ADHD Assessment and Treatment
It is essential to remember that a complete evaluation of ADHD is required prior to beginning any treatment. This should include a doctor interview, other sources, such as a spouse or family member, DSM-5 ADD symptom scales and checklists, as well as tests that are standardized.
Experts may suggest speaking to your child's religious leaders, teachers, scouts or coaches. ADHD symptoms must be evident since childhood in order to be diagnosed at an adult age.
ADHD symptoms
The signs of ADHD vary by age, but children suffering from ADHD are often having trouble staying focused on their tasks or paying attention to other people. They might fumble or blurt out answers to questions or interrupt others. They also might struggle with organizational skills, get easily bored and have trouble waiting their turn. Impulsive behavior can be defined as jumping into activities or running around in circles without permission. They might also be prone to using explosive excitement or anger as a source of stimulation and may even make others mad or playing pranks on them.
A doctor can utilize questionnaires or clinical interviews to determine if a child has ADHD. They can also ask teachers to complete rating scales. They may also perform an examination of the brain or physical to find any medical issues that could trigger symptoms of ADHD. These include thyroid conditions and mood disorders.
The evaluator can also ask if your child suffers from any other mental disorder like conduct disorder, oppositional defiant syndrome 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 with ADHD typically have difficulty managing their daily life, which includes the demands of work and home. They may also have issues working with family members or coworkers. They might be late for appointments or fail to show up for social occasions due to their ailments. The difficulties they face in school could result in academic failure and poor 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 and anyone who knows them well -- such as a spouse or parent for adults, or a teacher, coach, nanny or coach for children. The details will aid the doctor decide what tests, if required, will help identify other conditions that cause ADHD symptoms. It is also possible to employ a checklist to determine these signs in adults.
Diagnosis
The method of diagnosing ADHD involves a number of appointments with therapists and doctors. The diagnosis is based on 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 the family and work. A medical professional who is an expert in ADHD, like psychologists or psychiatrists will be able to determine the cause of the disorder.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history and symptoms, which includes an explanation of when they first appeared. They may ask the patient to keep a journal of their symptoms and their impact on their lives. This is a great way to gain a clear understanding of the issue, and to decide which tests or evaluations will be required to determine if ADHD is the cause.
In addition to observing how a person is functioning in various environments, the doctor will employ questionnaires to determine the symptoms. This could include questionnaires to parents and teachers to evaluate children for the disorder, and an interview with the 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 do an exam to ensure there isn't any physical issue, such as thyroid problems or seizures, that could be the cause of the problem. Other tests may be conducted to determine if there are other issues such as depression or anxiety.
Sometimes, a doctor may request brain scans to rule out possible causes for the symptoms. These tests are not used to diagnose ADHD but they can be helpful when other tests for diagnosis have not worked.
For adults who suspect they or their child has ADHD, the best place to begin is by talking with an primary doctor. If the person does not have a primary care doctor, they should call their insurance provider for the list of health professionals in their area who are qualified to perform an ADHD evaluation.
Treatment options
A doctor can tell if the symptoms are caused by ADHD or a different mental illness. An extensive evaluation could include a conversation with the child and a parent and rating scales that compare the behavior of those with and without ADHD.
There are many medical conditions that can trigger symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. These include thyroid problems as well as head injuries and seizures. A physical exam could be needed to rule out these causes. A psychological examination is needed to determine if symptoms are caused by ADHD or another mental health condition such as anxiety.
ADHD symptoms can have a major impact on work, school, and relationships. The person being evaluated should be honest and forthcoming with the examiner about the problems they're experiencing. They shouldn't hide their feelings because of fear of being judged or shame. They should be able to describe the symptoms as accurately as they can and also how they affect them at home and in school. Parents should be involved in the assessment, however, they should not take the decision to medicate their child.
The type of medication prescribed will depend on the child's age, the condition that is causing the symptoms and the kind of medication. For example stimulants are commonly prescribed in children and teens to treat ADHD due to their effectiveness in increasing activity in areas of the brain responsible for attention and behavior. These medications are available in tablets with immediate release and modified-release that release the drug slowly 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 behavioral treatment that teaches specific strategies to transform negative behavior into positive behaviors. These therapies may be beneficial for some adults with ADHD as well as occupational and educational accommodations.
The most important aspect of treatment is the follow-up phase with regular meetings to review progress and decide on the next steps. Parents should encourage teachers and other professionals to participate in the process, for example religious or scout leaders. These professionals can provide valuable information about how the child behaves and function in different situations.
Medication
There are a variety of medications that are used to treat ADHD. Most often, stimulants work by increasing brain activity in specific brain regions that control attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used stimulant in adults, teens and children over five years old is the most popular. It is available in tablet form, typically 2-3 times per day. It is available in immediate release (short acting) or extended-release forms (taken one time a day, but released throughout the entire day).
Many people have reported that their symptoms and impairments dramatically improve after a period of medication. These effects are typically seen in the home, school, and social situations. The effect on performance in these settings is assessed by using one or more standard rating scales, which evaluate the behaviors of the individual with the behavior of others. The scores of these rating forms are not considered to be diagnostic in themselves, but they serve as important sources of information during the evaluation process.
There are non-medical treatment options for ADHD that include the use of behavioral therapy and training for teachers and parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that parents undergo training in the area of behavior management prior to trying medication on their children. The guidelines recommend that psychotherapy and classroom-based interventions should be included in the treatment plans for adolescents and teens with ADHD.
sites of ADHD medication include stomach upset, changes in blood pressure and heart rate, and sleep disturbances. Children and teens who are taking stimulants could develop tics. These are repetitive actions or sounds, such as eye-blinking or clearing the throat. Certain children and teens who take ADHD medication may notice a slight slowdown in their height, but it is usually minor and doesn't alter their height at the end of the day.
The stimulant medications have the potential to lead to dependence and abuse, but studies have shown that this is not an issue with the dosages prescribed for ADHD. ADHD can increase the risk of substance abuse in a few teens and kids, but this is not due to the medication.
A possible adverse consequence of ADHD medication includes the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. A recent study found that those who used stimulant medications for ADHD had a higher risk of developing CVD than those who did not take the medication. Researchers looked at data from 278 027 people, which included 10 388 who had ADHD. They compared them with 51 672 participants who did not have ADHD. The participants were monitored for 14 years.