ADHD Assessment and Treatment
It is crucial to keep in mind that a thorough evaluation of ADHD is required prior to beginning any treatment. This includes a physician interview, information from other sources, like a spouse or family member, DSM-5 ADD symptom scales and checklists, as well as tests that are standardized.
Experts may also want to look over your child's school records and speak to teachers and scout or religious coaches or leaders. This is because ADHD symptoms must be present since childhood in order to be recognized as an adult.
ADHD symptoms
ADHD symptoms differ based on age, but a lot of children with this condition struggle to focus or pay attention. They might fumble, blurt out answers to questions or interrupt other people. They may also struggle with organizing skills, are easily bored and have trouble waiting their turn. Impulsive behavior can be described as getting involved in activities or running around without permission. They may also be prone to using explosive excitement or anger as a way to get their attention and may even make others mad or playing pranks on them.
A doctor might employ questionnaires or interviews to determine if a child has ADHD. They can also ask the child's teachers to fill out rating scales. They may also perform physical or neurodevelopmental tests to determine if there are any medical conditions that could trigger symptoms of ADHD. These include thyroid disorders and mood disorders.
The evaluator can also ask whether your child has any other mental disorders like conduct disorder as well as oppositional defiant syndrome and anxiety disorders. They will also ask about your family history, including whether any other family members have ADHD or other psychiatric disorders.
Adults suffering from ADHD have a difficult time managing their lives, which includes work and home responsibilities. They may also have difficulty being a good friend to family members or coworkers. These symptoms can cause them to be late for appointments or 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 interview the patient and someone who is familiar with them -- a spouse or parent for adults or a teacher, coach or nanny for children. The information gathered will help the doctor determine what, if any, tests might exclude other conditions that cause symptoms of ADHD. They may also employ a checklist designed to identify these signs in adults.
Diagnosis
The process of determining ADHD involves several appointments with therapists and doctors. The diagnosis is according to the severity of the symptoms and how they impact the individual's daily activities. It is essential to get the right diagnosis in order to manage symptoms that could hinder work and family. how do i get an adhd assessment is done by a medical professional who is specialized in ADHD, such as psychologist or psychiatrist.
The doctor will talk about the patient's medical history and symptoms as well as the date they first started to notice. The doctor may ask the patient to keep an account of their symptoms and how they affect their lives. This can be very useful in obtaining an exact picture of the issue and aiding in determining what tests or assessments are needed to determine whether ADHD is the reason behind the symptoms.
In addition to observing how the person functions in different environments, the doctor will employ questionnaires to determine the symptoms. This can include questionnaires to parents and teachers to determine if children are suffering from the disorder, as well as 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 may also perform an examination to ensure there isn't a physical condition, such as thyroid problems or seizures, that could be the root of the issue. Other tests may be conducted to determine if there are other issues such as anxiety or depression.
Occasionally, the doctor will request brain scans to determine the cause of the symptoms. These tests are not used to diagnose ADHD however they can be useful when other diagnostic procedures have failed.
If you or your child suspects that they might have ADHD or other disorders, it is best to speak with an experienced primary physician. If the person doesn't have a primary physician and is looking for a referral to their insurance provider to request a list that includes health professionals who are certified to conduct an ADHD assessment.
Treatment options
A physician can determine whether symptoms are caused by ADHD or another mental condition. A thorough assessment could include an interview with a child and parent as well as rating scales that compare the child's behavior with that of those without ADHD.
There are a variety of medical conditions that can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. These include thyroid issues, head injuries, and seizures. A physical exam may be required to determine 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.
The signs of ADHD can cause significant problems in school, work and in relationships. The person being evaluated must be honest and open with the examiner about the issues they're facing. They shouldn't hold back in fear of being judged or shame. They should be able to describe their symptoms in as much detail as possible and include how they impact their lives at home and at school. Parents should be involved in the assessment, however, they should not take the decision to medicate their child.
The kind of medication prescribed is based on the condition that is causing it as well as the symptoms and age of the child. For instance, stimulants are typically prescribed to teens and children with ADHD. They stimulate brain activity in areas that control the behavior and attention. These medications are available in the form of tablets with immediate release or modified-release tablets that release the medication slowly throughout the day. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD.
Other types of treatment for ADHD may involve counseling for the family or marital relationship, or cognitive behavioral therapy which provides specific techniques to change negative behavior into positive ones. Some adults who have ADHD might benefit from these therapies, as well as from occupational and educational accommodations.
The most important part of treatment is follow-up by having regular meetings to evaluate progress and decide on the next steps. Parents should be encouraged to include teachers and other professionals, such as Scout and religious leaders in the process. These people can provide valuable information about how the child behaves in different settings and give a fuller picture of how the child is performing.
Medication
ADHD is treated with a variety of medications. Most commonly, stimulants increase brain activity in specific brain regions that regulate 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 usually taken two to three times a 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 report that they feel better after taking medication. These effects can be seen in educational, social and home settings. The impact on performance in these settings is measured using one or more standardized rating scales, which evaluate the behaviors of the individual with those of others. These ratings are not diagnostic in their own right, but provide valuable objective information for the evaluation process.
There are non-medical treatment options for ADHD that include behavior therapy and training for parents and teachers. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents undergo training in behavioral management prior to trying medications for their children. The guidelines recommend that psychotherapy as well as classroom-based interventions be part of the treatment plan of adolescents and teens with ADHD.
The most frequent adverse effects of ADHD medication include stomach upset, changes in heart rate and blood pressure, and sleep disturbances. Children and teens who are taking stimulants might develop tics. These are repetitive movements or noises like eye-blinking or throat clearing. Some teens and children who take ADHD medication might experience a slight decrease in their growth, however this is typically not significant and does not alter their height at the end of the day.
Stimulant medications do have the potential to cause abuse and addiction, but research shows that there is no significant risk for the dosages used to treat ADHD. ADHD can increase the risk of substance abuse in some kids and teens, but this is not due to the medication.
Another potential adverse result of ADHD medication is the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recent research found that people who take stimulant medication to treat ADHD are more at risk of developing cardiovascular disease than those who do not. Researchers examined data from 278 027 individuals, including 10 388 who had ADHD. They compared them with 51 672 control participants without ADHD. The participants were monitored for 14 years.