Now That You've Purchased Add ADHD Assessment ... Now What?
ADHD Assessment and Treatment
Before starting any treatment, it is important to conduct a thorough evaluation of ADHD. This includes a physician interview, additional information from sources, like the spouse or a family member, DSM-5 ADD symptom scales and checklists, as well as standardized tests.
Experts may suggest speaking to your child's teachers, religious leaders Scouts, coaches, or scouts. ADHD symptoms must be evident from childhood to be recognized at an adult age.
ADHD symptoms
ADHD symptoms vary depending on age, but many children suffering from this disorder struggle to focus or pay attention. They might fumble or blurt out answers when asked questions, or interrupt others. They may also struggle with organizing skills, are easily bored and find it difficult to wait their turn. The behavior of an impulsive person is defined as getting involved in activities or running around without permission. They might also be prone to using extreme emotions or anger to stimulate themselves and may even make others mad or playing pranks on them.
In an assessment, a doctor might use clinical interviews or questionnaires to determine whether a child has ADHD. They may also request that the child's teachers fill out rating scales. They can also conduct a physical or neurodevelopmental exam to identify possible medical problems that may cause symptoms of ADHD, such as thyroid conditions or mood disorders.
The evaluator may also ask whether your child has any other mental disorder such as conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder, or anxiety disorders. They will also ask you about your family background. For instance, if any other family members are suffering from ADHD or other psychiatric disorders.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have trouble managing their lives, which includes household and work obligations. They may also have trouble being a good friend to family members or colleagues. They might also be late to appointments or fail to attend social events due to their symptoms. The difficulties they face in school could cause 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 interview the patient along with someone who is familiar with them -- a spouse or parent for adults, or a teacher, coach or nanny for children. The information will help the doctor decide which tests, if required, will identify other conditions that cause ADHD symptoms. It is also possible to employ a checklist to determine the symptoms in adults.
Diagnosis
The method of diagnosing ADHD involves a series of sessions with therapists or doctors. The diagnosis is made according to the severity of the symptoms and how they affect the person's daily life. It is crucial to obtain the right diagnosis in order to control symptoms that can hinder work and family. A doctor who is an expert in ADHD, like a psychologist or psychiatrist will be able to determine the cause of the disorder.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history and symptoms, which includes an explanation of when they first began to show. The doctor might request a diary detailing their symptoms and how they impact their lives. This is very useful in obtaining an accurate picture of the issue and assisting in determining what tests or evaluations are required to determine if ADHD is the cause of the symptoms.
In addition to observing how a person is functioning in various environments, the doctor will utilize questionnaires to evaluate the symptoms. The doctor might use questionnaires for parents and teachers to assess children, as well as 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 examination to ensure there isn't a physical condition like thyroid issues or seizures, that could be the root of the problem. Other tests are also available to determine if there are other issues such as depression or anxiety.
Sometimes, the doctor may request brain scans to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. from this source are not used to diagnose ADHD but can be useful when other diagnostic procedures have not worked.
If you are an adult who suspects that you or their child may have ADHD the best place to begin is by talking with an primary doctor. If the patient doesn't have a primary physician or a primary care physician, they can ask their insurance company for the list of health professionals who are certified to conduct an ADHD evaluation.
Treatment options
The first step to treatment is an evaluation by a doctor who will determine if the symptoms are related to ADHD or another mental health condition. A thorough evaluation may include an interview with the child and a parent and rating scales that measure the behavior of those with and without ADHD.
Many medical conditions can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD which include thyroid problems, seizures and head injuries. A physical exam could be required to determine these causes. A psychological examination may be required to determine if the symptoms are related to ADHD or some other mental health issue, such as anxiety.
Symptoms of ADHD can cause significant difficulties in work, school and in relationships. The person being evaluated must be honest and candid with the examiner about the problems they're experiencing. They shouldn't be hesitant for fear of criticism or shame. They should report symptoms as accurately as possible, including the way they affect them at home and at school. Parents should be involved in the evaluation process, but they should not make the decision to prescribe medication for their child.
The type of medication prescribed will depend on the child's age, the condition that is creating the symptoms, and the type of medication. For instance, stimulants are typically used in adolescents and children to treat ADHD because they help by increasing activity in areas of the brain that regulate attention and behavior. These medications are available as tablets that are immediate-release and modified-release, which release the medicine gradually throughout the day. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD.
Other treatments for ADHD include family and marital therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches specific strategies to change negative behavior to positive ones. These treatments can be beneficial to adults suffering from ADHD, as well educational and occupational accommodations.
The most important aspect of treatment is the follow-up phase with regular meetings to evaluate progress and decide on next steps. Parents should be encouraged to involve teachers and other professionals, like religious and scout leaders, in the process. These people can provide valuable information on how the child behaves in different environments and provide a more complete picture of the child's behavior.
Medication
ADHD is treated with different medications. The most common are stimulants, which function by increasing activity in certain brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used stimulant for teens, adults and children older than five years old, is the most well-known. It is taken in tablet form, typically 2-3 times a day. It is available in immediate-release (short acting) or extended-release versions (taken once a day and released throughout the entire day).
Many people claim to feel better after taking medication. These effects are typically observed in the home, school, and social environments. The effect of these factors on performance is evaluated using one or more standardized ratings scales, which compare the behavior of an individual with other people. These ratings are not diagnostic by themselves but they can provide valuable, information that can be used to aid in the evaluation process.
There are many non-medical treatments for ADHD, including behavioral therapy and training of teachers and parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents receive training in behavioral management prior to trying medications for their children. The guidelines recommend that psychotherapy and interventions in the classroom should be included in the treatment plan of adolescents and teens with ADHD.
The most frequent adverse effects of ADHD medication are upset stomach and changes in heart rate and blood pressure as well as sleep disturbances. Certain children and teens who are taking stimulants could develop tics. They are repetitive movements or noises like eye-blinking or throat clearing. Some children and teens who are taking ADHD medication may experience a slight reduction in their height, but this is typically not significant and does not impact their final height.
The stimulant drugs do have the potential for addiction and abuse, but research shows that there is no significant risk at the doses used to treat ADHD. Some kids and teens who suffer from ADHD are more at risk for substance use problems however, this is due to the disorder, not the medication.
A possible side result of ADHD medication is the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. A recent study showed that people who took stimulant medications for ADHD had a higher risk of developing CVD than those who did not take the medication. Researchers looked at data from 278 027 individuals, including 10 388 with ADHD. They compared them to 51 672 people who were not diagnosed with ADHD. The participants were followed for 14 years.