ADHD Assessment and Treatment
Before starting any treatment, it is important to conduct a thorough evaluation of ADHD. This includes a physician interview, other sources, such as a spouse or family member, DSM-5 ADD symptom scales and checklists, as well as tests that are standardized.
Experts might suggest talking to your child's religious leaders, teachers, scouts or coaches. ADHD symptoms must be present from childhood to be recognized at an adult age.
Symptoms of ADHD
The symptoms of ADHD differ based on age, but children with the condition often have trouble staying focused on their work or paying attention to other people. They might fumble, blurt out answers to questions or interrupt other people. adhd assessment uk free may also have trouble organizing, become easily bored and have a hard time waiting for their turn. Symptoms of impulsive behavior can include a tendency to engage in activities without permission, running around or climbing up places they shouldn't. They may also be prone to use extreme excitement or anger to excite themselves, such as through causing others to be angry or playing off pranks.
In an evaluation, a physician may employ questionnaires or clinical interviews to determine whether a child has ADHD. They can also request that the child's teachers complete rating scales. They may also perform an exam of the brain or a physical to detect possible medical issues that can cause symptoms of ADHD, such as thyroid conditions or mood disorders.
The evaluation will also need to determine if your child suffers from any other mental health issues such as oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder or anxiety disorders. adhd assessment cost will also inquire about your family history, such as if anyone else has ADHD or other psychiatric disorders.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have trouble managing their lives, including the demands of home and work. They may also have difficulty working with family members or colleagues. These symptoms can result in them being late for appointments or not attend social gatherings. Their academic difficulties can result in failure at 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 interview the patient along with someone who knows them well such as a spouse or parent for adults, or a teacher, coach, nanny or coach for children. The information will help the doctor decide which tests, if any are required, will determine the cause of other conditions that can cause ADHD symptoms. They can also employ a checklist to determine the symptoms in adults.
Diagnosis
The method of diagnosing ADHD involves a series sessions with therapists or doctors. The diagnosis is determined by the presence of symptoms and their impact on a person's life. It is essential to get the correct diagnosis to control symptoms that can interfere with work and family. A doctor who is an expert in ADHD, like a psychologist or psychiatrist, will diagnose the condition.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history 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 impact their lives. This is a great way to get a clear picture of the problem and to decide on the tests or assessments will be required to determine if ADHD is the reason.
The doctor may also utilize questionnaires to determine symptoms. The doctor might use questionnaires for parents or teachers to evaluate children, and an interview with the patient to determine 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.
Certain doctors may also conduct an exam to ensure there isn't any physical issue, such as thyroid problems or seizures, that could be the cause of the problem. Other tests may be conducted to check for other conditions like anxiety or depression.
Sometimes, the doctor may request brain scans to identify other possible causes of the symptoms. These tests, which aren't routinely used to diagnose ADHD however, can be a useful tool when other diagnostic procedures have been ruled out.
If you or your child suspects they might have ADHD and you suspect that they do, it is recommended to consult your primary physician. If the patient doesn't have a primary physician and is looking for a referral to their insurance provider for the list of health professionals who are qualified to conduct an ADHD evaluation.
Treatment options
The first step to treatment is an evaluation by a doctor who can determine if symptoms are caused by ADHD or another mental health condition. A thorough assessment could include an interview with the child and a parent and rating scales that compare behavior to that of people who do not have ADHD.
There are a variety of medical conditions that can trigger symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. These include thyroid problems, head injuries, and seizures. It may be necessary to undergo an exam for physical symptoms to rule out the presence of these ailments. A psychological examination may be necessary to determine if the symptoms are caused by ADHD or some other mental health condition like anxiety.
ADHD symptoms can have a significant impact on school, work, and relationships. The person who is being evaluated should discuss the problems they are experiencing in a candid and honest manner with the examiner and not hide behind out of shame or fear of being judged. They should report symptoms as accurately as they can, including the way they affect them at home and in school. Parents should be involved in evaluating their children but not in the decision-making process.
The kind of medication prescribed is based on the underlying condition as well as the symptoms and age of the child. For instance stimulants are commonly prescribed in children and teens to treat ADHD because they work by increasing activity in areas of the brain that regulate attention and behavior. These medications are available in the form of immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication slowly throughout the day. Methylphenidate, the most common medication prescribed for ADHD is available in tablet form.
Other options for treating ADHD include family and marital therapy or cognitive behavior therapy that teaches specific strategies to change negative behavior into positive behavior. Some adults who have ADHD may benefit from these therapies as well as occupational and educational accommodations.
The most crucial aspect of treatment is following-up by having regular meetings to examine progress and determine the next steps. Parents should encourage teachers and other professionals to participate in the process, such as Scout or religious leaders. These professionals can provide valuable information on how the child behaves in different environments and provide a more complete picture of the child's behavior.
Medication
There are a variety of medications used to treat ADHD. The most common are stimulants, which work by increasing the activity in specific brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used stimulant for adults, teenagers and children older than 5 years old. It is available in tablet form and is typically taken between 2 and 3 times per day. It comes 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 home, school and social settings. The impact of these variables on performance is measured 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 serve as important sources of information when evaluating the process.
In addition to medications, there are also non-medicated solutions for ADHD that include therapy for behavior and training for parents and teachers. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents attend training on behavior management before trying medication for their children. The guidelines recommend that psychotherapy as well as classroom-based interventions be part of the treatment plan of adolescents and teens suffering from 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 could develop tics. They are repetitive sounds or movements, such as eye-blinking or clearing the throat. Some teens and children who are taking ADHD medication might experience a slight decrease in their growth, however this is typically not significant and does not alter their height at the end of the day.
These medications have the potential for addiction and abuse, however research shows that this is not a significant risk with the dosages used to treat ADHD. Certain teens and children who have ADHD are more prone for problems with substance use however, this is due to the disorder not the medication.
A possible side consequence of ADHD medication is the possibility of developing cardiovascular disease. Recent research found that people who take stimulant medication to treat ADHD have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease than those who do not. Researchers examined data from 278 027 people, which included 10 388 who had ADHD. They compared them to 51 672 control participants without ADHD. These participants were tracked for 14 years.