ADHD Assessment and Treatment
Before starting any treatment, it is important to conduct a thorough evaluation of ADHD. This should include an interview with a clinician as well as information from outside sources such as spouse or other family members, DSM-5 ADD symptom checklists and rating scales, as well as standardized testing.
Experts may want to talk to your child's teachers, religious leaders as well as scouts, coaches or scouts. This is because ADHD symptoms must be present since childhood in order to be diagnosed as an adult.
ADHD symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD differ based on age, but children with ADHD often have difficulty staying focused on tasks or paying attention to others. They may fumble or mutter out answers when asked questions or interrupt others. They might also struggle with organization, get easily bored and have a hard time waiting for their turn. The signs of impulsive behavior include a tendency to engage in activities without permission, running around or climbing places they aren't supposed to go. They could also be inclined to using exuberant excitement or anger to excite themselves, such as by making others mad or playing pranks.
A doctor may utilize questionnaires or clinical interviews to determine if a child is ADHD. They may also request that the child's teachers fill out rating scales. They can also conduct an examination of the brain or physical to identify any medical conditions that may trigger symptoms of ADHD. This includes thyroid conditions and mood disorders.
The evaluation will also need to determine if your child suffers from any other mental health problems such as oppositional defiant disorders, anxiety disorders or conduct disorder. They will also inquire about your family history. For example, if any other family members have ADHD or other psychiatric disorders.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have difficulty managing their lives, including the demands of work and home. They may also have trouble working with colleagues or family members. The symptoms of these people can result in them being late for appointments or fail to attend social gatherings. 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 examine the patient and anyone who knows them well -- such as a spouse or parent for adults, or a teacher, coach or nanny for children. The information gathered will help the doctor determine which tests can determine if other conditions cause symptoms of ADHD. They might also use a checklist designed to identify these signs in adults.
Diagnosis
The process of diagnosing ADHD involves a series of appointments with therapists or doctors. The diagnosis is dependent on the presence of symptoms and their impact on a person's life. It is crucial to obtain the right diagnosis in order to control symptoms that can affect work and family. The diagnosis is given by a healthcare professional who specializes in ADHD like a psychologist or psychiatrist.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history and symptoms and when they first started to notice. The doctor might ask the patient for an account of their symptoms and how they affect their lives. This can be extremely helpful in getting an accurate picture of the problem and assisting in determining what tests or assessments are required to determine if ADHD is the cause of the symptoms.
The doctor may also utilize questionnaires to evaluate symptoms. This may include questionnaires for parents and teachers to evaluate children for the disorder, and 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 do an exam to ensure there isn't any physical issue, such as thyroid problems or seizures, that could be the root of the issue. Other tests can be conducted to check for other conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
Sometimes, the doctor may request brain scans to identify other possible causes of the symptoms. These tests are not used to diagnose ADHD however they can be useful when other diagnostic procedures have not worked.
If you are an adult who suspects that you or their child is suffering from ADHD, the best place to begin is to talk to a primary health care provider. If adhd assessment women does not have a primary care physician, they should contact their insurance company to request an inventory of health specialists in their area who are qualified to perform an ADHD assessment.
Treatment options
The first step to treatment is an evaluation by a physician who will determine if the symptoms are related to ADHD or another mental health issue. A thorough evaluation may include a conversation with the child and parents and rating scales that measure behavior to those of people without ADHD.
Many medical conditions can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD such as thyroid issues seizures, head injuries and seizures. It might be necessary to conduct an exam for physical symptoms to rule out any of these ailments. A psychological examination will be necessary to determine if symptoms are due to ADHD or a different mental health condition like anxiety.
Symptoms of ADHD can cause significant impairment in work, school and in relationships. The person being assessed should discuss the problems they are experiencing openly and honestly with the examiner and not be hesitant from fear of embarrassment or shame of being judged. They should report symptoms as accurately as is possible and also how they affect them both at home and in school. Parents should be involved in the evaluation, however, they should not take the decision to prescribe medication for their child.
The type of medication prescribed is based on the condition that is causing it, symptoms and age of the child. For example, stimulants are typically prescribed to children and teens with ADHD. They stimulate brain activity in areas that control attention and behavior. These medications are available in the form of tablets that release immediately or modified-release tablets that release the medication slowly throughout the day. Methylphenidate, which is the most popular medication prescribed for ADHD is available in tablet form.
Other treatments for ADHD include family and marital therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches specific methods to transform negative behaviors into positive behaviors. Some adults with ADHD might benefit from these treatments and also from occupational and educational accommodations.
The most important aspect is the follow-up. It is essential to hold regular meetings to review the progress and decide on the next steps. Parents should encourage teachers and other professionals to participate in the process, such as religious or scout leaders. They can offer valuable information about how the child behaves in various settings and give a fuller picture of the child's behavior.
Medication
There are many different drugs that are used to treat ADHD. The majority of stimulants are used to increase the activity of certain brain regions that control attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate, the most commonly used stimulant among teens, adults and children over five years old, is the most popular. It is available in tablet format and is usually taken between 2 and 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 have reported that their symptoms and impairments dramatically improve after some time on medication. These effects are usually seen in the home, school, and social environments. The impact on performance in these environments is measured using one or more standardized rating scales, which evaluate the behaviours of an individual to those of other people. These ratings are not diagnostic in themselves however they provide useful, objective information for the evaluation process.
In addition to medications, there are also non-medicated solutions for ADHD that include behavioral therapy and training for parents and teachers. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents attend training on behavior management prior to attempting medication for their children. The guidelines recommend that psychotherapy and interventions in the classroom be included in the treatment plan for teenagers and adolescents with ADHD.
The most frequent adverse effects of ADHD medication are stomach upset and changes in heart rate and blood pressure and sleep disturbances. Some kids and teens who take stimulants may develop tics that are repetitive movements or sounds such as eye blinking, or clearing the throat. Certain children and teens who are taking ADHD medication may experience a slight reduction in their growth, however this is typically not significant and does not affect their final height.
The stimulant medications have the potential to trigger dependence and abuse, but studies have shown that this is not a problem when it comes to dosages prescribed for ADHD. ADHD can increase the risk of substance abuse in some teens and children, but this is not due to the medication.
A potential adverse effect of ADHD medication includes the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. A recent study found that people who took stimulant medication for ADHD had a higher risk of developing CVD than those who did not take the drugs. Researchers looked at data from 278 027 people, including 10 388 people who suffer from ADHD. They compared them to 51 672 people who were not diagnosed with ADHD. These participants were followed for 14 years.