ADHD Assessment and Treatment
It is crucial to remember that a complete evaluation of ADHD is essential prior to starting any treatment. This includes a physician interview, other sources, such as a spouse or family member, DSM-5 ADD symptom scales and checklists, and standard tests.
Experts may also want to see your child's school records and speak to teachers as well as religious leaders, scout coaches or leaders. This is because ADHD symptoms must be present since childhood before they can be diagnosed as an adult.
Symptoms of ADHD
ADHD symptoms differ based on age, but a lot of children with this condition are unable to focus or pay attention. They might fumble or mutter out answers when asked questions, or interrupt others. They may also have trouble organizing, become easily bored and have a hard time waiting for their turn. Symptoms of impulsive behavior can include involving themselves in activities without permission, or running around or climbing up places they aren't supposed to go. They could also be inclined towards using extreme excitement or anger to excite themselves, for example, by making others angry or pulling off pranks.
In an assessment, a doctor might use clinical interviews or questionnaires to determine if the child is suffering from ADHD. They may also ask teachers to complete ratings scales. They may also perform an exam of the brain or a physical to determine if there are medical issues that may cause symptoms of ADHD like thyroid disorders or mood disorders.
The evaluator will also want to be aware of if your child has any other mental health issues, such as oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety disorders or conduct disorder. They will also inquire about your family history, for instance, whether any other family members have ADHD or any other psychiatric issues.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have trouble managing their lives, including work and home responsibilities. They may also have trouble being a good friend to family members or colleagues. They might be late for appointments or not show up for social engagements due to their ailments. Their academic issues can lead to 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 interview the patient as well as someone who knows them well. This could be a spouse, parent or teacher or coach, nanny or coach for children. The information will help the doctor determine what tests, if any are required, will help rule out other conditions causing ADHD symptoms. They may also employ an assessment tool designed to detect the signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults.
Diagnosis
The method of diagnosing ADHD involves a series of appointments with doctors and therapists. The diagnosis is made by analyzing the symptoms and how they affect the person's daily life. Making a proper diagnosis is crucial to gain control over the symptoms, which can interfere with work and family life. The diagnosis is given by a healthcare professional who specializes in ADHD like psychologist or psychiatrist.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history and symptoms, including a discussion of when they first began to show. They might ask the patient to keep a journal of their symptoms and the impact on their lives. This can be extremely helpful to have a clearer picture of the issue, and also to determine which tests or evaluations are needed to determine if ADHD is the root cause.
The doctor may also use questionnaires in order to assess the symptoms. The doctor may use questionnaires for parents or teachers to assess children and an interview with the patient to assess 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 ensure there isn't a physical condition that could cause thyroid problems or seizures, which could be the root of the issue. Other tests can be done to determine if there are other issues like anxiety or depression.
Sometimes, the doctor may require brain scans to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms. These tests, which aren't routinely used to diagnose ADHD, could be a useful tool when other diagnostic procedures have been ruled out.
For adults who suspect that they or their child may have ADHD, the best place to start is by talking with the primary care physician. If the person does not have a primary doctor or a primary care physician, they can ask their insurance provider to request the list of health professionals who are qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment.
Treatment options
A doctor can tell if the symptoms are caused by ADHD or a different mental illness. An extensive evaluation could include an interview with a parent and child and rating scales that assess the child's behavior with those of people without ADHD.
Many medical conditions can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD, including thyroid problems seizures, head injuries and seizures. It is possible to perform an exam for physical symptoms to rule out these ailments. A psychological examination will also be necessary to determine if the symptoms are due to ADHD or some other mental health issue, like anxiety.
ADHD symptoms can have a major impact on school, work and interpersonal relationships. The person being evaluated should be honest and forthcoming with the examiner about the problems they're experiencing. They shouldn't hide their feelings because of fear of being judged or shame. 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 evaluation, however, they should not take the decision to administer medication to their child.
The type of medication prescribed is based on the underlying condition, symptoms and age of the child. For example stimulants are commonly prescribed in children and teens to treat ADHD due to their effectiveness in stimulating the areas of the brain that control attention and behavior. These medications can be in the form of immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medicine slowly throughout the day. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication prescribed for ADHD is available in tablet form.
Other kinds of treatment for ADHD may involve counseling for marital and family relationships or cognitive behavioral 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 as occupational and educational accommodations.
The most important part is the follow-up. There should be frequent meetings to review progress and decide the next steps. Parents should encourage teachers and other professionals to take part in the process, such as Scout or religious leaders. These people can provide valuable information about how the child behaves in different environments and provide a more complete picture of the child's functioning.
Medication
There are many different drugs that are used to treat ADHD. The most common are stimulants, which work by increasing activity in certain brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate, the most commonly used stimulant for teens, adults and children over five years old, is the most popular. It is taken in tablet form, typically 2 to 3 times per day. It comes in immediate-release (short acting) or extended-release forms (taken one time a day and released throughout the entire day).
Many people say they feel better after taking a medication. These effects can be seen in educational, social and home settings. The effect on performance in these environments is measured by using one or more standard rating scales that compare the behavior of the person with those of other people. The scores on these forms aren't considered to be diagnostic in themselves however they are important sources of information that can be used during the evaluation process.
In how to get an adhd assessment to medications, there are also non-medicated solutions for ADHD which include behavior therapy and training for teachers and parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that parents receive training in behavior management prior to attempting medication on their children. The guidelines also recommend psychotherapy and intervention in the classroom to be part of the treatment program for adolescents and teenagers with ADHD.
The most frequent side effects of ADHD medication are upset stomach and changes in blood pressure and heart rate, and sleep disturbances. Certain children and teens who are taking stimulants may develop tics. They are repetitive actions or sounds like eye-blinking or clearing the throat. ADHD medication may cause a slight reduction in growth for certain teenagers and children, but it's usually not significant and does not affect their height at the end of the day.
The stimulant medications have the potential to cause addiction and abuse, but research has shown that this is not an issue at the dosages prescribed for ADHD. Certain teens 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.
A potential side consequence of ADHD medication is the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. 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. Researchers examined data from 278 027 individuals, including 10 388 people with ADHD. They compared these individuals to 51 672 healthy controls without ADHD. They followed them for 14 years.