ADHD Assessment and Treatment
Before beginning any treatment, it is essential to conduct a thorough evaluation of ADHD. This includes an interview with the clinician as well as information from outside sources such as spouses or other family members, DSM-5 ADD symptom checklists and rating scales as well as tests that are standardized.
Experts may also want to see your child's school records and speak with teachers as well as religious leaders, scout leaders or coaches. This is because ADHD symptoms must be present since childhood to be diagnosed as an adult.
ADHD symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD differ based on age, however children who suffer from the condition often have trouble staying focused on their work or paying attention to others. They may fumble or mutter out answers to questions or interrupt other people. They might also struggle with organizing skills, get easily bored and have trouble waiting their turn. The behavior of an impulsive person is defined as getting involved in activities or running around without permission. They also may be prone to using extreme emotions or anger as a source of stimulation and may even make others angry or playing pranks on them.
A doctor can utilize questionnaires or clinical interviews to determine if a child has ADHD. They can also ask the child's teachers to fill out rating 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 disorders and mood disorders.
adhd assessment women will also need to determine if your child suffers from any other mental health conditions such as oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder or anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your family history, such as whether anyone else has ADHD or other psychiatric conditions.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often have difficulty managing their life, which includes work and home obligations. They may also have issues getting along with family members or colleagues. Their symptoms can also cause them to be late for appointments or fail to attend social gatherings. The academic challenges they face can lead to failure in 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 interview the patient as well as anyone who knows them well -- a spouse or parent for adults or a teacher, coach or nanny for children. The information provided by the doctor will help them decide what tests, if required, will rule out other conditions causing ADHD symptoms. They could also utilize a checklist designed to identify these symptoms in adults.
Diagnosis
The process of diagnosing ADHD involves a series appointments with doctors or therapists. The diagnosis is by analyzing the symptoms and how they impact the individual's daily activities. It is essential to get the right diagnosis in order to manage symptoms that could affect work and family. A medical professional who is an expert in ADHD, like psychologists or psychiatrists can identify the problem.
The doctor will review the patient's medical background and symptoms, as well as a discussion of when they first noticed. They might ask the patient to keep a journal of their symptoms and the impact on their lives. This is very useful in gaining 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 utilize questionnaires to evaluate the severity of symptoms. The doctor could use questionnaires for parents or teachers to assess children and an interview with the patient to determine 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 do an exam to make sure there isn't a physical condition that could cause thyroid problems or seizures, which could be the cause of the issue. Other tests may be conducted to determine if there are other issues like anxiety or depression.
Sometimes, a doctor may request brain scans to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. These tests, which aren't routinely used to diagnose ADHD however, can be a useful tool when other tests for diagnosing the condition have been cleared.
If you or your child suspects that they might have ADHD, it is best to speak with an experienced primary doctor. If the patient does not have a primary care doctor, they should inquire with their insurance company to request a list of health specialists in their area who are able to perform an ADHD assessment.
Treatment options
The first step in treatment is an evaluation by a physician who can determine if symptoms are related to ADHD or another mental health condition. A thorough evaluation can include an interview with a parent and child as well as rating scales that compare the child's behavior to people without ADHD.
Many medical conditions can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD, including thyroid problems seizures, head injuries and seizures. It may be necessary to conduct a physical exam in order to rule out these conditions. A psychological exam may be needed to determine if symptoms are related to ADHD or another mental health condition, like anxiety.
Symptoms of ADHD can result in significant problems in school, work and in relationships. The person being assessed should be honest and forthcoming with the examiner about the issues they're having. They shouldn't hold back in fear of being judged or shame. They should be able to describe the symptoms in as much detail as they can and include how they impact them at home as well as at school. Parents should be included in the evaluation process, but not in the decision-making process.
The type of medication prescribed depends on the underlying condition as well as the symptoms and age of the child. For example, stimulants are commonly prescribed to adolescents and children with ADHD. They work by increasing brain activity in areas that control the behavior and attention. These medications can be in the form of tablets that release immediately or modified-release tablets that release the medication slowly throughout the day. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD.
Other treatments for ADHD include marital and family therapy or cognitive behavioral treatment that teaches specific strategies to transform negative behaviors to positive ones. These treatments may be beneficial to adults with ADHD, as well occupational and educational accommodations.
The most crucial aspect of treatment is follow-up, with frequent meetings to evaluate progress and decide on the next steps. Parents should encourage teachers and other professionals to take part in the process, for example religious or scout leaders. These professionals can provide valuable information on how the child behaves in different settings and give a fuller picture of the child's behavior.
Medication
ADHD is treated with a variety of medications. Most often, stimulants increase the activity of certain brain regions that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used stimulant among teens, adults and children older than five years old, is the most well-known. It is available in tablet form, usually 2 to 3 times per day. It is available in immediate-release (short-acting), or extended-release (taken every day in the morning and released throughout the day).
Many people report that their symptoms and impairments significantly improve after a few weeks of medication. These effects are typically observed in home, school and social environments. The effect 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. These ratings are not diagnostic in their own right but they can provide valuable, information that can be used to aid in the evaluation process.
In addition to medication in addition to medication, there are other non-medicated solutions for ADHD that include therapy for behavior and training for parents and teachers. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that parents receive training in behavior management prior to trying medication on their children. The guidelines recommend that psychotherapy and classroom-based interventions be part of the treatment plan for adolescents and teens suffering from ADHD.
Most commonly, ADHD medication can cause nausea, sleep disturbances, and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Certain teens and children who are taking stimulants may develop tics that are repetitive movements or sounds like eye blinking or throat clearing. ADHD medication can cause a slight decrease in growth for some adolescents and children, however it is usually minor and doesn't affect their final height.
The stimulant drugs do have the potential to cause addiction and abuse, but studies show that there is no significant risk at the doses used to treat ADHD. ADHD can increase the risk of addiction to substances in a few teens and kids, but this is not due to the medication.
A potential side effect of ADHD medication is the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. 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 drugs. Researchers examined data from 278 027 people, including 10 388 with ADHD. They compared these individuals to 51 672 controls without ADHD. The participants were followed for 14 years.