ADHD Assessment and Treatment
It is important to remember that a complete evaluation of ADHD is essential prior to starting any treatment. This includes a physician interview, other sources, like a spouse or family member, DSM-5 ADD symptom scales and checklists, and standardized tests.
Experts may also want to review your child's school record and speak with teachers as well as religious leaders, scout leaders or coaches. ADHD symptoms must be present from the beginning of childhood to be diagnosed at an adult age.
Signs and symptoms of ADHD
The signs of ADHD vary by age, however children who suffer from ADHD often have difficulty staying focused on tasks or paying attention to others. They might fumble or mutter answers when asked questions, or interrupt others. They might also struggle with organization, be easily bored and have a tough waiting to be the next. Impulsive behavior is often described as engaging in activities or rushing around without permission. They might also be inclined to using explosive excitement or anger to excite themselves, such as by making others angry or playing jokes.
A doctor may employ questionnaires or interviews to determine if a child is ADHD. They can also ask teachers to complete rating scales. They can also conduct a neurodevelopmental or physical exam to find any medical issues that could cause symptoms of ADHD. These include thyroid disorders and mood disorders.
The evaluation will also need to determine if your child suffers from any other mental health conditions like oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder or anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your family background. For instance whether any other family members have ADHD or other psychiatric disorders.
Adults who suffer from ADHD struggle with managing their lives, which includes the demands of home and work. They may also have issues getting along with their coworkers or family members. These symptoms can cause them to be late for appointments or fail to attend social events. Their academic difficulties 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. are adhd assessments covered by insurance will examine the patient along with anyone who knows them well -- a spouse or parent for adults, or a teacher, coach or nanny for children. The information gathered will help the doctor determine what, if any, tests might rule out other conditions that cause symptoms of ADHD. They may also utilize a checklist to detect the symptoms in adults.
Diagnosis
The method of diagnosing ADHD involves a number of sessions with therapists and doctors. The diagnosis is dependent on the presence of symptoms and their impact on a person's life. A correct diagnosis is essential for gaining control over the symptoms which can interfere with the family and work. The diagnosis is given by a healthcare professional who is specialized in ADHD and related disorders, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
The doctor will talk about the patient's medical background and symptoms as well as the date they first began to show. The doctor might request a journal of the symptoms they experience and how they affect their lives. This can be extremely helpful in getting an accurate picture of the issue and assisting in determining what tests or assessments are needed to determine whether ADHD is the reason behind the symptoms.
In addition to observing how a person performs in various situations, the doctor may use questionnaires to assess the symptoms. The doctor could use questionnaires for parents and teachers to assess children, as well as 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.
Some doctors will also do an examination to ensure there isn't any physical issue, such as thyroid problems or seizures, that could be the cause of the issue. Other tests could be performed to check for other conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
Sometimes, the doctor will conduct brain scans to determine the cause of the symptoms. These tests, which aren't commonly used to diagnose ADHD however, are a helpful instrument when other diagnostic procedures have been eliminated.
If you or your child suspects they might have ADHD or other disorders, it is best to consult a primary physician. If the patient doesn't have a primary physician, they can contact their insurance company for an inventory of health professionals who are trained to conduct an ADHD assessment.
Treatment options
The first step in treatment is an evaluation by a physician who can determine if symptoms are due to ADHD or another mental health condition. A thorough evaluation may include an interview with the child and parents and rating scales that measure the behavior of those with and without ADHD.
Many medical conditions can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD, including thyroid problems seizures, head injuries and seizures. A physical exam may also be required to rule out these causes. A psychological exam may be needed to determine if symptoms are due to ADHD or some other mental health condition, such as anxiety.
The signs of ADHD can lead to significant difficulties in work, school and in relationships. The person being evaluated must be honest and open with the examiner about the issues they're having. They shouldn't hide their feelings for fear of criticism or shame. They should describe symptoms as accurately as possible and include the ways they affect them both at home and in school. Parents should be included in evaluating their children, but not in the decision-making process.
The kind of medication prescribed will depend on the underlying condition, symptoms and age of the child. For instance stimulants are often prescribed in adolescents and children to treat ADHD due to their effectiveness in stimulating the areas of the brain that control attention and behavior. These medications may come in the form of tablets that release immediately or modified-release tablets that release the medicine slowly throughout the day. Methylphenidate is one of the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD.
Other treatments for ADHD include marital and family therapy or cognitive behavior therapy that teaches specific strategies to transform negative behaviors into positive behaviors. Some adults who have ADHD may benefit from these therapies and also from educational and occupational accommodations.
The most important thing is the follow-up. It is essential to hold regular meetings to evaluate the progress made and determine next steps. Parents should be encouraged to include teachers and other professionals, like religious and scout leaders, in the process. These experts can provide valuable advice on how the child behaves and performs in various situations.
Medication
There are a variety of medications that are used to treat ADHD. Most often, stimulants work by increasing brain activity in specific brain regions that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used stimulant for teenagers, adults and children who are over 5 years old. It is taken in tablet form, typically 2 to 3 times a day. It is available in immediate release (short-acting) or extended-release (taken every day in the morning, and released throughout the day).
Many people report that they feel better after taking medication. These effects can be observed in social, educational and home settings. The effect of these influences on performance is assessed by using one or more standard ratings scales that compare the performance of a person to others. The scores of these rating forms are not considered to be diagnostic in themselves however they are important sources of information when evaluating the process.
There are many non-medical treatments for ADHD such as the use of behavioral therapy and training for parents and teachers. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that parents undergo training in behavior management prior to attempting medications on their children. The guidelines also recommend psychotherapy and a classroom-based intervention to be part of the treatment plan for teens and adolescents with ADHD.
Most often, ADHD medication can cause nausea, sleep disturbances, and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Children and teens who are taking stimulants could develop tics. These are repetitive actions or sounds such as eye-blinking, or throat clearing. ADHD medication may cause a slight reduction in growth for certain adolescents and children, however it's usually minimal and does not affect their height at the end of the day.
Stimulant medications do have the potential to cause addiction and abuse, but research shows that there isn't a significant risk with the dosages used to treat ADHD. ADHD can increase the risk of addiction to substances in some teens and children, but this is not due to the medication.
Another possible adverse result of ADHD medication is the risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). A recent study revealed that those who took stimulant medication for ADHD had a greater chance of developing CVD than others who did not take the drugs. Researchers examined data from 278 027 individuals, including 10 388 with ADHD. They compared the participants with 51 672 healthy controls without ADHD. The participants were monitored for 14 years.