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 an individual can lead a happier life.
An evaluation for ADHD could involve a conversation with the patient and their family members. The specialist may look over old school records to see if symptoms started in the early years of childhood.
Signs and symptoms
Everyone struggles with concentration and staying well-organized from time to time however, for those who has ADHD this can cause problems with work, school and family life. The person must display significant symptoms in two of these areas, and that they significantly affect the daily functioning of the person for them to be identified as having ADHD. The symptoms must be present for at least six months.
A doctor will inquire with the patient about his or her symptoms, and also about any medical issues and family history. They can also use rating systems to gauge symptoms in adults and children. These questionnaires are usually constructed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They ask regarding symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and an impulsive nature.
In adults, doctors may require a discussion with someone else in the family or who know the patient well. This isn't meant to challenge the authenticity of the person, but rather to gain a better understanding of the behavior of a person that cannot be gleaned from an interview. They could inquire about childhood behaviors and use old school records to determine if symptoms began before 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 conditions out for thyroid issues or head injuries that could trigger similar symptoms. The doctor will also review the person's list of medications. Certain medications for depression high blood pressure, depression and other ailments may be a trigger for stimulants, so the doctor will take these into consideration when recommending treatments. It is crucial that adults speak with their primary healthcare provider if they suspect they may have ADHD.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must appear in at least two different settings (such as home, school and at work) and affect the functioning of the individual. They should also have been diagnosed before age 12, and the impairment cannot be caused by another disorder, such as anxiety or depression.
A doctor or mental health professional will employ a variety tools during the assessment that include ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized scales for assessing behavior and a detailed history. They may interview friends and family members to determine how the individual's symptoms have affected them. They may also inquire whether there are any other psychiatric conditions or physical illnesses that display similar symptoms.
Evaluations will consider whether symptoms are mild or severe. They will also look into the person's medical and family background to determine if there are any underlying causes for their issue for example, thyroid issues or head injuries.
In some cases, the evaluator might want to conduct a cognitive test or request the person take 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 do not have them. For diagnosis for adhd , boys tend to exhibit hyperactivity symptoms, whereas girls show inattention symptoms.
Some people with ADHD are interested in participating in a clinical trial to try out new treatments. This is a fantastic opportunity to further research. However, participants must be aware that the primary objective of these studies is to gain scientific knowledge, not the guarantee of treatment. For more information about clinical trials, please visit NIMH's Clinical Trials fact sheet.
Treatment
For a person who suspects they have ADHD, it's important to find a specialist trained in diagnosing the disorder. Ask 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 an alternative.
A doctor will interview the patient -or their parents, in the case of children, about symptoms. She may use standardized checklists or ADHD symptoms, and ask other people in the patient's life for details, such as their spouses and their families. Personal insight often uncovers more than can be discovered from questionnaires.
Experts will also examine any old school records, and especially old reports. The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the history of a person and, to be able to identify the condition, symptoms must have been present since childhood (technically before age 12).
A physical exam is also performed. It checks for other medical conditions that may be responsible for the symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues. The expert will often conduct a neurological exam which tests for coordination and motor control. Psychological tests that measure the ability to think and be smart could be used. A person could be required to complete simple computer tasks designed to test memory and attention. This could assist an expert determine whether someone is hyperactive or inattentional. The specialist will then decide on a diagnosis and recommend treatment. Treatment plans typically consist of therapy and medication. Psychotherapy, or 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 are helped by medication, though it's not the only way to treat the condition. Adults, teens and children can also benefit from behavioral therapy, psychotherapy or any combination of the two. These therapies assist them in dealing with their ADHD symptoms and help them learn to live with them. Psychoeducation, or education on ADHD and how to manage it, may be incorporated. They can also include family members, teachers and professionals.
It is crucial to find a mental health professional or health care provider with experience treating ADHD. You can seek recommendations from other people with ADHD or from a mental health provider you already know, or do an online search. It's best to find an expert who is familiar with your insurance plan.
The health care provider will inquire with you or your child about the signs and issues caused by ADHD. They will perform 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 your child or you and also school documents and other reports.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adults can be more difficult because the Symptom Guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-V) are primarily geared towards diagnosing children. Your health care provider may interview you or your children about the symptoms and ask other people who spend lots 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 such as the methylphenidate, Lisdexamfetamine and atomoxe, as well nonstimulants such atomoxetine as well as certain antidepressants. They work by boosting and balancing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from comorbid disorders, like anxiety or depression. This is why treatment should include therapy that addresses these issues. Certain patients might benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches skills like time and task management, emotional self-regulation and impulse control.
Therapists can also assist patients manage their symptoms by altering their lifestyle. For example an exercise routine that is regularly practiced can help reduce hyperactivity and improve concentration. A healthy diet is crucial as well. People who suffer from ADHD tend to consume more fat and sugar and less fruit and vegetables. Making family and social relationships a priority can reduce stress and help people feel more in charge of their lives.
Another benefit of an ADHD diagnosis is that it gives adults and children a better comprehension of their issues. For example, a child who has ADHD may have trouble communicating their needs to teachers and peers, but once a teacher is aware that it's not due to a lack of motivation accommodations can be provided.
A professional who conducts an ADHD assessment will ask questions specific to the person's age, interview teachers and relatives as well as review medical records and look for comorbidities. If ADHD symptoms first started before age, school records can be useful for adults.
A physical exam is typically included, and the specialist will likely check for hearing and vision issues. He or she will also do an analysis of blood to look for certain hormones and other health issues that could cause symptoms of ADHD.