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ADHD Assessment and Treatment
Before starting any treatment, it is important to complete a full evaluation of ADHD. This Webpage should include a doctor interview, information from other sources, like spouse or family members, DSM-5 ADD symptom scales and checklists, as well standard tests.
Experts may suggest speaking to your child's teachers, religious leaders, scouts or coaches. ADHD symptoms must be present from the beginning of childhood to be diagnosed at an adult age.
ADHD symptoms
ADHD symptoms can vary based on age, but a lot of children suffering from this disorder are unable to focus or pay attention. They might fumble, blurt out answers to questions or interrupt other people. They might also have issues with organization, be easily bored and have a hard waiting to be the next. The signs of impulsive behavior include involving themselves in activities without permission, rushing around or climbing places they shouldn't. They might also be inclined to using exuberant excitement or anger to excite themselves, for example, by making others angry or pulling off pranks.
In an assessment, a doctor may utilize questionnaires or interviews to determine if the child is suffering from ADHD. They may also ask teachers to complete rating scales. They can also conduct a physical or neurodevelopmental exam to determine if there are medical issues that can cause symptoms of ADHD, such as thyroid conditions or mood disorders.
The evaluator will also want to determine if your child suffers from any other mental health conditions like oppositional defiant disorders, conduct disorder or anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your family history. For example if other members of your family have ADHD or any other psychiatric disorder.
Adults with ADHD typically have difficulty managing their life, including work and home obligations. They may also have difficulty being a good friend to family members or colleagues. They might be late for appointments or not show up for social occasions due to their ailments. Their struggles at school can cause academic failure and poor 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 anyone who knows them well such as a spouse or parent for adults or a teacher, coach, nanny or coach for children. The information will help the doctor determine what tests, if any are required, will rule out other conditions causing ADHD symptoms. They can also use a checklist to identify the symptoms in adults.
Diagnosis
The process of determining ADHD involves a number of appointments with doctors and therapists. The diagnosis is made based on symptoms and how they impact the person's life. A correct diagnosis is essential to gaining control over the symptoms which can affect the family and work. The diagnosis is made by a healthcare provider who is specialized in ADHD like a psychiatrist or psychologist.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical background and symptoms, as well as an explanation of when they first appeared. The doctor may ask the patient for an account of the symptoms they experience and how they affect their lives. This can be very useful in obtaining an accurate picture of the problem and assisting in determining which 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 settings, the doctor will use questionnaires to assess the signs. This may include questionnaires for parents and teachers to assess children for the disorder, and an interview with a 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 do an exam to ensure there isn't a physical condition that could cause thyroid problems or seizures, that could be the root of the problem. Other tests can be done to check for other conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Sometimes, a doctor may request brain scans to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. These tests, which aren't commonly used to diagnose ADHD however, are a helpful test when other diagnostic procedures have been cleared.
If you or your child thinks they may have ADHD, it is best to speak with your primary physician. If the person does not have a primary doctor, they should call their insurance provider for a list of health professionals in their area who are qualified to perform an ADHD evaluation.
Treatment options
The first step to treatment is an evaluation by a physician who will determine if the symptoms are related to ADHD or other mental health issues. A thorough evaluation can include an interview with a parent and child and rating scales that compare the child's behavior with those of people who do not have ADHD.
assessment adhd can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD, including thyroid problems, seizures and head injuries. A physical exam could be required to rule out these causes. A psychological examination may be needed to determine if symptoms are due to ADHD or some other mental health issue, such as anxiety.
The signs of ADHD can lead to significant difficulties in work, school and in relationships. The person who is being evaluated should be able to discuss the issues they're experiencing openly and honestly with the examiner and not hide behind out of shame or fear of criticism. They should be able to describe their symptoms as in detail as they can including 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 prescribe medication for their child.
The type of medication prescribed will depend on the child's age as well as the condition leading to the symptoms and the kind of medication being prescribed. For example stimulants are commonly prescribed in children and teens to treat ADHD because they work by increasing activity in areas of the brain responsible for attention and behavior. These medications are available as tablets that are immediate-release and modified-release, which release the medicine gradually throughout the day. Methylphenidate, which is the most popular medication prescribed for ADHD is available in tablet form.
Other options for treating ADHD include marital and family therapy or cognitive behavioral treatment that teaches specific strategies to transform negative behavior into positive behaviors. These treatments may be beneficial to some adults with ADHD as well as educational and occupational accommodations.
The most important aspect is the follow-up. There should be regular meetings to review the progress made and determine next steps. Parents should be encouraged to involve teachers and other professionals, like Scout leaders and religious leaders in the process. These professionals can offer 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 using various medications. The most popular are stimulants, which function by increasing the activity in specific brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most widely used stimulant for adults, teenagers and children older than 5 years old. It is a tablet form, usually 2-3 times per 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 report that they feel better after taking medication. These effects are typically seen in school, home and social situations. The impact on performance in these environments is measured using one or more standardized rating scales that compare the behavior of the person with those of others. These ratings are not diagnostic in their own right, but provide valuable data that can be used in the evaluation process.
In addition to medication in addition to medication, there are other non-medicated treatments for ADHD that include behavioral therapy and training for teachers and parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents undergo training in behavior management prior to attempting medication for their children. The guidelines recommend that psychotherapy and classroom-based interventions should be included in the treatment plan of teenagers and adolescents with ADHD.
The most frequent adverse effects of ADHD medication are upset stomach and changes in heart rate and blood pressure and sleep disturbances. Some children and teens who are taking stimulants could develop tics. These are repeated actions or sounds, such as eye-blinking or throat clearing. Some children and teens who take ADHD medication may experience a slight reduction in their growth, however this is typically minor and does not alter their height at the end of the day.
Stimulant medications do have the potential to cause addiction and abuse, but research suggests that there isn't a significant risk for the doses used to treat ADHD. Certain adolescents and children who suffer from ADHD are more prone for addiction issues however this is due to the disorder and not the medication.
Another potential adverse result of ADHD medication is the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recent research has found that those who take stimulant medication to treat ADHD are more at risk of developing cardiovascular disease than those who do not. Researchers analyzed data from 278 027 individuals which included 10 388 individuals with ADHD. They compared the participants with 51 672 healthy controls without ADHD. These participants were followed for 14 years.