ADHD Assessment and Treatment
Before beginning any treatment, it is essential to complete a full evaluation of ADHD. This includes a physician interview, additional information from sources, like a spouse or family member, DSM-5 ADD symptom scales and checklists, as well standard tests.
Experts may want to talk to your child's religious leaders, teachers, scouts or coaches. ADHD symptoms must be present from childhood to be diagnosed at an adult age.
Signs and symptoms of ADHD
ADHD symptoms can vary based on age, but many children suffering from this disorder have difficulty focusing or paying attention. They may fidget and mutter out answers to questions or interrupt other people. They might also have issues with organization, be easily bored and have a hard waiting to be the next. Some signs of impulsive behavior include involving themselves in activities without permission, or running around or climbing places they aren't allowed to go. They may also be at risk of using explosive excitement or anger to stimulate themselves and may even make others angry or playing pranks with them.
In an assessment, a doctor might use clinical interviews or questionnaires to determine if the child is suffering from ADHD. They may also ask teachers to fill out rating scales. They can also conduct an exam of the brain or a physical to detect possible medical issues that could trigger symptoms of ADHD, such as thyroid conditions or mood disorders.
The evaluation will also need to be aware of if your child has any other mental health problems like oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety disorders or conduct disorder. They will also ask about your family history, for instance, if anyone else has ADHD or any other psychiatric issues.
Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently have trouble managing their daily lives, including work and home obligations. They may also have issues working with colleagues or family members. They might also be late to appointments or not show up for social engagements because of their health issues. 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 examine the patient as well as anyone who knows them well -- such as a spouse or parent for adults, or a teacher, coach or nanny for children. The information will help the doctor determine what tests, if any are required, will identify other conditions that cause ADHD symptoms. They might also use a checklist designed to identify the signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults.
Diagnosis
The method of diagnosing ADHD involves a series sessions with therapists or doctors. The diagnosis is made based on symptoms and how they affect the person's life. Making a proper diagnosis is essential to gaining control over the symptoms, which can affect life at work and with family. A healthcare provider who is an expert in ADHD such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist, will diagnose the condition.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history and symptoms and when they first appeared. The doctor may ask the patient for an account of the symptoms they experience and how they affect their lives. This can be extremely useful in gaining an accurate picture of the issue and aiding in determining what tests or assessments are needed to determine if ADHD is the reason behind the symptoms.
In addition to observing how a person is functioning in different settings, the doctor will utilize questionnaires to evaluate the signs. The doctor may 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 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 issue. Other tests could be performed to look for other ailments like anxiety or depression.
Sometimes, a doctor may order brain scans in order to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms. These tests, which aren't commonly used to diagnose ADHD, could be a useful instrument 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 consult a primary doctor. If the person does not have a primary care physician, they should contact their insurance provider for a list of health specialists in their area who are able 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 related to ADHD or another mental health condition. A thorough assessment could include an interview with a parent and child and rating scales that compare the child's behavior with that of those who do not have ADHD.
There are many medical conditions that can cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. These include thyroid problems or head injuries, as well as seizures. It is possible to conduct an examination for physical health to rule out any of these ailments. A psychological exam will be needed to determine if symptoms are due to ADHD or another mental health condition like anxiety.
ADHD symptoms can have a profound impact on work, school, and relationships. The person who is being evaluated should be able to discuss the issues they're experiencing candidly and honestly with the examiner, and not be hesitant out of shame or fear of being judged. 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 evaluation, but they should not make the decision to prescribe medication for their child.
The kind of medication prescribed depends on the underlying condition the symptoms and the age of the child. For example, stimulants are typically prescribed to children and teens with ADHD. They help by stimulating brain activity in areas that control attention and behaviour. They are available in tablets with immediate release and modified-release that release the drug gradually throughout the day. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD.
Other types of treatment for ADHD could include counseling for marital and family relationships or cognitive behavioral therapy which helps to teach specific skills to transform negative behavior into positive ones. Some adults who have ADHD might benefit from these therapies, as well as from educational and occupational accommodations.
The most important part is the follow-up. There should be regular meetings to evaluate the progress made and determine the next steps. get an adhd assessment should be encouraged to include teachers and other professionals, like Scout leaders and religious leaders in the process. These professionals can provide valuable information on how the child behaves and function in different situations.
Medication
There are many different medications used to treat ADHD. Most commonly, stimulants work by increasing the activity of certain brain regions that regulate attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used stimulant among teens, adults and children over five years old is the most popular. It is taken in tablet form, typically 2-3 times per day. It is available in immediate-release (short-acting) or extended-release (taken at least once per day in the morning and released throughout the day).
Many people say they feel better after taking medication. These effects can be observed in educational, social and home settings. The effect of these factors on performance is assessed by using one or more standard ratings scales that measure the performance of a person to other people. These ratings are not diagnostic in themselves however they provide useful, information that can be used to aid in the evaluation process.
There are non-medical treatment options for ADHD such as the use of behavioral therapy and training for parents and teachers. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that parents receive training in the area of behavior management prior to trying medications on their children. The guidelines also call for psychotherapy and classroom-based intervention to be part of the treatment program for adolescents and teenagers with ADHD.
The most frequent adverse effects of ADHD medication are upset stomach, changes in blood pressure and heart rate, and sleep disturbances. Teens and children who take stimulants may develop tics, which are repetitive actions or sounds, such as eye blinking, or clearing the throat. ADHD medication can cause a slight slowdown in growth for some teenagers and children, but it's usually minimal and doesn't affect their height.
Stimulant medications do have the potential to cause addiction and abuse, but studies show that this is not a significant risk with the doses prescribed to treat ADHD. Certain teens and children who suffer from ADHD are at higher risk for problems with substance use, but that is due to the disorder and not the medication.
Another potential adverse result of ADHD medication is the risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recent research has found that those who take stimulant medications to treat ADHD have a higher chance of developing cardiovascular disease than those who don't. Researchers looked at data from 278 027 people which included 10 388 individuals who suffer from ADHD. They compared them with 51 672 participants who did not have ADHD. These participants were tracked for 14 years.