How to Diagnose and Treat ADHD
Many people believe ADHD is a condition that affects children but it can affect adults. Getting diagnosed and treated for ADHD can help improve a person's life.
Interviewing the person and their family members can be a part of an evaluation for ADHD. The specialist might review old school records to see if symptoms started in the early years of childhood.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD is a condition that can affect school, work, and home life. Everyone struggles with concentration and focusing at times. To be able to identify the disorder, one must have major symptoms in at least two of these areas and demonstrate that the symptoms significantly affect the daily functioning. The symptoms must also have been present for at least six months.
To make a diagnosis, a doctor will interview the patient regarding their symptoms and ask about their family history and medical problems. They may also employ rating systems to gauge symptoms in adults or children. These questionnaires are based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They ask about symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Adults may be asked to speak with their spouse or someone they know well. This isn't meant to challenge the authenticity of the person, but rather to gain insight into the behavior of a person that cannot be gathered from an interview. You can also inquire about their childhood behavior and consult old school records to determine if the symptoms started prior to the age of 12.
Before making a diagnosis, the doctor will conduct physical examinations and tests on the lab to rule out any other health conditions, such as thyroid issues or head injuries which can trigger similar symptoms. The doctor will also look over the person's list of medications. adhd diagnosis adult will look at the interactions between stimulants and specific medications prescribed for depression, high-blood pressure, and other conditions. This is why it's important for adults to talk to their primary care physicians if they think they might have ADHD.
Diagnosis
For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present in at least two or more environments (like school, home, and work) and have a significant impact on functioning. The symptoms must be evident before the age of 12 and must not be caused by a different disorder like anxiety or depression.
A mental health professional or doctor will use a variety of tools during the evaluation which include ADHD symptoms checklists, standardized behavior 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 will ask if the symptoms are similar to those of other mental health conditions or physical ailments.
Evaluators will take into account whether the symptoms are mild moderate, severe or even mild. They will also examine the person's medical and family background to determine if there are any underlying causes of their problem for example, thyroid disorders or head injuries.
In certain instances the examiner may decide to conduct a cognitive test or request that the person undergo an imaging test to rule out other causes of their symptoms such as learning disabilities. People suffering from these disorders typically present differently than those who don't have them. Boys are more likely to exhibit hyperactive symptoms, whereas girls display inattentional symptoms.
Some people with ADHD might be interested in participating in an experiment in order to try out new treatments. While this is a fantastic way to help further research, it is crucial for participants to know that the purpose behind these studies is to gain scientific knowledge and do not necessarily ensure that they will receive treatment. For more information about clinical trials, check out NIMH's Clinical Trials fact sheet.
Treatment
If you suspect they have ADHD It is essential to find a specialist trained in diagnosing the disorder. Contact your health insurance provider to see whether ADHD specialists are covered, and then seek recommendations from family doctors or other health care providers. Word-of mouth recommendations are also a good option.
A doctor will ask the patient - or their parents in the case of children - about their issues. She might use checklists with standardized criteria or ADHD symptoms, and may also ask other people in the patient's life for information including spouses and families. Personal experience often reveals more than what can be learned from questionnaires.
An expert will also want to review any records that the individual may have, especially old school reports. The diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by the past of a person. To be considered diagnosed, symptoms must have existed since the age of a child (technically before age 12).
A physical exam is usually done. It's also a way to check for other medical conditions that may cause symptoms, like seizures or thyroid problems. A neurological examination is often performed by a specialist to check motor control and coordination. Psychological tests that measure the ability to think and be smart could be used. In addition, a person might be asked to perform simple computer tasks that evaluate memory and attention. This can help an expert determine if a person is hyperactive or inattentional. The expert will then decide on a diagnosis and suggest treatment. Treatment plans usually include medication and therapy. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can aid children and adults in learning healthy coping strategies and alter unhelpful thought patterns. This therapy can be provided by a primary doctor or a mental health professional who is an expert in adult ADHD.
Medication
Many people with ADHD improve their condition by taking medication, but it's not the only option to treat the condition. Psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, or a combination of the two can be beneficial for adolescents, children, and adults. These therapies aid them in dealing with their ADHD symptoms and help them learn to manage them. They may include psychoeducation, which is education about ADHD and ways to manage it. They can include family members, teachers and professionals.
It is crucial to locate a mental health professional or health professional who is experienced in treating ADHD. You can ask others who suffer from ADHD for suggestions or a mental health provider you've met. You can also do an internet search. It is essential to find a doctor who is familiar with your insurance.
The health care provider will inquire with you or your child about the signs and problems that are caused by ADHD. They will conduct a physical exam and check for any 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.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults can be more difficult because the Symptom Guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-V) are primarily designed to diagnose children. Your doctor will interview you or your child about their symptoms, 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 like the methylphenidate, Lisdexamfetamine and atomoxe and nonstimulants like atomoxetine and antidepressants. They work by increasing and balancing the levels of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD also have comorbid disorders, like depression or anxiety. Because of this, treatment should be based on therapy that targets these issues. Certain patients can benefit from cognitive behavioral treatment, which teaches skills like time and task management as well as emotional self-regulation.
Therapists can also help patients learn to manage their symptoms through lifestyle modifications. Regular exercise can help reduce hyperactivity and improve concentration. A healthy diet is crucial for people with ADHD tend to consume more sugar and fat and less vegetables and fruits than the rest of us. Making social and family relationships priority can help reduce anxiety and make people feel more in control of their lives.
A diagnosis of ADHD can aid children and adults to comprehend their difficulties. For example, a child who has ADHD may have trouble communicating his or her needs to peers and teachers, but once a teacher understands that it's not due to personal issues or to a lack of motivation, accommodations can be implemented.
A professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask questions specific to the individual's age, ask questions of teachers and relatives as well as review medical records and look for comorbidities. If ADHD symptoms first started before age school records could be useful for adults.
A physical exam is usually included, and the specialist will likely look for vision and hearing problems. They may also perform an examination of the blood to check for certain hormones, and other health conditions which can cause ADHD-like signs and symptoms.