ADHD Assessment and Treatment
Before beginning any treatment, it is crucial to conduct a thorough assessment of ADHD. This should include a doctor interview, additional information from sources, like a spouse or family member, DSM-5 ADD symptom scales and checklists, as well standard tests.
Experts may suggest speaking to your child's teachers, religious leaders, scouts or coaches. This is because ADHD symptoms must be present since childhood to be diagnosed as an adult.
Symptoms of ADHD
ADHD symptoms can vary based on age, however many children with this condition have difficulty focusing or paying attention. They may fidget or mutter answers to questions, or interrupt others. They also might struggle with organizing skills, get easily bored and have difficulty waiting their turn. Impulsive behavior can be defined as engaging in activities or rushing around in circles without permission. They might also be prone to using exuberant emotions or anger as a way to get their attention for others, such as making them angry or playing pranks on them.
In an assessment, a doctor might use clinical interviews or questionnaires to determine whether a child has ADHD. They may also ask teachers to complete rating scales. They can also conduct a physical or neurodevelopmental exam to detect possible medical issues that may cause symptoms of ADHD like thyroid conditions or mood disorders.
The evaluator might also inquire whether your child has any other mental disorders like conduct disorder, oppositional defiant syndrome or anxiety disorders. They will also ask you about your family history. For example if other family members are suffering from ADHD or other psychiatric disorders.
Adults with ADHD struggle with managing their lives, which includes household and work obligations. They may also have issues being a good coworker or family members. Their symptoms can also cause them to be late for appointments or to not attend social events. Their academic issues 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 the patient as well as someone who is familiar with them -- such as a spouse or parent for adults, or a teacher, coach or nanny for children. The information provided by the doctor will help them determine which tests, if any are required, will help rule out other conditions causing ADHD symptoms. They might also use a checklist to determine these symptoms in adults.
Diagnosis
The method of diagnosing ADHD involves a series appointments with doctors or therapists. The diagnosis is made by analyzing the symptoms and how they affect the person's daily life. A correct diagnosis is crucial to gain control over the symptoms which can affect life at work and with family. The diagnosis is done by a medical professional who is specialized in ADHD and related disorders, such as psychologist or psychiatrist.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history and symptoms as well as the date they first appeared. The doctor might ask the patient for a diary detailing their symptoms and how they affect their lives. This can be extremely useful in obtaining an accurate picture of the problem and aiding in determining what tests or evaluations are required to determine whether ADHD is the cause of the symptoms.
The doctor may also use questionnaires in order to assess the symptoms. This can include parent and teacher questionnaires to determine if children are suffering from 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 that could cause thyroid problems or seizures, which could be the cause of the problem. Other tests can be conducted to look for other ailments such as depression or anxiety.
Occasionally, the doctor will request brain scans to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. These tests are not used to diagnose ADHD but they can be helpful when other tests for diagnosis have failed.
If you or your child suspects that they have ADHD or other disorders, it is best to consult a primary physician. If the patient doesn't have a primary physician, they can contact their insurance company for the list of health professionals who are trained to conduct an ADHD assessment.
Treatment options
The first step in treating is an evaluation by a physician who can determine if symptoms are due to ADHD or another mental health issue. A thorough assessment could include an interview with a child and parent, as well as rating scales that evaluate the child's behavior with those of people without ADHD.
There are many medical conditions that could cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. These include thyroid issues as well as head injuries and seizures. It is possible to conduct a physical exam in order to rule out the presence of these illnesses. A psychological examination is required to determine if the symptoms are due to ADHD or a different mental health condition such as anxiety.
Symptoms of ADHD can result in significant problems in work, school and in relationships. The person being assessed should be honest and forthcoming with the examiner about the problems they're having. They shouldn't be hesitant because of fear of being judged or shame. They should explain 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 not in the decision-making process.
The dosage of the medication will depend on the child's age as well as the condition leading to 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 regulate attention and behaviour. These medications are available as tablets that are immediate-release and modified-release that release the medication gradually throughout the day. Methylphenidate is one of the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD.
Other treatment options for ADHD include family and marital therapy or cognitive behavioral treatment which teaches specific methods to transform negative behaviors into positive behaviors. These treatments may be beneficial for some adults suffering from ADHD as well as educational and occupational accommodations.
The most important aspect of treatment is following-up with regular meetings to review progress and decide on next steps. Parents should encourage teachers and other professionals to be involved in the process, such as religious or scout leaders. These professionals can provide valuable information about how the child behaves in various situations and offer a complete picture of the child's behavior.
Medication
There are many different medications that are used to treat ADHD. Most commonly, stimulants increase brain activity in certain brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most widely used stimulant among teenagers, adults and children who are over 5 years old. It is available in tablet format and is typically taken between 2 and 3 times per day. It is available in immediate-release (short acting) or extended-release versions (taken one time a day, but released throughout the entire day).
Many people report that their symptoms and impairment significantly improve after a few weeks of medication. These effects are typically observed in home, school and social settings. The impact of these variables on performance is evaluated by using one or more standard ratings scales, which compare the behavior of an individual to other people. The scores on these rating forms are not considered to be diagnostic in themselves, but they serve as important sources of information that can be used in the evaluation process.
In addition to medications in addition to medication, there are other non-medicated solutions for ADHD which include behavior therapy and training for parents and teachers. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that parents attend training in managing their behavior prior to attempting medications on their children. The guidelines recommend that psychotherapy as well as classroom-based interventions be included in the treatment plan for adolescents and teens with ADHD.
The most common adverse effects of ADHD medication include stomach upset, changes in blood pressure and heart rate and sleep disturbances. Certain children and teens who are taking stimulants could develop tics. adhd assessment for women are repetitive sounds or movements, such as eye-blinking or clearing the throat. Some teens and children who are taking ADHD medication may notice a slight slowdown in their growth, but it is usually minor and does not affect their final height.
These medications have the potential for addiction and abuse, but research suggests that there is no significant risk for the doses used to treat ADHD. Certain adolescents and children who suffer from ADHD are at higher risk for substance use problems, but that is due to the disorder, not the medication.
Another potential adverse effect of ADHD medication is the risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recent research found that people who use stimulant drugs to treat ADHD have a higher chance of developing cardiovascular disease than those who don't. Researchers analyzed data from 278 027 individuals comprising 10 388 people who suffer from ADHD. They compared these participants to 51 672 people who did not have ADHD. These participants were followed for 14 years.