How to Diagnose and Treat ADHD
Many people believe that ADHD is only a condition of children, however it can affect adults as well. When diagnosed and treated for ADHD, a person can live a better life.
Interviewing the person as well as their family members may be a part of a diagnostic for ADHD. The specialist may look over old school records to see if symptoms started in the early years of childhood.
Symptoms
Everyone struggles with concentration and staying organized from time to time, but for someone who suffers from ADHD this can cause problems with work, school and family life. To be considered to have the disorder, someone must have major symptoms in at least two of these areas, and prove that the symptoms significantly hinder the daily functioning. The symptoms must be present for at least six months.
To determine a diagnosis, doctors will talk to the patient regarding their symptoms and ask about family history and medical problems. They may also use rating scales to assess a adult's or a child's symptoms. These questionnaires are based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). adhd diagnosis uk include questions about the symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.
Adults may be asked to speak with their spouse 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 an interview. They could inquire about childhood behavior and refer to old school records in order to determine if the symptoms started before the age of 12.
Before making a diagnosis the doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination and run lab tests to rule other ailments for thyroid issues or head injuries, which could trigger similar symptoms. The provider will also review the medication list of a patient. More for depression high blood pressure, depression and other ailments may be a trigger for stimulants, so the doctor will consider these when recommending treatments. This is why it's important for adults to speak to their primary healthcare providers when they suspect they have ADHD.
Diagnosis
For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must manifest in two or more settings (like home, school and work) and seriously hinder functioning. The symptoms must have manifested before the age of 12 and can't be caused by a different disorder, such as depression or anxiety.
A doctor or mental health professional will employ a variety tools during an evaluation which include ADHD symptom checklists and standardized scales for assessing behavior and a detailed history. They might also talk to family members or friends to learn what the symptoms have done to them. They'll inquire whether the symptoms are similar to other mental health conditions or physical ailments.
The evaluators will consider whether the symptoms are mild or severe. They will also look at the medical history of the patient and family history to ensure there is no underlying reason for their symptoms like thyroid disorders and head injuries, as well as medication.
In some instances, the evaluator might want to conduct a cognitive test or ask the person to 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 example, boys tend to exhibit hyperactivity symptoms, whereas girls exhibit inattention symptoms.
Some people with ADHD are interested in participating in a clinical study to test new treatments. While this is a great way to help further research, it is important for participants to realize that the purpose behind these studies is to acquire knowledge in the field of science and cannot necessarily guarantee that they will receive treatment. For more information about clinical trials, check out NIMH's Clinical Trials fact sheet.
Treatment
If you suspect you might have ADHD, find a professional who is qualified to identify the disorder. Check with your health insurance provider to find out if ADHD specialists are covered. You can also seek referrals from family doctors or other health care providers. Also, word-of-mouth referrals are a great option.
A doctor will interview the patient -or their parents in children's cases -- about their symptoms. She might use checklists with standardized criteria or ADHD symptoms, and also ask other people in the patient's life for information including spouses and their families. Personal experience often reveals more than what can be learned from questionnaires.
Experts will also look over old school records particularly old reports. The diagnosis of ADHD is often dependent on the past of a person. To be diagnosed the symptoms must be present from the age of a child (technically, before the age 12).
A physical exam is also performed. It checks for other medical issues that could be causing symptoms, like seizure disorders or thyroid problems. The doctor will usually conduct a neurological examination, which checks for coordination and motor control. Psychological tests, which are designed to test abilities and intelligence, may be utilized as well. A person may be asked to complete simple computer tasks designed to test memory and attention. This can help an expert determine whether the person is hyperactive or not. The specialist will then decide on a diagnosis and recommend treatment. Treatment plans usually comprise therapy and medication. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy can teach adults as well as children healthy coping strategies and help change negative thinking patterns. The therapy can be offered by a primary doctor or a mental healthcare professional who is a specialist in adult ADHD.
Medication
Many people with ADHD are helped by medication, though it's not the only method to treat the condition. Psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, or a combination of both can be beneficial to teenagers, children and adults. These therapies help them cope and cope with their ADHD symptoms. They may include psychoeducation, which is a form of education about ADHD and methods to manage it. They can include teachers, family members, and professionals.
It's crucial to find an expert in mental health or health care professional who has experience in treating ADHD. You can ask other people who suffer from ADHD for suggestions or refer to a mental health provider you know. You can also do an internet search. It's best to find a specialist who is familiar with your insurance plan.
The health care provider will ask you or your child about symptoms and problems caused by ADHD. They will do a physical exam and check for any other health issues that could cause similar symptoms. They will look over the medical and family history of your child or you along with school documents and other reports.
The American Psychiatric Association's (DSM-V) (DSM-V) which is primarily designed to diagnose children and adolescents, has a harder time diagnosing ADHD in adults. Your doctor will interview you or your child about the signs and may request other people who spend long periods of time with them to complete 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 methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine, and atomox and nonstimulants like atomoxetine and antidepressants. They work by increasing and balancing levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders such as depression or anxiety. For this reason, treatment should include therapy that targets these issues. Certain patients could benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches abilities such as time and task management, emotional self-regulation, and impulse control.
Additionally, therapists can help patients manage their symptoms by making lifestyle adjustments. For example an exercise routine that is regularly practiced can help reduce hyperactivity and improve concentration. A healthy diet is crucial as well. People suffering from ADHD tend eat more fat and sugar, and less fruits and vegetables. Also making relationships with family and friends a priority can lower stress levels and make people 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 example, a child who has ADHD might have difficulty communicating his or her demands to peers and teachers however, once a teacher is aware that it's not due to personal issues or to laziness, accommodations can be made.
A professional who is evaluating ADHD will ask questions that are targeted to the individual's age, talk to family members and teachers, look over medical records, and look for any comorbidities. If ADHD symptoms first started before age school records can be helpful for adults.
A physical exam is usually included, and the doctor will likely check for vision and hearing problems. He or she will also conduct tests on the blood to look for specific hormones and other health issues that may cause ADHD-like symptoms.