How to Diagnose and Treat ADHD
Many people believe that ADHD is just a condition that affects children however, it can affect adults. When diagnosed and treated for ADHD the patient can live a better life.
An evaluation for ADHD may involve interviewing the patient and their family members. The specialist could look through old school records to determine if symptoms started in childhood.
Symptoms
ADHD is a disorder that affects work, school as well as home life. Everyone experiences difficulty in concentrating and focusing from time to time. A person must exhibit major symptoms in two of these areas and they must be able to significantly impact the daily functioning of the person to be diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must also have been present for at least six months.
To establish a diagnosis doctors will speak with the patient about their symptoms and inquire about their family history and medical conditions. They can also utilize rating scales to measure child's or adult's symptoms. These questionnaires are based off of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They cover symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive.
Adults may be asked to talk to their spouse or someone who knows them well. This is not to question the patient's honesty, but rather to gain a better understanding of their behavior that isn't obtained from an interview. You can also inquire about their childhood behavior and consult old school records to see whether the symptoms began before age 12.
Before determining a diagnosis the doctor will perform a physical exam and do tests on the lab to rule out any other health conditions, such as thyroid problems or head injuries that may cause similar symptoms. The doctor will also look over the patient's medication list. Doctors will take into consideration the interaction between stimulants and specific medications prescribed for depression, high-blood pressure, and other conditions. It's important that adults talk with their primary healthcare provider if they suspect they may be suffering from ADHD.
Diagnosis
For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must manifest in more than one setting (like school, home, and at work) and seriously hinder functioning. They should also have been diagnosed before the age of 12, and the impairment cannot be caused by another disorder, such as anxiety or depression.
A mental health professional will employ various tools to evaluate the patient, such as ADHD symptom lists and standardized scales for assessing behaviour as well as a thorough medical history. They can also speak with family members or friends to find out how the symptoms have affected them. They'll inquire whether the symptoms are similar to those of other psychiatric conditions or physical conditions.
Evaluations will consider whether symptoms are mild or severe. They will also look at the person's medical history and family history to ensure there isn't any underlying cause of their problems such as thyroid issues and head injuries, as well as medication.
In diagnosis of adhd , the evaluator might want to conduct a cognitive test or ask the person to undergo an imaging test in order to rule out other causes of their symptoms like learning disabilities. People with these issues often appear differently than those who do not have these issues. For instance, boys tend to have hyperactive symptoms while girls inattentive symptoms.
Some people with ADHD are interested in participating in a clinical trial to test new treatments. While this is a fantastic way to help further research, it's important for participants to understand that the primary purpose of these studies is to increase knowledge in the field of science and cannot necessarily guarantee that they will receive treatment. For more information about clinical trials, check out NIMH's Clinical Trials fact sheet.
Treatment
If you suspect that you have ADHD Find a doctor who is trained to recognize the disorder. Contact your health insurance company to inquire for confirmation if ADHD specialists will be covered. You may also ask your family doctor or other health professionals for referrals. Word-of-mouth recommendations are also an alternative.
A doctor will interview the patient -- or their parents, in the case of children -- about symptoms. She may use standardized checklists or ADHD symptoms, and ask other people in a person's life for information, such as their spouses and families. Personal insight can reveal more than what can be learned from questionnaires.
Experts will also review any documents from the past, and especially old reports. Often, the diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the person's past, and to be diagnosed with the condition, symptoms must be present from childhood (technically prior to the age of 12).
Physical examinations are also typically performed. It will look for any other medical problems that could be responsible for symptoms, like seizure disorders or thyroid problems. The specialist will typically conduct a neurological examination, that checks for motor control and coordination. Psychological tests, which are designed to measure abilities and intelligence, may be utilized as well. Additionally the person could be asked to complete simple computer tasks that test attention and memory. This could assist an expert determine if a person is hyperactive or inattentive. The expert will choose the best treatment plan and then make an assessment. Treatment plans usually include medication and therapy. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can teach adults and children healthy coping skills and help change negative thinking patterns. The therapy can be conducted by an primary care physician or a mental health professional who has a specialization in adult ADHD.
Medication
Many people suffering from ADHD get better by taking medications, however it's not the only method to treat the condition. Children, teenagers and adults are also able to benefit from a psychotherapy session, behavioral therapy or a combination of both. These therapies assist them to cope and learn to live with their ADHD symptoms. They may also include psychoeducation, which is an education about ADHD and ways to manage it. They can include family members, teachers and professionals.
It's crucial to find a mental health professional or health care professional who is experienced in treating ADHD. You can seek 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 a specialist who is familiar with your insurance plan.
The doctor will ask you or your child about symptoms and problems that are caused by ADHD. They will perform an examination of the body and look for any other health issues that may cause similar symptoms. They will go over your or your child's medical history and family information, school records and other reports.
Finding out if you have 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 doctor may interview you or your children about their symptoms and request that 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 atomoxetine as well as non-stimulants like atomoxetine and certain antidepressants. They function by increasing and balancing the levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.
Counseling
Many people who suffer from ADHD have co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety or depression. For this reason, treatment should be based on therapy that targets these issues. Some patients may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps develop skills like time and task control, emotional self-regulation and impulse control.
Additionally, therapists can help patients learn to manage their symptoms through lifestyle changes. For diagnosis of adhd exercising regularly can reduce hyperactivity and improve concentration. A healthy diet is essential as well. People who suffer from ADHD tend to consume more fat and sugar and less fruits and vegetables. Making social and family relationships a top priority can help decrease stress and make individuals feel more in charge of their lives.
Another benefit of an ADHD diagnosis is that it can give children and adults a clearer awareness of their difficulties. A child diagnosed with ADHD may have trouble communicating their requirements to teachers or their other peers. When a teacher is aware that this is not an individual issue or because of a lack of time, they can offer adjustments.
A professional conducting an ADHD assessment will ask questions that are geared towards the person's age, interview teachers and family members as well as review medical records and look for comorbidities. If ADHD symptoms began before the age of adulthood, school records can be useful for adults.
A physical exam is usually included, and the specialist will likely test for vision and hearing problems. The doctor might also conduct tests on blood to test for certain hormones, as well as other health issues that could cause symptoms and signs of ADHD.