How to Diagnose and Treat ADHD
Many people think ADHD is a normal condition that affects children however, it can affect adults. Finding a doctor and treating ADHD can help improve the quality of life of a person.
Interviewing the individual and their family members could be part of an evaluation for ADHD. The specialist may look over old school records to determine whether symptoms began as a child.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD is a disorder that affects work, school, and home life. Everyone experiences difficulty in concentrating and focusing at times. To be able to identify the disorder, someone must show signs of major impairment in at least two of these areas and demonstrate that the symptoms significantly affect everyday functioning. The symptoms must have been present for at least six months.
To determine a diagnosis, a doctor will interview the patient about their symptoms and inquire about family history and medical conditions. They can also utilize rating scales that measure a child's or adult's symptoms. These questionnaires are based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They cover symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive.
Adults might be asked to speak with their significant other or someone they know well. This isn't meant to challenge honesty, but to gain insight into a person's behavior that can't be gleaned from an interview. adults diagnosed with adhd might inquire about childhood behavior and refer to old school records to determine if symptoms began before the age of 12.
Before making a diagnosis the doctor will conduct an extensive physical examination and run tests in the lab to rule out other ailments for thyroid issues or head injuries that can cause similar symptoms. The doctor will also look over the medication list of a patient. Doctors will consider the interaction between stimulants and medications prescribed for depression, high blood pressure, and other ailments. This is why it's essential for adults to talk to their primary healthcare providers in the event that they suspect they have ADHD.
Diagnosis
For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present in more than one setting (like home, school and at work) and significantly interfere with functioning. They must also have started before the age of 12, and the impairment cannot be caused by another disorder, such as depression or anxiety.
A mental health professional uses various tools to assess the patient, including ADHD symptoms lists, standardized behaviour rating scales, and a detailed medical history. They may also interview family members and friends to determine how the individual's symptoms have affected them. They'll inquire if the symptoms are similar to the symptoms of other mental health conditions or physical ailments.
Evaluations will consider whether the symptoms are mild moderate, severe or even mild. They will also review the patient's medical and family history to determine if there are underlying causes for their issue for example, thyroid issues or head injuries.
In some instances, an evaluator may want to perform cognitive testing or have the person undergo an imaging test to rule out any other possible causes for their symptoms, including learning disabilities, mood disorders, personality disorders and addiction to drugs. People suffering from these disorders tend to show different symptoms than those who do not suffer from them. For example, boys tend to show hyperactive symptoms and girls show inattention symptoms.
A few people suffering from ADHD are interested in taking part in a clinical study to try out new treatments. This is a fantastic chance to conduct further research. However, participants should be aware that the primary goal of these studies is scientific knowledge and not necessarily an assurance of treatment. Visit the NIMH's Clinical Trials Fact Sheet for more details about clinical trials.
Treatment
If you suspect that you may have ADHD Find a doctor who is trained to diagnose the disorder. Contact your health insurance company to inquire if ADHD specialists are covered. You can also ask family doctors or other healthcare providers for recommendations. Also, word-of-mouth referrals are a good option.
A doctor will speak with the patient -or their parents, in the case of children -- about the symptoms. They can use standardized questionnaires or ADHD symptom checklists, and request details from other people in the patient's life, including spouses and family members. Personal insight will reveal more than can be learned 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 usually based on the history of a person. To be considered diagnosed, symptoms must have existed since childhood (technically prior to the age of 12).
A physical exam is typically performed. It is also checked for any other medical conditions that may be causing symptoms, such seizures or thyroid problems. A neurological exam is usually conducted by the expert to test motor control and coordination. Psychological tests, designed to test abilities and intelligence, may be used as well. Additionally one could be asked to complete simple computer tasks that test memory and attention. This can help the expert determine if a person is hyperactive, inattentive, or impulsive. The expert will then determine the diagnosis and suggest treatment. The treatment typically includes medication and therapy. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help children and adults learn healthy coping strategies and alter negative thinking patterns. The therapy can be conducted by a primary care physician, or a mental health professional who specializes in adult ADHD.
Medication
Many people with ADHD improve by taking medication. However this isn't the only way to treat the condition. Adults, teens and children can also benefit from psychotherapy, behavioral therapy or a combination of both. These therapies aid them in coping and live with their ADHD symptoms. They may also include psychoeducation, which is education about ADHD and methods to manage it. They can also include teachers, family members, and professionals.
It is essential to locate a mental health professional or health care provider who has experience in treating ADHD. You can request suggestions from others who suffer from ADHD or from a mental health provider you already know, or do an online search. It is important to find a specialist who is familiar with your insurance.
To determine if your child has ADHD, the health care provider will ask about your your child's symptoms and issues caused by the condition. adult diagnosis adhd will do a physical exam and check for any other health issues which could trigger similar symptoms. They will look over your or your child's medical history and family history, school records, and other reports.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults can be trickier because the Symptom Guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-V) are mostly geared toward diagnosing 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 checklists and questionnaires. 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 the methylphenidate, Lisdexamfetamine and atomoxe and nonstimulants like atomoxetine and antidepressants. They work by boosting and balancing the levels of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from comorbid disorders, including anxiety or depression. The treatment should therefore include therapy that targets these issues. Some patients may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches skills such as time and task management, emotional self-regulation, and impulse control.
Therapists can help patients to manage their symptoms by changing their lifestyle. For instance exercising regularly can reduce hyperactivity and improve concentration. A healthy diet is essential too. People who suffer from ADHD tend eat more fat and sugar and less fruit and vegetables. Making social and family relationships a priority can reduce stress and make individuals feel more in charge of their lives.
A diagnosis of ADHD can help children and adults better understand their challenges. A child suffering from ADHD might have difficulty 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 provide adjustments.
A professional who conducts an ADHD evaluation will ask questions geared toward the person's age, interview teachers and relatives, review medical records, and look for comorbidities. If ADHD symptoms started before adulthood, school records can be useful for adults.
A physical exam is usually included, and the doctor will likely check for hearing and vision issues. He or she will also perform a blood test to determine the presence of certain hormones as well as other health issues that could cause symptoms of ADHD.