ADHD Assessment and Treatment
Before starting any treatment, it is important to conduct a thorough evaluation of ADHD. This should include an interview with the doctor and information from other sources such as spouses or other family members, DSM-5 ADD symptom checklists and rating scales, as well as tests that are standardized.
Experts may also look over your child's school records and speak to teachers, religious or scout coaches or leaders. This is because ADHD symptoms must have been present since childhood to be diagnosed as an adult.
ADHD symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD are different based on age, but children suffering from the condition often have trouble staying focused on their tasks or paying attention to others. They might fumble or mutter answers when asked questions or interrupt other people. They also might struggle with organizing skills, get easily bored and have trouble waiting their turn. Impulsive behavior is often described as jumping into activities or running around without permission. They might also be at risk of using exuberant anger or excitement to stimulate themselves for others, such as making them mad or playing pranks on them.
In an evaluation, a physician may employ questionnaires or clinical interviews to determine if the child is suffering from ADHD. They may also ask the child's teachers to complete rating scales. They may also perform an examination of the neurodevelopmental or physical to determine if there are medical issues that may cause symptoms of ADHD such as thyroid conditions or mood disorders.
The evaluator might also inquire whether your child is suffering from any other mental disorders such as conduct disorder, oppositional defiant syndrome or anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your family background. For instance, if any other family members are suffering from ADHD or any other psychiatric disorder.
Adults suffering from ADHD struggle with managing their lives, including the demands of home and work. They may also have trouble working with family members or colleagues. They might be late for appointments or fail to attend social events due to their symptoms. Their struggles at school can lead to academic failure 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 the patient along with someone who knows them well -- a spouse or parent for adults or a teacher, coach or nanny for children. The information collected will allow the doctor to determine what, if any, tests might rule out other conditions that cause symptoms of ADHD. They could also utilize a checklist designed to identify the signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults.
Diagnosis
The method of diagnosing ADHD involves several appointments with therapists and doctors. The diagnosis is based on symptoms and how they affect the person's life. Getting a correct diagnosis is crucial to gain control over the symptoms that can hinder work and family life. A healthcare provider who is an expert in ADHD, like a psychologist or psychiatrist will be able to diagnose the condition.
The doctor will discuss the patient's medical background and symptoms, as well as when they first started to notice. They might request that the patient keep a record of their symptoms and their impact on their lives. This is very useful in obtaining an accurate picture of the issue and helping to decide which tests or evaluations are required to determine whether ADHD is the cause of the symptoms.
In addition to observing how the person is functioning in different situations, the doctor may employ questionnaires to determine the signs. The doctor may utilize questionnaires for parents and teachers to evaluate children, and an interview with the patient to identify 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 may also perform an exam to make sure there isn't any physical issue, such as thyroid problems or seizures, that could be the cause of the issue. Other tests may be conducted to check for other conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Sometimes, the doctor may conduct brain scans to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. These tests are not used to diagnose ADHD but they can be helpful when other tests for diagnosis have not worked.
If you or your child thinks they may have ADHD and you suspect that they do, it is recommended to consult your primary doctor. If the person doesn't have a primary physician, they should contact their insurance company for a list of health professionals in their area who are able to conduct an ADHD evaluation.
Treatment options
The first step in treatment is an evaluation by a physician who will determine if the symptoms are related to ADHD or another mental health condition. An extensive evaluation could include an interview with a child and parent and rating scales that evaluate the child's behavior with those of people who do not have ADHD.
There are many medical conditions that can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. These include thyroid problems or head injuries, as well as seizures. It might be necessary to perform an examination for physical health to rule out these ailments. A psychological examination will also be required to determine if the symptoms are related to ADHD or another mental health condition, such as anxiety.
Symptoms of ADHD can cause significant impairment in school, work and in relationships. The person being assessed should be able to discuss the issues they are having in a candid and honest manner with the examiner, and not hold back because of shame or fear of criticism. They should explain the symptoms in as much detail as possible and include the way they affect them at home as well as at school. Parents should be included in evaluating their children, but not in the decision-making process.
The kind of medication prescribed will depend on the condition that is causing it, symptoms and age of the child. For instance, stimulants are commonly prescribed to adolescents and children with ADHD. They stimulate brain activity in areas that regulate attention and behaviour. These medications may come in the form of tablets that release immediately or modified-release tablets that release the medication slowly throughout the day. Methylphenidate, which is the most popular medication prescribed for ADHD, is available in tablet form.
Other kinds of treatment for ADHD could include family and marital counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps to teach specific skills to transform negative behaviors into positive ones. These treatments can be beneficial for some adults with ADHD and also occupational and educational accommodations.
self assessment adhd test of treatment is follow-up by having regular meetings to evaluate progress and decide on next steps. Parents should encourage teachers and other professionals to take part in the process, for example religious or scout leaders. These professionals can provide valuable information about how the child behaves and behaves in various situations.
Medication
ADHD is treated with a variety of medications. The majority of stimulants increase brain activity in certain brain regions that regulate attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used stimulant in teenagers, adults and children over five years old, is the most popular. 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 forms (taken one time a day but released throughout the entire day).
Many people say they feel better after taking medication. These effects are typically seen in school, home and social settings. The impact on performance in these settings is assessed by using one or more standard rating scales, which compare behaviours of an individual to 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 such as behavioral therapy and training of parents and teachers. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents attend training on behavior management prior to attempting medication for their children. The guidelines recommend that psychotherapy and classroom-based interventions be included in the treatment plans for adolescents and teens suffering from ADHD.
The most common adverse effects of ADHD medication are upset stomach and changes in blood pressure and heart rate and sleep disturbances. Teens and children who take stimulants may develop tics which are repeated actions or sounds, such as eye blinking, or clearing the throat. ADHD medication may cause a slight reduction in growth for certain adolescents and children, however it is usually minor and doesn't affect their final height.
These medications have the potential to cause addiction and abuse, but research suggests that there isn't a significant risk at the dosages used to treat ADHD. Certain adolescents and children who suffer from ADHD are at higher risk for problems with substance use however this is due to the disorder, not the medication.
Another potential adverse effect of ADHD medication is the chance for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recent research found that people who use stimulant drugs to treat ADHD have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease than those who do not. The researchers analyzed data from 278 027 people comprising 10 388 people with ADHD. They compared the participants with 51 672 healthy controls without ADHD. The participants were monitored for 14 years.