ADHD Assessment and Treatment
Before starting any treatment, it is crucial to conduct a thorough assessment of ADHD. This should include a doctor interview, additional information from sources, like a spouse or family member, DSM-5 ADD symptom scales and checklists, and standardized tests.
Experts might also review your child's school record and speak to teachers as well as religious leaders, scout coaches or leaders. ADHD symptoms must be present from childhood to be diagnosed at an adult age.
ADHD symptoms
ADHD symptoms can vary based on age, but many children with this condition struggle to focus or pay attention. They may fidget or blurt out answers to questions or interrupt other people. They may also struggle with organizing skills, become bored easily and have trouble waiting their turn. Some signs of impulsive behavior include jumping into activities without permission, or running around or climbing up places they aren't supposed to go. They also may be at risk of using extreme excitement or anger as a source of stimulation, such as making others mad or playing pranks on them.
In an assessment, a doctor may use clinical interviews or questionnaires to determine if the child is suffering from ADHD. They may also ask teachers to complete rating scales. They may also perform physical or neurodevelopmental tests to determine if there are any medical conditions that could cause symptoms of ADHD. This includes mood disorders and thyroid issues.
The evaluator will also want to know if your child has any other mental health problems, such as oppositional defiant disorders, conduct disorder or anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your family history, such as whether anyone else has ADHD or other psychiatric conditions.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have trouble managing their lives, including work and home responsibilities. They may also have difficulty being a good friend to family members or coworkers. The symptoms of these people can result in them being late for appointments or to not attend social events. Their difficulties in school can result in academic failure 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 anyone who knows them well -- such as a spouse or parent for adults, or a teacher, coach, nanny or coach for children. The details will aid the doctor decide which tests, if any are required, will help determine the cause of other conditions that can cause ADHD symptoms. They might also use a checklist designed to identify these symptoms in adults.
Diagnosis
The process of diagnosing ADHD involves a series sessions with therapists or doctors. The diagnosis is dependent on the presence of symptoms and their impact on the individual's life. Making a proper diagnosis is essential for gaining control over the symptoms which can interfere with work and family life. A doctor who is an expert in ADHD, like a psychiatrist or a psychologist, will diagnose the condition.
The doctor will talk about the patient's medical history and symptoms, as well as when they first began to show. They may request that the patient keep a diary of their symptoms as well as their impact on their lives. This is a great way to have a clearer picture of the problem and also to determine which tests or evaluations are needed to determine if ADHD is the root cause.
In addition to observing how the person is functioning in various environments, the doctor will employ questionnaires to determine the symptoms. The doctor might use questionnaires for parents or teachers to assess children, as well as an interview with the patient to assess 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 perform 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 can be conducted to look for other ailments like anxiety or depression.
Occasionally, the doctor will request brain scans to determine the cause of the symptoms. These tests are not used to diagnose ADHD but can be useful when other tests for diagnosis have not worked.
If you or your child suspects they might have ADHD or other disorders, it is best to speak with a primary doctor. If the patient doesn't have a primary physician or a primary care physician, they can ask their insurance provider to request the list of health professionals who are qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment.
Treatment options
The first step in treatment is an evaluation by a doctor who can determine if symptoms are caused by ADHD or another mental health issue. A thorough assessment could include an interview with the child and a parent and rating scales that measure behavior to that of people without ADHD.
There are a variety of medical conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. These include thyroid problems, head injuries, and seizures. It may be necessary to conduct a physical exam in order to rule out any of these ailments. A psychological examination may be needed to determine if symptoms are related to ADHD or a different mental health condition like anxiety.
ADHD symptoms can have a profound impact on work, school, and relationships. The person being assessed should be honest and open with the examiner about the issues they're experiencing. They shouldn't hold back in fear of being judged or shame. They should describe their symptoms in as much detail as they can and include the way they affect them at home as well as at school. Parents should be included in evaluating their children but not in the decision-making process.
The type of medication prescribed is based on the condition that is causing it the symptoms and the age of the child. For instance stimulants are often prescribed in adolescents and children to treat ADHD because they work by stimulating the areas of the brain that regulate attention and behavior. These medications are available as tablets with immediate release and modified-release that release the medication gradually throughout the day. Methylphenidate, the most common medication prescribed for ADHD is available in tablet form.
Other treatment options for ADHD include family and marital therapy or cognitive behavior therapy which teaches specific methods to transform negative behavior into positive behaviors. These treatments can be beneficial to some adults with ADHD and also occupational and educational accommodations.
The most important aspect is the follow-up. There should be regular meetings to review the progress and decide on next steps. Parents should encourage teachers and other professionals to participate in the process, for example Scout or religious leaders. These experts can provide valuable information on how the child behaves and function in different situations.
Medication
There are a variety of medications used to treat ADHD. The most commonly used are stimulants, which work by increasing activity in specific brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used stimulant in teens, adults and children over five years old, is the most popular. It is available in tablet format and is usually taken between 2 and 3 times a day. It is available in immediate release (short-acting), or extended-release (taken once a day in the morning, and released throughout the day).
Many people claim to feel better after taking a medication. These effects can be seen in educational, social and home settings. The effect of these influences on performance is assessed by using one or more standardized ratings scales, which compare the performance of a person with other people. These ratings are not diagnostic by themselves however they provide useful, information that can be used to aid in 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 classroom-based intervention to be part of the treatment plan for teens and adolescents with ADHD.
The most common adverse effects of ADHD medication are stomach upset and changes in blood pressure and heart rate, and sleep disturbances. Certain children and teens who are taking stimulants could develop tics. These are repetitive movements or noises like eye-blinking or clearing the throat. Some children and teens 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.
why are adhd assessments so expensive do have the potential for addiction and abuse, but research shows that there isn't a significant risk with the doses prescribed to treat ADHD. Certain adolescents and children who suffer from ADHD are at higher risk for addiction issues however this is due to the disorder, not the medication.
A potential side consequence of ADHD medication includes the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. A recent study revealed that people who took stimulant medications for ADHD were more likely of developing CVD than others who didn't take the medications. Researchers looked at data from 278 027 individuals which included 10 388 individuals with ADHD. They compared these individuals to 51 672 people who did not have ADHD. The participants were followed for 14 years.