ADHD Assessment and Treatment
Before beginning any treatment, it is essential to conduct a thorough assessment of ADHD. This should include an interview with a clinician as well as information from outside sources like spouses or other family members, DSM-5 ADD symptom checklists and rating scales as well as tests that are standardized.
Experts may suggest speaking to your child's teachers, religious leaders Scouts, coaches, or scouts. This is because ADHD symptoms must have been present since childhood before they can be recognized as an adult.
Signs and symptoms of ADHD
Symptoms of ADHD are different based on age, but children with the condition often have trouble staying focused on their tasks or paying attention to people. They may fidget or mutter answers to questions or interrupt others. They also might struggle with organizational skills, become bored easily and find it difficult to wait their turn. diva assessment for adhd of impulsive behavior include involving themselves in activities without permission, or running around or climbing places they aren't allowed to go. They may also be inclined to use extreme excitement or anger as a way to get their attention for others, such as making them angry or playing pranks with them.
A doctor may use questionnaires or clinical interviews to determine if a child has ADHD. They can also ask teachers to complete ratings scales. They may also perform 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 will also want to know if your child has any other mental health conditions like oppositional defiant disorder or anxiety disorders or conduct disorder. They will also ask about your family history, such as if anyone else has ADHD or other psychiatric conditions.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have difficulty managing their daily life, which includes the demands of work and home. They may also have issues being a good coworker or family members. The symptoms of these people can cause them to be late for appointments or to not attend social gatherings. The difficulties they face in school could 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 conduct an interview with the patient and someone who knows them well -- a spouse or parent for adults or a teacher coach, nanny or coach for children. The information will help the doctor determine which tests, if any are required, will help identify other conditions that cause ADHD symptoms. They might also use a checklist designed to identify the signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults.
Diagnosis
The method of diagnosing ADHD involves a series sessions with therapists or doctors. The diagnosis is based on the presence of symptoms and their impact on the individual's life. It is essential to get the right diagnosis in order to control the symptoms that may affect work and family. A medical professional who is an expert in ADHD such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist can identify the problem.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical background and symptoms, as well as the date they first appeared. They might ask the patient to keep a diary of their symptoms and the impact on their lives. This is a great way to get a clear picture of the problem, and to decide on the tests or evaluations will be needed to determine if ADHD is the reason.
In addition to observing how the person is functioning in various environments, the doctor will use questionnaires to assess the symptoms. This could include questionnaires for parents and teachers to determine if children are suffering from the disorder, as well as an interview with a 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 exam to ensure there's no physical condition, such as thyroid problems or seizures, which could be the root of the issue. Other tests may be done to screen for other conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
Sometimes, the doctor will order brain scans to help identify other possible causes of the symptoms. These tests, which aren't routinely used to diagnose ADHD however, can be a useful test when other diagnostic procedures have been eliminated.
If you or your child suspects that they might have ADHD and you suspect that they do, it is recommended to consult an experienced primary doctor. If the person does not have a primary physician or a primary care physician, they can ask their insurance provider for an inventory of health professionals who are certified to conduct an ADHD assessment.
Treatment options
A doctor can determine if the symptoms are caused by ADHD or a different mental illness. A thorough assessment could include an interview with the child and a parent and rating scales that compare behavior to those of people who do not have ADHD.
There are many medical conditions that can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. These include thyroid issues as well as head injuries and seizures. It is possible to perform an examination for physical health to rule out the presence of these illnesses. A psychological examination will also be required to determine if the symptoms are related to ADHD or another mental health issue, like anxiety.
The symptoms of ADHD can lead to significant difficulties in school, work and relationships. The person being evaluated should be honest and candid with the examiner about the issues they're experiencing. They shouldn't hold back for fear of criticism or shame. They should describe their symptoms as in detail as possible 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 administer medication to their child.
The kind of medication prescribed is based on the underlying condition the symptoms and the age of the child. Stimulants, for example, are commonly prescribed to teens and children with ADHD. They work by increasing brain activity in areas that control attention and behaviour. These medications are available in tablets that are immediate-release and modified-release that release the medication slowly throughout the day. Methylphenidate, the most common medication prescribed for ADHD is available in tablet form.
Other treatments for ADHD include family and marital therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches specific techniques to transform negative behaviors to positive ones. Certain adults with ADHD may benefit from these treatments, as well as from educational and occupational accommodations.
The most important thing is the follow-up. There should be regular meetings to review the progress made and determine next steps. Parents should encourage teachers and other professionals to take part in the process, for example religious or scout leaders. These experts can provide valuable information about how children behave and function in different situations.
Medication
There are many different drugs that are used to treat ADHD. The most popular are stimulants, which function by increasing activity in specific brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used stimulant for teenagers, adults and children over age 5. It is taken in tablet form, usually 2 to 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 medication. These effects can be observed in social, educational and home settings. The impact on performance in these environments is measured using one or more standardized rating scales that compare the behaviours of an individual to those of others. The scores of these rating forms are not considered to be diagnostic in themselves, but they serve as important sources of information during 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 receive training in behavior management before trying medication for their children. The guidelines recommend that psychotherapy and interventions in the classroom be included in the treatment plan for adolescents and teens with ADHD.
The most frequent side effects of ADHD medication are upset stomach as well as changes in heart rate and blood pressure and sleep disturbances. Some kids and teens who take stimulants can develop tics which are repeated movements or sounds such as eye blinking, or clearing the throat. Some teens and children who are taking ADHD medication may experience a slight reduction in their growth, however this is typically minor and doesn't impact their final height.
Stimulant medication does have the potential to lead to addiction and abuse, however studies have shown that this is not a problem at the dosages prescribed for ADHD. Some kids and teens with ADHD are more at risk for substance use problems, but that is due to the disorder and not the medication.
Another potential adverse effect of ADHD medication is the chance for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recent research has found that those who use stimulant drugs to treat ADHD have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease than those who don't. Researchers looked at data from 278 027 people which included 10 388 individuals with ADHD. They compared them to 51 672 control participants without ADHD. The participants were followed for 14 years.