ADHD Assessment and Treatment
Before starting any treatment, it is important to complete a full evaluation of ADHD. This includes an interview with a clinician as well as information from outside sources such as spouse or other family members, DSM-5 ADD symptom checklists and rating scales and standardized testing.
Experts may also want to look over your child's school records and speak to teachers and scout or religious leaders or coaches. This is because ADHD symptoms must be present since childhood before they can be recognized as an adult.
ADHD symptoms
ADHD symptoms differ based on age, but many children with this condition have difficulty focusing or paying attention. They may fidget or mutter out answers when asked questions or interrupt other people. They might also struggle with organizing skills, get easily bored and find it difficult to wait their turn. Symptoms of impulsive behavior can include a tendency to engage in activities without permission, running around or climbing up places they aren't supposed to go. They could also be inclined to use exuberant emotions or anger to motivate their own egos, for example by making others mad or pulling jokes.
In an evaluation, a physician may utilize questionnaires or interviews to determine whether the child is suffering from ADHD. They can also ask teachers to complete rating scales. They can also conduct an examination of the neurodevelopmental or physical to identify possible medical problems that could trigger symptoms of ADHD such as thyroid conditions or mood disorders.
adhd assessment women will also want to be aware of if your child has any other mental health problems such as oppositional defiant disorders, conduct disorder or anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your family history, such as whether any other family members have ADHD or other psychiatric conditions.
Adults with ADHD frequently have trouble managing their daily lives, including work and home obligations. They may also have trouble being a good friend to family members or colleagues. These symptoms can result in them being late for appointments or to not attend social events. The academic challenges they face 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 conduct an interview with both the patient and a person who knows them well. This could be a spouse, parent, teacher, coach, nanny, or coach for children. The details will aid the doctor determine what tests, if any are required, will help identify other conditions that cause ADHD symptoms. They may also use a checklist to identify these symptoms among adults.
Diagnosis
The method of diagnosing ADHD involves a series of appointments with therapists or doctors. The diagnosis is made according to the severity of the symptoms and how they affect the person's daily life. Making a proper diagnosis is crucial to gain control over the symptoms, which can affect life at work and with family. A medical professional who is an expert in ADHD, like psychologists or psychiatrists, will diagnose the condition.
The doctor will discuss the patient's medical background and symptoms as well as the date they first started to notice. They may request that the patient keep a journal of their symptoms as well as their impact on their lives. This is very useful in gaining an accurate picture of the issue and assisting in determining what tests or evaluations are needed to determine if ADHD is the reason behind the symptoms.
The doctor may also use questionnaires to determine the severity of symptoms. This may include questionnaires to parents and teachers to assess children for the disorder, and a patient interview to identify 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.
Certain doctors may also conduct an exam to ensure that there's no physical condition such as thyroid problems or seizure, which could be the cause of the issue. Other tests could be performed to screen for other conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Sometimes, the doctor may require brain scans to rule out possible causes of the symptoms. These tests, which aren't typically used to diagnose ADHD but are a helpful tool when other diagnostic procedures have been cleared.
If you are an adult who suspects that you or their child may have ADHD, the best place to begin is by talking with a primary care physician. If the patient doesn't have a primary physician, they can contact their insurance provider for a list that includes health professionals who are certified to conduct an ADHD evaluation.
Treatment options
The first step in treating is an evaluation by a doctor who will determine if the symptoms are due to ADHD or another mental health issue. A thorough assessment could include a conversation with the child and parents and rating scales that compare behavior to those of people who do not have ADHD.
There are a variety of medical conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. These include thyroid problems as well as head injuries and seizures. It is possible to undergo an examination for physical health to rule out the presence of these illnesses. A psychological examination is needed to determine if symptoms are caused by ADHD or another mental health issue, such as anxiety.
ADHD symptoms can have a significant impact on school, work and relationships. The person being assessed should be honest and open with the examiner about the problems they're facing. They shouldn't be hesitant because of fear of being judged or shame. They should report symptoms as accurately as they can, including the way they affect them at home and in school. Parents should be involved in the assessment, but they should not make the decision to prescribe medication for their child.
The type of medication prescribed depends on the condition that is causing it as well as the symptoms and age of the child. For example stimulants are often prescribed in children and teens to treat ADHD due to their effectiveness in stimulating the areas of the brain responsible for attention and behavior. These medications are available in the form of tablets that release immediately or modified-release tablets that release the medication 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 techniques to change negative behavior into positive behavior. Some adults with ADHD may 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 evaluate progress and decide the next steps. Parents should be encouraged to involve teachers and other professionals, including Scout leaders and religious leaders in the process. These people can provide valuable information about how the child behaves in different environments and provide a more complete picture of how the child is performing.
Medication
There are many different drugs used to treat ADHD. Most commonly, stimulants are used to increase brain activity in specific brain regions that regulate attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate, the most commonly used stimulant for teens, adults and children older than five years old is the most popular. It is available in tablet form and is usually taken 2 to 3 times per 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 dramatically improve after a period of medication. These effects are typically observed in school, home and social settings. The effect on performance in these environments is measured using one or more standardized rating scales, which compare behaviors of the individual with those of other people. These ratings are not diagnostic in themselves but they can provide valuable, data that can be used 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 suggests that parents attend training in the area of behavior management prior to using medications on their children. The guidelines also recommend psychotherapy and a classroom-based intervention to be part of the treatment program for adolescents and teenagers with ADHD.
The most frequent side effects of ADHD medication are upset stomach, changes in heart rate and blood pressure as well as sleep disturbances. Certain teens and children who take stimulants can develop tics that are repetitive movements or sounds, like eye blinking or clearing the throat. Some children and teens who take ADHD medication may experience a slight reduction in their height, but it is usually minor and doesn't alter their height at the end of the day.
Stimulant medication does have the potential to lead to dependence and abuse, but studies have shown that this is not a problem with the dosages prescribed for ADHD. Certain teens and children who have ADHD are more at risk for addiction issues 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). A recent study showed that those who used stimulant medication for ADHD had a greater chance of developing CVD than those who did not take the medication. The researchers analyzed data from 278 027 individuals which included 10 388 individuals with ADHD. They compared these individuals to 51 672 people who did not have ADHD. These participants were tracked for 14 years.