How to Diagnose and Treat ADHD
Many people believe that ADHD is a condition only of children, however it can affect adults too. If diagnosed and treated for ADHD the patient can live a better life.
An evaluation for ADHD might include interviewing the person and family members. The specialist could review old school records in order to determine if the symptoms started as an infant.
Signs and symptoms
Everyone struggles with concentration and staying well-organized from time to time, but for someone who has ADHD the issues can be a hindrance with work, school and home life. A person must exhibit major 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 have been present for at least six months.
To determine a diagnosis, doctors will talk to the patient about their symptoms and inquire about family history and medical conditions. They may also use rating scales that measure a adult's or child's symptoms. These questionnaires are based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These include questions about symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive.
Adults might be asked to talk with their significant other or someone who knows them well. This isn't meant to challenge honesty, but to gain more insight into the behavior of a person that cannot be gathered from the answers to a questionnaire. They might inquire about childhood behavior and refer to old school records in order to determine if symptoms began before the age of 12.
Before determining the cause, the doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination and run lab tests to rule other conditions, such as thyroid problems or head injuries that can cause similar symptoms. The doctor will also go over the medication list of a patient. Certain medications for depression high blood pressure, depression and other ailments can interact with stimulants, and the doctor will consider these when suggesting treatments. This is why it's essential for adults to talk to their primary healthcare providers when they suspect they have ADHD.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must occur in more than one setting (like school, home and work) and seriously hinder functioning. They must also have started before age 12, and the impairment cannot be caused by a different disorder, such as anxiety or depression.
A mental health professional or doctor will employ a variety of tools during an evaluation which include ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized scales for assessing behavior and a detailed history. They may interview friends and family members to find out how the patient's symptoms have affected them. They'll ask whether the symptoms are similar to those of other psychiatric conditions or physical ailments.
Evaluations will consider whether the symptoms are mild or severe. They will also examine the person's medical and family background to determine if there is any root causes behind their condition for example, thyroid disorders 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. People who suffer from these issues often present very differently from those who do not suffer from them. Boys are more likely to exhibit hyperactive symptoms, while girls display inattentional symptoms.
Many people with ADHD are interested in taking part in a clinical study to test new treatments. This is a great chance to conduct further research. However, participants should be aware that the main objective of these studies is to gain scientific knowledge, not an assurance of treatment. Visit the NIMH's Clinical Trials Fact Sheet for more details about clinical trials.
Treatment
If you suspect you might have ADHD seek out a specialist who is certified to identify the disorder. Contact your health insurance provider to determine whether ADHD specialists are covered, and then seek referrals from family doctors or other health care providers. Word-of mouth recommendations are also an alternative.
A doctor will speak with the patient -or their parents, in the case of children -- about their symptoms. They may use standard questionnaires or ADHD symptoms checklists, and ask for details from other people in the patient's life, like spouses and family members. Personal insight can reveal more than what can be gleaned from questionnaires.
An expert will also want to review any records that the individual may have, especially old school reports. Often, the diagnosis of ADHD is based on a person's history, and in order to be diagnosed with the condition, symptoms must be present from the age of a child (technically prior to the age of 12).
Physical examinations are also often performed. It checks for other medical conditions that may be the cause of the symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues. The specialist will typically conduct a neurological exam, which tests for motor control and coordination. Psychological tests, designed to test intelligence and ability, might be utilized too. In addition the person could be asked to perform simple computer tasks that test attention and memory. This will help the professional 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. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can teach adults and children healthy coping strategies and alter unhelpful thinking patterns. This therapy is offered by a primary doctor or a mental health professional who is an expert in adult ADHD.
Medication
Many people suffering from ADHD are helped by medication. However it is not the only method of treating the condition. Psychotherapy, behavioral therapy or a combination of both can be beneficial for adolescents, children as well as adults. These therapies aid them in coping and cope with their ADHD symptoms. They can include psychoeducation, which is education about ADHD and ways to manage it. They could include teachers, family members and professionals.
It is crucial to locate an expert in mental health or health care provider who has experience in treating ADHD. You can ask others with ADHD for suggestions or refer to a mental health provider you know. You can also conduct an internet search. It is best to locate a specialist who is familiar with your insurance plan.
The health professional will ask you or your child about the signs and problems that are caused by ADHD. They will conduct a physical examination and check for any other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms. They will look over the medical and family history of you or your child and also school records and other documents.
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 mostly geared toward diagnosing children. Your doctor will ask you or your child regarding their symptoms, and may request other people who spend a lot of time with them to 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. ADHD medications include stimulants like the methylphenidate, Lisdexamfetamine and atomoxe and nonstimulants like atomoxetine and certain antidepressants. They work by boosting and balancing levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD also have comorbid disorders, including anxiety or depression. This is why treatment should be based on therapy that targets these issues. Certain patients might benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches abilities such as time and task management, emotional self-regulation and impulse control.
Therapists can also help patients manage their symptoms through lifestyle adjustments. For instance, a regular exercise routine can help reduce hyperactivity and improve concentration. A healthy diet is important; people with ADHD tend to consume higher levels of sugar and fat, and eat fewer vegetables and fruits than the rest of us. Lastly, making relationships with family and friends an important factor can reduce stress levels and make people feel more in control of their lives.
A diagnosis of ADHD can aid adults and children to comprehend their difficulties. For example, a child who has ADHD may have trouble communicating their needs to teachers and peers however, when a teacher realizes that it's not personal or due to a lack of motivation accommodations can be provided.
A professional conducting an ADHD assessment will ask questions that are geared towards the person's age, interview family members and teachers, review medical records, and determine if there are any comorbid conditions. If ADHD symptoms started before adulthood school records could be useful for adults.
adhd diagnosis in adults uk will also look for any hearing or vision problems. He or she will also do a blood test to determine the presence of certain hormones and other health conditions that can cause ADHD-like symptoms.