How to Diagnose and Treat ADHD
Many people believe that ADHD is a condition that affects children, but it can also affect adults. If diagnosed and treated for ADHD, a person can lead a happier life.
A diagnosis for ADHD could involve a conversation with the patient and their family members. The specialist may examine old school records to determine if symptoms began as an infant.
Symptoms
ADHD is a disorder that can affect school, work as well as home life. Everyone has difficulty concentrating and staying organised from time to time. 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 have been present for a minimum of six months.
A doctor will ask the patient about his or her symptoms, and also about any medical concerns and family history. They can also use rating scales that measure a child's or adult's symptoms. These questionnaires are often built on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They include questions about symptoms like hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.
For adults, doctors might request a conversation with an intimate partner or others who are familiar with the patient. This is not a way to doubt the patient's honesty but to gain insight into their behavior that isn't gained from a questionnaire. You can also inquire about childhood behavior and use the old school records to determine whether the symptoms began prior to the age of 12.
Before determining the cause, the doctor will conduct an extensive physical exam and run tests in order to rule other conditions like thyroid problems or head injuries that could trigger similar symptoms. The provider will also check the patient's list of medications. Doctors will consider the interaction between stimulants and specific medications prescribed for depression, high-blood pressure, and other conditions. This is the reason it's crucial for adults to talk to their primary care providers when they suspect they have ADHD.
Diagnosis
For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must occur in more than one setting (like school, home and at work) and seriously hinder functioning. The symptoms must have appeared before the age of 12 and must not be caused by a different disorder such as depression or anxiety.
A mental health professional uses various tools to evaluate the patient, including ADHD symptom lists, standardized behaviour rating scales, and a detailed medical history. They may interview friends and family members to determine how the individual's symptoms have affected them. They'll ask whether the symptoms are similar to other mental health conditions or physical ailments.
Evaluations will consider 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 is any underlying causes for their issue, such as thyroid disorders or head injuries.
In some cases an evaluator might decide to conduct a cognitive test or ask the person to undergo an imaging test to rule out other reasons for their symptoms, such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, personality disorders or alcohol abuse. People suffering from these disorders typically present differently than those who do not suffer from them. Boys tend to show hyperactive symptoms, whereas girls exhibit inattention symptoms.
Many people with ADHD would like to participate in an experiment in order to try out new treatments. This is an excellent opportunity to continue research. However, participants must be aware that the primary purpose of these studies is scientific knowledge, not a guarantee of treatment. Visit the NIMH's Clinical Trials Fact Sheet for more information on clinical trials.
Treatment
If you suspect that you have ADHD seek out a specialist who is certified to recognize the disorder. Check with your health insurance provider for confirmation if ADHD specialists will be 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 inquire with the patient - or parents in the case of children - about the symptoms they experience. She may use standardized questionnaires or ADHD symptom checklists, or ask for details from other people in the patient's life, including spouses and family members. Personal experience often reveals more than what can be learned from questionnaires.
A professional will also want to review any records that the person may have, particularly old school reports. The diagnosis of ADHD is usually dependent on the past of the individual. To be considered diagnosed, symptoms must have existed from the age of a child (technically before age 12).
A physical exam is also performed. It's also examined for other medical conditions that may be causing symptoms, such thyroid problems or seizures. The doctor will usually conduct a neurological exam, that checks for coordination and motor control. Psychological tests that measure the ability to think and be smart could be utilized. A person may also be asked to perform simple computer tasks to test memory and attention. This can help the expert determine if someone is hyperactive, inattentive or an impulsive. The expert will decide on the best treatment plan and then make a diagnosis. The typical treatment plan includes medication and therapy. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy can teach adults and children healthy coping strategies and alter unhelpful thinking patterns. The therapy can be offered by a primary physician or a mental healthcare specialist who is an expert in adult ADHD.
Medication
Many people suffering from ADHD get better by taking medication. However it is not the only way to treat the condition. Psychotherapy, behavioral therapy or a combination of the two can be beneficial to adolescents, children, and adults. These therapies aid them in coping and live with their ADHD symptoms. click this , which is a form of education on ADHD and ways to manage it, could be included. They may involve family members, teachers and other professionals.
It is essential to find a mental health professional or health care professional who has experience in treating ADHD. You can ask for suggestions from others who suffer from ADHD or from a mental health provider you already know, or perform an online search. It is essential to find a specialist who is familiar with your insurance.
The doctor will inquire with you or your child about the symptoms and problems caused by ADHD. They will conduct an examination of the body and look for other health issues which could trigger similar symptoms. They will look over your your child's medical history and family history, school records and other reports.
The American Psychiatric Association's (DSM-V), which is designed to diagnose children and adolescents, has a harder diagnosis of ADHD in adults. Your health care provider might interview you or your children about their symptoms and ask 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. The drugs used to treat ADHD include stimulants such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine, and nonstimulants like atomoxetine or certain antidepressants. They help by increasing levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD also have comorbid disorders, including depression or anxiety. The treatment should therefore include therapy that addresses these issues. Some patients can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches techniques such as time and task management and emotional self-regulation.
Additionally, therapists can help patients learn to manage their symptoms by making lifestyle modifications. For instance, a regular exercise routine can reduce hyperactivity and improve concentration. A healthier diet is also important; people with ADHD tend to eat more sugar and fat, and eat fewer vegetables and fruits than other people. Lastly 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 can give children and adults a clearer understanding of their challenges. For instance, a child with ADHD might have difficulty communicating his or her needs to peers and teachers however, once a teacher understands that it's not due to personal issues or to a lack of motivation, accommodations can be made.
A professional who is evaluating ADHD will ask questions that are targeted to the person's age, speak with family and teachers, review medical records, and look for any comorbidities. 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 look for vision and hearing problems. He or she will also perform an analysis of blood to look for certain hormones and other health conditions that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD.