ADHD Assessment and Treatment
Before starting any treatment, it is essential to conduct a thorough evaluation of ADHD. This includes a physician interview, information from other sources, such as the spouse or a family member, DSM-5 ADD symptom scales and checklists, as well as standardized tests.
Experts may also want to look over your child's school records and speak with teachers, religious or scout leaders or coaches. ADHD symptoms must be evident from the beginning of childhood to be recognized at an adult age.
Symptoms of ADHD
Symptoms of ADHD differ based on age, but children with ADHD often have difficulty staying focused on their tasks or paying attention to others. They may fidget or mutter answers to questions or interrupt others. They might also have issues with organization, be easily bored and have a hard time waiting for their turn. Impulsive behavior is often defined as engaging in activities or rushing around without permission. They may also be inclined to use exuberant excitement or anger as a source of stimulation and may even make others angry or playing pranks on them.
A doctor may use questionnaires or clinical interviews to determine if a child has ADHD. They may also ask teachers to complete ratings scales. They can also conduct a physical or neurodevelopmental exam to detect possible medical issues that could trigger symptoms of ADHD, such as thyroid conditions or mood disorders.
The evaluator might also inquire if your child suffers from any other mental disorder, such as conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder, or anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your family history, such as whether any other family members have ADHD or other psychiatric disorders.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time managing their lives, which includes household and work obligations. They may also have issues being a good coworker or family members. These symptoms can result in them being late for appointments or to not attend social events. Their academic issues 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 and 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 which tests could determine if other conditions are causing symptoms of ADHD. They could also utilize a checklist to determine these symptoms in adults.
Diagnosis
The process of diagnosing ADHD involves a series of appointments with therapists and doctors. The diagnosis is based on the presence of symptoms and their impact on the person's life. A correct diagnosis is essential to gaining control over the symptoms which can interfere with the family and work. A medical professional who is an expert in ADHD such as a psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose the condition.
The doctor will review the patient's medical history and symptoms, including the date they first began to show. They might request the patient to keep a record of their symptoms as well as their impact on their lives. This can be very helpful to gain a clear understanding of the problem and also to determine which tests or assessments will be needed to determine whether ADHD is the reason.
In addition to observing how a person is functioning in different settings, the doctor will employ questionnaires to determine the signs. The doctor could use questionnaires for parents and teachers to assess children and an interview with the patient to assess 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 may also perform an examination to ensure there isn't a physical condition like thyroid issues or seizures, which could be the root of the problem. how do you get assessed for adhd may be conducted to check for other conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Sometimes, the doctor will order brain scans to help determine the cause of the symptoms. These tests are not used to diagnose ADHD but can be useful when other diagnostic procedures have not worked.
If you or your child suspects that they might have ADHD or other disorders, it is best to consult a primary doctor. If the patient does not have a primary care physician, they should contact their insurance company to request the list of health specialists in their area who are certified to perform an ADHD evaluation.
Treatment options
The first step in treating is an evaluation by a doctor who will determine if the symptoms are caused by ADHD or other mental health issues. A thorough assessment could include an interview with a child and parent, as well as rating scales that evaluate the child's behavior with that of those who do not have ADHD.
There are a variety of medical conditions that can cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. These include thyroid issues, head injuries, and seizures. A physical exam may be required to rule out these causes. A psychological exam may be necessary to determine if the symptoms are caused by ADHD or some other mental health condition like anxiety.
ADHD symptoms can have a significant impact on school, work and interpersonal relationships. The person being evaluated should discuss the problems they are experiencing candidly and honestly with the examiner, and not hide behind because of shame or fear of criticism. They should report symptoms as accurately as they can and include the ways they affect them at home and in school. Parents should be involved in evaluating their children, but not in the decision-making process.
The kind of medication prescribed will depend on the child's age and the condition leading to the symptoms and the type of medication prescribed. For example, stimulants are commonly prescribed to teens and children with ADHD. They stimulate brain activity in areas that control attention and behaviour. These medications are available in tablets that are immediate-release and modified-release that release the drug slowly throughout the day. Methylphenidate is one of the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD.
Other treatment options for ADHD include marital and family therapy or cognitive behavioral treatment, which teaches specific techniques to transform negative behaviors into positive behavior. These treatments can be beneficial to adults with ADHD as well as occupational and educational accommodations.
The most important aspect of treatment is the follow-up phase by having regular meetings to evaluate progress and decide on next steps. Parents should encourage teachers and other professionals to take part in the process, including Scout or religious leaders. These experts can provide valuable information about how the child behaves and performs in various situations.
Medication
ADHD is treated with various medications. The most popular 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 who are over 5 years old. It is taken in tablet form, usually 2-3 times per day. It is available in immediate-release (short acting) or extended-release forms (taken only once per day and released throughout the day).
Many people have reported that their symptoms and impairment significantly improve after a few weeks of medication. These effects are typically seen in school, home and social settings. The impact on performance in these environments is measured using one or more standardized rating scales, which compare behavior of the person with the behavior of others. The scores of these forms aren't considered diagnostic by themselves, but they serve as important sources of objective information when evaluating the process.
There are a variety of non-medical treatment options for ADHD that include the use of behavioral therapy and training for parents and teachers. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents attend training on behavioral management prior to trying medications for their children. The guidelines recommend that psychotherapy and classroom-based interventions be included in the treatment plan of adolescents and teens suffering from ADHD.
Most commonly, ADHD medication can cause nausea, sleep disturbances and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Some children and teens who are taking stimulants might develop tics. These are repeated actions or sounds like eye-blinking or clearing the throat. Certain children and teens who are taking ADHD medication may experience a slight reduction in their height, but this is typically not significant and doesn't impact their final height.
These medications have the potential to cause abuse and addiction, but research suggests that there is no significant risk with the doses prescribed to treat ADHD. ADHD can increase the risk of substance abuse in some teens and children but this isn't due to the medication.
Another potential negative effect 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 didn't take the medications. The researchers analyzed data from 278 027 people comprising 10 388 people who suffer from ADHD. They compared them to 51 672 control participants without ADHD. They followed them for 14 years.