ADHD Assessment and Treatment
Before beginning any treatment, it is crucial to complete a full evaluation of ADHD. This includes a physician interview, additional information from sources, like spouse or family members, DSM-5 ADD symptom scales and checklists, and standard tests.
Experts might suggest talking to your child's teachers, religious leaders as well as scouts, coaches or scouts. ADHD symptoms must be evident from the beginning of childhood to be diagnosed at an adult age.
Signs and symptoms of ADHD
Symptoms of ADHD differ based on age, however children who suffer from ADHD are often having trouble staying focused on tasks or paying attention to other people. They might fidget, blurt out answers to questions, or interrupt others. They may also struggle with organization skills, are easily bored and have difficulty waiting their turn. The signs of impulsive behavior include involving themselves in activities without permission, rushing around or climbing where they shouldn't. They might also be prone to using exuberant excitement or anger as a source of stimulation for others, such as making them mad or playing pranks on them.
In an assessment, a doctor might use clinical interviews or questionnaires to determine whether the child is suffering from ADHD. They may also ask teachers to complete rating scales. They may also perform a neurodevelopmental or physical exam to determine if there are any medical conditions that could trigger symptoms of ADHD. These include thyroid conditions and mood disorders.
The evaluater will also want to determine if your child suffers from any other mental health issues like oppositional defiant disorder or anxiety disorders or conduct disorder. They will also inquire about your family history, including whether any other family members have ADHD or any other psychiatric issues.
Adults with ADHD typically have difficulty managing their lives, including home and work responsibilities. They may also have trouble getting along with family members or coworkers. Their symptoms can also cause them to be late for appointments or fail to show up at social engagements. The academic challenges they face can lead to a 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 and someone who is familiar with them -- such as a spouse or parent for adults, or a teacher, coach, nanny or coach for children. The information gathered will help the doctor determine which, if any, tests could rule out other conditions that cause symptoms of ADHD. They might also use an assessment tool designed to detect these symptoms in adults.
Diagnosis
The process of diagnosing ADHD involves a number of appointments with therapists and doctors. The diagnosis is made based on symptoms and how they affect the person's life. It is essential to get the right diagnosis in order to control the symptoms that may affect work and family. A doctor who is an expert in ADHD such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist can determine the cause of the disorder.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history and symptoms, including the date they first noticed. The doctor might ask the patient to keep a journal of the symptoms they experience and how they impact their lives. This can be extremely useful in gaining an accurate picture of the issue and aiding in determining what tests or evaluations are required to determine if ADHD is the cause of the symptoms.
The doctor will also use questionnaires to determine the severity of symptoms. The doctor might utilize questionnaires for parents and teachers to evaluate children, and an interview with the patient to determine 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 ensure that there's no physical condition such as thyroid issues or seizure, which could be the reason for the problem. Other tests may be done to screen for other conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
Sometimes, the doctor might order brain scans in order to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms. These tests, which aren't typically used to diagnose ADHD however, can be a useful tool when other diagnostic procedures have been cleared.
If you or your child suspects that they have ADHD, it is best to speak with a primary doctor. If the person doesn't have a primary doctor, they should inquire with their insurance company for an inventory of health specialists in their area who are able to conduct an ADHD assessment.
Treatment options
The first step to treatment is an evaluation by a physician who can determine if symptoms are caused by ADHD or another mental health condition. A thorough assessment could include an interview with a child and parent and rating scales that compare the child's behavior with that of those without ADHD.
Many medical conditions can trigger symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD, including thyroid problems, seizures and head injuries. A physical exam may be required to rule out these causes. A psychological examination will be needed to determine if symptoms are caused by ADHD or a different mental health condition such as anxiety.
The signs of ADHD can lead to significant problems in work, school and relationships. The person being evaluated should be honest and candid with the examiner about the issues they're facing. They shouldn't hide their feelings because of fear of being judged or shame. They should report symptoms as accurately as possible, including the way they affect them both at home and at school. Parents should be involved in the evaluation, but they shouldn't make the decision to administer medication to 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. Stimulants, for example, are typically prescribed to children and teens with ADHD. They stimulate brain activity in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. These medications can be in the form of immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication slowly throughout the day. psychiatry-uk adhd assessment is the most commonly used medication prescribed for ADHD is available in tablet form.
Other forms of treatment for ADHD may involve family and marital counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches specific skills to change negative behaviors to positive ones. Certain adults with ADHD may benefit from these treatments, as well as from occupational and educational accommodations.
The most important aspect is the follow-up. There should be frequent meetings to evaluate the progress and decide on next steps. Parents should be encouraged to include teachers and other professionals, like Scout and religious leaders in the process. These professionals can provide valuable information on how the child behaves in various situations and offer a complete picture of how the child is performing.
Medication
ADHD is treated with various medications. The majority of stimulants are used to increase brain activity in specific brain regions that control attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used stimulant among adults, teens and children over five years old is the most well-known. It comes in tablet form and is usually taken two to three times per 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 have reported that their symptoms and impairment significantly improve after a period of medication. These effects are typically observed in school, home and social settings. The impact on performance in these settings is measured using one or more standardized rating scales that compare the behaviours of an individual to those of others. The scores on these rating forms are not considered diagnostic by themselves, but they serve as important sources of objective information in the evaluation process.
There are non-medical treatment options for ADHD, including the use of behavioral therapy and training for teachers and parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents undergo training in behavior management prior to attempting medication for their children. The guidelines also call for psychotherapy and intervention in the classroom to be a part of the treatment program for adolescents and teenagers with ADHD.
The most frequent adverse effects of ADHD medication are stomach upset, changes in blood pressure and heart rate and sleep disturbances. Teens and children who are taking stimulants may develop tics which are repeated movements or sounds like eye blinking or throat clearing. ADHD medication can cause a slight decrease in growth for certain teenagers and children, but it is usually minor and doesn't affect their final height.
Stimulant medications do have the potential for addiction and abuse, but research suggests that this is not a significant risk at the doses used to treat ADHD. Certain adolescents and children who suffer from ADHD are more at risk for substance use problems, but that is due to the disorder not the medication.
Another potential negative consequence of ADHD medication is the risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recent research has revealed that those who take stimulant medications to treat ADHD have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease than those who don't. The researchers analyzed data from 278 027 people comprising 10 388 people with ADHD. They compared them to 51 672 people who were not diagnosed with ADHD. The participants were monitored for 14 years.