ADHD Assessment and Treatment
Before starting any treatment, it is crucial to conduct a thorough assessment of ADHD. This should include an interview with the clinician as well as information from outside sources such as spouses or other family members, DSM-5 ADD symptom checklists and rating scales, as well as standardized testing.
Experts might suggest talking to your child's teachers, religious leaders, scouts or coaches. ADHD symptoms must be evident since childhood in order to be diagnosed at an adult age.
ADHD symptoms
ADHD symptoms vary depending on age, however many children suffering from this disorder are unable to focus or pay attention. They might fumble, blurt out answers to questions or interrupt others. They may also have trouble organizing, become easily bored and have a difficult waiting to be the next. Impulsive behavior is often characterized by getting involved in activities or running around without permission. They also may be prone to using exuberant excitement or anger as a way to get their attention and may even make others angry or playing pranks on them.
In an assessment, a doctor might employ questionnaires or clinical interviews to determine whether a child has ADHD. Teachers may also be asked to complete ratings scales. They may also perform a physical or neurodevelopmental exam to identify possible medical problems that may cause symptoms of ADHD like thyroid disorders or mood disorders.
The evaluator might also inquire whether your child has any other mental disorder, such as conduct disorder as well as oppositional defiant syndrome and anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your family history, for instance, whether any other family members have ADHD or other psychiatric disorders.
Adults suffering from ADHD typically have difficulty managing their life, which includes work and home obligations. They may also have difficulty being a good coworker or family members. These symptoms can cause them to be late for appointments or not attend social gatherings. Their academic issues 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 conduct an interview with both the patient and a person who knows them well. This could be a parent, spouse or teacher or coach, nanny or a coach for children. The information will help the doctor decide which tests, if required, will rule out other conditions causing ADHD symptoms. They may also employ a checklist to determine these symptoms in adults.
Diagnosis
The method of diagnosing ADHD involves several appointments with doctors and therapists. The diagnosis is made according to the severity of the symptoms and how they affect the individual's daily activities. Making a proper diagnosis is essential for gaining control over the symptoms which can interfere with work and family life. A healthcare provider who is an expert in ADHD such as a psychologist or psychiatrist will be able to identify the problem.
The doctor will talk about the patient's medical background and symptoms, as well as when they first began to show. They may ask the patient to keep a journal of their symptoms as well as their impact on their lives. This is a great way to have a clearer picture of the problem, and also to determine which tests or assessments will be needed to determine whether ADHD is the reason.
In addition to observing how a person functions in different situations, the doctor may employ questionnaires to determine the signs. The doctor might use questionnaires for parents and teachers to evaluate children, and an interview with the patient to determine the symptoms. 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.
Certain doctors may also conduct an exam to make sure there isn't a physical condition like thyroid issues or seizures, which could be the root of the problem. Other tests could be performed to check for other conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Sometimes, the doctor may order brain scans to help determine the cause of the symptoms. These tests, which aren't typically used to diagnose ADHD however, are a helpful test when other diagnostic procedures have been cleared.
For adults who suspect that they or their child is suffering from ADHD, the best place to start is to speak with the primary doctor. If the patient does not have a primary doctor, they should inquire with their insurance company for the list of health professionals in their area who are able to conduct an ADHD evaluation.
Treatment options
A doctor can determine if symptoms are caused by ADHD or another mental disorder. A thorough assessment could include an interview with a child and parent, as well as rating scales that compare the child's behavior to people who do not have ADHD.
A variety of medical conditions can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD such as thyroid issues seizures, head injuries and seizures. It might be necessary to conduct an examination for physical health to rule out these illnesses. A psychological examination is necessary to determine if symptoms are due to ADHD or a different mental health condition like anxiety.
Symptoms of ADHD can lead to significant impairment in school, work and in relationships. The person who is being evaluated should be able to discuss the issues they are experiencing openly and honestly with the examiner, and not hide behind because of shame or fear of being judged. They should report symptoms as accurately as possible and also how 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 leading to the symptoms and the type of medication being prescribed. For instance, stimulants are often prescribed to children and teens with ADHD. They stimulate brain activity in areas that regulate attention and behaviour. These medications may come in the form of immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication slowly throughout the day. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD.
Other kinds of treatment for ADHD might include family and marital counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy which provides specific techniques to change negative behavior to positive ones. These treatments can be beneficial to adults with ADHD, as well occupational and educational accommodations.
The most important thing is the follow-up. There should be regular meetings to evaluate progress and decide next steps. Parents should be encouraged to involve teachers and other professionals, like religious and scout leaders, in the process. These professionals can provide valuable information about how the child behaves and performs in various situations.
Medication
There are a variety of medications used to treat ADHD. The most common are stimulants, which work by increasing activity in specific brain areas that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used stimulant among teenagers, adults and children who are older than five years old, is the most well-known. It is available in tablet format and is typically taken two to three times a day. assessment adhd is available in immediate-release (short acting) or extended-release versions (taken only once per day, but released throughout the entire day).
Many people report that their symptoms and impairment significantly improve after a period of medication. These effects can be seen in social, educational and home settings. The effect on performance in these settings is measured with one or more standardized rating scales that compare the behaviours of an individual to those of other people. These ratings are not diagnostic by themselves but they can provide valuable, objective information for the evaluation process.
In addition to medication There are also non-medicated solutions for ADHD which include behavior therapy and training for teachers and parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents receive training in behavioral management prior to trying medications for their children. The guidelines also recommend psychotherapy and classroom-based intervention to be a part of the treatment program for adolescents and teenagers with ADHD.
The most common adverse effects of ADHD medication are upset stomach as well as changes in heart rate and blood pressure, and sleep disturbances. Children and teens who are taking stimulants might develop tics. They are repetitive actions or sounds such as eye-blinking, or clearing the throat. Some children and teens who are taking ADHD medication may experience a slight reduction in their growth, but this is typically not significant and does not impact their final height.
The stimulant medications have the potential to lead to addiction and abuse, but research has proven that this is not an issue with the dosages prescribed for ADHD. Certain teens and children with ADHD are at higher risk for substance use problems, but that is due to the disorder and not the medication.
Another potential negative result of ADHD medication is the risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recent research has found that those who take stimulant medications to treat ADHD have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease than those who don't. Researchers analyzed data of 278 027 individuals, including 10 388 with ADHD. They compared these participants to 51 672 people who did not have ADHD. These participants were tracked for 14 years.