ADHD Assessment and Treatment
It is crucial to remember that a complete assessment of ADHD is required prior to beginning any treatment. This should include a doctor interview, additional information from sources, like the spouse or a family member, DSM-5 ADD symptom scales and checklists, and standard tests.
Experts may also want to see your child's school records and speak with teachers as well as religious leaders, scout coaches or leaders. ADHD symptoms must be present from childhood to be diagnosed at an adult age.
ADHD symptoms
The signs of ADHD are different based on age, but children with ADHD are often having trouble staying focused on tasks or paying attention to people. They might fumble or mutter answers to questions or interrupt others. They might also have issues with organization, get easily bored and have a hard time waiting for their turn. Symptoms of impulsive behavior can include a tendency to engage in activities without permission, rushing around or climbing places they aren't supposed to go. They might also be inclined to use extreme excitement or anger to stimulate themselves and may even make others mad or playing pranks on them.
A doctor might use questionnaires or clinical interviews to determine if a child is ADHD. They may also request that the child's teachers fill out rating scales. They may also perform an examination of the neurodevelopmental or physical to detect possible medical issues that could trigger symptoms of ADHD like thyroid disorders or mood disorders.
The evaluation will also need to be aware of if your child has any other mental health issues such as oppositional defiant disorder or anxiety disorders or conduct disorder. They will also ask you about your family history. For instance whether any other members of your family suffer from ADHD or other psychiatric issues.
Adults with ADHD struggle with managing their lives, which includes the demands of home and work. They may also have issues working with colleagues or family members. Their symptoms can also result in them being late for appointments or to not show up at social engagements. 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 along with someone who knows them well -- such as a spouse or parent for adults or a teacher, coach or nanny for children. The information gathered will help the doctor determine what tests can determine if other conditions are causing symptoms of ADHD. It is also possible to employ a checklist to determine these symptoms among adults.
Diagnosis
The method of diagnosing ADHD involves a series of appointments with doctors or therapists. The diagnosis is determined by 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 life at work and with family. The diagnosis is done by a medical professional who specializes in ADHD, such as psychologist or psychiatrist.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history and symptoms, which includes the date they first appeared. The doctor may request a diary detailing the symptoms they experience and how they impact their lives. This is a great way to have a clearer picture of the problem, and also to determine which tests or evaluations will be required to determine if ADHD is the cause.
In addition to observing how the person functions in different environments, the doctor will use questionnaires to assess the signs. This can include questionnaires to parents and teachers to determine if children are suffering from the disorder, as well as an interview with a patient to determine the symptoms they are experiencing. 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 issue such as thyroid issues or seizures, that could be causing the problem. Other tests can be conducted to screen for other conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Sometimes, the doctor may request brain scans to identify other possible causes of the symptoms. These tests are not used to diagnose ADHD but can be useful when other tests for diagnosis have failed.
If you or your child suspects that they might have ADHD and you suspect that they do, it is recommended to speak with your primary physician. If the person does not have a primary doctor, they should call their insurance company for a list of health specialists in their area who are certified to conduct an ADHD evaluation.
Treatment options
A doctor can determine if symptoms are due to ADHD or another mental condition. A thorough assessment could include a conversation with the child and parents and rating scales that measure behavior to that of people without ADHD.
Many medical conditions can trigger symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD such as thyroid issues as well as head injuries, seizures and seizures. It might be necessary to conduct a physical exam in order to rule out these ailments. A psychological examination will also be necessary to determine if the symptoms are caused by ADHD or some other mental health condition, such as anxiety.
ADHD symptoms can have a major impact on school, work and interpersonal 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 for fear of criticism or shame. They should explain their symptoms as in detail as possible, including how they impact them at home and at school. Parents should be included in the evaluation process but not in the decision-making process.
The type of medication prescribed will depend on the child's age and the condition causing the symptoms and the kind of medication prescribed. For example stimulants are commonly prescribed in teens and children to treat ADHD because they help by stimulating the areas of the brain responsible for attention and behavior. These medications are available as immediate-release tablets and modified-release tablets, which release the medicine gradually throughout the day. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD.
Other treatments for ADHD include family and marital therapy or cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches specific techniques to transform negative behavior into positive behavior. Certain adults with ADHD might benefit from these therapies as well as educational and occupational accommodations.
The most important part of treatment is follow-up with regular meetings to review progress and decide on the next steps. Parents should encourage teachers and other professionals to participate in the process, such as Scout leaders or religious leaders. These professionals can provide valuable information on how the child behaves in different situations and offer a complete picture of the child's behavior.
Medication
ADHD is treated using different medications. Most commonly, stimulants are used to increase the activity of certain brain regions that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used stimulant in adults, teens and children over five years old is the most well-known. It is taken in tablet form, typically 2-3 times a day. It is available in immediate release (short acting) or extended-release forms (taken once a day but released throughout the day).
Many people say they feel better after taking medication. These effects can be seen in educational, social and home settings. The impact on performance in these environments is measured by using one or more standard rating scales that compare the behaviors of the individual with the behavior of others. These ratings are not diagnostic by themselves however they provide useful, data that can be used in the evaluation process.
There are a variety of non-medical treatment options for ADHD such as the use of behavioral therapy and training for teachers and parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that parents receive training in managing their behavior prior to attempting medication on their children. The guidelines recommend that psychotherapy and interventions in the classroom should be included in the treatment plan of adolescents and teens with ADHD.
Most often, ADHD medication can cause nausea, sleep disturbances, and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. adhd assessment and teens who are taking stimulants could develop tics. These are repetitive actions or sounds, such as eye-blinking or throat clearing. Certain children and teens who are taking ADHD medication may experience a slight reduction in their growth, however this is typically not significant and doesn't affect their final height.
The stimulant medications have the potential to cause addiction and abuse, however research has proven that this is not the case with the dosages prescribed for ADHD. ADHD can increase the risk of substance abuse in a few teens and kids however this isn't due to the medication.
Another potential adverse result of ADHD medication is the chance for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). A recent study revealed that those who took stimulant medications for ADHD had a greater chance of developing CVD than others who did not take the medication. Researchers analyzed data from 278 027 people, including 10 388 people with ADHD. They compared these individuals to 51 672 controls without ADHD. The participants were followed for 14 years.