ADHD Assessment and Treatment
Before starting any treatment, it is crucial to conduct a thorough evaluation of ADHD. This includes a physician interview, additional information from sources, like spouse or family members, DSM-5 ADD symptom scales and checklists, and standardized tests.
Experts may also review your child's school record and speak to teachers as well as religious leaders, scout leaders or coaches. This is because ADHD symptoms must have been present since childhood in order to be diagnosed as an adult.
ADHD symptoms
ADHD symptoms can vary based on age, however many children suffering from this disorder are unable to focus or pay attention. They might fidget, blurt out answers to questions or interrupt other people. They also might struggle with organization skills, become bored easily and have difficulty waiting their turn. Impulsive behavior can be described as engaging in activities or rushing around in circles without permission. They could also be inclined to use explosive emotions or anger to motivate themselves, such as through causing others to be angry or pulling pranks.
In an evaluation, a physician may use clinical interviews or questionnaires to determine whether the child is suffering from ADHD. They can also request that the child's teachers fill out rating scales. They can also conduct a physical or neurodevelopmental exam to identify possible medical problems that can cause symptoms of ADHD, such as thyroid conditions or mood disorders.
The evaluater will also want to know if your child has any other mental health issues, such as oppositional defiant disorders, anxiety disorders or conduct disorder. They will also inquire about your family history, including whether anyone else has ADHD or other psychiatric conditions.
Adults with ADHD typically have difficulty managing their lives, including work and home obligations. They may also have trouble getting along with family members or coworkers. The symptoms of these people can result in them being late for appointments or to not attend social gatherings. Their academic issues 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 conduct an interview with the patient as well as an individual who knows them very well. This could be a spouse, parent or teacher or coach, nanny or coach for children. The information will help the doctor decide what tests, if any are required, will rule out other conditions causing ADHD symptoms. They may also utilize a checklist to detect these symptoms among adults.
Diagnosis
The process of determining ADHD involves several sessions with therapists and doctors. The diagnosis is by analyzing the symptoms and how they affect the person's daily life. It is important to get the correct diagnosis to manage symptoms that could hinder the family life and work. The diagnosis is made by a healthcare provider who specializes in ADHD and related disorders, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.
The doctor will review the patient's medical background and symptoms, as well as a discussion of when they first appeared. They may request the patient to keep a journal of their symptoms and their impact on their lives. This is very 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 reason behind the symptoms.
The doctor may also use questionnaires to determine the symptoms. This can include questionnaires to parents and teachers to determine if children are suffering from 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 conduct an exam to determine if there isn't any physical issue such as thyroid problems or seizures, that could be the reason for the issue. Other tests can be conducted to check for other conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Sometimes, the doctor might order brain scans in order to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms. These tests, which aren't commonly used to diagnose ADHD, could be a useful instrument when other tests for diagnosing the condition have been ruled out.
For adults who suspect that they or their child has ADHD the best place to begin is to speak with a primary doctor. If the person doesn't have a primary doctor, they should inquire with their insurance provider for a list of health professionals in their area who are able to perform an ADHD evaluation.
Treatment options
The first step in treatment is an evaluation by a physician who can determine if symptoms are related to ADHD or another mental health condition. A thorough assessment could include an interview with the child and a parent and rating scales that measure behavior to that of people without ADHD.
There are many medical conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. These include thyroid issues, head injuries, and seizures. A physical exam may also be needed to rule out these causes. A psychological exam will be needed to determine if symptoms are caused by ADHD or a different mental health condition such as anxiety.
ADHD symptoms can have a profound impact on school, work, and relationships. The person being evaluated must be honest and forthcoming with the examiner about the issues they're facing. They shouldn't hide their feelings because of fear of being judged or shame. They should describe the symptoms in as much detail as they can including the way they affect them 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 creating the symptoms, and the type of medication prescribed. For example, stimulants are typically used in children and teens to treat ADHD due to their effectiveness in increasing activity in areas of the brain that regulate attention and behavior. These medications are available in the form of tablets that release immediately or modified-release tablets that release the medicine slowly throughout the day. Methylphenidate, the most common medication prescribed for ADHD is available in tablet form.
Other types of treatment for ADHD could include counseling for the family or marital relationship, or cognitive behavioral therapy, which provides specific techniques to change negative behavior into positive ones. adhd assessment in uk can be beneficial to some adults with ADHD and also educational and occupational accommodations.
The most crucial aspect of treatment is following-up by having regular meetings to evaluate progress and decide on next steps. Parents should encourage teachers and other professionals to participate in the process, including religious or scout leaders. These professionals can provide valuable information on how the child behaves and performs in various situations.
Medication
There are many different medications that are used to treat ADHD. The majority of stimulants are used to increase brain activity in certain brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used stimulant among teenagers, adults and children who are over 5 years old. It is available in tablet form and is usually taken 2 to 3 times per day. It is available in immediate-release (short-acting), or extended-release (taken at least once per day in the morning, and released throughout the day).
Many people say they feel better after taking medication. These effects are usually seen in the home, school, and social environments. The impact on performance in these settings is measured using one or more standardized 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.
In addition to medications There are also non-medicated treatments for ADHD which include behavior therapy and training for parents and teachers. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents attend training on behavioral management prior to trying medications for their children. The guidelines also call for psychotherapy and a classroom-based intervention to be part of the treatment plan for teens and adolescents with ADHD.
The most frequent side effects of ADHD medication are upset stomach, changes in blood pressure and heart rate as well as sleep disturbances. Some kids and teens who are taking stimulants may develop tics that are repetitive movements or sounds such as eye blinking or throat clearing. Some children and teens who are taking ADHD medication may experience a slight reduction in their growth, however it is usually minor and does not alter their height at the end of the day.
The stimulant drugs do have the potential for addiction and abuse, however research suggests that this is not a significant risk for the dosages used to treat ADHD. Certain teens and children who have ADHD are more prone for addiction issues however, this is due to the disorder, not the medication.
Another possible adverse consequence of ADHD medication is the risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). A recent study showed that people who took stimulant medication for ADHD had a greater chance of developing CVD than others who did not take the medication. Researchers analyzed data from 278 027 individuals which included 10 388 individuals with ADHD. They compared them with 51 672 control participants without ADHD. The participants were monitored for 14 years.