How to Diagnose and Treat ADHD
Many people believe that ADHD is just a child's issue however, it can affect adults. Diagnosed and treated for ADHD, a person can live a better life.
An assessment for ADHD could involve a conversation with the person and family members. The specialist might review old school records to see if symptoms started in the early years of childhood.
Signs and symptoms
Everyone struggles with concentration and staying organized from time to time, but for someone who has ADHD, these problems interfere with school, work and family life. To be considered to have the disorder, one must show signs of major impairment in at least two of these areas and demonstrate that the symptoms significantly hinder daily functioning. The symptoms must also have been present for at least six months.
To determine a diagnosis, doctors will talk to the patient about their symptoms and ask about their family medical history and any medical issues. They may also employ rating systems to gauge symptoms in adults or children. These questionnaires are based off of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They cover symptoms like hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature.
In adult patients, doctors may request a conversation with someone else in the family or who know the patient. This isn't to question honesty, but to gain a better understanding of the person's behavior that cannot be obtained from a questionnaire. They could inquire about childhood behaviors and use old school records to determine if the symptoms started before the age of 12.
Before making a diagnosis the doctor will perform an extensive physical exam and run tests in order to rule other conditions out for thyroid issues or head injuries that could trigger similar symptoms. The doctor will also look over 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 consider these when recommending treatments. This is the reason it's crucial for adults to consult their primary care physicians if they think they might be suffering from ADHD.
Diagnosis
For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must occur in more than one setting (like home, school and at work) and significantly interfere with functioning. They must also have started before age 12, and the impairment cannot be caused by another disorder, like depression or anxiety.
adhd in adults diagnosis or a mental health professional will use a variety of tools during the evaluation, including ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized scales for assessing behavior and a detailed history. They may also interview family members and friends to see how the person's symptoms have affected them. They'll inquire whether the symptoms are similar to the symptoms of other psychiatric conditions or physical conditions.
The evaluators will decide if the symptoms are severe or mild. They will also review the person's medical history and family history to determine if there is no root cause for their issues, such as thyroid disorders or head injuries, or medications.
In certain instances the evaluator may want to conduct cognitive testing or ask the person to take an imaging test to rule out other causes of their symptoms, such as learning disabilities. These people often present differently than those who do not have these issues. For example, boys tend to have hyperactive symptoms while girls exhibit inattention symptoms.
A few people suffering from ADHD are interested in taking part in a clinical study to test new treatments. While this is an excellent way to help further research, it is important for participants to understand that the purpose behind these studies is to acquire information from the scientific community and does not necessarily ensure that they will receive treatment. For more information on clinical trials, visit the NIMH's Clinical Trials fact sheet.
Treatment
For a person who suspects they have ADHD, it's important to find an expert trained in diagnosing the disorder. Make sure to check with your health insurance provider to determine if ADHD specialists are covered, and seek out referrals from family doctors or other health professionals. Also, word-of-mouth referrals are a good choice.
A doctor will ask the patient or their parents in the case of children - about their symptoms. They can use standardized questionnaires or ADHD symptoms checklists, or ask for 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. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on a person's history, and to be able to identify the condition, symptoms must be present from childhood (technically prior to the age of 12).
Physical examinations are also carried out. It will look for any other medical problems that could be responsible for the symptoms, for example, thyroid problems or seizure disorders. The specialist will typically conduct a neurological examination, which tests for coordination and motor control. Psychological tests, designed to assess the ability and intelligence of a person, could be utilized as well. A person could be asked to complete simple computer tasks designed to test attention and memory. This can help the expert determine if a person is hyperactive, inattentive, or hyperactive or impulsive. The specialist will then decide on a diagnosis and suggest treatment. Typically, the treatment plan includes therapy and medication. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy can teach adults as well as children healthy coping techniques and alter unhelpful 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 get better by taking medication, but it's not the only option to treat the condition. Children, teenagers and adults can also benefit from psychotherapy, behavioral therapy or a combination of both. These therapies assist them in dealing with their ADHD symptoms and learn to live with these symptoms. Psychoeducation, or education about ADHD and how to manage it, could be incorporated. They can involve family members, teachers and other professionals.
adhd diagnosis in adults uk is essential to find a medical professional or mental health professional with experience treating ADHD. You can ask your friends with ADHD for suggestions or refer to a mental health provider you've met. You can also do an online search. It's best 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 as well as the problems caused by them. They will perform an examination of the body and look for any other health issues that may cause similar symptoms. They will look over your or your child's medical and family history, school records, and other reports.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adults can be trickier because the symptoms Guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-V) are primarily geared towards diagnosing children. Your health care provider might interview you or your children about their symptoms and request that other people who spend lots of time with them 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. The medications used to treat ADHD include stimulants like methylphenidate and Lisdexamfetamine and nonstimulants such as atomoxetine or certain antidepressants. They work by boosting and balancing neurotransmitters in the brain.
Counseling
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from comorbid disorders, including anxiety or depression. Because of this, treatment should include therapy that targets these issues. Certain patients might benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches skills like time and task management, emotional self-regulation, and impulse control.
Additionally, therapists can help patients learn to manage their symptoms through lifestyle adjustments. Regular exercise can help reduce hyperactivity and improve concentration. A healthy diet is essential as well. People with ADHD tend to consume more fat and sugar and less fruit and vegetables. Also, making family and social 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 comprehend their difficulties. For instance, a child with ADHD might have difficulty communicating his or her demands to peers and teachers however, when a teacher realizes that it's not due to personal issues or to inattention, accommodations can be made.
A professional who is evaluating ADHD will ask questions that are targeted to the person's age, speak with family and teachers, look over medical records, and look for any comorbid conditions. For adults, school records might be helpful in determining if the ADHD symptoms started before the age of adulthood.
A physical exam is usually included, and the specialist will likely look for hearing and vision issues. He or she will also perform a blood test to look for certain hormones as well as other health conditions that can cause ADHD-like symptoms.