How to Diagnose and Treat ADHD
Many people believe that ADHD is only a condition of children, however it can also affect adults. If diagnosed and treated for ADHD the patient can live a better life.
Interviewing the individual and their family members may be part of an evaluation for ADHD. The doctor may also review old school records to determine if the symptoms started as when a child.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD is a condition that impacts school, work and family life. Everyone struggles with concentration and staying organised at times. To be considered to have the disorder, someone must show signs of major impairment in at least two of these areas and demonstrate that the symptoms significantly impair the daily functioning. The symptoms must have been present for at least six months.
To determine a diagnosis, doctors will speak with the patient regarding their symptoms and ask about family history and medical problems. They can also use rating systems to gauge symptoms in children or adults. These types of questionnaires are typically built on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They ask about symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Adults may be asked to talk to their significant other or someone they know well. This isn't meant to challenge the authenticity of the person, but rather to gain more insight into the person's behavior that cannot be gleaned from the answers to a questionnaire. They may also ask about childhood behavior and use old school records to determine whether the symptoms began before age 12.
Before determining a diagnosis, the doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination and run tests in the lab to rule out other conditions out like thyroid problems or head injuries that can cause similar symptoms. The provider will also review a person's medication list. Doctors will take into consideration the interaction between stimulants and certain medications prescribed for depression, high blood pressure, and other issues. It's important that adults talk with their primary healthcare provider when they suspect they be suffering from ADHD.
Diagnosis
To be considered to have ADHD the symptoms must appear in at least two settings (such as school, home, and work) and affect the functioning of the individual. They also must have begun before the age of 12, and the impairment can't be due to another disorder, such as anxiety or depression.
A psychiatrist or a mental health professional will employ a variety tools during the assessment that include ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standardized behavior rating scales and a thorough history. They can also speak with family members or friends to find out how the symptoms affect them. link homepage can also inquire if there are any other psychiatric disorders or physical conditions that exhibit similar symptoms.
Evaluations will consider whether symptoms are mild or severe. They will also examine the person's medical history as well as family history to make sure there isn't any underlying cause for their issues such as thyroid issues, head injuries or medication.
In certain instances the evaluator may want to conduct cognitive testing or ask the person to undergo an imaging test in order to rule out other causes for their symptoms like learning disabilities. These people often present differently than those without these problems. For instance, boys are more likely to exhibit hyperactivity symptoms, whereas girls show inattention symptoms.
Some people with ADHD would like to participate in an experiment in order to test new treatments. While this is an excellent method to aid in further research, it is important for participants to understand that the primary purpose of these studies is to acquire scientific knowledge and do not necessarily ensure that they will receive treatment. Visit the NIMH's Clinical Trials Fact Sheet for more details about clinical trials.
Treatment
For a person who suspects they have ADHD, it's important to find a specialist trained in diagnosing the disorder. Make sure to check with your health insurance provider to find out whether ADHD specialists are covered, and then seek recommendations from family doctors or other health care professionals. Also, word-of mouth referrals are a great option.
A doctor will talk to the patient -or their parents, in the case of children -- about symptoms. They can use standardized questionnaires or ADHD symptoms checklists, and ask for information from other people in the patient's life, such as spouses and family members. Personal insight often uncovers more than can be gleaned from questionnaires.
An expert will also want to review any records that the person may have, particularly old school reports. The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the history of a person and, in order to be diagnosed with the condition, symptoms must have been present since the age of a child (technically before age 12).
A physical exam is also often performed. It's also examined for any other medical issues that could be causing symptoms, such thyroid problems or seizures. The doctor will usually conduct a neurological exam, which checks for coordination and motor control. Psychological tests to measure intelligence and abilities may also be used. A person could also be asked to perform simple computer tasks to test memory and attention. This can help the expert determine if someone is hyperactive, inattentive or hyperactive or impulsive. The specialist will then decide on a diagnosis and recommend treatment. Typically, the treatment plan includes therapy and medication. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help children and adults learn healthy ways to cope and change negative thinking patterns. This therapy is offered by a primary doctor or a mental health specialist who is an expert in adult ADHD.
Medication
Many people suffering from ADHD are helped by medication, though it's not the only way to treat the condition. Psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, or a combination can be beneficial to children, teens as well as adults. These therapies assist them in dealing with their ADHD symptoms and learn to manage these symptoms. They may also include psychoeducation, which is a form of education about ADHD and methods to manage it. They can also involve family members, teachers and other professionals.
It's important to find a health care provider or mental health professional with expertise in treating ADHD. You can ask others with ADHD for recommendations or a mental healthcare provider you've met. You can also do an online search. It is best to locate an expert who is familiar with your insurance plan.
To determine if your child has ADHD, the health professional will inquire about your or your child's symptoms as well as the problems caused by them. They will do a physical exam and check for any other health issues which could trigger similar symptoms. They will go over your your child's medical and family history, school records and other reports.
The American Psychiatric Association's (DSM-V) (DSM-V) which is primarily geared towards diagnosing children and adolescents, has a harder diagnosis of ADHD in adults. Your doctor will talk to you or your child regarding their symptoms and may also ask other people who spend a lot of time 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. The drugs used to treat ADHD include stimulants, such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine and nonstimulants such as atomoxetine or certain antidepressants. They work by boosting levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters.
Counseling
Many people who suffer from ADHD have co-occurring disorders like depression or anxiety. Because of this, treatment should include therapy that targets these issues. Certain patients can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches skills like time and task management and emotional self-regulation.
Therapists can also assist patients to manage their symptoms by changing their lifestyle. For example exercising regularly can help reduce hyperactivity and improve concentration. A healthier diet is also crucial for people with ADHD tend to eat higher levels of sugar and fat and less vegetables and fruits than other people. In addition, making family and social relationships a priority can lower stress levels and allow people to feel more in control of their lives.
A diagnosis of ADHD can aid children and adults to understand their challenges. For instance, a child suffering from ADHD may have trouble communicating their needs to teachers and peers, but once a teacher is aware that it's not due to personal issues or to a lack of motivation accommodations can be implemented.
A professional who conducts an ADHD assessment will ask questions specific to the age of the person, talk to teachers and family members and review medical records and check for comorbid conditions. If ADHD symptoms first started before age school records can be useful for adults.
The expert will also check for any vision or hearing problems with hearing or vision. He or she will also do a blood test to look for certain hormones as well as other health issues that could cause ADHD-like symptoms.