ADHD Assessment and Treatment
Before beginning any treatment, it is crucial to complete a full evaluation of ADHD. This should include an interview with the clinician and information from other sources like spouses or other family members, DSM-5 ADD symptom checklists and rating scales, as well as standardized testing.
Experts might also review your child's school record and speak with teachers and scout or religious leaders or coaches. ADHD symptoms must be evident from childhood to be diagnosed at an adult age.
Symptoms of ADHD
The symptoms of ADHD are different based on age, however children who suffer from ADHD often have difficulty staying focused on tasks or paying attention to others. They may fumble or mutter answers when asked questions or interrupt others. They also might struggle with organizing skills, get easily bored and have trouble waiting their turn. The signs of impulsive behavior include involving themselves in activities without permission, or running around or climbing places they aren't supposed to go. They may also be inclined to use explosive emotions or anger to stimulate themselves for others, such as making them mad or playing pranks on them.
In an assessment, a doctor might utilize questionnaires or interviews to determine if the child has ADHD. They can also ask the child's teachers to complete rating scales. They can also conduct an exam of the brain or a physical to determine if there are medical issues that could trigger symptoms of ADHD, such as thyroid disorders or mood disorders.
The evaluator will also want to be aware of if your child has any other mental health issues like oppositional defiant disorder or anxiety disorders or conduct disorder. They will also inquire about your family background. For example if other members of your family suffer from ADHD or any other psychiatric disorder.
Adults who suffer from ADHD struggle with managing their lives, which includes household and work obligations. They may also have issues working with colleagues or family members. These symptoms can result in them being late for appointments or not show up at social engagements. Their difficulties in school can lead to 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 interview the patient as well as someone who knows them well -- such as a spouse or parent for adults or a teacher coach or nanny for children. The information collected will help the doctor determine what, if any, tests could rule out other conditions that cause symptoms of ADHD. They may also employ a checklist to determine these symptoms in adults.
Diagnosis
The method of diagnosing ADHD requires a series of appointments with therapists or doctors. The diagnosis is based on the presence of symptoms and their impact on a person's life. It is essential to get the correct diagnosis to control the symptoms that may hinder work and family. The diagnosis is made by a healthcare provider who specializes in ADHD, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history and symptoms, which includes the date they first began to show. They might request that the patient keep a diary of their symptoms and the impact on their lives. This can be very helpful to gain a clear understanding of the problem, and to decide on the tests or assessments will be needed to determine whether ADHD is the root cause.
In addition to observing how the person is functioning in different situations, the doctor may utilize questionnaires to evaluate the symptoms. This can include questionnaires to parents and teachers to assess children for 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.
Some doctors may also perform an examination to ensure there isn't a physical condition like thyroid issues or seizures, that could be the root of the problem. Other tests may be done to screen for other conditions like depression or anxiety.
Sometimes, the doctor might require brain scans to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. These tests are not used to diagnose ADHD however they can be useful when other diagnostic procedures have not worked.
If you or your child thinks they have ADHD and you suspect that they do, it is recommended to speak with a primary physician. If the patient doesn't have a primary physician and is looking for a referral to their insurance company for an inventory of health professionals who are certified 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 a conversation with the child and a parent and rating scales to compare the behavior of those with and without ADHD.
Many medical conditions can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD, including thyroid problems, seizures and head injuries. A physical exam could be required to determine these causes. A psychological examination will also be required to determine if the symptoms are related to ADHD or another mental health issue, such as anxiety.
The signs of ADHD can lead to significant impairment in school, work and relationships. The person being assessed should be honest and candid with the examiner about any issues they're facing. They shouldn't hide their feelings in fear of being judged or shame. They should explain the symptoms in as much detail as possible including how they impact them at home as well as at school. Parents should be involved in the evaluation process, but not in the decision-making process.
The kind of medication prescribed is based on the underlying condition, symptoms and age of the child. For instance stimulants are commonly prescribed in teens and children to treat ADHD because they help by increasing activity in areas of the brain that control attention and behavior. These medications are available in tablets with immediate release and modified-release that release the drug gradually throughout the day. Methylphenidate is one of the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD.
Other types of treatment for ADHD might include counseling for marital and family relationships or cognitive behavior therapy, which helps to teach specific skills to transform negative behaviors into positive ones. Some adults with ADHD may benefit from these treatments as well as educational and occupational accommodations.
The most crucial aspect of treatment is follow-up, with frequent meetings to examine progress and determine the next steps. Parents should be encouraged to involve teachers and other professionals, like Scout leaders and religious leaders in the process. They can provide valuable information about how the child behaves in different situations and offer a complete picture of how the child is performing.
Medication
There are many different medications used to treat ADHD. Most commonly, stimulants increase the activity of certain brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate, the most commonly used stimulant among teenagers, adults and children over five years old, is the most well-known. It is taken in tablet form, typically 2-3 times per day. It is available as immediate-release (short-acting), or extended-release (taken every day in the morning and released throughout the day).
Many people say they feel better after taking a medication. These effects are typically observed in home, school and social environments. The effect of these influences on performance is assessed using one or more standardized ratings scales that measure the performance of a person to others. The scores of these rating forms are not considered to be diagnostic in themselves, but they serve as important sources of objective information during the evaluation process.
In addition to medications in addition to medication, there are other non-medicated solutions for ADHD that include behavioral therapy and training for teachers and parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that parents attend training in behavior management prior to trying medications on their children. The guidelines recommend that psychotherapy and classroom-based interventions be part of the treatment plan for adolescents and teens suffering from ADHD.
adhd assessment Iam Psychiatry of ADHD medication are stomach upset, changes in blood pressure and heart rate as well as sleep disturbances. Certain teens and children who take stimulants can develop tics which are repeated movements or sounds, such as eye blinking, or throat clearing. ADHD medication can cause a slight decrease in growth for some adolescents and children, however it's usually not significant and doesn't affect their height.
The stimulant drugs do have the potential for addiction and abuse, but studies show that there isn't a significant risk with the dosages used to treat ADHD. Certain teens and children who have ADHD are more at risk for addiction issues, but that is due to the disorder not the medication.
A possible adverse effect of ADHD medication includes the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Recent research has found that those who take stimulant medication to treat ADHD have a higher chance of developing cardiovascular disease than those who don't. Researchers examined data from 278 027 people, which included 10 388 people with ADHD. They compared these individuals to 51 672 healthy controls without ADHD. These participants were tracked for 14 years.