ADHD Assessment and Treatment
It is crucial to remember that a complete assessment of ADHD is essential prior to starting any treatment. This includes an interview with the clinician, information from independent sources such as spouse or other family members, DSM-5 ADD symptom checklists and rating scales and tests that are standardized.
adhd assessment women may want to talk to your child's religious leaders, teachers as well as scouts, coaches or scouts. ADHD symptoms must be evident since childhood in order to be diagnosed at an adult age.
ADHD symptoms
ADHD symptoms can vary based on age, however many children suffering from this disorder have difficulty focusing or paying attention. They may fidget or blurt out answers when asked questions or interrupt other people. They might also have issues with organization, be easily bored and have a difficult time waiting for their turn. Impulsive behavior is often characterized by jumping into activities or running around in circles without permission. They also may be inclined to use exuberant emotions or anger as a source of stimulation for others, such as making them angry or playing pranks on them.
In an evaluation, a physician may employ questionnaires or clinical interviews to determine whether a child has ADHD. Teachers may also be asked to complete rating scales. They can also conduct a physical or neurodevelopmental exam to identify possible medical problems that could trigger symptoms of ADHD such as thyroid conditions or mood disorders.
The evaluator might also inquire if your child suffers from any other mental disorder such as conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder, or anxiety disorders. They will also ask you about your family background. For example, if any other family members have ADHD or other psychiatric disorders.
Adults suffering from ADHD typically have difficulty managing their lives, including the demands of work and home. They may also have trouble working with colleagues or family members. Their symptoms can also cause them to be late for appointments or to not show up at social engagements. 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 along with someone who is familiar with them -- such as 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 could exclude other conditions that cause symptoms of ADHD. They could also utilize a checklist to determine the signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults.
Diagnosis
The process of diagnosing ADHD involves a series of sessions with therapists or doctors. The diagnosis is based on symptoms and how they impact the person's daily life. A correct diagnosis is essential to gaining control over the symptoms, which can interfere with work and family life. A doctor who is an expert in ADHD, like a psychologist or psychiatrist, will diagnose the condition.
The doctor will review the patient's medical history and symptoms, including a discussion of when they first noticed. The doctor might ask the patient to keep an account of their symptoms and how they impact their lives. This can be extremely helpful to have a clearer picture of the problem and to decide which tests or assessments will be needed to determine whether ADHD is the root cause.
The doctor may also utilize questionnaires to evaluate the severity of symptoms. This can include questionnaires for parents and teachers to determine if children are suffering from the disorder, and an interview with the 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.
Certain doctors may also conduct an examination to make sure that there isn't any physical issue such as thyroid problems or seizures, which could be the cause of the issue. Other tests may be done to check for other conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Sometimes, a doctor may order brain scans in order to rule out possible causes of the symptoms. These tests, which aren't commonly used to diagnose ADHD, could be a useful test when other diagnostic procedures have been cleared.
For adults who suspect that they or their child has ADHD, the best place to start is by talking with the primary doctor. If the patient does not have a primary doctor, they should inquire with their insurance company for an inventory of health professionals in their area who are qualified to perform an ADHD assessment.
Treatment options
The first step to treatment is an evaluation by a physician who can determine whether the symptoms are related to ADHD or other mental health issues. A thorough assessment could include an interview with the child and a parent and rating scales that measure behavior to those of people who do not have ADHD.
A variety of medical conditions can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD which include thyroid problems, seizures and head injuries. It might be necessary to undergo an examination for physical health to rule out any of these conditions. A psychological exam will be necessary to determine if symptoms are due to ADHD or another mental health issue, such as anxiety.
ADHD symptoms can have a profound impact on work, school and interpersonal relationships. The person being assessed should be honest and candid with the examiner about the problems they're experiencing. They shouldn't hold back because of fear of being judged or shame. They should be able to describe their symptoms in as much detail as they can including how they impact them 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 kind of medication prescribed will depend 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 work by increasing brain activity in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. They are available in immediate-release tablets and modified-release tablets that release the drug slowly throughout the day. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication prescribed for ADHD, is available in tablet form.
Other treatment options for ADHD include marital and family therapy or cognitive behavioral treatment, which teaches specific techniques to transform negative behavior to positive ones. Some adults with ADHD may benefit from these therapies, as well as from educational and occupational accommodations.
The most important part of treatment is following-up, with frequent meetings to evaluate progress and decide on the next steps. Parents should encourage teachers and other professionals to take part in the process, such as religious or scout leaders. These experts can provide valuable advice about how the child behaves and function in different situations.
Medication
There are many different drugs used to treat ADHD. The most commonly used are stimulants, which work by increasing activity in specific brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used stimulant in teens, adults and children older than five years old, is the most popular. It is available in tablet format and is usually taken 2 to 3 times a day. It is available in immediate release (short acting) or extended-release versions (taken once a day, but released throughout the entire day).
Many people claim to feel better after taking a medication. These effects can be observed in educational, social and home settings. The impact of these variables on performance is assessed using one or more standardized ratings scales that measure the performance of a person to others. These ratings are not diagnostic in themselves but they can provide valuable, objective information for the evaluation process.
There are a variety of 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 also recommend psychotherapy and a classroom-based intervention to be a part of the treatment program for adolescents and teenagers with ADHD.
Most commonly, ADHD medication can cause nausea, sleep disturbances and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Teens and children who take stimulants can develop tics that are repetitive movements or sounds, like eye blinking or clearing the throat. ADHD medication can cause a slight decrease in growth for certain adolescents and children, however it's usually minimal and doesn't affect their final height.
These medications have the potential for addiction and abuse, but studies show that there isn't a significant risk with the doses prescribed to treat ADHD. ADHD can increase the risk of substance abuse in some teens and children but this isn't due to the medication.
A potential side effect of ADHD medication is the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. 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. The researchers analyzed data from 278 027 individuals comprising 10 388 people who suffer from ADHD. They compared them with 51 672 people who were not diagnosed with ADHD. The participants were monitored for 14 years.