ADHD Assessment and Treatment
It is important to keep in mind that a thorough evaluation of ADHD is necessary before starting any treatment. This should include a clinician interview, information from other sources, like a spouse or family member, DSM-5 ADD symptom scales and checklists, as well as standardized tests.
Experts might suggest talking to your child's teachers, religious leaders, scouts or coaches. This is because ADHD symptoms must have been present since childhood to be diagnosed as an adult.
Signs and symptoms of ADHD
ADHD symptoms differ based on age, but many children suffering from this disorder struggle to focus or pay attention. They might fumble or mutter answers to questions or interrupt others. They might also struggle with organizational skills, get easily bored and have difficulty waiting their turn. Symptoms of impulsive behavior can include involving themselves in activities without permission, rushing around or climbing places they aren't allowed to go. They could also be inclined to using exuberant emotions or anger to motivate their own egos, for example by making others angry or pulling off pranks.
adhd assessments may use questionnaires or clinical interviews to determine if a child has ADHD. They can also request that the child's teachers complete rating scales. They can also conduct an examination of the brain or physical to find any medical issues that could trigger symptoms of ADHD. This includes thyroid conditions and mood disorders.
The evaluator may also ask whether your child has any other mental disorders such as conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder, or anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your family history. For instance whether any other members of your family suffer from ADHD or other psychiatric issues.
Adults suffering from ADHD struggle with managing their lives, which includes household and work obligations. They may also have trouble working with colleagues or family members. Their symptoms can also cause them to be late for appointments or to not attend social events. Their academic difficulties can lead to a 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 along with someone who knows them well -- a spouse or parent for adults or a teacher coach or nanny for children. The details will aid the doctor decide what tests, if required, will determine the cause of other conditions that can cause ADHD symptoms. They might also use an assessment tool designed to detect these signs in adults.
Diagnosis
The method of diagnosing ADHD involves a series of appointments with doctors and therapists. The diagnosis is based on the presence of symptoms and their impact on the individual's life. It is important to get the correct diagnosis to control the symptoms that may interfere with the family life and work. 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 history and symptoms, including a discussion of when they first appeared. The doctor might request a journal of their symptoms and how they affect their lives. This can be extremely useful in gaining an accurate picture of the problem and assisting in determining what tests or evaluations are required to determine whether ADHD is the reason behind the symptoms.
In addition to observing how a person is functioning in various settings, the doctor will use questionnaires to assess the symptoms. The doctor may use questionnaires for parents and teachers to evaluate children, and an interview with the patient to identify 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.
Certain doctors may also conduct an exam to determine if there isn't any physical condition such as thyroid problems or seizure, which could be causing the problem. Other tests may be done to screen for other conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
Sometimes, the doctor will order brain scans to help rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. These tests are not used to diagnose ADHD but can be useful when other tests for diagnosis have not worked.
If you or your child suspects they have ADHD and you suspect that they do, it is recommended to speak with an experienced primary physician. If the person does not have a primary physician, they should contact their insurance provider for a list of health professionals in their area who are able to perform an ADHD assessment.
Treatment options
The first step in treating is an evaluation by a doctor who can determine whether the symptoms are related to ADHD or other mental health issues. A thorough assessment could include a conversation with the child and a parent and rating scales that compare behavior to that of people who do not have ADHD.
Many medical conditions can trigger symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD, including thyroid problems seizures, head injuries and seizures. It may be necessary to perform an exam for physical symptoms to rule out the presence of these ailments. A psychological exam may be necessary to determine if the symptoms are related to ADHD or some other mental health issue, like anxiety.
ADHD symptoms can have a profound impact on work, school, and relationships. The person being evaluated must be honest and candid with the examiner about the problems they're having. They shouldn't be hesitant because of fear of being judged or shame. They should describe their symptoms as in detail as possible and include how they impact their lives at home and at 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 will depend on the child's age and the condition creating the symptoms, and the type of medication prescribed. For instance stimulants are commonly prescribed in teens and children to treat ADHD because they help by increasing activity in areas of the brain that regulate attention and behavior. These medications are available in immediate-release tablets and modified-release tablets that release the drug slowly throughout the day. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD.
Other treatments for ADHD include marital and family therapy or cognitive behavioral treatment that teaches specific strategies to change negative behavior to positive ones. These treatments can be beneficial for some adults suffering from ADHD as well as occupational and educational accommodations.
The most crucial aspect of treatment is the follow-up phase, with frequent meetings to evaluate progress and decide on the next steps. Parents should be encouraged to include teachers and other professionals, like religious and scout leaders, in the process. They can offer valuable information about how the child behaves in various environments and provide a more complete picture of the child's functioning.
Medication
There are many different medications used to treat ADHD. Most commonly, stimulants increase brain activity in specific brain regions that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used stimulant among teenagers, adults and children older than five years old, is the most well-known. It is available in tablet format and is usually taken 2 to 3 times a day. It comes in immediate-release (short acting) or extended-release versions (taken only once per day and released throughout the entire day).
Many people report that they feel better after taking medication. These effects are typically seen in the home, school, and social settings. The effect of these influences on performance is assessed using one or more standardized ratings scales that compare the behavior of an individual to others. The scores of these rating forms are not considered to be diagnostic in themselves however they are important sources of information that can be used during the evaluation process.
In addition to medication There are also non-medical treatments for ADHD which include behavior therapy and training for parents and teachers. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that parents attend training in the area of behavior management prior to attempting medications on their children. The guidelines also recommend psychotherapy and a classroom-based intervention 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. Teens and children who take stimulants may develop tics, which are repetitive movements or sounds, such as eye blinking or clearing the throat. ADHD medication can cause a slight decrease in growth for certain teenagers and children, but it's usually not significant and doesn't affect their height.
These medications have the potential to cause abuse and addiction, but studies show that there isn't a significant risk with the doses prescribed to treat ADHD. Some kids and teens with ADHD are more at risk for substance use problems, but that is due to the disorder and not the medication.
A possible adverse effect of ADHD medication is the possibility of developing cardiovascular disease. Recent research has revealed that those who use stimulant drugs to treat ADHD are more at risk of developing cardiovascular disease than those who don't. The researchers analyzed data from 278 027 individuals which included 10 388 individuals who suffer from ADHD. They compared them to 51 672 participants who did not have ADHD. The participants were monitored for 14 years.