How to Diagnose and Treat ADHD
Many people believe that ADHD is a condition only of children, but it can affect adults too. When diagnosed and treated for ADHD, a person can live a better life.
Interviewing the person as well as their family members could be part of an evaluation for ADHD. The specialist may examine old school records in order to determine if symptoms began as an infant.
Signs and symptoms
Everyone has trouble concentrating and staying organized from time-to-time however, for those who has ADHD the issues can be a hindrance with work, school and even home life. A person must show major symptoms in two of these areas, and have a significant impact on everyday functioning to be deemed to have ADHD. The symptoms must also be present for at least six months.
To establish a diagnosis doctors will talk to the patient regarding their symptoms and ask about their family history and medical problems. They can also use rating scales that measure a adult's or a child's symptoms. These questionnaires are based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They cover symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive.
In adults, doctors may require a discussion with an intimate partner or others who know 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 gleaned from an interview. They could inquire about childhood behavior and refer to old school records to determine whether symptoms began before the age of 12.
Before making a diagnosis, the doctor will perform physical examinations and tests on the lab to rule out other health conditions, such as thyroid issues or head injuries which can trigger similar symptoms. The provider will also review the patient's medications. Doctors will take into consideration the interaction between stimulants and certain medications prescribed for depression, high-blood pressure, and other conditions. This is why it's essential for adults to consult their primary healthcare providers when they suspect they be suffering from ADHD.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must occur in two or more settings (like school, home and work) and have a significant impact on functioning. They should also have been diagnosed before age 12, and the impairment cannot be caused by a different disorder, such as anxiety or depression.
A mental health professional will employ various tools to evaluate the patient, such as ADHD symptom lists as well as standardized scales of behaviour and a thorough medical history. They might also talk to family members or friends to find out how the symptoms affect them. They may also inquire whether there are any other psychiatric disorders or physical illnesses that display similar symptoms.
The evaluators will consider whether the symptoms are serious or mild. They will also review the patient's medical and family history to determine if there are any underlying causes for their issue like thyroid disorders or head injuries.
In diagnosed with adhd may want to conduct cognitive testing or request that the person undergo an imaging test to determine the cause of their symptoms, such as learning disabilities. People with these issues often appear differently than those who do not have these issues. Boys tend to show hyperactive symptoms, while girls exhibit inattention symptoms.
Some people with ADHD are interested in participating in a clinical trial to test new treatments. While this is a great opportunity to contribute to further research, it is important for participants to understand that the purpose behind these studies is to increase knowledge in the field of science and cannot necessarily ensure that they will receive treatment. Visit the NIMH's Clinical Trials Fact Sheet for more information on clinical trials.
Treatment
If you suspect that you might have ADHD Find a doctor who is trained to identify the disorder. Contact your health insurance provider to find out whether ADHD specialists are covered, and seek out referrals from family doctors or other health care providers. Also, word-of-mouth referrals are a good choice.
A doctor will speak with the patient -- or their parents, in children's cases -- about the symptoms. She might use checklists with standardized criteria or ADHD symptoms, and ask other people in the patient's life for information including spouses and families. Personal insights will reveal more than can be gleaned from questionnaires.
Experts will also review any documents from the past particularly old reports. Often, 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 childhood (technically prior to age 12).
A physical exam is often performed. It is a way to identify any other medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders. A neurological exam is usually conducted by the expert to check motor control and coordination. Psychological tests that measure the ability to think and be smart could also be used. Additionally one could be asked to perform simple computer tasks that test attention and memory. This could assist an expert determine if the person is hyperactive or inattentional. The expert will decide on a diagnosis and suggest treatment. The treatment typically includes therapy and medication. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help adults and children learn healthy ways to cope and change unhelpful thought 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 it is not the only way to treat the condition. Children, teenagers and adults can also benefit from behavioral therapy, psychotherapy or the combination of both. These therapies help them cope and learn to live with their ADHD symptoms. They can include psychoeducation, which is an education about ADHD and ways to manage it. They can include teachers, family members, and professionals.
It is important to find a health care provider or mental health professional with experience treating ADHD. You can seek recommendations from people who have ADHD or from a mental health professional you already know, or perform an online search. It is best to locate 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 as well as the problems caused by the condition. They will do an examination and check for any other health issues that may cause similar symptoms. They will go over your your child's medical and family information, school records and other reports.
Diagnosing 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 health care provider might interview you or your children about their symptoms and have others who spend a lot of time with them 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 nonstimulants such atomoxetine and antidepressants. They work by increasing and balancing levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression. Because of this, treatment should include therapy that targets these issues. Certain patients can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches techniques such as managing time and tasks and emotional self-regulation.
Therapists can also assist patients manage their symptoms by altering their lifestyle. Regular exercise can help reduce hyperactivity and improve focus. A healthy diet is essential for those with ADHD tend to consume more sugar and fat, and eat fewer vegetables and fruits than other people. Making social and family relationships a priority can reduce stress and help people feel more in control of their lives.
Another benefit of an ADHD diagnosis is that it can give adults and children an understanding understanding of their challenges. For instance, a child with ADHD might have difficulty communicating their needs to teachers and peers However, when a teacher realizes that it's not due to personal issues or to a lack of motivation accommodations can be implemented.
A professional doing an ADHD assessment will ask questions that are geared towards the person's age, interview teachers and relatives and review medical records and look for comorbidities. For adults, school records might be useful in determining whether the ADHD symptoms started before the age of adulthood.
The expert will also check for any hearing or vision problems. The doctor could also conduct an examination of the blood to check for certain hormones, and other health conditions that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD.