ADHD Assessment and Treatment
It is important to keep in mind that a thorough evaluation of ADHD is necessary before starting any treatment. This includes an interview with the clinician as well as information from outside sources such as spouse or other family members, DSM-5 ADD symptom checklists and rating scales and standardized testing.
Experts may also see your child's school records and talk with teachers and scout or religious coaches or leaders. This is because ADHD symptoms must have been present since childhood to be recognized as an adult.
ADHD symptoms
ADHD symptoms vary depending on age, however many children with this condition have difficulty focusing or paying attention. They may fumble or mutter out answers when asked questions or interrupt other people. They might also struggle with organization, be easily bored and have a hard waiting to be the next. Impulsive behavior is often characterized by getting involved in activities or running around in circles without permission. They may also be prone towards using explosive anger or excitement to stimulate their own egos, for example through causing others to be angry or pulling off pranks.
In an assessment, a doctor might use clinical interviews or questionnaires to determine whether the child has ADHD. They may also ask teachers to complete rating scales. They may also perform physical or neurodevelopmental tests to identify any medical conditions that may trigger symptoms of ADHD. These include mood disorders and thyroid issues.
The evaluator might also inquire whether your child is suffering from any other mental disorders like conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder, or anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your family history, such as whether anyone else has ADHD or any other psychiatric issues.
Adults suffering from ADHD have trouble managing their lives, including household and work obligations. They may also have trouble working with colleagues or family members. They might be late for appointments or not show up for social engagements due to their symptoms. The difficulties they face in school could lead to academic failure and poor job performance.
For how to get adhd assessment 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 both the patient and a person who is familiar with them. This could include a spouse, parent, teacher, coach, nanny, or coach for children. The information provided by the doctor will help them determine which tests, if any are required, will help identify other conditions that cause ADHD symptoms. It is also possible to employ a checklist to determine the symptoms in adults.
Diagnosis
The process of diagnosing ADHD involves a series of appointments with doctors or therapists. The diagnosis is dependent 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 affect life at work and with family. The diagnosis is made by a healthcare provider who specializes in ADHD, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history and symptoms, including an explanation of when they first appeared. They might request that the patient keep a journal of their symptoms as well as their impact on their lives. This is a great way to gain a clear understanding of the problem, and also to determine which tests or evaluations are needed to determine if ADHD is the cause.
The doctor will also use questionnaires to evaluate symptoms. This could include questionnaires for parents and teachers to determine if children are suffering from the disorder, as well as a patient interview to identify 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.
Certain doctors may also conduct an exam to make sure there isn't any physical issue that could cause thyroid problems or seizures, which could be the cause of the problem. Other tests could be performed to check for other conditions like anxiety or depression.
Sometimes, the doctor might request brain scans to rule out possible causes of the symptoms. These tests, which aren't routinely used to diagnose ADHD however, can be a useful test when other diagnostic procedures have been ruled out.
For adults who suspect that they or their child may have ADHD the best place to begin is to talk to the primary doctor. If the patient doesn't have a primary physician, they can contact their insurance company for a list that includes 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 whether the symptoms are due to ADHD or another mental health condition. A thorough evaluation may include an interview with the child and a parent and rating scales to compare the behavior of those with and without ADHD.
There are many medical conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. These include thyroid problems as well as head injuries and seizures. It is possible to conduct an exam for physical symptoms to rule out these ailments. A psychological exam may be needed to determine if symptoms are caused by ADHD or some other mental health condition such as anxiety.
The signs of ADHD can lead to significant problems in work, school and relationships. The person being evaluated should discuss the problems they are experiencing openly and honestly with the examiner and not hide behind because of shame or fear of being judged. They should report symptoms as accurately as possible, including the way they affect them at home and in school. Parents should be involved in the evaluation process, however, they should not take the decision to prescribe medication for their child.
The kind of medication prescribed is based on the condition that is causing it, symptoms and age of the child. For example, stimulants are typically used in adolescents and children to treat ADHD due to their effectiveness in stimulating the areas of the brain that control attention and behavior. These medications are available in the form of immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medicine slowly throughout the day. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD.
Other kinds of treatment for ADHD could include family and marital counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy which provides specific techniques to change negative behavior to positive ones. Some adults who have ADHD might benefit from these treatments, as well as from occupational and educational accommodations.
The most important aspect is the follow-up. It is essential to hold regular meetings to evaluate the progress made and determine the next steps. Parents should be encouraged to include teachers and other professionals, including Scout leaders and religious leaders in the process. These people can provide valuable information on how the child behaves in various situations and offer a complete picture of how the child is performing.
Medication
ADHD is treated with a variety of medications. Most often, stimulants increase brain activity in specific brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used stimulant among teenagers, adults and children who are over 5 years old. It is taken in tablet form, usually 2 to 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 claim to feel better after taking a medication. These effects are usually seen in the home, school, and social settings. The impact of these variables on performance is measured using one or more standardized ratings scales that compare the behavior of an individual to other people. These ratings are not diagnostic by themselves, but provide valuable 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 teachers and parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that parents undergo training in managing their behavior prior to trying medications on their children. The guidelines recommend that psychotherapy and classroom-based interventions be included in the treatment plans for adolescents and teens suffering from ADHD.
Most often, ADHD medication can cause nausea, sleep disturbances and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Teens and children who take stimulants can develop tics which are repeated actions or sounds, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. ADHD medication may cause a slight reduction in growth for some adolescents and children, however it's usually not significant and does not affect their height at the end of the day.
The stimulant drugs do have the potential for addiction and abuse, but research suggests that there isn't a significant risk with the doses used to treat ADHD. ADHD can increase the likelihood of substance abuse in some teens and children, but this is not due to the medication.
A possible side result of ADHD medication includes the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. A recent study showed that those who took stimulant medication for ADHD had a higher risk of developing CVD than others who didn't take the medications. Researchers analyzed data from 278 027 individuals, including 10 388 people with ADHD. They compared these participants to 51 672 controls without ADHD. The participants were followed for 14 years.