ADHD Assessment and Treatment
Before starting any treatment, it is crucial to complete a full evaluation of ADHD. This should include a clinician interview, information from other sources, such as the spouse or a family member, DSM-5 ADD symptom scales and checklists, as well tests that are standardized.
Experts might also look over your child's school records and speak with teachers as well as religious leaders, scout leaders or coaches. This is because ADHD symptoms must be present since childhood before they can be diagnosed as an adult.
ADHD symptoms
ADHD symptoms can vary based on age, but many children with this condition struggle to focus or pay attention. They may fumble or mutter answers to questions or interrupt other people. They might also have issues with organization, get easily bored and have a tough waiting to be the next. Some signs of impulsive behavior include a tendency to engage in activities without permission, running around or climbing up places they aren't supposed to go. They might also be inclined to using exuberant excitement or anger to excite themselves, such as by making others mad or playing off pranks.
A doctor may use questionnaires or clinical interviews to determine if a child is ADHD. They can also ask teachers to complete rating scales. They can also conduct a physical or neurodevelopmental exam to detect possible medical issues that could trigger symptoms of ADHD, such as thyroid disorders or mood disorders.
getting an adhd assessment uk may also ask whether your child has any other mental disorders such as conduct disorder, oppositional defiant syndrome or anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your family history, such as whether any other family members have ADHD or any other psychiatric issues.
Adults who suffer from ADHD struggle with managing their lives, which includes household and work obligations. They may also have difficulty working with colleagues or family members. Their symptoms can also result in them being late for appointments or fail to attend social events. 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 examine the patient as well as anyone who knows them well -- a spouse or parent for adults or a teacher coach or nanny for children. The information provided by the doctor will help them decide which tests, if any are necessary, can determine the cause of other conditions that can cause ADHD symptoms. It is also possible to employ a checklist to determine these symptoms among adults.
Diagnosis
The method of diagnosing ADHD requires a series of sessions with therapists or doctors. The diagnosis is based on the presence of symptoms and their impact on the individual's life. A correct diagnosis is crucial to gain control over the symptoms, that can hinder work and family life. The diagnosis is made by a healthcare provider who is specialized in ADHD and related disorders, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history and symptoms, including a discussion of when they first noticed. They might request that the patient keep a record of their symptoms and the impact on their lives. This is a great way to have a clearer picture of the problem, and to decide which tests or evaluations are required to determine if ADHD is the cause.
The doctor may also use questionnaires to evaluate the symptoms. The doctor may use questionnaires for parents or teachers to assess children and an interview with the patient to identify the symptoms. 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.
Certain doctors may also conduct an exam to make sure there isn't any physical issue like thyroid issues or seizures, which could be the root of the issue. Other tests may be conducted to check for other conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Sometimes, a doctor may order brain scans in order to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. These tests, which aren't routinely used to diagnose ADHD however, are a helpful test when other tests for diagnosing the condition have been ruled out.
For adults who suspect they or their child may have ADHD the best place to begin is to speak with an primary doctor. If the patient does not have a primary care doctor, they should inquire with their insurance company to request an inventory of health professionals in their area who are able to conduct an ADHD evaluation.
Treatment options
A physician can determine whether symptoms are due to ADHD or another mental disorder. A thorough assessment could include an interview with a child and parent as well as rating scales that evaluate the child's behavior with those of people without ADHD.
Many medical conditions can trigger symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD such as thyroid issues, seizures and head injuries. A physical exam may be required to determine these causes. A psychological examination may be necessary to determine if the symptoms are caused by ADHD or another mental health condition such as anxiety.
The symptoms of ADHD can lead to significant impairment in school, work and in relationships. The person being evaluated must be honest and candid with the examiner about the problems they're having. They shouldn't hold back in fear of being judged or shame. They should be able to describe the symptoms as accurately as is possible and include the ways they affect them both at home and in school. Parents should be involved in the assessment, but they should not make the decision to prescribe medication for their child.
The type of medication prescribed depends on the underlying condition the symptoms and the age of the child. For example, stimulants are commonly prescribed to children and teens with ADHD. They work by increasing brain activity in areas that regulate attention and behavior. These medications can be 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 options for treating ADHD include family and marital therapy or cognitive behavior therapy which teaches specific methods to change negative behavior into positive behaviors. Some adults with ADHD may benefit from these treatments and also from educational and occupational accommodations.
The most important aspect of treatment is follow-up, with frequent meetings to evaluate progress and decide on the next steps. Parents should be encouraged to involve teachers and other professionals, including Scout and religious leaders in the process. These professionals can offer valuable information about how the child behaves in different environments and provide a more complete picture of how the child is performing.
Medication
There are a variety of medications used to treat ADHD. Most often, stimulants are used to increase brain activity in specific brain regions that control attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used stimulant for teenagers, adults and children over age 5. It is available in tablet form, typically 2 to 3 times per day. It is available in immediate-release (short acting) or extended-release forms (taken once a day, but released throughout the day).
Many people report that their symptoms and impairments significantly improve after a period of medication. These effects are usually seen in the home, school, and social situations. The impact on performance in these environments is measured with one or more standardized rating scales, which compare behaviours of an individual to the behavior of others. These ratings are not diagnostic in themselves but they can provide valuable, objective information for 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 suggests that parents attend training in the area of behavior management prior to attempting medications on their children. The guidelines recommend that psychotherapy as well as classroom-based interventions be part of the treatment plan of teenagers and adolescents with ADHD.
The most common adverse effects of ADHD medication include stomach upset, changes in heart rate and blood pressure and sleep disturbances. Teens and children who are taking stimulants may develop tics, which are repetitive movements or sounds such as eye blinking, or throat clearing. Some children and teens who are taking ADHD medication might experience a slight decrease in their growth, but this is typically not significant and does not impact their final height.
The stimulant drugs do have the potential to cause addiction and abuse, however studies show that there is no significant risk with the dosages used to treat ADHD. ADHD can increase the likelihood of substance abuse in a few teens and kids however this isn't due to the medication.
A possible side result of ADHD medication is the possibility of developing cardiovascular disease. Recent research found that people who take stimulant medication to treat ADHD have a higher chance of developing cardiovascular disease than those who do not. Researchers looked at data from 278 027 individuals, including 10 388 people who suffer from ADHD. They compared them to 51 672 people who were not diagnosed with ADHD. The participants were monitored for 14 years.