ADHD Assessment and Treatment
Before beginning any treatment, it is crucial to conduct a thorough assessment of ADHD. This should include an interview with the doctor 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 may also want to look over your child's school records and talk with teachers, religious or scout leaders or coaches. ADHD symptoms must be evident from childhood to be diagnosed at an adult age.
ADHD symptoms
The signs of ADHD differ based on age, however children who suffer from ADHD often have difficulty staying focused on their tasks or paying attention to other people. They may fidget or mutter answers to questions, or interrupt others. They also might struggle with organizing skills, get easily bored and have trouble waiting their turn. Some signs of impulsive behavior include a tendency to engage in activities without permission, or running around or climbing places they shouldn't. They may also be prone to using exuberant anger or excitement to stimulate themselves, for example, by making others mad or playing off pranks.
A doctor might employ questionnaires or interviews to determine if a child is ADHD. They may also ask teachers to complete rating scales. They may also perform a physical or neurodevelopmental exam to detect possible medical issues that may cause symptoms of ADHD like thyroid conditions or mood disorders.
The evaluation will also need to know if your child has any other mental health conditions such as oppositional defiant disorders, conduct disorder or anxiety disorders. They will also ask about your family history, such as whether anyone else has ADHD or any other psychiatric issues.
Adults with ADHD typically have difficulty managing their daily life, which includes the demands of work and home. They may also have difficulty working with family members or colleagues. They may also be late to appointments or fail to show up for social engagements due to their ailments. 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 interview the patient as well as someone who knows them well -- a spouse or parent for adults, or a teacher, coach, nanny or coach for children. The information gathered will help the doctor determine what tests can exclude other conditions that cause symptoms of ADHD. They might also use a checklist designed to identify these signs in adults.
Diagnosis
The method of diagnosing ADHD involves a series of sessions with therapists or doctors. The diagnosis is by analyzing the symptoms and how they impact the person's daily life. Getting a correct diagnosis is essential to gaining control over the symptoms, that can hinder work and family life. 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 history and symptoms, including the date they first appeared. They might request that the patient keep a journal of their symptoms as well as their impact on their lives. This can be very useful in obtaining an accurate picture of the problem and helping to decide what tests or evaluations are needed to determine if ADHD is the reason behind the symptoms.
The doctor may also use questionnaires to evaluate symptoms. This can include questionnaires to parents and teachers to determine if children are suffering from the disorder, and a patient interview to identify 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 examination to make sure that there isn't any physical issue such as thyroid issues or seizure, which could be causing the problem. Other tests are also available to determine if there are other issues such as depression or anxiety.
Sometimes, the doctor will conduct brain scans to identify other possible causes of the symptoms. These tests, which aren't typically used to diagnose ADHD but can be a useful instrument when other tests for diagnosing the condition have been eliminated.
If you or your child suspects that they may have ADHD or other disorders, it is best to speak with a primary doctor. If the person does not have a primary physician, they can contact their insurance company for a list that includes health professionals who are trained to conduct an ADHD assessment.
Treatment options
The first step in treatment is an evaluation by a physician who will determine if the symptoms are due to ADHD or other mental health issues. A thorough evaluation can include an interview with a child and parent and rating scales that compare the child's behavior with that of those who do not have ADHD.
There are many medical conditions that could cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. These include thyroid issues or head injuries, as well as seizures. A physical exam may be needed to rule out these causes. A psychological exam may be needed to determine if symptoms are related to ADHD or some other mental health condition like anxiety.
ADHD symptoms can have a major impact on work, school, and relationships. The person being evaluated must be honest and candid with the examiner about the problems they're experiencing. They shouldn't hold back for fear of criticism or shame. They should describe their symptoms in as much detail as possible and include how they affect their lives at home and at school. Parents should be involved in evaluating their children, but not in the decision-making process.
The kind of medication prescribed will depend on the underlying condition, symptoms and age of the child. For example, stimulants are typically used in teens and children to treat ADHD due to their effectiveness in stimulating the areas of the brain responsible for attention and behavior. These medications may come in the form of tablets with immediate release 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 might include counseling for marital and family relationships or cognitive behavior therapy, which helps to teach specific skills to transform negative behaviors to positive ones. These treatments can be beneficial to some adults suffering from ADHD, as well occupational and educational accommodations.
The most crucial aspect of treatment is the follow-up phase by having regular meetings to evaluate progress and decide on the next steps. Parents should encourage teachers and other professionals to be involved in the process, for example religious or scout leaders. They can offer valuable information about how the child behaves in various situations and offer a complete picture of how the child is performing.
Medication
ADHD is treated with various medications. The majority of stimulants increase the activity of certain brain regions that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used stimulant in adults, teens and children who are older than five years old, is the most well-known. It is available in tablet format and is usually taken two to three times a day. It is available as immediate-release (short-acting) or extended-release (taken once a day in the morning and released throughout the day).
Many people say they feel better after taking medication. These effects can be observed in social, educational and home settings. The impact on performance in these settings is assessed with one or more standardized rating scales, which compare behaviors of the individual with the behavior of others. These ratings are not diagnostic in themselves, but provide valuable data that can be used in the evaluation process.
In addition to medications in addition to medication, there are other non-medicated treatments for ADHD that include behavioral therapy and training for parents and teachers. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that parents undergo training in behavior management prior to trying medication on their children. The guidelines also call for psychotherapy and intervention in the classroom to be part of the treatment plan for teens and adolescents with ADHD.
Most often, ADHD medication can cause nausea, sleep disturbances and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Certain children and teens who are taking stimulants might develop tics. These are repeated actions or sounds such as eye-blinking, or clearing the throat. ADHD medication may cause a slight reduction in growth for certain children and teens, but it's usually minimal and doesn't affect their height.
Stimulant medications do have the potential for addiction and abuse, however research shows that there isn't a significant risk for the dosages used to treat ADHD. book adhd assessment uk can increase the risk of addiction to substances in some kids and teens however this isn't due to the medication.
Another possible adverse effect of ADHD medication is the chance of 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 do not. The researchers analyzed data from 278 027 people which included 10 388 individuals with ADHD. They compared these individuals to 51 672 healthy controls without ADHD. The participants were followed for 14 years.