How to Diagnose and Treat ADHD
Many people think ADHD is just a child's issue but it can affect adults. Diagnosed and treated for ADHD an individual can live a better life.
Interviewing the person and their family members could be a part of an evaluation for ADHD. The specialist could look through the school records from the past to determine if symptoms started in the early years of childhood.
Symptoms
Everyone has trouble concentrating and staying well-organized from time to time, but for someone who suffers from ADHD this can cause problems with work, school and even home life. The person must display significant symptoms in two of these areas and that they significantly affect the way they function in their daily lives to be deemed to have ADHD. The symptoms must also be present for at least six months.
A doctor will ask the patient about his or her symptoms, as well as 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). They cover symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Adults might be asked to talk with their significant other or someone who knows them well. This is not to question the patient's honesty but to gain insight into their behavior that isn't obtained from the answers to a questionnaire. They may ask about childhood behaviors and use old school records to determine if symptoms began before the age of 12.
Before determining a diagnosis the doctor will conduct physical examinations and tests in the lab to rule out other health issues, like thyroid issues or head injuries which can trigger similar symptoms. The provider will also check the person's list of medications. Certain medications for depression, high blood pressure and other ailments may be a trigger for stimulants, so the doctor will take these into account when recommending treatment options. It is essential that adults talk with their primary healthcare provider if they suspect they may have ADHD.
Diagnosis
To be considered to have ADHD the symptoms must appear in at least two different settings (such as at home, school and at work) and cause impairment to functioning. They must also have started before the age of 12, and the impairment must not be caused by another disorder, like anxiety or depression.
A mental health professional will use different tools to assess the patient, such as ADHD symptoms lists as well as standardized scales of behaviour and a thorough medical history. They can also speak with family members or friends to determine what the symptoms have done to them. They will ask whether the symptoms are similar to the symptoms of other mental health conditions or physical conditions.
The evaluators will decide if the symptoms are serious or mild. They will also examine the patient's medical and familial background to determine if there is any root causes behind their condition, such as thyroid issues or head injuries.
In certain instances the examiner may decide to conduct cognitive testing or request that the person take an imaging test to determine the cause of their symptoms such as learning disabilities. These people often present differently than those who do not have these issues. Boys tend to display hyperactive symptoms, while girls exhibit inattention symptoms.
Many people with 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 main goal of these studies is to gain scientific knowledge and not necessarily the guarantee of treatment. For more information about clinical trials, visit the NIMH's Clinical Trials fact sheet.
adhd diagnosis adults
For a person who suspects they may have ADHD It is essential to find a professional who is experienced in diagnosing the disorder. Check with your health insurance provider if ADHD specialists will be covered. You can also ask family doctors or other healthcare providers for referrals. Word-of-mouth recommendations are also a good option.
A doctor will interview the patient -or their parents, in the case of children -- about symptoms. She might use checklists with standardized criteria or ADHD symptoms, and ask other people in the patient's life for details including spouses and families. Personal insight often uncovers more than can be gleaned from questionnaires.
Experts will also examine any old school records particularly old reports. The diagnosis of ADHD is often dependent on the past of a person. To be diagnosed, symptoms must have existed since the age of a child (technically before age 12).
Physical examinations are also conducted. 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 test the coordination and motor control. Psychological tests that test intelligence and abilities may also be used. In addition, a person might be asked to complete simple computer tasks to test memory and attention. This will help the professional determine if a person is hyperactive, inattentive or impulsive. The expert will determine the diagnosis and suggest treatment. Treatment plans typically include medication and therapy. Psychotherapy or talk therapy may help children and adults learn healthy coping techniques and change unhelpful thought patterns. This therapy is offered by a primary physician or a mental healthcare professional who is an expert in adult ADHD.
Medication
Many people suffering from ADHD are helped by medication, but it's not the only method to treat the condition. Adults, teens and children are also able to benefit from psychotherapy, behavioral therapy or the combination of both. These therapies assist them to cope and learn to live with their ADHD symptoms. They may include psychoeducation, which is education about ADHD and methods to manage it. They can also include teachers, family members and professionals.
It is important to find a health care provider or mental health professional who has previous experience treating ADHD. You can ask for recommendations from other people with ADHD or from a mental health provider you already know, or do an online search. It is important to find a specialist familiar with your insurance.
The health care provider will ask you or your child about symptoms and issues caused by ADHD. They will conduct an examination of the body and look for other health problems that could cause similar symptoms. They will look over your or your child's medical history and family history, school records, and other reports.
The American Psychiatric Association's (DSM-V), which is primarily geared towards diagnosing children is more difficult diagnosis of ADHD in adults. Your health care provider may interview you or your children about the symptoms and have others who spend a lot 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 methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine, and atomox and nonstimulants like atomoxetine and antidepressants. They function by increasing and balancing brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.
Counseling
Many people who suffer from ADHD also have co-occurring disorders, like anxiety or depression. Treatment should therefore include therapy that addresses these issues. Certain patients may benefit from cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches skills like time and task management and emotional self-regulation.
Therapists can also assist patients in managing their symptoms through lifestyle modifications. For example, a regular exercise routine can help reduce hyperactivity and improve concentration. A healthier diet is important as well. People suffering from ADHD tend eat more fat and sugar and less fruit and vegetables. Making family and social relationships a priority can reduce anxiety and make people feel more in control of their lives.
Another benefit of an ADHD diagnosis is that it can give adults and children a better comprehension of their issues. 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 assessment will ask questions that are geared towards the person's age, interview teachers and relatives as well as review medical records and check for comorbid conditions. For adults, records from schools could be useful in determining whether the ADHD symptoms began before adulthood.
A physical exam is usually included, and the specialist will likely test for hearing and vision issues. He or she will also conduct a blood test to determine the presence of specific hormones and other health conditions that can cause ADHD-like symptoms.