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How to Diagnose and Treat ADHD
Many people believe that ADHD is just a condition that affects children however, it can affect adults. Diagnosed and treated for ADHD an individual can live a better life.
An assessment for ADHD may involve interviewing the patient and their family members. The specialist may look over the school records of the past to determine if symptoms began as a child.
Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects work, school and family life. Everyone has difficulty concentrating and staying organised from time to time. A person must show major symptoms in two of these areas, and have a significant impact on the daily functioning of the person for them to be identified as having ADHD. The symptoms must have been present for at least six months.
To make a diagnosis, doctors will talk to the patient regarding their symptoms and ask about family history and medical conditions. They may also use rating scales that measure a child’s or adult’s symptoms. These types of questionnaires are typically built on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These questionnaires ask about the symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and the tendency to be impulsive.
For adults, doctors might require a discussion with someone else in the family or who are familiar with the patient. This is not meant to challenge the patient’s honesty but to gain more insight about their behavior that can’t be obtained from a questionnaire. You can also inquire about childhood behavior and use old school records to see if the symptoms started before the age of 12.
Before determining the cause, the doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination and run lab tests to rule other ailments like thyroid problems or head injuries that can cause similar symptoms. The provider will also check the patient’s medication list. Certain medications for depression, high blood pressure and other conditions can be a trigger for stimulants, so the doctor will take these into account when recommending treatment options. This is why it’s important for adults to speak to their primary care physicians when they suspect they be suffering from ADHD.
Diagnosis
For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present in at least two or more environments (like home, school and work) and have a significant impact on functioning. They also must have begun before age 12, and the impairment cannot be caused by another disorder, like anxiety or depression.
A mental health professional will use various tools to assess the patient, including ADHD symptoms lists as well as standardized scales of behaviour, and a detailed medical history. They might also talk to friends and family members to see how the person’s symptoms have affected them. They will ask whether the symptoms are similar to the symptoms of other psychiatric disorders or physical ailments.
The evaluators will consider whether symptoms are mild moderate, severe or even mild. They will also look at the person’s medical history and family history to ensure there is no underlying cause for their issues such as thyroid issues, head injuries or medication.
In certain instances, the evaluator might want to conduct a cognitive test or ask the person to take an imaging test to determine the cause of their symptoms, such as learning disabilities. People who suffer from these issues typically present differently than those who do not have them. For example, boys tend to show hyperactive symptoms and girls inattentive symptoms.
A few people suffering from ADHD are interested in participating in a clinical study to test new treatments. While this is a great opportunity to contribute to further research, it is crucial for participants to know that the primary purpose of these studies is to gain knowledge in the field of science and cannot necessarily guarantee that they will receive treatment. Visit the NIMH’s Clinical Trials Fact Sheet for more information about clinical trials.
Treatment
For a person who suspects they may have ADHD It is essential to find a professional who is experienced in diagnosing the disorder. Contact your health insurance company to inquire if ADHD specialists will be covered. You may also ask your family doctor or other healthcare providers for referrals. Word-of mouth recommendations are also an option.
A doctor will ask the patient or their parents in the case of children – about their issues. They can use standardized questionnaires or ADHD symptoms checklists, and request details from other people in the patient’s life, like spouses and family members. Personal insight often uncovers more than can be gleaned from questionnaires.
Experts will also examine any documents from the past and reports, particularly those from the past. Often, the diagnosis of ADHD is based on a person’s history and, in order to be diagnosed with the condition, symptoms must have been present from the age of a child (technically before age 12).
Physical examinations are also usually done. It is also checked for any other medical conditions that could be causing symptoms, for instance seizures or thyroid problems. A neurological exam is typically conducted by the expert to assess the coordination and motor control. Psychological tests, which are designed to measure abilities and intelligence, may be utilized as well. Additionally, a person might be asked to complete simple computer tasks that test memory and attention. This will help the professional determine if a person is hyperactive, inattentive, or hyperactive or impulsive. The expert will choose a treatment plan and make an appropriate diagnosis. Treatment plans typically comprise therapy and medication. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy can teach adults and children healthy coping strategies and help change negative thinking patterns. This therapy is usually performed by the primary care physician or a mental health professional who is specialized in adult ADHD.
Medication
Many people suffering from ADHD are helped by medication, but it’s not the only way to treat the condition. Psychotherapy, behavioral therapy or a combination of the two can be beneficial for children, teens as well as adults. These therapies assist them to cope and live with their ADHD symptoms. Psychoeducation, or education on ADHD and how to manage it, could be included. They could include family members, teachers and professionals.
getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult is essential to find a medical professional or mental health professional with previous experience treating ADHD. You can ask for recommendations from people who have ADHD or from a mental health provider you already know, or perform an online search. It is essential to find a specialist familiar with your insurance.
The health care provider will ask you or your child about symptoms and problems caused by ADHD. They will conduct physical examinations and check for any other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms. They will look over the medical and family history of you or your child and also school records and other documents.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adults can be a bit more difficult due to the fact that the Symptom Guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-V) are primarily designed to diagnose children. Your doctor will talk to you or your child about their symptoms and may request other people who spend a lot 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. Medications used to treat ADHD include stimulants, such as methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine as well as non-stimulants such as atomoxetine, or other antidepressants. They function by increasing and balancing levels of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD also suffer from comorbid disorders, like depression or anxiety. Therefore, treatment should include therapy that addresses these issues. Some patients may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps develop skills such as time and task control, emotional self-regulation and impulse control.
Therapists can help patients manage their symptoms by changing their lifestyle. For example, a regular exercise routine can help reduce hyperactivity and improve concentration. A healthier diet is also essential for those with ADHD tend to consume higher levels of sugar and fat and less vegetables and fruits than the rest of us. Also, making social and family relationships prioritizing relationships can reduce stress levels and make people feel more in control of their lives.
A diagnosis of ADHD can aid adults and children to recognize their issues. For instance, a child with ADHD may have trouble communicating their needs to peers and teachers however, when a teacher realizes that it’s not personal or due to a lack of motivation, accommodations can be made.
A professional who is evaluating ADHD will ask questions that are targeted to the individual’s age, interview family and teachers, look over medical files, and check for any comorbidities. For adults, records from schools could be helpful in determining if the ADHD symptoms started before the age of adulthood.
The doctor will also look for any vision or hearing problems. The doctor might also conduct an examination of the blood to determine the presence of certain hormones, and other health conditions that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD.