How to Diagnose and Treat ADHD
Many people think ADHD is a condition that affects children but it can affect adults. If diagnosed and treated for ADHD the patient can lead a happier life.
Interviewing the individual and their family members may be part of an evaluation for ADHD. The specialist could look through old school records to see if symptoms started in the early years of childhood.
Signs and symptoms
Everyone struggles with concentration and staying well-organized from time to time, but for someone who suffers from ADHD, these problems interfere with work, school and home life. The person must display significant symptoms in two of these areas and that they significantly affect the daily functioning of the person to be diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must also be present for at least six months.
To make a diagnosis, doctors will speak with the patient regarding their symptoms and ask about family medical history and any medical issues. They can also use rating scales to assess a adult's or child's symptoms. These questionnaires are based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They include questions about symptoms like hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.
Adults may be asked to talk to their significant other or someone they know well. This is not meant to challenge the patient's honesty but to gain a better understanding of their behavior that cannot be gained from the answers to a questionnaire. They may also ask about childhood behavior and use old school records to see whether the symptoms began before the age of 12.
Before determining a diagnosis, the doctor will conduct a physical exam and do lab tests to rule out other health issues, like thyroid problems or head injuries which can trigger similar symptoms. The provider will also review the patient's medications. Certain medications for depression or high blood pressure, as well as other conditions can be a trigger for stimulants, so the doctor will take these into account when recommending treatments. This is why it's important for adults to speak to their primary care providers if they think they might be suffering from ADHD.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present in more than one setting (like home, school and work) and significantly interfere with functioning. The symptoms must be evident before the age of 12 and cannot be caused by another disorder, such as anxiety or depression.
A mental health professional or doctor will employ a variety tools during the assessment, including ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized scales for assessing behavior and a detailed history. They might also talk to family members or friends to learn how the symptoms have affected them. They will also ask if there are any other physical or mental conditions that have similar symptoms.
The evaluators will consider whether the symptoms are mild, moderate or severe. They will also examine the person's medical and family history in order to determine if there are any underlying causes of their problem like thyroid issues or head injuries.
In some instances the examiner may decide to conduct cognitive testing or request the person undergo an imaging test in order to determine the cause of their symptoms, such as learning disabilities. People with these issues often appear differently than those who do not have these issues. Boys tend to display hyperactive symptoms, while girls exhibit inattention symptoms.
Many people with ADHD would like to participate in a clinical study to try out new treatments. While this is an excellent method to aid in further research, it's important for participants to understand that the main purpose of these studies is to acquire information from the scientific community and does not necessarily guarantee they will receive treatment. For more information about clinical trials, visit the NIMH's Clinical Trials fact sheet.
Treatment
If you suspect they may have ADHD, it's important to find an expert trained in diagnosing the disorder. Contact your health insurance company to inquire for confirmation if ADHD specialists will be covered. You could also ask your family physician or other healthcare professionals for referrals. Word-of-mouth recommendations are an alternative.
A doctor will speak with the patient -or their parents, in children's cases -- about symptoms. They may use standard questionnaires or ADHD symptom checklists, and request details from other people in the person's life, including spouses and family members. Personal insight can reveal more than what can be learned from questionnaires.
Experts will also look over documents from the past and reports, particularly those from the past. The diagnosis of ADHD is often determined by the past of an individual. To be considered diagnosed the symptoms must be present from the time of childhood (technically prior to the age of 12).
Physical examinations are also conducted. It is also checked for any other medical conditions which could be causing symptoms, for instance seizures or thyroid issues. A neurological exam is typically carried out by an expert to check the coordination and motor control. Psychological tests that measure intelligence and abilities may also be used. In addition, a person might be asked to perform simple computer tasks that evaluate attention and memory. This could help the expert determine if someone is hyperactive, inattentive, or an impulsive. The expert will choose a treatment plan and make an assessment. The typical treatment plan includes medication and therapy. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help adults and children learn healthy ways to cope and change destructive thought patterns. The therapy can be conducted by the primary care physician or a mental health professional who has a specialization in adult ADHD.
Medication
Many people with ADHD improve by taking medication. However it is not the only treatment for the condition. Psychotherapy, behavioral therapy or a combination of the two can be beneficial to children, teens and adults. These therapies aid them in dealing with their ADHD symptoms and help them learn to live with these symptoms. Psychoeducation, or education about ADHD and ways to manage it, can be incorporated. They can also involve teachers, family members, and other professionals.
It is crucial to locate a mental health professional or health care provider who has experience in treating ADHD. You can request recommendations from people who have ADHD or from a mental health professional you already know, or perform an online search. It's important to find a doctor who is familiar with your insurance.
The doctor will ask you or your child about the signs and issues caused by ADHD. They will perform a physical examination and check for any other health conditions that could cause similar symptoms. They will go over the medical and family history of you or your child, as well as school records and other documents.
The American Psychiatric Association's (DSM-V) that is primarily designed to diagnose children is more difficult diagnosis of ADHD in adults. Your health care provider might interview you or your children about their symptoms and ask other people who spend lots of time with them to fill out checklists and questionnaires. 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 as well as certain antidepressants. They function by boosting levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders like anxiety or depression. Therefore, treatment should include therapy that addresses these issues. getting a adhd diagnosis can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches skills like managing time and tasks and emotional self-regulation.
In addition, therapists can help patients learn to manage their symptoms through lifestyle adjustments. For example an exercise routine that is regularly practiced can help reduce hyperactivity and improve concentration. A healthier diet is also important; people with ADHD tend to consume more sugar and fat and less vegetables and fruits than the rest of us. Making family and social relationships a priority can reduce stress and help people feel more in charge of their lives.
Another major benefit of having an ADHD diagnosis is that it gives adults and children an understanding awareness of their difficulties. For example, a child who has ADHD might have difficulty communicating his or her needs to teachers and peers However, when a teacher realizes that it's not due to laziness, accommodations can be implemented.
A professional conducting an ADHD assessment will ask questions that are geared towards the individual's age, ask questions of teachers and relatives, review medical records, and look for comorbidities. If ADHD symptoms started before adulthood school records could be helpful for adults.
A physical exam is typically included, and the specialist will likely test for hearing and vision issues. The doctor may also perform a blood test in order to test for certain hormones, as well as other health conditions which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD.