How to Diagnose and Treat ADHD
Many people believe that ADHD is only a condition of children, however it can affect adults too. When diagnosed and treated for ADHD the patient can lead a happier life.
A diagnosis for ADHD could involve a conversation with the patient and their family members. The specialist may review old school records to determine if symptoms began as when a child.
Signs and symptoms
Everyone struggles with concentration and staying organized from time to time However, for those who suffers from ADHD this can cause problems with school, work and family life. A person must show major symptoms in two of these areas and that they significantly affect the daily functioning of the person to be diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must also have been present for at least six months.
Click On this page will inquire of the patient about his or her symptoms, as well as about any medical issues and family history. They can also use rating scales that measure a adult's or a 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 inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
In adult patients, doctors may require a discussion with someone else in the family or who are familiar with the patient. This isn't meant to challenge the honesty of the patient, but to gain insight into a person's behavior that can't be gathered from the answers to a questionnaire. You can also inquire about their childhood behavior and consult old school records to see whether the signs started before age 12.
Before determining a diagnosis, the doctor will perform a thorough physical examination and run tests in the lab to rule out other conditions, such as thyroid problems or head injuries that can cause similar symptoms. The doctor will also review the patient's medication list. Doctors will consider the interaction between stimulants and medications prescribed for depression, high-blood pressure, and other ailments. It's important that adults talk with their primary healthcare provider when they suspect they be suffering from ADHD.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must appear in at least two different settings (such as home, school, and work) and cause impairment to functioning. The symptoms must have appeared before the age of 12 and must not be caused by another disorder such as depression or anxiety.
A doctor or mental health professional will use a variety of tools during the evaluation which include ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standardized behavior rating scales and a detailed medical history. They may interview friends and family members to determine how the individual's symptoms have affected them. They may also inquire whether there are other psychiatric disorders or physical illnesses that display similar symptoms.
The evaluators will decide if the symptoms are serious or mild. They will also review the patient's medical and family history to determine if there are underlying causes for their issue, such as thyroid disorders or head injuries.
In certain instances, the evaluator might want to conduct a cognitive test or request the person take an imaging test in order to determine the cause of their symptoms like learning disabilities. People with these disorders often show different symptoms than those without these problems. Boys tend to display hyperactive symptoms, whereas girls exhibit inattention symptoms.
Some people with ADHD would like to participate in studies 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 is not a guarantee of treatment. Visit the NIMH's Clinical Trials Fact Sheet for more details about clinical trials.
Treatment
If you suspect they have ADHD It is essential to find a professional who is experienced in diagnosing the disorder. Make sure to check with your health insurance provider to find out if ADHD specialists are covered, and then seek recommendations from family doctors or other health care providers. Word-of-mouth recommendations are an option.
A doctor will interview the patient -- or their parents, in children's cases -- about symptoms. She may use standardized questionnaires or ADHD symptoms checklists, and ask for details from other people in the patient's life, such as spouses and family members. Personal experience often reveals more than can be discovered from questionnaires.
A professional will also want to look over any documents that the person may have, especially old school reports. The diagnosis of ADHD is often dependent on the past of a person. To be diagnosed the symptoms must have been present from childhood (technically before age 12).
Physical examinations are also typically performed. It's also a way to check for other medical conditions that may 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, which are designed to test abilities and intelligence, may be utilized as well. Additionally, a person might be asked to complete simple computer tasks that evaluate memory and attention. This can help the expert determine if a person is hyperactive, inattentive, or hyperactive or impulsive. The expert will choose the best treatment plan and then make a diagnosis. The typical treatment plan includes therapy and medication. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy can teach adults as well as children healthy coping techniques and change unhelpful thinking patterns. This therapy can be provided by a primary doctor or a mental health professional who is a specialist in adult ADHD.
Medication
Many people with ADHD get better by taking medication. However this isn't the only method of treating the condition. Children, teenagers and adults can also benefit from a psychotherapy session, behavioral therapy or the combination of both. These therapies help them cope and learn to live with their ADHD symptoms. They can include psychoeducation, which is a form of education about ADHD and ways to manage it. They can include teachers, family members and professionals.
It is crucial to find a mental health professional or health care professional with experience treating ADHD. You can request suggestions from others who suffer from ADHD or from a mental health professional you already know, or conduct an online search. It's best to find an expert who is familiar with your insurance plan.
To determine if your child has ADHD, the health care professional will inquire about your or your child's symptoms and problems caused by the condition. They will conduct physical examinations and check for any other health conditions that could cause similar symptoms. They will go over the medical and family history of you or your child and also school documents and other reports.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adults can be more difficult because the Symptom Guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-V) are mostly geared toward diagnosing children. Your health care provider will talk to you or your child about their symptoms, and may request other people who spend long periods of time with them to complete 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 such as methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine and atomoxetine and nonstimulants like atomoxetine as well as certain antidepressants. They work by boosting and balancing neurotransmitters in the brain.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD have comorbid disorders, such as anxiety or depression. Because of this, treatment should be based on therapy that targets these issues. Certain patients can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy which teaches techniques such as time and task management and emotional self-regulation.
Therapists can also help patients manage their symptoms by changing their lifestyle. Regular exercise can help reduce hyperactivity and improve concentration. A healthy diet is crucial as well. People with ADHD tend to consume more fat and sugar and less fruits and vegetables. Lastly making relationships with family and friends prioritizing relationships can reduce stress levels and make people feel more in control of their lives.
Another major benefit of having an ADHD diagnosis is that it gives adults and children a better comprehension of their issues. For instance, a child suffering from ADHD may have trouble communicating their needs to peers and teachers, but once a teacher understands that it's not personal or due to inattention accommodations can be provided.
A professional conducting an ADHD assessment will ask questions that are geared towards the age of the person, talk to teachers and family members and review medical records and check for comorbid conditions. If ADHD symptoms began before the age of adulthood school records can be useful for adults.
The doctor will also look for any vision or hearing issues with hearing or vision. They could also conduct tests on blood to check for certain hormones, and other health conditions which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD.