ADHD Assessment and Treatment
It is important to keep in mind that a thorough assessment of ADHD is essential prior to starting any treatment. This should include an interview with a clinician as well as information from outside sources such as spouses or other family members, DSM-5 ADD symptom checklists and rating scales as well as tests that are standardized.
Experts may want to talk to your child's religious leaders, teachers, scouts or coaches. ADHD symptoms must be evident from childhood to be diagnosed at an adult age.
ADHD symptoms
The signs of ADHD are different based on age, however children who suffer from ADHD often have difficulty staying focused on their tasks or paying attention to others. They might fumble or blurt out answers when asked questions or interrupt others. They might also have issues with organization, be easily bored and have a difficult waiting to be the next. Impulsive behavior can be characterized by jumping into activities or running around in circles without permission. They could also be inclined to use exuberant emotions or anger to motivate their own egos, for example by making others angry or pulling pranks.
In an evaluation, a physician may utilize questionnaires or interviews to determine if a child has ADHD. They may also ask teachers to complete rating scales. They can also conduct a physical or neurodevelopmental exam to detect possible medical issues that can cause symptoms of ADHD, such as thyroid conditions or mood disorders.
The evaluator can also ask if your child suffers from any other mental disorder like conduct disorder as well as oppositional defiant syndrome and anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your family history. For instance, if any other members of your family are suffering from ADHD or any other psychiatric disorder.
Adults with ADHD frequently have trouble managing their daily life, which includes the demands of work and home. They may also have trouble being a good friend to family members or colleagues. These symptoms can result in them being late for appointments or fail to attend social gatherings. The academic challenges they face can lead to a 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. Doctors will interview the patient and someone who is familiar with them -- such as a spouse or parent for adults or a teacher coach, nanny or coach for children. The information gathered will help the doctor determine what tests could determine if other conditions are causing symptoms of ADHD. They can also use a checklist to identify these signs in adults.
Diagnosis
The method of diagnosing ADHD involves a series appointments with therapists or doctors. The diagnosis is dependent on the presence of symptoms and their impact on the individual's life. It is important to get the right diagnosis in order to control the symptoms that may affect the family life and work. A healthcare provider who is an expert in ADHD such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist will be able to determine the cause of the disorder.
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 record of their symptoms as well as their impact on their lives. This can be very helpful in getting an exact picture of the issue and helping to decide what tests or evaluations are required to determine if ADHD is the cause of the symptoms.
In addition to observing how the person is functioning in different environments, the doctor will employ questionnaires to determine the symptoms. The doctor might use questionnaires for parents and teachers to assess children and an interview with the patient to assess 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.
Certain doctors may also conduct an exam to determine if there isn't any physical issue, like thyroid problems or seizure, which could be causing the issue. adhd assessment glasgow may be conducted to determine if there are other issues like anxiety or depression.
Sometimes, the doctor might order brain scans in order to rule out possible causes of the symptoms. These tests, which aren't typically used to diagnose ADHD, are a helpful test when other diagnostic procedures have been cleared.
If you or your child suspects they might have ADHD and you suspect that they do, it is recommended to consult an experienced primary physician. If the patient does not have a primary physician, they should contact their insurance company for a list of health specialists in their area who are certified to perform an ADHD assessment.
Treatment options
A physician can determine whether the symptoms are caused by ADHD or another mental disorder. A thorough evaluation can include an interview with a parent and child, as well as rating scales that compare the child's behavior with that of those without ADHD.
There are many medical conditions that can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. These include thyroid issues or head injuries, as well as seizures. A physical exam may be required to rule out these causes. A psychological examination will be required to determine if the symptoms are caused by ADHD or another mental health condition like anxiety.
ADHD symptoms can have a significant impact on school, work, and relationships. The person being evaluated must be honest and forthcoming with the examiner about the issues they're experiencing. They shouldn't be hesitant for fear of criticism or shame. They should describe symptoms as accurately as possible, including the way they affect them at home and in school. Parents should be involved in evaluations, but not in the decision-making process.
The type of medication prescribed will depend on the child's age, the condition that is causing the symptoms and the type of medication prescribed. For example, stimulants are commonly prescribed to teens and children with ADHD. They stimulate brain activity in areas that regulate attention and behaviour. These medications may come in the form of tablets with immediate release or modified-release tablets that release the medicine slowly throughout the day. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD.
Other kinds of treatment for ADHD might include family and marital counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps to teach specific skills to transform negative behaviors into positive ones. These treatments can be beneficial to adults suffering from ADHD, as well occupational and educational accommodations.
The most important aspect is the follow-up. There should be frequent meetings to assess progress and decide 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 about how the child behaves in various settings and give a fuller picture of the child's functioning.
Medication
ADHD is treated using various medications. The most commonly used are stimulants that work by increasing the activity in specific brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used stimulant for adults, teens and children who are older than five years old, is the most well-known. It is available in tablet form, usually 2-3 times per day. It is available in immediate release (short acting) or extended-release forms (taken only once per day, but released throughout the day).
Many people report that they feel better after taking medication. These effects can be seen in educational, social and home settings. The effect on performance in these environments is measured using one or more standardized rating scales, which compare behavior of the person with those of other people. adhd assessment scotland are not diagnostic in themselves but they can provide valuable, objective information for the evaluation process.
In addition to medications, there are also non-medicated solutions for ADHD that include therapy for behavior and training for teachers and parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that parents attend training in behavior management prior to attempting medication on their children. The guidelines recommend that psychotherapy as well as classroom-based interventions be included in the treatment plan of adolescents and teens with ADHD.
Most often, ADHD medication can cause nausea, sleep disturbances, and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Certain teens and children who take stimulants may develop tics, which are repetitive movements or sounds, such as eye blinking or clearing the throat. Certain children and teens who take ADHD medication might experience a slight decrease in their height, but it is usually minor and doesn't impact their final height.
The stimulant medications have the potential to lead to addiction and abuse, but studies have shown that this is not the case at the dosages prescribed for ADHD. ADHD can increase the risk of substance abuse in some kids and teens but this isn't due to the medication.
A potential adverse effect 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 analyzed data of 278 027 people, which included 10 388 who had ADHD. They compared these individuals to 51 672 people who did not have ADHD. The participants were monitored for 14 years.