How to Diagnose and Treat ADHD
Many people think ADHD is a child's condition however, it can affect adults. If diagnosed and treated for ADHD an individual can lead a happier life.
An evaluation for ADHD could involve a conversation with the person and family members. The specialist could look over old school records to determine if the symptoms started as when a child.
Symptoms
ADHD is a disorder that affects work, school as well as home life. Everyone struggles with concentration and staying organised from time to time. To be able to identify the disorder, someone must exhibit severe symptoms in at least two of these areas, and prove that the symptoms significantly hinder everyday functioning. The symptoms must also have been present for at least six months.
A doctor will ask the patient about their symptoms, and also about any medical concerns and family history. They can also utilize rating scales that measure a adult's or child's symptoms. These questionnaires are often constructed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They ask about symptoms like hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive.
Adults may be asked to speak with their spouse or someone they know well. This isn't to doubt the authenticity of the person, but rather to gain a better understanding of the person's behavior that cannot be gleaned from an interview. It is also possible to inquire about their childhood behavior, and look at old school records to determine if the symptoms started before the age of 12.
Before making a diagnosis, the doctor will conduct a physical exam and do tests in the lab to rule out other health issues, like head injuries or thyroid issues that may cause similar symptoms. The doctor will also review the patient's medication list. Doctors will take into consideration the interaction between stimulants and certain medications prescribed for depression, high blood pressure, and other issues. This is why it's important for adults to talk to their primary care providers if they think they might have ADHD.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must manifest in two or more settings (like school, home and at work) and seriously hinder functioning. They also must have begun before the age of 12, and the impairment can't be due to another disorder, like depression or anxiety.
A mental health professional uses various tools to evaluate the patient, such as ADHD symptoms lists, standardized behaviour rating scales, and a detailed medical history. They can also speak with family members or friends to learn what the symptoms have done to them. They'll inquire if the symptoms are similar to other psychiatric disorders or physical conditions.
The evaluators will consider whether the symptoms are severe or mild. They will also examine the patient's medical and family history in order to determine if there are any underlying causes for their issue like thyroid disorders or head injuries.
In some instances, an evaluator may want to perform cognitive testing or ask the person to undergo an imaging test to rule out other causes for their symptoms, such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, personality disorders or alcohol abuse. People with these disorders often show different symptoms than those without these problems. Boys tend to display hyperactive symptoms, whereas girls exhibit inattention symptoms.
Many people with ADHD might be interested in participating in a clinical study to test new treatments. This is a great opportunity to further research. However, participants must be aware that the main purpose of these studies is scientific knowledge, not a guarantee of treatment. Visit the NIMH's Clinical Trials Fact Sheet for more information on clinical trials.
Treatment
If you suspect you have ADHD, find a professional who is certified to recognize the disorder. Check with your health insurance provider to see whether ADHD specialists are covered, and then seek referrals from your family doctor or other health care professionals. Word-of-mouth recommendations are an option.
A doctor will talk to the patient -or their parents, in children's cases -- about the symptoms. She might use checklists with standardized criteria or ADHD symptoms, and also ask others in the person's life for details like their spouses and their families. Personal experience often reveals more than can be discovered from questionnaires.
Experts will also look over old school records and reports, particularly those from the past. Often, the diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the person's past and, in order to be diagnosed with the condition, the symptoms must have been present since the age of a child (technically prior to age 12).
A physical exam is often performed. It checks for other medical problems that could be the cause of symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizure disorders. The specialist will typically conduct a neurological exam which checks for coordination and motor control. Psychological tests that test the ability to think and be smart could be used. In addition the person could be asked to complete simple computer tasks to test memory and attention. This can help the expert determine if a person is hyperactive, inattentive or impulsive. The specialist will determine the treatment plan and provide an assessment. Treatment plans typically comprise therapy and medication. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy can teach adults and children healthy coping skills and change unhelpful thinking patterns. This therapy is usually performed by an primary care physician or a mental health professional who specializes in adult ADHD.
Medication
Many people with ADHD are helped by medication. However, this is not the only treatment for the condition. Psychotherapy, behavioral therapy or a combination can be beneficial to teenagers, children, and adults. These therapies assist them in dealing with their ADHD symptoms and help them learn to manage these symptoms. Psychoeducation, or education about ADHD and how to manage it, could be included. They can also include family members, teachers and professionals.
It's crucial to find a mental health professional or health care professional with experience treating ADHD. You can seek suggestions from others who suffer from ADHD or from a mental health professional you already know, or perform an online search. It's important to find a specialist familiar with your insurance.
To diagnose ADHD to determine the cause, a health care provider will ask about your your child's symptoms as well as the problems caused by the condition. They will conduct an examination of the body and look for any other health conditions that could cause similar symptoms. adhd in adults diagnosis will review the medical and family history of your child or you and also school documents and other reports.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adults can be more difficult because the symptoms Guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-V) are primarily designed to diagnose children. Your health care provider will talk to you or your child about their symptoms and may request other people who spend many hours with them to fill out questionnaires and checklists. They will use these to help them decide whether you or your child has inattentive ADHD, hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, combined ADHD or unspecified ADHD. Medications used to treat ADHD include stimulants, such as methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine, and nonstimulants like atomoxetine and certain antidepressants. They work by boosting and balancing levels of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals.
Counseling
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from comorbid disorders, like anxiety or depression. For this reason, treatment should be based on therapy that targets these issues. Certain patients can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy that teaches skills such as time and task management as well as emotional self-regulation.
Therapists can also assist patients to manage their symptoms by changing their lifestyle. For instance, a regular exercise routine can reduce hyperactivity and increase concentration. A healthy diet is important; people with ADHD tend to eat higher levels of sugar and fat and consume less vegetables and fruits than other people. Lastly, making family and social relationships an important factor can reduce stress levels and allow people to feel more in control of their lives.
A diagnosis of ADHD can aid children and adults to comprehend their difficulties. For example, a child who has ADHD may have trouble communicating his or her needs to teachers and peers, but when a teacher realizes that it's not due to a lack of motivation, accommodations can be implemented.
A professional who is evaluating ADHD will ask questions that are geared towards the person's specific age, speak with family and teachers, look over medical records, and look for any comorbid conditions. If ADHD symptoms started before adulthood, school records can be helpful for adults.
The specialist will also check for any vision or hearing problems with hearing or vision. He or she might also conduct tests on blood to check for certain hormones, and other health conditions that can cause ADHD-like signs and symptoms.