How to Diagnose and Treat ADHD
Many people believe that ADHD is a condition only of children, but it can affect adults as well. If diagnosed and treated for ADHD the patient can lead a happier life.
Interviewing the individual and their family members could be a part of an evaluation for ADHD. The doctor may also examine the school records of the past to determine whether symptoms began as when a child.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects work, school as well as home life. Everyone struggles with concentration and staying organized at times. A person must show major symptoms in two of these areas and they must be able to significantly impact the daily functioning of the person to be deemed to have ADHD. The symptoms must also have been present for a minimum of six months.
A doctor will inquire of the patient about his or her symptoms, and also about any medical concerns and family history. They can also use rating scales that measure a adult's or child's symptoms. These questionnaires are often built on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They ask about symptoms like hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.
For adults, doctors might request a conversation with someone else in the family or who know the patient well. This isn't to question the authenticity of the person, but rather to gain a better understanding of a person's behavior that can't be obtained from an interview. They could inquire about childhood behavior and refer to old school records to determine whether symptoms began before the age of 12.
Before determining a diagnosis, the doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination and run lab tests to rule other ailments, such as thyroid problems or head injuries, which can cause similar symptoms. The doctor will also look over the medication list of a patient. Certain medications for depression, high blood pressure and other conditions can be a trigger for stimulants, so the doctor will consider these when recommending treatments. This is the reason it's crucial for adults to consult their primary care physicians if they think they might have ADHD.
Diagnosis
For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must occur in more than one setting (like home, school and at work) and have a significant impact on functioning. They must also have started at the age of 12 and the impairment can't be caused by a different disorder, such as anxiety or depression.
A mental health professional uses various tools to assess the patient, including ADHD symptoms lists, standardized behaviour rating scales, and a detailed medical history. They may also interview family members and friends to find out how the patient's symptoms have affected them. They'll ask if the symptoms are similar to the symptoms of other mental health conditions or physical conditions.
The evaluators will consider whether the symptoms are severe or mild. They will also look into the patient's medical and familial background to determine if there is any underlying causes of their problem like thyroid issues or head injuries.
In some cases the evaluator may want to conduct a cognitive test or ask the person to take an imaging test in order to determine the cause of their symptoms, such as learning disabilities. People with these disorders often show different symptoms than those without these problems. For example, boys tend to show hyperactive symptoms and girls show inattention symptoms.
Some people with ADHD are interested in taking part in a clinical study to test new treatments. This is a great opportunity to continue research. However, participants should be aware that the primary objective of these studies is scientific knowledge and not necessarily the guarantee of treatment. For more information about clinical trials, visit the NIMH's Clinical Trials fact sheet.
Treatment
If you suspect they have ADHD, it's important to find a professional who is experienced in diagnosing the disorder. Contact your health insurance company to inquire for confirmation if ADHD specialists are covered. You could also ask your family physician or other healthcare professionals for recommendations. Additionally, referrals from word-of-mouth are a good option.
A doctor will interview the patient -or their parents in children's cases -- about the symptoms. They can use standardized questionnaires or ADHD symptoms checklists, and request details from other people in the person's life, including spouses and family members. Personal insight will reveal more than can be learned from questionnaires.
An expert will also want to examine any records that the person may have, especially old school reports. The diagnosis of ADHD is usually based on the history of a person. To be considered diagnosed the symptoms must have been present from the time of childhood (technically, before the age 12).
A physical exam is also typically performed. It's also examined for any other medical issues which could be causing symptoms, such thyroid problems or seizures. A neurological examination is often carried out by an expert to check the coordination and motor control. Psychological tests that measure intelligence and abilities may also be used. The test subject may be asked to perform simple computer tasks to test attention and memory. This could assist an expert determine whether a person is hyperactive or not. The expert will choose the best treatment plan and then make an assessment. Typically, the treatment plan includes therapy and medication. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can teach adults and children healthy coping techniques and change unhelpful thinking patterns. This therapy is offered by a primary doctor or a mental healthcare professional who is a specialist in adult ADHD.
Medication
Many people suffering from ADHD are helped by medication. However it is not the only way to treat the condition. Adults, teens and children are also able to benefit from behavioral therapy, psychotherapy or any combination of the two. These therapies aid them in dealing with their ADHD symptoms and learn how to live with the symptoms. They may include psychoeducation, which is education about ADHD and methods to manage it. They can include family members, teachers and professionals.
It's crucial to locate an expert in mental health or health professional who has experience in treating ADHD. You can ask other people who suffer from ADHD for suggestions or refer to a mental health practitioner you trust. You can also do an online search. It is important to find a specialist familiar with your insurance.
The health professional will ask you or your child about symptoms and issues caused by ADHD. They will perform an examination of the body and look for any other health issues that may trigger similar symptoms. click hyperlink will review the medical and family history of you or your child and also school records and other reports.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults can be a bit more difficult due to the fact that the symptoms Guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-V) are primarily designed to diagnose children. Your health care provider may interview you or your children about the symptoms and have other people who spend lots of time with them to fill out checklists and questionnaires. They will use these to help them decide whether you or your child has inattentive ADHD, hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, combined ADHD or unspecified ADHD. The drugs used to treat ADHD include stimulants, like methylphenidate and Lisdexamfetamine as well as non-stimulants such as atomoxetine or certain antidepressants. They work by boosting levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters.
Counseling
Many people who suffer from ADHD also have comorbid disorders, such as anxiety or depression. Because of this, treatment should include therapy that addresses these issues. Some patients may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps develop skills such as time and task management, emotional self-regulation, and impulse control.
Additionally, therapists can assist patients in managing their symptoms by making lifestyle adjustments. Regular exercise can help reduce hyperactivity and improve focus. A healthy diet is crucial for people with ADHD tend to eat higher levels of sugar and fat, and eat fewer vegetables and fruits than the rest of us. Also, making social and family relationships prioritizing relationships can reduce stress levels and allow people to feel more in control of their lives.
Another benefit of an ADHD diagnosis is that it gives children and adults a clearer awareness of their difficulties. For instance, a child with ADHD might have difficulty communicating their needs to teachers and peers However, when a teacher realizes that it's not due to personal issues or to inattention, accommodations can be provided.
A professional doing an ADHD evaluation will ask questions that are geared towards the age of the person, talk to family members and teachers as well as review medical records and check for comorbid conditions. For adults, records from school could be helpful in determining if the ADHD symptoms began before age.
The doctor will also look for any vision or hearing problems. They may also do an analysis of blood to check for certain hormones and other health issues that could cause ADHD-like symptoms.