ADHD Assessment and Treatment
It is important to keep in mind that a thorough evaluation of ADHD is necessary before starting any treatment. This should include a clinician interview, other sources, such as a spouse or family member, DSM-5 ADD symptom scales and checklists, as well as tests that are standardized.
Experts might also look over your child's school records and talk with teachers, religious or scout coaches or leaders. ADHD symptoms must be present since childhood in order to be recognized at an adult age.
The symptoms of ADHD
The signs of ADHD are different based on age, but children with the condition often have trouble staying focused on their tasks or paying attention to people. They might fumble or mutter out answers when asked questions or interrupt others. They might also struggle with organizing skills, are easily bored and have difficulty waiting their turn. The behavior of an impulsive person is characterized by getting involved in activities or running around without permission. They might also be at risk of using extreme emotions or anger to stimulate themselves and may even make others angry or playing pranks on them.
In an assessment, a doctor may utilize questionnaires or interviews to determine if the child is suffering from ADHD. They may also ask the child's teachers to fill out rating scales. They can also conduct an exam of the brain or a physical to determine if there are medical issues that can cause symptoms of ADHD such as thyroid conditions or mood disorders.
The evaluator can also ask if your child suffers from any other mental disorders like conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder, or anxiety disorders. They will also ask about your family history, including if anyone else has ADHD or any other psychiatric issues.
Adults with ADHD often have difficulty managing their life, which includes the demands of work and home. They may also have trouble getting along with family members or coworkers. These symptoms can cause them to be late for appointments or to not attend social gatherings. The academic challenges they face 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 both the patient and a person who is familiar with them. This could be a spouse, parent, teacher, coach, nanny, or coach for children. The information collected will help the doctor determine what tests might determine if other conditions are causing symptoms of ADHD. They could also utilize an assessment tool designed to detect the signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults.
Diagnosis
The process of diagnosing ADHD involves several appointments with therapists and doctors. The diagnosis is dependent on the presence of symptoms and their impact on the individual's life. Getting a correct diagnosis is essential for gaining control over the symptoms, which can interfere with the family and work. A doctor who is an expert in ADHD, like a psychologist or psychiatrist, will determine the cause of the disorder.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical background and symptoms and when they first appeared. The doctor might ask the patient for an account of their symptoms and how they impact their lives. This is very useful in obtaining an accurate picture of the problem and assisting in determining what tests or evaluations are required to determine whether ADHD is the cause of the symptoms.
In addition to observing how a person is functioning in various situations, the doctor may utilize questionnaires to evaluate the symptoms. The doctor may use questionnaires for parents or teachers to assess children, as well as an interview with the patient to determine the signs. 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, which could be the reason for the issue. Other tests can be done to check for other conditions like anxiety or depression.
Sometimes, the doctor will request brain scans to identify other possible causes of the symptoms. These tests, which aren't routinely used to diagnose ADHD but are a helpful instrument when other tests for diagnosing the condition have been eliminated.
If adhd assessments or your child thinks they may have ADHD and you suspect that they do, it is recommended to speak with an experienced primary doctor. If the person does not have a primary doctor or a primary care physician, they can ask their insurance provider for an inventory of health professionals who are trained to conduct an ADHD assessment.
Treatment options
A doctor can determine if symptoms are caused by ADHD or another mental condition. A thorough assessment could include an interview with a parent and child as well as rating scales that compare the child's behavior to people who do not have ADHD.
There are a variety of medical conditions that can trigger symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. These include thyroid issues, head injuries, and seizures. It may be necessary to conduct an exam for physical symptoms to rule out any of these ailments. A psychological examination may be necessary to determine if the symptoms are related to ADHD or a different mental health issue, such as anxiety.
Symptoms of ADHD can cause significant problems in work, school and in relationships. The person being assessed should be honest and candid with the examiner about the problems they're facing. They shouldn't hold back for fear of criticism or shame. They should describe symptoms as accurately as is possible and also how they affect them both at home and at school. Parents should be included in evaluations, but not in the decision-making process.
The type of medication prescribed depends on the underlying condition as well as the symptoms and age of the child. For example, stimulants are typically prescribed to teens and children with ADHD. They work by increasing brain activity in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. These medications are available as immediate-release tablets and modified-release tablets that release the medication gradually throughout the day. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD.
Other types of treatment for ADHD might include counseling for the family or marital relationship, or cognitive behavior therapy, which helps to teach specific skills to transform negative behavior into positive ones. Certain adults with ADHD might benefit from these treatments, as well as from occupational and educational accommodations.
The most important aspect of treatment is following-up with regular meetings to examine progress and determine next steps. Parents should encourage teachers and other professionals to take part in the process, including Scout leaders or religious leaders. These professionals can provide valuable information about how the child behaves and function in different situations.
Medication
There are a variety of medications used to treat ADHD. The most common are stimulants, which work by increasing activity in certain brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used stimulant for adults, teenagers and children over age 5. It comes in tablet form and is typically taken 2 to 3 times a day. It is available in immediate release (short-acting) or extended-release (taken once a day in the morning, and released throughout the day).
Many people report that their symptoms and impairments dramatically improve after a few weeks of medication. These effects are usually seen in home, school and social situations. The impact of these variables on performance is measured using one or more standardized ratings scales that measure the behavior of an individual with other people. The scores of these rating forms are not considered diagnostic by themselves however they are important sources of information in the evaluation process.
In addition to medications in addition to medication, there are other non-medical treatments for ADHD that include therapy for behavior and training for teachers and parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that parents receive training in behavior management prior to trying medications on their children. The guidelines recommend that psychotherapy as well as classroom-based interventions be part of the treatment plans for adolescents and teens with ADHD.
Most often, ADHD medication can cause nausea, sleep disturbances, and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Some children and teens who are taking stimulants may develop tics. They are repetitive sounds or movements, such as eye-blinking or clearing the throat. Some teens and children who are taking ADHD medication might experience a slight decrease in their growth, however this is typically minor and does not impact their final height.
Stimulant medications do have the potential to cause addiction and abuse, however research suggests that this is not a significant risk with the dosages used to treat ADHD. Some kids and teens who have ADHD are more prone for addiction issues however this is due to the disorder and not the medication.
Another potential adverse consequence of ADHD medication is the risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recent research has found that those who use stimulant drugs to treat ADHD are more at risk of developing cardiovascular disease than those who don't. The researchers analyzed data from 278 027 individuals, including 10 388 people with ADHD. They compared these participants to 51 672 controls without ADHD. The participants were followed for 14 years.