How to Diagnose and Treat ADHD
Many people think ADHD is a normal condition that affects children, but it can also affect adults. Getting diagnosed and treated for ADHD can make a difference in the quality of life of a person.
An assessment for ADHD might include interviewing the patient and their family members. The specialist may examine old school records in order to determine whether symptoms began as when a child.
Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects work, school, and home life. Everyone struggles with concentration and staying organised at times. To be able to identify the disorder, a person must have major symptoms in at least two of these areas and demonstrate that the symptoms significantly hinder the daily functioning. The symptoms must have been present for at least six months.
To establish a diagnosis a doctor will interview the patient about their symptoms and ask about their family medical history and any medical issues. They can also use rating systems to measure symptoms in children or adults. These questionnaires are based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They include questions about symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature.
For adults, doctors might request a conversation with a significant other or people who know the patient well. This isn't to doubt the authenticity of the person, but rather to gain insight into the behavior of a person that cannot be gathered from the answers to a questionnaire. They might inquire about childhood behavior and refer to old school records in order to determine whether symptoms began before the age of 12.
Before making a diagnosis the doctor will perform an extensive physical examination and run lab tests to rule other ailments, such as thyroid problems or head injuries that could trigger similar symptoms. The doctor will also look over the person's list of medications. Doctors will look at the interactions between stimulants and medications prescribed for depression, high blood pressure, and other issues. This is the reason it's crucial for adults to talk to their primary care physicians in the event that they suspect they have ADHD.
Diagnosis
To be considered to have ADHD, the symptoms must be evident in at least two different settings (such as at home, school and at work) and affect the functioning of the individual. The symptoms must have manifested before the age of 12 and must not be caused by a different disorder, such as depression or anxiety.
A psychiatrist or a mental health professional will employ a variety of tools during the assessment which include ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standardized behavior rating scales and a detailed history. They may also interview family members or friends to find out what the symptoms have done to them. They may also inquire whether there are any other psychiatric disorders or physical illnesses that display similar symptoms.
The evaluators will decide if the symptoms are serious or mild. They will also look into the patient's medical and family history to determine if there are any root causes behind their condition, such as thyroid issues or head injuries.
In certain instances the evaluator may want to conduct a cognitive test or request that the person undergo an imaging test in order to determine the cause of their symptoms such as learning disabilities. People with these disorders often show different symptoms from those with no issues. Boys tend to display hyperactive symptoms, while girls exhibit inattention symptoms.
Many people with ADHD are interested in taking part in a clinical study to test new treatments. This is a great chance to conduct further research. However, participants should be aware that the primary goal of these studies is to gain 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 that you have ADHD seek out a specialist who is trained to recognize the disorder. Contact your health insurance provider to determine if ADHD specialists are covered. You can also seek recommendations from family doctors or other health care professionals. Additionally, referrals from word-of-mouth are a good option.
A doctor will ask the patient - or parents in the case of children - about the symptoms they experience. They can use standardized questionnaires or ADHD symptoms checklists, and request information from other people in the patient's life, such as spouses and family members. Personal experience often reveals more than what can be learned 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 in order to be diagnosed with the condition, the symptoms must be present from the age of a child (technically prior to age 12).
A physical exam is also usually done. It checks for other medical conditions that may be responsible for symptoms, like seizure disorders or thyroid problems. A neurological exam is typically performed by a specialist to assess the coordination and motor control. Psychological tests, which are designed to measure abilities and intelligence, may be utilized too. Additionally one could be asked to complete simple computer tasks that test attention and memory. This can help an expert determine whether someone is hyperactive or inattentional. The specialist will determine a treatment plan and make an appropriate diagnosis. The treatment typically includes therapy and medication. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can teach adults and children healthy coping techniques and help change negative thinking patterns. This therapy is usually performed by the primary care physician or a mental health professional who specializes in adult ADHD.
Medication
Many people with ADHD are helped by medications, however it's not the only method to treat the condition. Adults, teens and children can also benefit from a psychotherapy session, behavioral therapy or any combination of the two. These therapies aid them in coping and learn to live with their ADHD symptoms. They can include psychoeducation, which is education about ADHD and ways to manage it. They can also involve teachers, parents and other professionals.
It is essential to find a health care provider or mental health professional who has expertise in treating ADHD. You can request suggestions from others who suffer from ADHD or from a mental health provider you already know, or perform an online search. It's best to find a specialist who is familiar with your insurance plan.
To diagnose ADHD to determine the cause, a health care professional will inquire about your or your child's symptoms and problems caused by them. They will conduct a physical examination and check for any other health issues that could cause similar symptoms. They will look over the medical and family history of your child or you, as well as school records and other documents.
The American Psychiatric Association's (DSM-V), which is designed to diagnose children is more difficult diagnosis of ADHD in adults. Your health care provider might interview you or your children about their symptoms and ask other people who spend lots 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. ADHD medications include stimulants like methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine, and atomox and nonstimulants like atomoxetine and certain antidepressants. They work by boosting and balancing levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.
Counseling
Many people who suffer from ADHD also have comorbid disorders, including depression or anxiety. The treatment should therefore include therapy that addresses these issues. Certain patients can benefit from cognitive behavioral treatment, which teaches skills like managing time and tasks and emotional self-regulation.
Additionally, therapists can help patients learn to manage their symptoms through lifestyle modifications. Regular exercise can 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 the rest of us. Making getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult and family relationships a top priority can help decrease anxiety and make people feel more in charge of their lives.
diagnosing adhd in adults of an ADHD diagnosis is that it provides adults and children an understanding understanding of their challenges. For example, a child who has ADHD might have difficulty communicating their needs to peers and teachers However, when a teacher realizes that it's not due to personal issues or to laziness accommodations can be made.
A professional who conducts an ADHD assessment will ask questions geared toward the individual's age, ask questions of teachers and relatives as well as review medical records and determine if there are any comorbid conditions. For adults, school records might help determine if the ADHD symptoms began before adulthood.
The specialist will also check for any vision or hearing issues with hearing or vision. The doctor might also conduct tests on blood to determine the presence of certain hormones, as well as other health issues that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD.