How to Diagnose and Treat ADHD
Many people believe that ADHD is just a child's condition however, it can affect adults. Finding a doctor and treating ADHD can help improve the quality of life of a person.
An assessment for ADHD might include interviewing the patient and their family members. The specialist may look over old school records to determine whether symptoms began in the early years of childhood.
Symptoms
Everyone has trouble concentrating and staying organized from time-to-time, but for someone who has ADHD this can cause problems with work, school and family life. A person must show major symptoms in two of these areas, and that they significantly affect the daily functioning of the person to be deemed to have ADHD. The symptoms must also have been present for a minimum of six months.
To establish a diagnosis doctors will speak with the patient about their symptoms and inquire about their family history and medical problems. They can also use rating scales to measure adult's or a child's symptoms. These questionnaires are based off of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These include questions regarding symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Adults may be asked to talk to their significant other or someone they know well. This is not a way to doubt the patient's honesty, but rather to gain more insight about their behavior that cannot be obtained from an interview. They may also ask about their childhood behavior, and look at old school records to see if the symptoms started before the age of 12.
Before determining a diagnosis, the doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination and run lab tests to rule other conditions out for thyroid issues or head injuries that can cause similar symptoms. The provider will also review 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 take these into account when recommending treatment options. This is the reason it's crucial for adults to speak to their primary care physicians if they think they might have ADHD.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must be evident in at least two different settings (such as home, school and at work) and cause impairment to functioning. The symptoms must have manifested before the age of 12 and cannot be caused by another disorder like depression or anxiety.
A mental health professional uses various tools to evaluate the patient, such as ADHD symptom lists and standardized scales for assessing behaviour and a thorough medical history. They may interview family members and friends to find out how the patient's symptoms have affected them. They will also ask whether there are other psychiatric conditions or physical illnesses that display similar symptoms.
Evaluators will take into account whether symptoms are mild or severe. They will also look into the person's medical and family history to determine if there are any root causes behind their condition for example, thyroid disorders or head injuries.
In certain instances, the evaluator might want to conduct a cognitive test or ask the person to undergo an imaging test to rule out other causes for their symptoms, such as learning disabilities. People with these issues often appear differently than those without these problems. Boys tend to show hyperactive symptoms, whereas girls exhibit inattention symptoms.
A few people suffering from ADHD are interested in participating in a clinical study to test out new treatments. This is a fantastic chance to conduct further research. However, participants should be aware that the primary purpose of these studies is scientific knowledge and not necessarily a guarantee of treatment. For more information on clinical trials, check out NIMH's Clinical Trials fact sheet.
Treatment
For a person who suspects they may have ADHD It is essential to find a specialist trained in diagnosing the disorder. Check with your health insurance provider to see whether ADHD specialists are covered, and then seek recommendations from family doctors or other health care providers. Word-of-mouth recommendations are also an option.
A doctor will inquire with the patient or their parents in the case of children - about the symptoms they experience. They may use checklists that are standard or ADHD symptoms, and ask other people in a person's life for information like their spouses and their families. Personal insight often uncovers more than can be gleaned from questionnaires.
An expert will also want to examine any records the person might have, including old school reports. The diagnosis of ADHD is usually based on the history of the individual. To be considered diagnosed, symptoms must have existed since the age of a child (technically before age 12).
A physical examination is also carried out. It is a way to identify any other medical problems that could be responsible for the symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders. A neurological exam is usually carried out by an expert to check motor control and coordination. Psychological tests, designed to measure intelligence and ability, might be utilized as well. The test subject may be required to complete simple computer tasks designed to test memory and attention. This could help an expert determine if someone is hyperactive or inattentive. The expert will decide on a diagnosis and recommend treatment. Typically, the treatment plan includes therapy and medication. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy can teach adults and children healthy coping strategies and alter unhelpful thinking patterns. This therapy is offered by a primary physician or a mental health specialist who is an expert in adult ADHD.
Medication
Many people suffering from ADHD improve their condition by taking medication, but it's not the only way to treat the condition. Adults, teenagers and children are also able to benefit from psychotherapy, behavioral therapy or a combination of both. These therapies help them cope and learn to live with their ADHD symptoms. Psychoeducation, or education on ADHD and how to manage it, can be included. They could include teachers, family members, and professionals.
It is crucial to locate a mental health professional or health professional who has experience in treating ADHD. You can ask others with ADHD for suggestions or refer to a mental health provider you've met. You can also do an internet search. It's best to find a specialist who is familiar with your insurance plan.
To diagnose ADHD to determine the cause, a health care provider will ask about your your child's symptoms and problems caused by the condition. They will do a physical exam and check for other health issues that could cause similar symptoms. They will review your your child's medical history and family information, school records and other reports.
The American Psychiatric Association's (DSM-V), which is primarily designed to diagnose children is more difficult time diagnosing ADHD in adults. Your health care provider might interview you or your children about their symptoms and have 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. The drugs used to treat ADHD include stimulants, such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine as well as non-stimulants such as atomoxetine and certain antidepressants. They work by boosting levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD also have co-occurring disorders, like depression or anxiety. For this reason, treatment should include therapy that addresses these issues. Certain patients might benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches skills such as time and task control, emotional self-regulation and impulse control.
In addition, therapists can help patients manage their symptoms through lifestyle modifications. For instance an exercise routine that is regularly practiced can reduce hyperactivity and improve concentration. adhd undiagnosed in adults is also crucial for people with ADHD tend to eat higher levels of sugar and fat and less vegetables and fruits than other people. Making social and family relationships priority can help reduce anxiety and make people feel more in charge of their lives.
A diagnosis of ADHD can help children and adults better recognize their issues. For example, a child who has ADHD may have trouble communicating his or her demands to peers and teachers, but once a teacher is aware that it's not due to laziness accommodations can be made.
A professional evaluating ADHD will ask questions geared towards the person's specific age, interview family and teachers, read medical records, and look for any comorbid conditions. If ADHD symptoms started before adulthood, school records can be useful for adults.
The doctor will also look for any vision or hearing problems. The doctor may also perform tests on the blood to look for certain hormones and other health issues that may cause symptoms of ADHD.