So , You've Bought Add ADHD Assessment ... Now What?
ADHD Assessment and Treatment
It is crucial to keep in mind that a thorough evaluation of ADHD is essential prior to starting any treatment. This should include a clinician interview, other sources, such as spouse or family members, DSM-5 ADD symptom scales and checklists, and standard tests.
Experts may want to talk to your child's teachers, religious leaders Scouts, coaches, or scouts. This is because ADHD symptoms must be present since childhood before they can be diagnosed as an adult.
Symptoms of ADHD
The symptoms of ADHD are different based on age, however children who suffer from ADHD are often having trouble staying focused on their work or paying attention to others. They might fumble or blurt out answers when asked questions or interrupt others. They may also struggle with organizational skills, become bored easily and have trouble waiting their turn. Symptoms of impulsive behavior can include involving themselves in activities without permission, rushing around or climbing up places they shouldn't. They might also be inclined to use explosive emotions or anger to motivate themselves, such as by making others angry or playing pranks.
A doctor might use questionnaires or clinical interviews to determine if a child has ADHD. Teachers may also be asked to complete ratings scales. They may also perform an examination of the brain or physical to identify any medical conditions that could trigger symptoms of ADHD. This includes mood disorders and thyroid issues.
The evaluator may also ask whether your child is suffering from any other mental disorders, such as conduct disorder, oppositional defiant syndrome or anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your family history, including whether anyone else has ADHD or other psychiatric conditions.
Adults with ADHD have trouble managing their lives, which includes the demands of home and work. They may also have issues getting along with family members or coworkers. They might also be late to appointments or not attend social events because of their health issues. Their struggles at 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 interview the patient as well as an individual who is familiar with them. This could include a spouse, parent, teacher, coach, nanny, or coach for children. The information collected will help the doctor determine which, if any, tests might determine if other conditions cause symptoms of ADHD. It is also possible to employ a checklist to determine the symptoms in adults.
Diagnosis
The process of diagnosing ADHD involves a series of appointments with therapists or doctors. The diagnosis is dependent on the presence of symptoms and their impact on the individual's life. Getting a correct diagnosis is essential for gaining control over the symptoms, which can affect the family and work. A medical professional who is an expert in ADHD, like a psychiatrist or a psychologist will be able to diagnose the condition.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history and symptoms, as well as when they first appeared. The doctor might ask the patient for a journal of their symptoms and how they affect their lives. This can be extremely useful in obtaining an accurate picture of the issue and aiding in determining what tests or assessments are required to determine if ADHD is the cause of the symptoms.
In addition to observing how the person functions in different environments, the doctor will employ questionnaires to determine the signs. This could include questionnaires to parents and teachers to assess children for the disorder, as well as a patient interview to identify 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 will also perform an exam to determine if there isn't any physical issue such as thyroid problems or seizures, which could be causing the problem. Other tests are also available to screen other conditions like anxiety or depression.
Sometimes, the doctor may conduct 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 failed.
For adults who suspect that they or their child is suffering from ADHD the best place to start is by talking with the primary health care provider. If the person does not have a primary physician or a primary care physician, they can ask their insurance company for an inventory of health professionals who are certified to conduct an ADHD evaluation.
Treatment options
The first step in treating is an evaluation by a doctor who will determine if the symptoms are due to ADHD or another mental health issue. 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.
There are a variety of medical conditions that can trigger symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. These include thyroid issues as well as head injuries and seizures. A physical exam may be needed to rule out these causes. A psychological examination will be needed to determine if symptoms are caused by ADHD or a different mental health issue, such as anxiety.
ADHD symptoms can have a major impact on school, work and interpersonal relationships. The person being evaluated must be honest and forthcoming with the examiner about the problems they're having. They shouldn't hold back in fear of being judged or shame. They should describe their symptoms in as much detail as possible, including how they impact their lives at home and at school. Parents should be included in evaluating their children, but not in the decision-making process.
The kind of medication prescribed is based on the underlying condition the symptoms and the age of the child. For example, stimulants are often prescribed to teens and children with ADHD. They stimulate brain activity in areas that control the behavior and attention. They are available in tablets with immediate release and modified-release, which release the medicine slowly throughout the day. Methylphenidate is one of the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD.
Other options for treating ADHD include family and marital therapy or cognitive behavioral treatment which teaches specific methods to change negative behavior to positive ones. Certain adults with ADHD may benefit from these therapies, as well as from educational and occupational accommodations.
The most important aspect is the follow-up. There should be get an adhd assessment to evaluate the progress and decide on next steps. Parents should encourage teachers and other professionals to participate in the process, for example religious or scout leaders. These professionals can provide valuable information on how the child behaves and performs in various situations.
Medication
There are many different drugs used to treat ADHD. Most often, stimulants are used to increase brain activity in specific brain regions that control attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used stimulant for teenagers, adults and children older than five years old, is the most popular. It is available in tablet form, usually 2-3 times a day. It comes in immediate-release (short acting) or extended-release forms (taken one time a day and released throughout the entire day).
Many people report that they feel better after taking a medication. These effects can be observed in educational, social and home settings. The effect of these factors on performance is measured by using one or more standard ratings scales, which compare the performance of a person to others. The scores of these forms of rating are not considered diagnostic by themselves however they are important sources of objective information during the evaluation process.
In addition to medication, there are also non-medical treatments for ADHD that include behavioral therapy and training for teachers and parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that parents attend training in managing their behavior prior to using medications on their children. The guidelines also call for psychotherapy and classroom-based intervention to be a part of the treatment program for adolescents and teenagers with ADHD.
Most often, ADHD medication can cause nausea, sleep disturbances, and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Certain children and teens who are taking stimulants might develop tics. They are repetitive sounds or movements, such as eye-blinking or clearing the throat. Some children and teens who are taking ADHD medication might experience a slight decrease in their growth, however this is typically minor and does not affect their final height.
Stimulant medication does have the potential to trigger addiction and abuse, but research has shown that this is not a problem with the dosages prescribed for ADHD. Some kids and teens who suffer from ADHD are at higher risk for addiction issues, but that is due to the disorder, not the medication.
Another potential negative result of ADHD medication is the chance for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recent research has revealed that those who take stimulant medications to treat ADHD have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease than those who don't. Researchers analyzed data from 278 027 individuals comprising 10 388 people with ADHD. They compared these participants to 51 672 healthy controls without ADHD. The participants were monitored for 14 years.