How to Diagnose and Treat ADHD
Many people believe ADHD is a normal condition that affects children however, it can affect adults. Getting diagnosed and treated for ADHD can make a difference in the quality of life of a person.
A diagnosis for ADHD may involve interviewing the patient and their family members. The specialist could look through the school records from the past to determine whether the symptoms started in childhood.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects work, school and family life. Everyone has difficulty concentrating and staying organised at times. To be able to identify the disorder, someone must show signs of major impairment in at least two of these areas and show that the symptoms significantly affect daily functioning. The symptoms must have also been present for a minimum of six months.
A doctor will ask the patient about their symptoms, as well as about any medical issues and family history. They can also utilize rating scales to assess 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 such as hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive.
In adults, doctors may require a discussion with a significant other or people who know the patient. This is not a way to doubt the patient's honesty but to gain insight into their behavior that cannot be gained from the answers to a questionnaire. It is also possible to inquire about their childhood behavior and consult the old school records to determine whether the signs started prior to the age of 12.
Before making a diagnosis the doctor will conduct a thorough 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 provider will also check the patient's list of medications. Doctors will take into consideration the interaction between stimulants and medications prescribed for depression, high blood pressure, and other ailments. It is crucial that adults speak to their primary health care providers when they suspect they be suffering from ADHD.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must appear in at least two different settings (such as school, home, and work) and interfere with functioning. They also must have begun before age 12, and the impairment must not be due to another disorder, like depression or anxiety.
A mental health professional or doctor will employ a variety tools during the evaluation, including ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standardized behavior rating scales and a detailed medical history. They may interview family members and friends to see how the person's symptoms have affected them. They can also inquire whether there are other psychiatric conditions or physical illnesses that display similar symptoms.
The evaluators will consider whether the symptoms are mild or severe. They will also review the medical history of the patient and family history to ensure there is no root cause for their issues like thyroid disorders and head injuries, as well as medication.
In some cases an examiner may decide to perform cognitive testing or ask the person to undergo an imaging test to rule out any other possible causes for their symptoms, including learning disabilities, mood disorders, personality disorders or substance abuse. how to diagnosis adhd with these issues often appear differently than those without these problems. Boys tend to display hyperactive symptoms, while girls display inattentional symptoms.
Many people with ADHD might be interested in participating in a clinical study to try out new treatments. While this is a great method to aid in further research, it is important for participants to know that the primary purpose of these studies is to gain knowledge in the field of science and cannot necessarily guarantee they will receive treatment. Visit the NIMH's Clinical Trials Fact Sheet for more information about clinical trials.
Treatment
If you suspect they may have ADHD, it's important to find a professional who is experienced in diagnosing the disorder. Ask your health insurance provider if ADHD specialists will be covered. You can also ask family doctors or other health professionals for referrals. Word-of mouth recommendations are also an option.
A doctor will interview the patient -or their parents, in children's cases -- about symptoms. She might use checklists with standardized criteria or ADHD symptoms, and also ask other people in the patient's life for details like their spouses and families. Personal insights can provide more information than what can be learned from questionnaires.
Experts will also review any old school records, and especially old reports. Often, the diagnosis of ADHD is based on a person's history and, in order to be able to identify the condition, the symptoms must have been present from childhood (technically prior to the age of 12).
Physical examinations are also conducted. It is also checked for any other medical conditions which could cause symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizures. More will usually conduct a neurological exam, that checks for motor control and coordination. Psychological tests, designed to test the ability and intelligence of a person, could be utilized too. A person may be asked to perform simple computer tasks to test attention and memory. This could assist an expert determine if the person is hyperactive or not. The specialist will determine a treatment plan and make a diagnosis. Treatment plans typically comprise therapy and medication. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can teach adults and children healthy coping skills and change unhelpful 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 get better by taking medication. However, this is not the only method of treating the condition. Psychotherapy, behavioral therapy or a combination of both can be beneficial for teenagers, children and adults. These therapies help them cope and cope with their ADHD symptoms. They may also include psychoeducation, which is education about ADHD and ways to manage it. They can involve teachers, parents and other professionals.
It is crucial to find an expert in mental health or health care professional with experience treating ADHD. You can ask others who suffer from ADHD for recommendations or a mental healthcare provider you know. You can also conduct an online search. It is recommended to find a specialist who is familiar with your insurance plan.
The health care provider will inquire with you or your child about symptoms and issues caused by ADHD. They will conduct an examination and check for other health issues which could trigger similar symptoms. They will review the medical and family history of your child or you and also school records and other reports.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adults can be more difficult because the symptoms Guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-V) are primarily designed to diagnose children. Your health care provider may interview you or your children about the symptoms and request that 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. Medications used to treat ADHD include stimulants such as methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine as well as non-stimulants such as atomoxetine and certain antidepressants. They work by boosting and balancing neurotransmitters in the brain.
Counseling
Many people who suffer from ADHD also have comorbid disorders, like anxiety or depression. For this reason, treatment should be based on therapy that targets these issues. Certain patients may benefit from cognitive behavioral treatment which teaches techniques such as managing time and tasks and emotional self-regulation.
Therapists can help patients manage their symptoms by changing their lifestyle. Regular exercise can help decrease hyperactivity and improve concentration. A healthier diet is also essential for those with ADHD tend to consume higher levels of sugar and fat and consume less fruits and vegetables than others. In addition making social and family 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 provides adults and children a better comprehension of their issues. For instance, a child suffering from ADHD may have trouble communicating his or her demands to peers and teachers, but when a teacher realizes that it's not due to inattention, accommodations can be made.
A professional who evaluates ADHD will ask questions that are targeted towards the person's specific age, talk to family members and teachers, look over medical records, and check for any comorbidities. If ADHD symptoms started before adulthood school records could be helpful for adults.
The specialist will also check for any hearing or vision issues with hearing or vision. They might also conduct a blood test in order to check for certain hormones, as well as other health conditions which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD.