ADHD Assessment and Treatment
Before beginning any treatment, it is important to complete a full evaluation of ADHD. This should include a doctor interview, other sources, like a spouse or family member, DSM-5 ADD symptom scales and checklists, as well as tests that are standardized.
Experts may want to talk to your child's religious leaders, teachers as well as scouts, coaches or scouts. ADHD symptoms must be evident since childhood in order to be recognized at an adult age.
ADHD symptoms
ADHD symptoms differ based on age, but many children with this condition are unable to focus or pay attention. They might fumble, blurt out answers to questions or interrupt others. They might also struggle with organization skills, are easily bored and have difficulty waiting their turn. Some signs of impulsive behavior include a tendency to engage in activities without permission, running around or climbing places they shouldn't. They may also be prone to use extreme emotions or anger to motivate their own egos, for example by making others mad or playing jokes.
In an evaluation, a physician may employ questionnaires or clinical interviews to determine if a child has ADHD. They may also ask teachers to complete ratings scales. They may also perform an examination of the brain or physical to determine if there are any medical conditions that could cause symptoms of ADHD. These include thyroid conditions and mood disorders.
The evaluator can also ask if your child suffers from any other mental disorders such as conduct disorder, oppositional defiant syndrome or anxiety disorders. They will also ask about your family history, for instance, whether any other family members have ADHD or any other psychiatric issues.
Adults with ADHD struggle with managing their lives, including work and home responsibilities. They may also have trouble being a good coworker or family members. They might also be late to appointments or fail to show up for social engagements due to their symptoms. The difficulties they face in school could 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 interview the patient as well as someone who knows them very well. This could be a parent, spouse, teacher, coach, nanny, or a coach for children. The information provided by the doctor will help them decide what tests, if any are necessary, can identify other conditions that cause ADHD symptoms. They may also employ a checklist to determine these signs in adults.
Diagnosis
The process of determining ADHD involves a series of appointments with therapists and doctors. The diagnosis is based on the presence of symptoms and their impact on a person's life. Getting a correct diagnosis is crucial to gain control over the symptoms, which can interfere with work and family life. The diagnosis is given by a healthcare professional who is specialized in ADHD, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
The doctor will discuss the patient's medical background and symptoms, as well as when they first began to show. They may request the patient to keep a diary of their symptoms and the impact on their lives. This can be extremely helpful in getting an accurate picture of the problem and assisting in determining which tests or evaluations are required to determine if ADHD is the reason behind the symptoms.
The doctor may also use questionnaires in order to assess the severity of symptoms. The doctor could use questionnaires for parents or teachers to evaluate children, and an interview with the patient to determine 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 conduct an exam to determine if there isn't any physical issue such as thyroid issues or seizures, which could be the cause of the problem. Other tests may be conducted to screen other conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Occasionally, the doctor will order brain scans to help identify other possible causes of the symptoms. These tests, which aren't commonly used to diagnose ADHD, could be a useful instrument when other diagnostic procedures have been eliminated.
If you or your child suspects they might have ADHD and you suspect that they do, it is recommended to consult an experienced primary physician. If the person does not have a primary doctor, they can contact their insurance provider for an inventory of health professionals who are trained to conduct an ADHD evaluation.
Treatment options
The first step to treatment is an evaluation by a doctor who can determine whether the symptoms are caused by ADHD or another mental health condition. A thorough evaluation can include an interview with a parent and child and rating scales that evaluate the child's behavior with those of people without ADHD.
Many medical conditions can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD, including thyroid problems seizures, head injuries and seizures. A physical exam may also be needed to rule out these causes. A psychological examination may be required to determine if the symptoms are caused by ADHD or some other mental health condition, like anxiety.
The signs of ADHD can result in significant problems in work, school and relationships. The person being evaluated must be honest and candid with the examiner about any issues they're experiencing. They shouldn't hold back in fear of being judged or shame. They should describe the symptoms in as much detail as they can including how they impact their lives at home and at school. Parents should be involved in the evaluation process, however, they should not take the decision to prescribe medication for their child.
The kind of medication prescribed depends on the condition that is causing it, symptoms and age of the child. For instance, stimulants are typically used in teens and children to treat ADHD because they work by increasing activity in areas of the brain that regulate attention and behavior. They are available in immediate-release tablets and modified-release tablets, which release the medicine gradually throughout the day. Methylphenidate, which is the most popular medication prescribed for ADHD, is available in tablet form.
Other options for treating ADHD include family and marital therapy or cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches specific techniques to transform negative behavior into positive behavior. Some adults who have ADHD might benefit from these treatments as well as educational and occupational accommodations.
The most important aspect is the follow-up. There should be frequent meetings to assess the progress and decide on the next steps. Parents should be encouraged to involve teachers and other professionals, including Scout leaders and religious leaders in the process. These professionals can provide valuable information about how the child behaves in different settings and give a fuller picture of how the child is performing.
Medication
There are many different drugs that are used to treat ADHD. The most commonly used are stimulants that work by increasing activity in specific brain areas that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most widely used stimulant for adults, teenagers and children who are over 5 years old. It is a tablet form, usually 2-3 times per day. It is available in immediate-release (short acting) or extended-release forms (taken once a day and released throughout the entire day).
Many people report that their symptoms and impairments dramatically improve after a few weeks of medication. These effects are typically observed in home, school and social environments. The impact of these variables on performance is measured by using one or more standardized ratings scales that compare the performance of a person with other people. The scores of these forms of rating are not considered to be diagnostic in themselves however they serve as important sources of information that can be used during the evaluation process.
In addition to medication There are also non-medicated solutions for ADHD that include behavioral therapy and training for parents and teachers. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that parents undergo training in managing their behavior prior to trying medications on 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.
Most commonly, ADHD medication can cause nausea, sleep disturbances, and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Certain children and teens who are taking stimulants might develop tics. They are repetitive movements or noises like eye-blinking or throat clearing. Some teens and children who are taking ADHD medication may notice a slight slowdown in their growth, but it is usually minor and does not alter their height at the end of the day.
Stimulant medication has the potential to lead to dependence and abuse, but research has proven that this is not an issue when it comes to dosages prescribed for ADHD. Certain teens and children who have ADHD are more at risk for substance use problems however this is due to the disorder, not the medication.
A possible side effect of ADHD medication is the possibility of developing cardiovascular disease. A recent study found that those who used stimulant medications for ADHD were more likely of developing CVD than those who didn't take the medications. Researchers looked at data from 278 027 individuals comprising 10 388 people with ADHD. They compared these participants to 51 672 people who did not have ADHD. get an adhd assessment were monitored for 14 years.