ADHD Assessment and Treatment
Before starting any treatment, it is crucial to conduct a thorough assessment of ADHD. This should include a doctor interview, other sources, like the spouse or a family member, DSM-5 ADD symptom scales and checklists, as well as tests that are standardized.
Experts may also look over your child's school records and talk with teachers, religious or scout leaders or coaches. This is because ADHD symptoms must have been present since childhood before they can be recognized as an adult.
ADHD symptoms
ADHD symptoms differ based on age, however many children suffering from this disorder struggle to focus or pay attention. They might fumble or mutter out answers when asked questions, or interrupt others. They might also struggle with organization, get easily bored and have a hard waiting to be the next. Impulsive behavior can be described as jumping into activities or running around in circles without permission. They may also be prone to use extreme emotions or anger to motivate themselves, for example, through causing others to be angry or pulling off pranks.
In an evaluation, a physician may use clinical interviews or questionnaires 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 exam of the brain or a physical to identify possible medical problems that could trigger symptoms of ADHD like thyroid conditions or mood disorders.
The evaluator may also ask if your child suffers from any other mental disorders like conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder, or anxiety disorders. They will also ask about your family history, for instance, whether anyone else has ADHD or any other psychiatric issues.
Adults suffering from ADHD have a difficult time managing their lives, which includes the demands of home and work. They may also have issues being a good coworker or family members. The symptoms of these people can result in them being late for appointments or not attend social events. The academic challenges they face 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 conduct an interview with the patient as well as a person who is familiar with them. This could include a spouse, parent, teacher, coach, nanny, or a coach for children. The information collected will help the doctor determine which tests could rule out other conditions that cause symptoms of ADHD. They may also employ an assessment tool designed to detect these symptoms in adults.
Diagnosis
The process of determining ADHD involves a number of appointments with therapists and doctors. The diagnosis is determined by the presence of symptoms and their impact on the individual's life. A correct diagnosis is essential to gaining control over the symptoms which can affect work and family life. A medical professional who is an expert in ADHD such as psychologists or psychiatrists, will determine the cause of the disorder.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history and symptoms and when they first appeared. The doctor may request an account of their symptoms and how they impact their lives. This can be very useful in obtaining an accurate picture of the issue and helping to decide what tests or evaluations are required to determine if ADHD is the cause of the symptoms.
The doctor will also use questionnaires in order to assess symptoms. The doctor may use questionnaires for parents or teachers to assess children, as well as an interview with the patient to determine 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 will also do an exam to ensure there's no physical condition, such as thyroid problems or seizures, which could be the cause of the issue. Other tests may be done to screen for other conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Sometimes, a doctor may order brain scans in order 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 failed.
If you or your child suspects they might have ADHD or other disorders, it is best to consult an experienced primary physician. If the patient doesn't have a primary physician, they can contact their insurance provider to request the list of health professionals who are trained to conduct an ADHD evaluation.
Treatment options
A doctor can determine if symptoms are caused by ADHD or another mental disorder. A thorough assessment could include a conversation with the child and a parent and rating scales that compare the behavior of those with and without ADHD.
There are a variety of medical conditions that can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. These include thyroid issues, head injuries, and seizures. It may be necessary to undergo a physical exam in order to rule out the presence of these conditions. A psychological examination is required to determine if the symptoms are caused by ADHD or a different mental health condition such as anxiety.
ADHD symptoms can have a significant impact on school, work and interpersonal relationships. The person being evaluated should be honest and forthcoming with the examiner about the issues they're facing. They shouldn't be hesitant for fear of criticism or shame. They should describe symptoms as accurately as they can and also how they affect them both at home and in school. Parents should be involved in the evaluation, however, they should not take the decision to prescribe medication for their child.
The kind of medication prescribed will depend on the child's age, the condition that is causing the symptoms and the type of medication. For example, stimulants are often prescribed to children and teens with ADHD. They help by stimulating brain activity in areas that regulate attention and behaviour. These medications are available in the form of tablets with immediate release or modified-release tablets that release the medication slowly throughout the day. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication prescribed for ADHD, is available in tablet form.
Other types of treatment for ADHD may involve counseling for the family or marital relationship, or cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches specific skills to change negative behavior to positive ones. These treatments can be beneficial to some adults with ADHD as well as occupational and educational accommodations.
The most crucial aspect of treatment is the follow-up phase, 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, including Scout leaders or religious leaders. These people can offer valuable information about how the child behaves in different settings and give a fuller picture of how the child is performing.
Medication
ADHD is treated using a variety of medications. Most commonly, stimulants are used to increase brain activity in certain brain regions that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used stimulant among teenagers, adults and children older than 5 years old. It is available in tablet form, typically 2 to 3 times a day. It is available in immediate-release (short-acting), or extended-release (taken at least once per day in the morning and released throughout the day).
Many people report that their symptoms and impairment significantly improve after a few weeks of medication. These effects are typically seen in school, home and social settings. The effect on performance in these settings is measured with one or more standardized rating scales that compare the behaviors of the individual with the behavior of others. adhd assessment london are not diagnostic in their own right, but provide valuable objective information for the evaluation process.
In addition to medications, there are also non-medical treatments for ADHD that include behavioral therapy and training for teachers and parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents attend training on behavior management prior to attempting medication for their children. The guidelines also call for psychotherapy and intervention in the classroom to be part of the treatment plan for teens and adolescents with ADHD.
The most frequent side effects of ADHD medication include stomach upset and changes in blood pressure and heart rate, and sleep disturbances. Teens and children who take stimulants may develop tics that are repetitive actions or sounds, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. Some children and teens who take ADHD medication may notice a slight slowdown in their growth, but this is typically minor and does not affect their final height.
Stimulant medications do have the potential for addiction and abuse, however studies show that this is not a significant risk at 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 possible adverse result of ADHD medication is the possibility of developing cardiovascular disease. A recent study showed that those who took stimulant drugs for ADHD had a higher risk of developing CVD than others who did not take the drugs. Researchers examined data from 278 027 people, which included 10 388 with ADHD. They compared them with 51 672 control participants without ADHD. These participants were followed for 14 years.