ADHD Assessment and Treatment
It is important to remember that a complete evaluation of ADHD is essential prior to starting any treatment. This should include an interview with the doctor as well as information from outside sources like spouses or other family members, DSM-5 ADD symptom checklists and rating scales and tests that are standardized.
Experts may also see your child's school records and talk with teachers as well as religious leaders, scout coaches or leaders. This is because ADHD symptoms must have been present since childhood to be diagnosed as an adult.
ADHD symptoms
ADHD symptoms can vary based on age, but a lot of children suffering from this disorder struggle to focus or pay attention. They might fumble or mutter answers to questions, or interrupt other people. They might also have issues with organization, get easily bored and have a tough waiting to be the next. Symptoms of impulsive behavior can include a tendency to engage in activities without permission, or running around or climbing where they aren't supposed to go. They also may 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 may utilize questionnaires or interviews to determine if the child is suffering from ADHD. They may also ask teachers to complete ratings scales. They can also conduct physical or neurodevelopmental tests to identify any medical conditions 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 disorder 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 are suffering from ADHD or other psychiatric issues.
Adults suffering from ADHD struggle with managing their lives, including the demands of home and work. They may also have difficulty getting along with family members or colleagues. They might be late for appointments or fail to show up for social occasions because of their health issues. The academic challenges they face can result in failure at 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 very well. This could be a parent, spouse, teacher or coach, nanny or coach for children. The details will aid the doctor determine what tests, if required, will help identify other conditions that cause ADHD symptoms. They may also use a checklist to identify these signs 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 person's life. Making a proper diagnosis is essential for gaining control over the symptoms which can affect the family and work. A medical professional who is an expert in ADHD such as psychologists or psychiatrists can determine the cause of the disorder.
The doctor will review the patient's medical history and symptoms, including the date they first appeared. They may request that the patient keep a journal of their symptoms and the impact on their lives. This is a great way to get a clear picture of the problem and to decide which tests or evaluations are required to determine if ADHD is the cause.
The doctor may also use questionnaires in order to assess the severity of symptoms. This may include parent and teacher questionnaires to assess children for the disorder, and 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 perform an examination to make sure that there isn't any physical condition such as thyroid issues or seizure, which could be the cause of the issue. Other tests can be conducted to screen for other conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Occasionally, the doctor will conduct brain scans to 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 might have ADHD or other disorders, it is best to speak with an experienced primary doctor. If the person does not have a primary care doctor, they should inquire with their insurance company for the list of health specialists in their area who are certified to conduct an ADHD assessment.
Treatment options
The first step in treating is an evaluation by a doctor who will determine if the symptoms are related to ADHD or other mental health issues. An extensive evaluation could include an interview with a child and parent and rating scales that assess the child's behavior with those of people who do not have ADHD.
There are getting an adhd assessment uk that can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. These include thyroid problems or head injuries, as well as seizures. It might be necessary to conduct a physical exam in order to rule out these ailments. A psychological exam will be needed to determine if symptoms are caused by ADHD or a different mental health condition like anxiety.
The symptoms of ADHD can cause significant difficulties in work, school and relationships. The person being assessed should be honest and candid with the examiner about any issues they're facing. They shouldn't hold back for fear of criticism or shame. They should explain their symptoms in as much detail as they can including how they impact them at home as well as at school. Parents should be involved in the assessment, but they should not make the decision to prescribe medication for their child.
The type of medication prescribed will depend on the child's age as well as the condition leading to the symptoms and the kind of medication prescribed. Stimulants, for example, are typically prescribed to children and teens with ADHD. They help by stimulating brain activity in areas that control attention and behavior. These medications may come in the form of tablets with immediate release or modified-release tablets that release the medicine slowly throughout the day. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication prescribed for ADHD, is available in tablet form.
Other types of treatment for ADHD could include counseling for marital and family relationships or cognitive behavior therapy, which helps to teach specific skills to transform negative behaviors to positive ones. These treatments can be beneficial to some adults suffering from ADHD and also occupational and educational accommodations.
The most important part is the follow-up. There should be frequent meetings to evaluate the progress made and determine the next steps. Parents should encourage teachers and other professionals to participate in the process, for example religious or scout leaders. These people 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 drugs that are used to treat ADHD. The most popular are stimulants, which work by increasing the activity in specific brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used stimulant among teenagers, adults and children older than five years old is the most popular. It is a tablet form, usually 2 to 3 times per day. It is available in immediate-release (short-acting), or extended-release (taken every day in the morning and released throughout the day).
Many people report that they feel better after taking medication. These effects are usually seen in home, school and social situations. The effect on performance in these environments is measured by using one or more standard rating scales that compare the behaviors of the individual 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.
There are a variety of non-medical treatment options for ADHD, including behavior therapy and training for teachers and parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents receive training in behavior management before trying medication for their children. The guidelines recommend that psychotherapy and classroom-based interventions should be included in the treatment plan for adolescents and teens suffering from ADHD.
Most often, ADHD medication can cause nausea, sleep disturbances, and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Some kids and teens who take stimulants can develop tics, which are repetitive movements or sounds such as eye blinking, or clearing the throat. Some children and teens who take ADHD medication may notice a slight slowdown in their growth, however this is typically minor and does not affect their final height.
The stimulant drugs do have the potential to cause addiction and abuse, however research shows that there is no significant risk with the dosages used to treat ADHD. ADHD can increase the risk of substance abuse in some kids and teens, but this is not due to the medication.
A potential adverse effect of ADHD medication is the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. A recent study found that those who used stimulant drugs for ADHD were more likely of developing CVD than those who did not take the drugs. Researchers examined data from 278 027 people, which included 10 388 with ADHD. They compared the participants with 51 672 healthy controls without ADHD. The participants were followed for 14 years.