ADHD Assessment and Treatment
It is crucial to remember that a complete assessment of ADHD is necessary before starting any treatment. This should include an interview with the doctor, information from independent sources such as spouse or other family members, DSM-5 ADD symptom checklists and rating scales and standardized testing.
Experts might also review your child's school record and talk with teachers and scout or religious leaders or coaches. ADHD symptoms must be evident from the beginning of childhood to be diagnosed at an adult age.
ADHD symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD differ based on age, but children suffering from ADHD often have difficulty staying focused on their tasks or paying attention to others. They may fidget or mutter out answers when asked questions, or interrupt other people. They might also struggle with organization skills, are easily bored and find it difficult to wait their turn. Symptoms of impulsive behavior can include jumping into activities without permission, running around or climbing places they aren't supposed to go. They may also be inclined to use extreme anger or excitement to stimulate themselves, such as making others angry or playing pranks on them.
A doctor may use questionnaires or clinical interviews to determine if a child is ADHD. They may also ask teachers to complete rating scales. They can also conduct an exam of the brain or a physical to determine if there are medical issues that could trigger symptoms of ADHD like thyroid conditions or mood disorders.
The evaluation will also need to determine if your child suffers from any other mental health problems such as oppositional defiant disorders, anxiety disorders or conduct disorder. They will also inquire about your family background. For example, if any other members of your family suffer from ADHD or other psychiatric disorders.
Adults with ADHD typically have difficulty managing their daily life, which includes home and work responsibilities. They may also have issues being a good coworker or family members. They may be late for appointments or not attend social events because of their health issues. Their difficulties in school can cause an academic failure as well as 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 conduct an interview with the patient along with someone who is familiar with them -- a spouse or parent for adults or a teacher, coach, nanny or coach for children. The information provided by the doctor will help them determine what tests, if any are necessary, can identify other conditions that cause ADHD symptoms. They could also utilize a checklist to determine these signs in adults.
Diagnosis
The process of diagnosing ADHD involves a series appointments with doctors or therapists. The diagnosis is according to the severity of the symptoms and how they affect the person's daily life. It is crucial to obtain the correct diagnosis to control the symptoms that may hinder family and work life. A doctor who is an expert in ADHD, like a psychologist or psychiatrist will be able to determine the cause of the disorder.
The doctor will discuss the patient's medical history and symptoms and when they first began to show. The doctor might ask the patient to keep an account of their symptoms and how they impact their lives. This can be very helpful in getting an accurate picture of the problem and helping to decide what tests or assessments are required to determine if ADHD is the reason behind the symptoms.
The doctor may also utilize questionnaires to determine symptoms. The doctor could use questionnaires for parents or teachers to assess children and an interview with the patient to identify 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 conduct an exam to determine if there isn't any physical condition such as thyroid issues or seizure, which could be the reason for the issue. Other tests can be done to screen other conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Sometimes, the doctor might request brain scans to rule out possible causes of the symptoms. These tests are not used to diagnose ADHD however they can be useful when other tests for diagnosing the condition have failed.
If you or your child suspects that they might have ADHD, it is best to speak with an experienced primary doctor. If Get More Information does not have a primary physician, they should contact their insurance provider for an inventory of health specialists in their area who are certified to conduct an ADHD assessment.
Treatment options
A doctor can determine if the symptoms are caused by ADHD or another mental disorder. A thorough assessment could include an interview with a child and parent and rating scales that assess the child's behavior with those of people without ADHD.
There are many medical conditions that can trigger symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. These include thyroid problems or head injuries, as well as seizures. It is possible to perform a physical exam in order to rule out any of these illnesses. A psychological examination may be necessary to determine if the symptoms are due to ADHD or some other mental health condition such as anxiety.
ADHD symptoms can have a major impact on work, school, and relationships. The person who is being evaluated should discuss the problems they are experiencing candidly and honestly with the examiner and not hide behind from fear of embarrassment or shame of criticism. They should describe their symptoms in as much detail as they can, including how they affect their lives at home and at school. Parents should be included in evaluating their children, but not in the decision-making process.
The type of medication prescribed depends on the underlying condition the symptoms and the age of the child. For example, stimulants are typically prescribed to teens and children with ADHD. They work by increasing brain activity in areas that regulate attention and behavior. These medications are available as tablets with immediate release and modified-release that release the drug gradually throughout the day. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD.
Other treatment options for ADHD include family and marital therapy or cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches specific techniques to transform negative behaviors into positive behavior. Some adults with ADHD may benefit from these treatments and also from occupational and educational accommodations.
The most important part of treatment is following-up, with frequent meetings to review progress and decide on next steps. Parents should encourage teachers and other professionals to take part in the process, including Scout or religious leaders. They can offer valuable information about how the child behaves in different settings and give a fuller picture of the child's functioning.
Medication
ADHD is treated with a variety of medications. Most often, stimulants increase the activity of certain brain regions that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used stimulant for adults, teens and children older than five years old is the most well-known. It is available in tablet form and is typically taken 2 to 3 times a 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 have reported that their symptoms and impairments significantly improve after a period of medication. These effects can be seen in social, educational and home settings. The impact of these variables on performance is evaluated by using one or more standard ratings scales that measure the behavior of an individual to other people. These ratings are not diagnostic in themselves but they can provide valuable, objective information for the evaluation process.
In addition to medications 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 undergo training in behavior management prior to using medication on their children. The guidelines also call for psychotherapy and classroom-based intervention to be part of the treatment plan for teens and adolescents with ADHD.
The most frequent adverse 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. These are repeated movements or noises like eye-blinking or throat clearing. ADHD medication can cause a slight decrease in growth for certain adolescents and children, however it's usually not significant and doesn't affect their final height.
The stimulant medications have the potential to trigger addiction and abuse, but studies have shown that this is not the case at the dosages prescribed for ADHD. Some kids and teens who suffer from ADHD are more at risk for problems with substance use however this is due to the disorder, not the medication.
A possible side result of ADHD medication is the possibility of developing cardiovascular disease. A recent study found that those who used stimulant drugs for ADHD had a greater chance of developing CVD than others who did not take the drugs. Researchers analyzed data of 278 027 people, which included 10 388 with ADHD. They compared the participants with 51 672 people who did not have ADHD. The participants were followed for 14 years.