ADHD Assessment and Treatment
It is essential to remember that a complete assessment of ADHD is required prior to beginning any treatment. This includes an interview with the clinician as well as information from outside sources like spouses or other family members, DSM-5 ADD symptom checklists and rating scales as well as tests that are standardized.
Experts might suggest talking to your child's religious leaders, teachers Scouts, coaches, or scouts. ADHD symptoms must be present from the beginning of childhood to be diagnosed at an adult age.
The symptoms of ADHD
Symptoms of ADHD differ based on age, but children with the condition often have trouble staying focused on their work or paying attention to others. They may fidget or mutter answers to questions or interrupt other people. They may also have trouble with organization, be easily bored and have a tough waiting to be the next. Impulsive behavior can be characterized by jumping into activities or running around without permission. They could also be inclined to use exuberant anger or excitement to stimulate themselves, such as through causing others to be angry or pulling off pranks.
In an evaluation, a physician may use clinical interviews or questionnaires to determine if the child has ADHD. Teachers may also be asked to complete ratings scales. They may also perform an examination of the brain or physical to identify any medical conditions that could cause symptoms of ADHD. This includes mood disorders and thyroid issues.
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 ask about your family history, such as if anyone else has ADHD or any other psychiatric issues.
Adults with ADHD struggle with managing their lives, which includes work and home responsibilities. They may also have difficulty working with colleagues or family members. Their symptoms can also cause them to be late for appointments or to not show up at social engagements. Their academic difficulties 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 be a parent, spouse, teacher, coach, nanny, or a coach for children. The information collected will help the doctor determine which tests could exclude other conditions that are causing symptoms of ADHD. They might also use an assessment tool designed to detect the signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults.
Diagnosis
The method of diagnosing ADHD requires a series of appointments with doctors or therapists. The diagnosis is by analyzing the symptoms and how they affect the individual's daily activities. Getting a correct diagnosis is crucial to gain control over the symptoms, which can interfere with work and family life. The diagnosis is done by a medical professional who is specialized in ADHD, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
The doctor will review the patient's medical history and symptoms, which includes a discussion of when they first appeared. The doctor may ask the patient to keep a journal of their symptoms and how they affect their lives. This can be very useful in obtaining an accurate picture of the problem and helping to decide what tests or assessments are required to determine whether ADHD is the cause of the symptoms.
adhd assessment for women may also utilize questionnaires in order to assess the severity of symptoms. This can include parent and teacher questionnaires to assess children for the disorder, as well as 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 that could cause thyroid problems or seizures, which could be the cause of the issue. Other tests may be done to check for other conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Sometimes, the doctor will conduct brain scans to determine the cause of the symptoms. These tests, which aren't commonly used to diagnose ADHD however, can be a useful instrument when other tests for diagnosing the condition have been cleared.
If you or your child suspects they might have ADHD, it is best to speak with an experienced primary doctor. If the patient does not have a primary physician or a primary care physician, they can ask their insurance provider for an inventory of health professionals who are trained to conduct an ADHD evaluation.
Treatment options
A doctor can tell if symptoms are caused by ADHD or another mental condition. An extensive evaluation could include an interview with the child and parents and rating scales that measure the behavior of those with and without ADHD.
Many medical conditions can cause symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD such as thyroid issues seizures, head injuries and seizures. It is possible to conduct a physical exam in order to rule out these ailments. A psychological examination will also be necessary to determine if the symptoms are related to ADHD or another mental health condition, like anxiety.
Symptoms of ADHD can cause significant difficulties in school, work and in relationships. The person being evaluated should be able to discuss the issues they're experiencing openly and honestly with the examiner, and not hide behind because of shame or fear of criticism. They should explain their symptoms as in detail as they can and include how they affect them at home as well as at school. Parents should be involved in the evaluation process, but not in the decision-making process.
The type of medication prescribed will depend on the child's age and the condition causing the symptoms and the type of medication being prescribed. For instance stimulants are often prescribed in teens and children to treat ADHD because they help by stimulating the areas of the brain that regulate attention and behavior. These medications are available in tablets with immediate release and modified-release that release the drug slowly throughout the day. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD.
Other options for treating ADHD include marital and family therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches specific strategies to transform negative behaviors to positive ones. These treatments may be beneficial to adults suffering from ADHD and also educational and occupational accommodations.
The most important aspect of treatment is follow-up, with frequent meetings to evaluate progress and decide on next steps. Parents should be encouraged to include teachers and other professionals, like religious and scout leaders, in the process. These professionals can offer valuable information about how the child behaves in various settings and give a fuller picture of how the child is performing.
Medication
ADHD is treated with various medications. The most common are stimulants, which function by increasing the activity in specific brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used stimulant for teenagers, adults and children who are over 5 years old. It is available in tablet form, usually 2-3 times a day. It is available in immediate release (short acting) or extended-release forms (taken once a day, but released throughout the day).
Many people claim to feel better after taking medication. These effects are usually seen in the home, school, and social situations. The effect on performance in these environments is measured with one or more standardized rating scales that compare the behavior of the person with those of other people. These ratings are not diagnostic in themselves however they provide useful, data that can be used in the evaluation process.
In addition to medications in addition to medication, there are other non-medicated 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 trying medication on their children. The guidelines also call for psychotherapy and a classroom-based intervention to be part of the treatment program for adolescents and teenagers with ADHD.
Most often, ADHD medication can cause nausea, sleep disturbances, and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Some children and teens who are taking stimulants might develop tics. These are repeated movements or noises like eye-blinking or throat clearing. 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.
Stimulant medication has the potential to cause dependence and abuse, but studies have shown that this is not the case at the dosages prescribed for ADHD. ADHD can increase the risk of addiction to substances in a few teens and kids however this isn't due to the medication.
A potential adverse effect of ADHD medication includes the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Recent research found that people who take stimulant medications to treat ADHD are more at risk of developing cardiovascular disease than those who do not. Researchers analyzed data of 278 027 people, which included 10 388 with ADHD. They compared the participants with 51 672 people who did not have ADHD. The participants were monitored for 14 years.