How to Diagnose and Treat ADHD
Many people believe that ADHD is only a condition of children, but it can also affect adults. Getting diagnosed and treated for ADHD can improve the quality of life for a person.
An assessment for ADHD may involve interviewing the person and family members. The specialist could look through old school records to determine whether the symptoms started in childhood.
Symptoms
ADHD is a disorder that affects work, school as well as home life. Everyone struggles with concentration and staying organised at times. A person must exhibit major 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 have been present for at least six months.
To establish a diagnosis a doctor will interview the patient regarding their symptoms and ask about their family history and medical problems. They can also utilize rating scales to assess a adult's or a child's symptoms. These questionnaires are based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These include questions regarding symptoms like hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsive nature.
Adults might be asked to speak with their significant other or someone they know well. This isn't meant to challenge the authenticity of the person, but rather to gain a better understanding of the person's behavior that cannot be gleaned from the answers to a questionnaire. You can also inquire about their childhood behavior and consult the old school records to determine whether the symptoms began before the age of 12.
Before determining a diagnosis, the doctor will conduct an examination and tests in the lab to rule out other health issues, like head injuries or thyroid issues that can cause similar symptoms. The doctor will also look over the patient's medication list. Doctors will consider the interaction between stimulants and certain medications prescribed for depression, high blood pressure, and other conditions. It's important that adults talk to their primary health care providers if they suspect they may have ADHD.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must occur in two or more settings (like home, school and work) and significantly interfere with functioning. The symptoms must have appeared before the age of 12 and cannot be caused by another disorder, such as depression or anxiety.
A mental health professional will use different tools to assess the patient, such as ADHD symptoms lists, standardized behaviour rating scales, and a detailed medical history. They may interview family members and friends to see how the person's symptoms have affected them. They will also ask if there are any other psychiatric disorders or physical illnesses that display similar symptoms.
The evaluators will decide if the symptoms are severe or mild. They will also review the patient's medical and familial history in order to determine if there is any underlying causes for their issue for example, thyroid disorders or head injuries.
In some cases the examiner may decide to conduct cognitive testing or ask the person to take an imaging test in order to determine the cause of their symptoms like learning disabilities. People with these problems typically present differently than those who do not have them. For instance, boys are more likely to exhibit hyperactivity symptoms, whereas girls exhibit inattention symptoms.
Some people with ADHD are interested in participating in a clinical study to test new treatments. While this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to further research, it's important for participants to know that the purpose behind these studies is to gain information from the scientific community and does not necessarily guarantee they will receive treatment. Visit the NIMH's Clinical Trials Fact Sheet for more details about clinical trials.
Treatment
For a person who suspects they have ADHD it is important to find a specialist trained in diagnosing the disorder. Contact your health insurance company to inquire whether ADHD specialists are covered. You could also ask your family physician or other health professionals for recommendations. Word-of mouth recommendations are also a good alternative.
A doctor will inquire with the patient - or their parents in the case of children - about their symptoms. They may use checklists that are standard or ADHD symptoms, and may also ask other people in a person's life for details like their spouses and their families. Personal insight can reveal more than what can be learned from questionnaires.
A professional will also want to look over any documents the person might have, including old school reports. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on a person's history, and in order to be diagnosed with the condition, the symptoms must be present since the age of a child (technically prior to the age of 12).
A physical exam is also usually done. It will look for any other medical problems that could be causing the symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders. The doctor will usually conduct a neurological examination, that checks for coordination and motor control. Psychological tests to measure intelligence and abilities may be used. The test subject may be asked to complete simple computer tasks designed to test memory and attention. This can help an expert determine if a person is hyperactive or inattentive. The specialist will determine the best treatment plan and then make an assessment. Typically, the treatment plan includes therapy and medication. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can teach adults and children healthy coping skills and alter unhelpful thinking patterns. This therapy can be done by a 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 option to treat the condition. Psychotherapy, behavioral therapy or a combination can be beneficial for children, teens, and adults. These therapies help them cope and learn to live with their ADHD symptoms. They may include psychoeducation, which is education about ADHD and methods to manage it. They can also include family members, teachers and professionals.
It is crucial to locate a mental health professional or health care provider with experience treating ADHD. You can ask for suggestions from others who suffer from ADHD or from a mental health provider you already know, or perform an online search. It is recommended to find an expert who is familiar with your insurance plan.
To diagnose ADHD to determine the cause, a health care provider will ask about your or your child's symptoms and problems caused by the condition. They will conduct an examination of the body and look for other health issues 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 reports.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults can be more difficult because the Symptom Guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-V) are primarily designed to diagnose children. Your health care provider will interview you or your child about the signs and may also request others who spend many hours 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 and lisdexamfetamine, and nonstimulants like atomoxetine, or other antidepressants. They function by boosting levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD also have comorbid disorders, like anxiety or depression. This is why treatment should include therapy that targets these issues. Some patients may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps develop skills such as time and task management, emotional self-regulation and impulse control.
Therapists can also assist patients manage their symptoms by altering their lifestyle. For instance exercising regularly can reduce hyperactivity and increase concentration. A healthy diet is important; people with ADHD tend to eat more sugar and fat and less fruits and vegetables than others. Also making relationships with family and friends an important factor can reduce stress levels and make people feel more in control of their lives.
Another major benefit of having an ADHD diagnosis is that it provides adults and children an understanding understanding of their challenges. A child diagnosed with ADHD may have trouble communicating their demands to their teachers or friends. Once a teacher realizes that this is not a personal issue or because of a lack of time, they can offer accommodations.
A professional evaluating ADHD will ask questions geared towards the person's specific age, talk to family members and teachers, look over medical records, and look for any comorbidities. If ADHD symptoms started before adulthood school records can be helpful for adults.
The expert will also check for any vision or hearing problems. I Am Psychiatry may also do a blood test to look for specific hormones and other health conditions that can cause symptoms of ADHD.