ADHD Assessment and Treatment

Before starting 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 tests that are standardized.

Experts may also look over your child's school records and speak with teachers and scout or religious leaders or coaches. This is because ADHD symptoms must have been present since childhood before they can be diagnosed as an adult.

The symptoms of ADHD


Symptoms of ADHD vary by age, however children who suffer from ADHD often have difficulty staying focused on their work or paying attention to people. They might fumble or mutter out answers when asked questions, or interrupt others. They may also struggle with organizational skills, are easily bored and find it difficult to wait their turn. Symptoms of impulsive behavior can include involving themselves in activities without permission, rushing around or climbing places they aren't supposed to go. They could also be inclined to using extreme emotions or anger to motivate themselves, such as by making others mad or pulling off pranks.

In an evaluation, a physician may use clinical interviews or questionnaires to determine if a child has ADHD. They can also ask the child's teachers to fill out rating scales. They may also perform an exam of the brain or a physical to identify possible medical problems that can cause symptoms of ADHD like thyroid conditions or mood disorders.

The evaluator might also inquire whether your child is suffering from any other mental disorder like conduct disorder, oppositional defiant syndrome or anxiety disorders. They will also ask about your family history, such as if anyone else has ADHD or other psychiatric conditions.

Adults who suffer from ADHD typically have difficulty managing their life, including work and home obligations. They may also have issues getting along with their coworkers or family members. These symptoms can result in them being late for appointments or to not attend social gatherings. Their struggles at school can lead to 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 along with anyone who knows them well -- a spouse or parent for adults or a teacher, coach, nanny or coach for children. The information provided by the doctor will help them decide what tests, if any are required, will rule out other conditions causing ADHD symptoms. They may also employ an assessment tool designed to detect these signs in adults.

Diagnosis

The process of diagnosing ADHD requires a series of sessions with therapists or doctors. The diagnosis is based on the presence of symptoms and their impact on the individual's life. It is crucial to obtain the right diagnosis in order to control the symptoms that may hinder the family life and work. The diagnosis is done by a medical professional who specializes in ADHD like a psychologist or psychiatrist.

The doctor will discuss the patient's medical history and symptoms, as well as when they first appeared. They might request the patient to keep a journal of their symptoms and their impact on their lives. This can be extremely useful in gaining an exact picture of the issue and helping to decide which tests or evaluations are required to determine whether ADHD is the reason behind the symptoms.

The doctor will also use questionnaires to evaluate the severity of symptoms. This could include questionnaires for parents and teachers to assess children for the disorder, as well as 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 exam to ensure there's no physical condition that could cause thyroid problems or seizures, that could be the root of the issue. Other tests could be performed to screen for other conditions, such as depression or anxiety.

Sometimes, the doctor might require brain scans to rule out possible causes of the symptoms. These tests, which aren't commonly used to diagnose ADHD however, can be a useful instrument when other diagnostic procedures have been cleared.

For adults who suspect that they or their child has ADHD, the best place to begin is by talking with the primary health care provider. If the patient does not 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 in treatment is an evaluation by a doctor who can determine whether the symptoms are due to ADHD or another mental health issue. A thorough assessment could include an interview with the child and parents and rating scales that measure the behavior of those with and who do not have ADHD.

A variety of medical conditions can cause symptoms that resemble the symptoms of ADHD such as thyroid issues, seizures and head injuries. A physical exam may also be required to rule out these causes. A psychological examination may be required to determine if the symptoms are related to ADHD or a different mental health condition like anxiety.

The signs of ADHD can cause significant problems in school, work and relationships. The person being evaluated should discuss the problems they are experiencing candidly and honestly with the examiner and not be hesitant out of shame or fear of being judged. They should describe symptoms as accurately as they can and include the ways they affect them at home and at school. Parents should be involved in the evaluation, however, they should not take the decision to medicate their child.

The type of medication prescribed will depend on the child's age as well as the condition leading to the symptoms and the kind of medication. For instance, stimulants are often prescribed to adolescents and children with ADHD. They stimulate brain activity in areas that control the behavior and attention. These medications are available as tablets that are immediate-release and modified-release, which release the medicine gradually throughout the day. Methylphenidate is one of the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD.

I Am Psychiatry of treatment for ADHD might include family and marital counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy, which provides specific techniques to change negative behaviors into positive ones. These treatments may be beneficial to adults with ADHD, as well educational and occupational accommodations.

The most crucial aspect of treatment is the follow-up phase with regular meetings to examine progress and determine the next steps. Parents should be encouraged to involve teachers and other professionals, such as Scout leaders and religious leaders in the process. These professionals can offer valuable information about how the child behaves in various situations and offer a complete picture of the child's functioning.

Medication

ADHD is treated using various medications. The most popular are stimulants, which work by increasing activity in certain brain areas that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used stimulant for adults, teens and children who are older than five years old, is the most well-known. It is a tablet form, usually 2-3 times a day. It is available in immediate release (short acting) or extended-release forms (taken once a day, but released throughout the day).

Many people say they feel better after taking a medication. These effects are usually seen in school, home and social settings. The effect on performance in these settings is assessed with one or more standardized rating scales that compare the behaviors of the individual with those of other people. The scores of these rating forms are not considered diagnostic by themselves, but they serve as important sources of information in the evaluation process.

There are many non-medical treatments for ADHD that include behavioral therapy and training of parents and teachers. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that parents undergo training in managing their behavior prior to using medication on their children. The guidelines recommend that psychotherapy and classroom-based interventions be part of the treatment plan for teenagers and adolescents with ADHD.

Most commonly, ADHD medication can cause nausea, sleep disturbances, and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Children and teens who are taking stimulants might develop tics. These are repeated sounds or movements such as eye-blinking, or clearing the throat. ADHD medication can cause a slight decrease in growth for some children and teens, but it is usually minor and does not affect their height at the end of the day.

Stimulant medication has the potential to trigger addiction and abuse, however research has shown that this is not a problem with the dosages prescribed for ADHD. Some kids and teens who suffer from ADHD are more at risk for problems with substance use however, this is due to the disorder not the medication.

A potential side consequence of ADHD medication includes the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Recent research has found that those who use stimulant drugs to treat ADHD have a higher chance of developing cardiovascular disease than those who do not. Researchers examined data from 278 027 individuals, including 10 388 people with ADHD. They compared the participants with 51 672 controls without ADHD. The participants were followed for 14 years.