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ADHD Assessment and Treatment It is important to remember that a complete evaluation of ADHD is necessary before starting any treatment. This should include a doctor interview, additional information from sources, like a spouse or family member, DSM-5 ADD symptom scales and checklists, as well as tests that are standardized. Experts may also look over your child's school records and talk with teachers as well as religious leaders, scout leaders or coaches. assessed for adhd is because ADHD symptoms must be present since childhood before they can be diagnosed as an adult. Symptoms of ADHD ADHD symptoms can vary based on age, however many children with this condition struggle to focus or pay attention. They might fidget and mutter out answers to questions, or interrupt other people. They also might struggle with organization skills, get easily bored and have trouble waiting their turn. Impulsive behavior is often characterized by jumping into activities or running around without permission. They also may be at risk of using explosive anger or excitement to stimulate themselves and may even make others mad or playing pranks on them. A doctor can employ questionnaires or interviews to determine if a child is ADHD. They may also ask teachers to complete ratings scales. They may also perform a neurodevelopmental or physical exam to find any medical issues that may trigger symptoms of ADHD. This includes thyroid disorders and mood disorders. The evaluator will also want to know if your child has any other mental health problems, such as oppositional defiant disorders, conduct disorder or anxiety disorders. They will also ask you about your family history. For instance if other members of your family have ADHD or other psychiatric issues. Adults with ADHD have trouble managing their lives, including work and home responsibilities. They may also have trouble getting along with family members or coworkers. They may be late for appointments or not show up for social occasions due to their ailments. Their difficulties in school can result in an academic failure as well as poor job performance. For an adult to be diagnosed with ADHD, they must have six or more established symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity for at least six months. Doctors will conduct an interview with the patient and someone who knows them well such as a spouse or parent for adults or a teacher coach or nanny for children. The information collected will allow the doctor to determine which, if any, tests can exclude other conditions that are causing symptoms of ADHD. They may also employ an assessment tool designed to detect the signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults. Diagnosis The process of diagnosing ADHD involves a series of appointments with therapists and doctors. The diagnosis is based on the presence of symptoms and their impact on the individual's life. It is essential to get the right diagnosis in order to control symptoms that can affect the family life and work. A doctor who is an expert in ADHD such as psychologists or psychiatrists, will identify the problem. The doctor will review the patient's medical background and symptoms, as well as a discussion of when they first noticed. They may ask the patient to keep a journal of their symptoms and the impact on their lives. This is a great way to gain a clear understanding of the problem, and also to determine which tests or evaluations are needed to determine if ADHD is the reason. In addition to observing how a person functions in different settings, the doctor will utilize questionnaires to evaluate the signs. The doctor might use questionnaires for parents and teachers to evaluate children, and an interview with the patient to assess the symptoms. The questions are often similar to those in the NIMH ADHD diagnostic criteria, which help doctors identify whether a person is exhibiting hyperactive/impulsive or inattentive symptoms. Some doctors will also conduct an exam to determine if there isn't any physical condition such as thyroid issues or seizures, that could be the reason for the issue. Other tests can be conducted to look for other ailments like depression or anxiety. Occasionally, the doctor will order brain scans to help identify other possible causes of the symptoms. These tests, which aren't routinely used to diagnose ADHD however, could be a useful test when other diagnostic procedures have been eliminated. If you or your child suspects they might have ADHD, it is best to consult your primary physician. If the patient does not have a primary doctor, they should inquire with their insurance company to request a list of health specialists in their area who are able to perform an ADHD assessment. Treatment options The first step in treatment is an evaluation by a doctor who can determine if symptoms are caused by ADHD or another mental health issue. A thorough evaluation can include an interview with a child and parent as well as rating scales that compare the child's behavior to people without ADHD. Many medical conditions can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD, including thyroid problems seizures, head injuries and seizures. It may be necessary to undergo a physical exam in order to rule out the presence of these conditions. A psychological examination will be required to determine if the symptoms are due to ADHD or another mental health condition such as anxiety. ADHD symptoms can have a profound impact on school, work and interpersonal relationships. The person being assessed should be honest and open with the examiner about any issues they're having. They shouldn't hold back for fear of criticism or shame. They should describe their symptoms in as much detail as they can, including how they impact them at home as well as at school. Parents should be involved in the assessment, but they shouldn't make the decision to administer medication to their child. The type of medication prescribed is based on the underlying condition the symptoms and the age of the child. For instance stimulants are often prescribed in children and teens to treat ADHD due to their effectiveness in stimulating the areas of the brain responsible for attention and behavior. These medications are available in tablets with immediate release and modified-release that release the medication gradually throughout the day. Methylphenidate, which is the most popular medication prescribed for ADHD, is available in tablet form. Other treatment options for ADHD include family and marital therapy or cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches specific techniques to transform negative behavior to positive ones. These treatments may be beneficial for some adults with ADHD, as well occupational and educational accommodations. The most crucial aspect of treatment is the follow-up phase by having regular meetings to examine progress and determine the next steps. Parents should be encouraged to include teachers and other professionals, like religious and scout leaders, in the process. These experts can provide valuable information about how the child behaves and function in different situations. Medication There are many different drugs that are used to treat ADHD. Most commonly, stimulants work by increasing brain activity in specific brain regions that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used stimulant in teens, adults and children older than five years old, is the most popular. It comes in tablet form and is usually taken 2 to 3 times a day. It comes in immediate-release (short acting) or extended-release forms (taken once a day and released throughout the entire day). Many people have reported that their symptoms and impairment significantly improve after a period of medication. These effects are usually seen in the home, school, and social settings. The impact of these variables on performance is evaluated using one or more standardized ratings scales that measure the performance of a person to other people. The scores on these forms aren't considered to be diagnostic in themselves however they are important sources of information during the evaluation process. There are a variety of non-medical treatment options for ADHD, including behavior therapy and training for teachers and parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents undergo training in behavior management before trying medication for their children. The guidelines recommend that psychotherapy and classroom-based interventions should be included in the treatment plan of adolescents and teens with ADHD. Most commonly, ADHD medication can cause nausea, sleep disturbances and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Certain children and teens who are taking stimulants may develop tics. These are repetitive sounds or movements, such as eye-blinking or throat clearing. ADHD medication can cause a slight slowdown in growth for certain teenagers and children, but it's usually minimal and doesn't affect their final height. The stimulant drugs do have the potential to cause abuse and addiction, but research suggests that there isn't a significant risk with the dosages used to treat ADHD. ADHD can increase the likelihood of substance abuse in some kids and teens, but this is not due to the medication. A potential side effect of ADHD medication includes the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. A recent study showed that those who took stimulant medications for ADHD had a greater chance of developing CVD than those who didn't take the medications. Researchers looked at data from 278 027 people comprising 10 388 people who suffer from ADHD. They compared these individuals to 51 672 healthy controls without ADHD. The participants were monitored for 14 years.