How to Diagnose and Treat ADHD
Many people believe that ADHD is a symptom only of children, but it can affect adults as well. Getting diagnosed and treated for ADHD can make a difference in a person's life.
Interviewing the person and their family members may be a part of an evaluation for ADHD. The specialist may review old school records to determine if symptoms began as an infant.
Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects work, school as well as home life. Everyone has difficulty concentrating and focusing from time to time. A person must exhibit major symptoms in two of these areas, and that they significantly affect everyday functioning to be deemed to have ADHD. The symptoms must also be present for at least six months.
A doctor will inquire with the patient about their symptoms, and also about any medical issues and family history. They can also utilize rating scales that measure a child's or adult's symptoms. These questionnaires are based off of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These include questions about symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.
Adults may be asked to talk with their spouse or someone they know well. This isn't to doubt the authenticity of the person, but rather to gain more insight into the behavior of a person that cannot be gleaned from the answers to a questionnaire. They might inquire about their childhood behaviors and consult old school records to determine if the symptoms started before the age of 12.
Before making a diagnosis the doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination and run lab tests to rule other conditions out for thyroid issues or head injuries, which could trigger similar symptoms. The doctor will also go over the patient's medications. Certain medications for depression high blood pressure, depression and other ailments can interact with stimulants, so the doctor will consider these when suggesting treatments. This is why it's essential for adults to speak to their primary healthcare providers when they suspect they have ADHD.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present in more than one setting (like school, home and work) and seriously hinder functioning. They also must have begun before the age of 12, and the impairment can't be caused by another disorder, like depression or anxiety.
A psychiatrist or a mental health professional will use a variety of tools during the assessment, including ADHD symptom checklists as well as standardized behavior rating scales and a detailed history. They may also interview family members or friends to learn how the symptoms affect them. They'll ask whether the symptoms are similar to the symptoms of other psychiatric conditions or physical ailments.
The evaluators will consider whether symptoms are mild or severe. They will also look at the person's medical history as well as family history to determine if there isn't any underlying reason for their symptoms, such as thyroid disorders and head injuries, as well as medication.
In some cases the evaluator may want to conduct cognitive testing or request that the person take an imaging test to determine the cause of their symptoms like learning disabilities. These people often present differently from those with no issues. Boys tend to show hyperactive symptoms, whereas girls display inattentional symptoms.
Many people with ADHD would like to participate in a clinical study to test out new treatments. While this is a great method to aid in further research, it's important for participants to know that the primary purpose of these studies is to increase scientific knowledge and do not necessarily ensure that they will receive treatment. For more information on clinical trials, please visit NIMH's Clinical Trials fact sheet.
Treatment
If you suspect you might have ADHD, find a professional who is certified to recognize the disorder. Contact your health insurance provider to see whether 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 choice.
A doctor will ask the patient or their parents in the case of children - about their symptoms. She may use standardized questionnaires or ADHD symptom checklists, and request details from other people in the person's life, including spouses and family members. Personal insight can provide more information than what can be learned from questionnaires.
Experts will also review any documents from the past particularly old reports. The diagnosis of ADHD is usually based on the history of a person. To be diagnosed the symptoms must have been present from the time of childhood (technically, before the age 12).
Physical examinations are also usually done. It is also checked for any other medical issues which could cause symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizures. The doctor will usually conduct a neurological exam which tests for coordination and motor control. Psychological tests that measure the level of intelligence and ability can be used. A person could also be asked to complete simple computer tasks designed to test attention and memory. This can help the expert determine if a person is hyperactive, inattentive, or an impulsive. The specialist will determine the treatment plan and provide an appropriate diagnosis. Typically, the treatment plan includes therapy and medication. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help children and adults learn healthy coping techniques and change unhelpful thought patterns. This therapy can be done by a primary care physician, or a mental health professional who specializes in adult ADHD.
Medication
Many people with ADHD improve their condition by taking medications, however it's not the only way to treat the condition. Adults, teens and children are also able to benefit from psychotherapy, behavioral therapy or a combination of both. These therapies help them cope and learn to live with their ADHD symptoms. adhd diagnosis in adults uk , or education about ADHD and ways to manage it, could be incorporated. They can also involve family members, teachers and other professionals.
It's crucial to find an expert in mental health or health care provider who is experienced in treating ADHD. You can ask other people who suffer from ADHD for recommendations or a mental healthcare provider you've met. You can also do an internet search. It is recommended to find an expert who is familiar with your insurance plan.
To diagnose ADHD or other disorders, your health professional will inquire about your your child's symptoms as well as the problems caused by them. They will conduct an examination of the body and look for other health issues which could trigger similar symptoms. They will look over the medical and family history of you or your child and also school records and other reports.
The process of 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 geared towards diagnosing children. Your health care provider will talk to you or your child about the signs and may ask others who spend a lot 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, as well nonstimulants such atomoxetine as well as certain antidepressants. They work by boosting and balancing the levels of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD also have comorbid disorders, such as anxiety or depression. For this reason, treatment should include therapy that addresses these issues. Certain patients could benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps develop skills like time and task management, emotional self-regulation, and impulse control.
Therapists can also help patients learn to manage their symptoms through lifestyle modifications. Regular exercise can reduce hyperactivity and improve focus. A healthier diet is important too. People with ADHD tend to consume more sugar and fat, and less fruit and vegetables. Lastly, making family and social relationships a priority can lower stress levels and allow people to feel more in control of their lives.
Another major benefit of having an ADHD diagnosis is that it can give adults and children an understanding awareness of their difficulties. A child diagnosed with ADHD may have trouble communicating their demands to their teachers or friends. Once a teacher realizes that this is not a personal issue or because of a lack of time, they can make adjustments.
A professional doing an ADHD assessment will ask questions geared toward the person's age, interview teachers and relatives and review medical records and determine if there are any comorbid conditions. If ADHD symptoms first started before age, school records can be useful for adults.
The doctor will also look for any hearing or vision problems with hearing or vision. The doctor might also conduct an examination of the blood to determine the presence of certain hormones, and other health issues that could cause ADHD-like signs and symptoms.