ADHD Assessment and Treatment
Before beginning any treatment, it is important to conduct a thorough evaluation of ADHD. This includes a physician interview, additional information from sources, such as a spouse or family member, DSM-5 ADD symptom scales and checklists, and standard tests.
Experts may also look over your child's school records and speak with teachers and scout or religious leaders or coaches. ADHD symptoms must be evident from the beginning of childhood to be recognized at an adult age.
The symptoms of ADHD
ADHD symptoms differ based on age, but many children with this condition have difficulty focusing or paying attention. They might fumble or mutter out answers when asked questions, or interrupt others. They might also have issues organizing, become easily bored and have a hard time waiting for their turn. Some signs of impulsive behavior include jumping into activities without permission, or running around or climbing places they shouldn't. They may also be prone towards using exuberant excitement or anger to excite their own egos, for example through causing others to be angry or pulling pranks.
A doctor can utilize questionnaires or clinical interviews to determine if a child has ADHD. Teachers may also be asked to complete ratings scales. They may also perform a neurodevelopmental or physical exam to identify any medical conditions that could trigger symptoms of ADHD. This includes mood disorders and thyroid issues.
The evaluator might also inquire if your child suffers from any other mental disorders such as conduct disorder, oppositional defiant syndrome or anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your family history. For instance whether any other members of your family suffer from ADHD or any other psychiatric disorder.
Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently have trouble managing their daily life, which includes the demands of work and home. This Internet page may also have difficulty working with colleagues or family members. They may be late for appointments or fail to show up for social engagements because of their health issues. Their academic difficulties can lead to a 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 interview both the patient and a person who is familiar with them. This could be a spouse, parent, teacher, coach, nanny, or a coach for children. The information collected will help the doctor determine what tests might exclude other conditions that are causing symptoms of ADHD. They might also use a checklist designed to identify these symptoms in adults.
Diagnosis
The method of diagnosing ADHD involves a series of appointments with doctors or therapists. The diagnosis is based on the presence of symptoms and their impact on the person's life. Making a proper diagnosis is crucial to gain control over the symptoms which can affect work and family life. A healthcare provider who is an expert in ADHD, like a psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose the condition.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical background and symptoms, as well as the date they first appeared. They might ask the patient to keep a journal of their symptoms as well as their impact on their lives. This can be very useful in gaining an accurate picture of the problem and assisting in determining what tests or assessments are needed to determine if ADHD is the reason behind the symptoms.
In addition to observing how the person performs in different situations, the doctor may utilize questionnaires to evaluate the symptoms. This can 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 may also perform 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 may be conducted to determine if there are other issues such as depression or anxiety.
Occasionally, the doctor will conduct brain scans to determine the cause of the symptoms. These tests, which aren't routinely used to diagnose ADHD but could be a useful tool when other tests for diagnosing the condition have been cleared.
For adults who suspect that they or their child may have ADHD the best place to begin is to talk to an primary doctor. If the person doesn't have a primary doctor, they should call their insurance company for a list of health professionals in their area who are certified to conduct an ADHD evaluation.
Treatment options
A doctor can determine if symptoms are caused by ADHD or a different mental illness. A thorough evaluation may include an interview with the child and parents and rating scales that measure the behavior of those with and who do not have ADHD.
A variety of medical conditions can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD such as thyroid issues, seizures and head injuries. A physical exam may also be needed to rule out these causes. A psychological exam may be needed to determine if symptoms are caused by ADHD or another mental health issue, such as anxiety.
ADHD symptoms can have a profound impact on work, school and interpersonal relationships. The person being evaluated must discuss the issues they are experiencing in a candid and honest manner with the examiner, and not be hesitant out of shame or fear of criticism. They should describe their symptoms in as much detail as they can, including the way they affect their lives at home and at school. Parents should be involved in the evaluation process, but they should not make the decision to medicate their child.
The dosage of the medication will depend on the child's age and the condition causing the symptoms and the type of medication being prescribed. For example, stimulants are commonly prescribed to children and teens with ADHD. They work by increasing brain activity in areas that control the behavior and attention. These medications are available in the form of tablets with immediate release or modified-release tablets that release the medicine slowly throughout the day. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD.
Other options for treating ADHD include marital and family therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches specific strategies to change negative behavior into positive behaviors. These treatments can be beneficial to adults suffering from ADHD, as well educational and occupational accommodations.
The most important part is the follow-up. It is essential to hold regular meetings to evaluate the progress and decide on next steps. Parents should encourage teachers and other professionals to participate in the process, such as Scout leaders or religious leaders. These experts can provide valuable information on how the child behaves and function in different situations.
on front page is treated with a variety of medications. The most commonly used are stimulants that work by increasing the activity in specific brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used stimulant for adults, teens and children over five years old, is the most well-known. It is a tablet form, usually 2 to 3 times per day. It comes in immediate-release (short acting) or extended-release forms (taken only once per day and released throughout the entire day).
Many people report that they feel better after taking a medication. These effects can be observed in social, educational and home settings. The effect on performance in these environments is measured by using one or more standard rating scales that compare the behavior of the person with those of other people. These ratings are not diagnostic in their own right but they can provide valuable, objective information for the evaluation process.
In addition to medications, there are also non-medical 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 behavior management prior to attempting medication for their children. The guidelines also call for psychotherapy and classroom-based intervention to be part of the treatment plan for teens and adolescents with ADHD.
The most common side effects of ADHD medication are stomach upset, changes in heart rate and blood pressure and sleep disturbances. Some children and teens who are taking stimulants may develop tics. These are repetitive movements or noises such as eye-blinking, or clearing the throat. Certain children and teens who are taking ADHD medication might experience a slight decrease in their growth, however it is usually minor and does not affect their final height.
The stimulant medications have the potential to lead to dependence and abuse, but research has shown that this is not a problem at the dosages prescribed for ADHD. ADHD can increase the risk of addiction to substances in some teens and children, but this is not due to the medication.
A possible side result of ADHD medication is the possibility of developing cardiovascular disease. Recent research has revealed that those who use stimulant drugs to treat ADHD have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease than those who don't. Researchers analyzed data from 278 027 individuals, including 10 388 people who suffer from ADHD. They compared the participants with 51 672 controls without ADHD. These participants were tracked for 14 years.