ADHD Assessment and Treatment
It is crucial to keep in mind that a thorough assessment of ADHD is necessary before starting any treatment. This should include a doctor interview, additional information from sources, such as a spouse or family member, DSM-5 ADD symptom scales and checklists, as well as standardized tests.
Experts may also want to look over your child's school records and speak to teachers and scout or religious leaders or coaches. ADHD symptoms must be evident since childhood in order to be diagnosed at an adult age.
Signs and symptoms of ADHD
The symptoms of ADHD differ based on age, but children with ADHD are often having trouble staying focused on their tasks or paying attention to people. They might fumble and mutter out answers to questions or interrupt others. They also might struggle with organizational skills, are easily bored and have trouble waiting their turn. Impulsive behavior can be characterized by getting involved in activities or running around in circles without permission. They might also be inclined to use exuberant emotions or anger to motivate themselves, for example, through causing others to be angry or playing pranks.
In assess adhd , a doctor might employ questionnaires or clinical interviews to determine if a child has ADHD. They can also request that the child's teachers fill out rating scales. They can also conduct 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 will also want to know if your child has any other mental health conditions such as oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety disorders or conduct disorder. They will also ask you about your family history. For example whether any other members of your family suffer from ADHD or other psychiatric disorders.
Adults with ADHD have trouble managing their lives, including work and home responsibilities. They may also have issues getting along with family members or coworkers. They might be late for appointments or fail to show up for social occasions due to their symptoms. 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 conduct an interview with both the patient and someone who knows them well. This could include a spouse, parent or teacher, coach, nanny, or a coach for children. The information collected will help the doctor determine what, if any, tests can rule out other conditions that cause symptoms of ADHD. They could also utilize an assessment tool designed to detect these signs in adults.
Diagnosis
The method of diagnosing ADHD involves a series of sessions with therapists or doctors. The diagnosis is according to the severity of the symptoms and how they impact the person's life. It is important to get the correct diagnosis to manage symptoms that could hinder the family life and work. The diagnosis is done by a medical professional who is specialized in ADHD like a psychiatrist or psychologist.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history and symptoms, including the date they first began to show. They might ask the patient to keep a journal of their symptoms and the impact on their lives. This can be very helpful to have a clearer picture of the problem and to decide which tests or assessments will be required to determine if ADHD is the reason.
The doctor will also use questionnaires in order to assess the symptoms. This could include parent and teacher questionnaires to evaluate children for the disorder, as well as an interview with a 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 conduct an exam to determine if there's no physical condition such as thyroid problems or seizures, which could be the cause of the problem. Other tests are also available to screen other conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Sometimes, the doctor may request brain scans to determine the cause of the symptoms. These tests are not used to diagnose ADHD but they can be helpful when other tests for diagnosing the condition have not worked.
For adults who suspect they or their child is suffering from ADHD, the best place to start is to speak with an primary doctor. If adhd assessment does not have a primary doctor and is looking for a referral to their insurance company for the list of health professionals who are trained to conduct an ADHD assessment.
Treatment options
The first step in treatment is an evaluation by a doctor who can determine if symptoms are related to ADHD or another mental health issue. An extensive evaluation could include an interview with a parent and child and rating scales that compare the child's behavior with those of people who do not have ADHD.
There are a variety of medical conditions that could cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. These include thyroid problems or head injuries, as well as seizures. It might be necessary to perform an examination for physical health to rule out the presence of these illnesses. A psychological exam will be necessary to determine if symptoms are due to ADHD or a different mental health issue, such as anxiety.
The signs of ADHD can result in significant difficulties in school, work and in relationships. The person being assessed should be honest and open with the examiner about the problems they're facing. They shouldn't be hesitant in fear of being judged or shame. They should explain the symptoms in as much detail as possible including the way they affect their lives at home and at school. Parents should be involved in the evaluation, however, they should not take the decision to administer medication to their child.
The type of medication prescribed depends on the underlying condition the symptoms and the age of the child. For instance stimulants are commonly prescribed in adolescents and children to treat ADHD because they help by stimulating areas of the brain that control attention and behavior. These medications are available as tablets that are immediate-release and modified-release that release the medication slowly throughout the day. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD.
Other treatment options for ADHD include marital and family therapy or cognitive behavioral treatment, which teaches specific techniques to transform negative behavior into positive behavior. Certain adults with ADHD might benefit from these treatments as well as 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. Parents should encourage teachers and other professionals to take part in the process, for example Scout or religious leaders. These people can offer valuable information about how the child behaves in various situations and offer a complete picture of the child's behavior.
Medication
ADHD is treated with various medications. The most popular are stimulants, which function by increasing activity in certain brain areas that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most widely used stimulant among teenagers, adults and children over age 5. It is a tablet form, typically 2 to 3 times a 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 a medication. These effects can be seen in educational, social and home settings. The effect of these influences on performance is assessed by using one or more standard ratings scales, which compare the behavior of an individual to other people. The scores of these forms of rating are not considered to be diagnostic in themselves however they are important sources of objective information in the evaluation process.
In addition to medication in addition to medication, there are other non-medicated treatments for ADHD that include therapy for behavior and training for parents and teachers. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents receive training in behavioral management prior to trying medications for their children. The guidelines also recommend psychotherapy and a classroom-based intervention to be part of the treatment plan for adolescents and teens with ADHD.
The most common adverse effects of ADHD medication are stomach upset and changes in blood pressure and heart rate as well as sleep disturbances. Certain children and teens who are taking stimulants might develop tics. They are repetitive actions or sounds such as eye-blinking, or throat clearing. Some teens and children who take ADHD medication may notice a slight slowdown in their growth, but this is typically minor and doesn't alter their height at the end of the day.
Stimulant medications do have the potential for addiction and abuse, but research shows that there is no significant risk with the doses prescribed to treat ADHD. ADHD can increase the likelihood of substance abuse in a few teens and kids but this isn't due to the medication.
Another potential adverse effect of ADHD medication is the chance of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). A recent study found that those who took stimulant medications for ADHD had a greater chance of developing CVD than others who didn't take the medications. Researchers analyzed data from 278 027 individuals comprising 10 388 people with ADHD. They compared them to 51 672 control participants without ADHD. The participants were followed for 14 years.