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How to Diagnose and Treat ADHD
Many people believe ADHD is a condition that affects children but it can affect adults. Being diagnosed and treated for ADHD can help improve the quality of life of a person.
Interviewing the individual and their family members may be part of an evaluation for ADHD. The specialist could look through the school records from the past 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, these problems interfere with work, school and even home life. To be considered to have the disorder, one must exhibit severe symptoms in at least two of these areas, and prove that the symptoms significantly hinder everyday functioning. The symptoms must have been present for a minimum of six months.
To make a diagnosis, a doctor will interview the patient about their symptoms and ask about their family history and medical problems. They may also use rating scales to assess a adult's or child's symptoms. These questionnaires are often constructed using 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 a significant other or people who know the patient well. This is not a way to doubt the patient's honesty but to gain more insight about their behavior that isn't obtained from an interview. You can also inquire about their childhood behavior, and look at old school records to see whether the symptoms began before age 12.
Before making a diagnosis the doctor will perform an extensive physical exam and run tests in the lab to rule out other conditions, such as thyroid problems or head injuries that could trigger similar symptoms. The provider will also check the patient's medication list. Doctors will take into consideration the interaction between stimulants and specific medications prescribed for depression, high-blood pressure, and other issues. This is why it's important for adults to talk to their primary healthcare providers in the event that they suspect they be suffering from ADHD.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must manifest in at least two places (such as school, home and at work) and interfere with functioning. They must also have started at the age of 12 and the impairment cannot be due to another disorder, such as anxiety or depression.
A mental health professional uses various tools to evaluate the patient, such as ADHD symptoms lists and standardized scales for assessing behaviour as well as a thorough medical history. They may interview friends and family members to find out how the patient's symptoms have affected them. They will ask if the symptoms are similar to those of other psychiatric conditions or physical ailments.
The evaluators will look at whether the symptoms are mild or severe. They will also examine the patient's medical and family history in order to determine if there are root causes behind their condition, such as thyroid issues or head injuries.
In certain instances an examiner may decide to perform cognitive testing or have the person undergo an imaging test to rule out other reasons for their symptoms, like learning disabilities, mood disorders personality disorders, and alcohol abuse. People with these problems typically present differently than those who don't have them. For instance, boys tend to exhibit hyperactivity symptoms, whereas girls show inattention symptoms.
Many people with ADHD are interested in participating in a clinical study to try out new treatments. This is an excellent opportunity to further research. However, participants must be aware that the primary purpose of these studies is scientific knowledge, not the guarantee of treatment. For more information about clinical trials, check out NIMH's Clinical Trials fact sheet.
Treatment
For a person who suspects they may have ADHD, it's important to find a specialist trained in diagnosing the disorder. Contact your health insurance company to inquire whether ADHD specialists will be covered. You may also ask your family doctor or other health professionals for recommendations. Word-of-mouth recommendations are also an alternative.
A doctor will speak with the patient -- or their parents, in the case of children -- about symptoms. They may use checklists that are standard or ADHD symptoms, and ask others in the person's life for information like their spouses and their families. Personal insight can provide more information than what can be gleaned from questionnaires.
Experts will also review any documents from the past, and especially old reports. Often, the diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the history of a person, and to be diagnosed with the condition, the symptoms must be present since the age of a child (technically prior to age 12).
A physical exam is also conducted. It's also a way to check for other medical conditions that may be causing symptoms, for instance seizures or thyroid problems. A neurological examination is often performed by a specialist to test motor control and coordination. Psychological tests to measure the level of intelligence and ability can also be used. Additionally the person could be asked to perform simple computer tasks that evaluate memory and attention. This could help an expert determine whether the person is hyperactive or inattentive. The expert will decide on a diagnosis and suggest treatment. The typical treatment plan includes therapy and medication. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can aid children and adults in learning healthy coping techniques and change negative thinking patterns. This therapy can be provided by a primary doctor or a mental healthcare specialist who is an expert in adult ADHD.
Medication
Many people with ADHD improve their condition by taking medications, however it's 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. They may also include psychoeducation, which is a form of education about ADHD and methods to manage it. They can also involve family members, teachers and other professionals.
adult adhd diagnoses is crucial to find an expert in mental health or health care provider who is experienced in treating ADHD. You can ask others who suffer from ADHD for recommendations or a mental healthcare practitioner you trust. You can also conduct an internet search. It is recommended to find an expert who is familiar with your insurance plan.
The doctor will inquire with you or your child about the signs and problems that are caused by ADHD. They will conduct physical examinations and check for any other health conditions that could cause similar symptoms. They will review your or your child's medical and family history, school records and other reports.
The American Psychiatric Association's (DSM-V) (DSM-V) which is designed to diagnose children is more difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults. Your health care provider may interview you or your children about the symptoms and have other people who spend lots 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 and lisdexamfetamine and nonstimulants such as atomoxetine or certain antidepressants. They function by increasing and balancing the levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.
adult adhd diagnoses with ADHD also suffer from comorbid disorders, like anxiety or depression. Treatment should therefore include therapy that addresses these issues. Certain patients might benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches abilities like time and task management, emotional self-regulation and impulse control.
In addition, therapists can help patients learn to manage their symptoms through lifestyle changes. Regular exercise can help decrease hyperactivity and improve focus. A healthy diet is crucial as well. People with ADHD tend to consume more sugar and fat, and less fruits and vegetables. In addition making social and family relationships a priority can lower stress levels and help individuals feel more in control of their lives.
A diagnosis of ADHD can aid adults and children to understand their challenges. For example, a child who has ADHD might have difficulty communicating his or her needs to peers and teachers However, once a teacher understands that it's not due to laziness, accommodations can be made.
A professional evaluating ADHD will ask questions that are targeted towards the person's specific age, speak with family and teachers, review medical files, and check for any comorbid conditions. For adults, school records might be helpful in determining if the ADHD symptoms started before the age of adulthood.
The expert will also check for any vision or hearing issues with hearing or vision. They may also perform tests on blood to test for certain hormones, and other health conditions which can cause ADHD-like signs and symptoms.