suspect that they or their child has ADHD the best place to start is to talk to the primary care physician. If the person doesn't have a primary physician, they can contact their insurance provider for an inventory of health professionals who are qualified to conduct an ADHD evaluation.
Treatment options
A physician can determine whether symptoms are caused by ADHD or a different mental illness. A thorough evaluation can include an interview with a child and parent as well as rating scales that evaluate the child's behavior to people without ADHD.
There are many medical conditions that can trigger symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. These include thyroid issues, head injuries, and seizures. A physical exam may also be needed to rule out these causes. A psychological exam may be necessary to determine if the symptoms are due to ADHD or another mental health condition such as anxiety.
The symptoms of ADHD can cause significant difficulties in school, work and relationships. The person being evaluated must be honest and candid with the examiner about any issues they're facing. They shouldn't hide their feelings because of fear of being judged or shame. They should report symptoms as accurately as possible, including the way they affect them at home and at school. Parents should be involved in the evaluation process, but they should not make the decision to prescribe medication for their child.
The kind of medication prescribed will depend on the condition that is causing it as well as the symptoms and age of the child. Stimulants, for example, are typically prescribed to children and teens with ADHD. They help by stimulating brain activity in areas that control attention and behavior. These medications are available in the form of tablets that release immediately or modified-release tablets that release the medicine slowly throughout the day. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD.
Other options for treating ADHD include family and marital therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches specific methods to transform negative behaviors to positive ones. These treatments may be beneficial to some adults with ADHD as well as occupational and educational accommodations.
The most important part of treatment is follow-up, with frequent meetings to evaluate progress and decide on the next steps. Parents should be encouraged to involve teachers and other professionals, including Scout and religious leaders in the process. These experts can provide valuable information about how children behave and function in different situations.
Medication
ADHD is treated with a variety of medications. Most often, stimulants work by increasing the activity of certain brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate, the most commonly used stimulant for adults, teens and children over five years old is the most well-known. It is available in tablet form, typically 2-3 times a day. It is available in immediate-release (short acting) or extended-release forms (taken only once per day, but released throughout the day).
Many people report that they feel better after taking medication. These effects are usually seen in school, home and social settings. The impact of these variables on performance is measured by using one or more standard ratings scales, which compare the behavior of an individual with other people. These ratings are not diagnostic in their own right however they provide useful, information that can be used to aid in the evaluation process.
There are many non-medical treatments for ADHD such as the use of behavioral therapy and training for teachers and parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents receive training in behavior management before trying medication for their children. adhd assessment uk online recommend that psychotherapy as well as classroom-based interventions be included in the treatment plan for adolescents and teens with ADHD.
The most frequent adverse effects of ADHD medication are upset stomach and changes in blood pressure and heart rate and sleep disturbances. Certain teens and children who take stimulants can develop tics, which are repetitive movements or sounds, like eye blinking or clearing the throat. Some teens and children who are taking ADHD medication may experience a slight reduction in their growth, but it is usually minor and does not affect their final height.
These medications have the potential for addiction and abuse, but research suggests that there is no significant risk with the doses used to treat ADHD. Some kids and teens with ADHD are more at risk for problems with substance use however, this is due to the disorder, not the medication.
Another potential adverse result of ADHD medication is the chance of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recent research found that people who take stimulant medications to treat ADHD have a higher chance of developing cardiovascular disease than those who don't. Researchers examined data from 278 027 individuals, including 10 388 with ADHD. They compared the participants with 51 672 healthy controls without ADHD. The participants were monitored for 14 years.