How to Diagnose and Treat ADHD
Many people believe ADHD is a child's condition however, it can affect adults. When diagnosed and treated for ADHD the patient can improve their life.
Interviewing the individual and their family members may be part of an evaluation for ADHD. The doctor may also examine old school records in order to determine if the symptoms started as when a child.
Symptoms
ADHD is a disorder that can affect school, work as well as home life. Everyone experiences difficulty in concentrating and focusing from time to time. A person must show major symptoms in two of these areas, and they must be able to significantly impact everyday functioning for them to be identified as having ADHD. The symptoms must also have been present for a minimum of six months.
To make a diagnosis, a doctor will interview the patient about their symptoms and ask about their family history and medical conditions. They may also use rating systems to gauge symptoms in adults or children. These questionnaires are often constructed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These questionnaires ask regarding symptoms like hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive.
Adults may be asked to speak with their spouse or someone who knows them well. This is not to question the patient's honesty but to gain more insight about their behavior that cannot be gained from an interview. They might inquire about their childhood behaviors and consult old school records in order to determine if symptoms began before the age of 12.
Before determining the cause, the doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination and run tests in order to rule other conditions out, such as thyroid problems or head injuries that can cause similar symptoms. The doctor will also review the person's list of medications. Certain medications for depression high blood pressure, depression and other ailments can interact with stimulants, so the doctor will take these into consideration when suggesting treatment options. It is essential that adults talk with their primary healthcare provider when they suspect they be suffering from ADHD.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must appear in at least two different settings (such as school, home, and work) and cause impairment to functioning. The symptoms must have appeared before the age of 12 and must not be caused by another disorder, such as anxiety or depression.
A mental health professional or doctor will employ a variety tools during an evaluation, including ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized scales for assessing behavior and a detailed medical history. They might also talk to friends and family members to find out how the patient's symptoms have affected them. They will ask whether the symptoms are similar to the symptoms of other mental health conditions or physical conditions.
Evaluations will consider whether symptoms are mild or severe. They will also look at the medical history of the patient and family history to ensure there is no underlying cause for their issues, such as thyroid disorders and head injuries, as well as medication.
In some instances an examiner may decide to conduct a cognitive test or ask the person to undergo an imaging test to rule out other causes for their symptoms, such as mood disorders, learning disabilities personality disorders, and alcohol abuse. People with these issues often appear differently from those with no issues. Boys tend to show hyperactive symptoms, while girls exhibit inattention symptoms.
Some people with ADHD are interested in participating in a clinical study to try out new treatments. While this is an excellent way to help further research, it is important for participants to understand that the primary purpose of these studies is to acquire scientific knowledge and do not necessarily ensure that they will receive treatment. For more information about clinical trials, check out NIMH's Clinical Trials fact sheet.
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If you suspect they may have ADHD, it's important to find an expert trained in diagnosing the disorder. Check with your health insurance provider to determine whether ADHD specialists are covered, and then seek referrals from family doctors or other health professionals. Also, word-of mouth referrals are a great option.
A doctor will ask the patient - or parents in the case of children - about their issues. She may use standardized questionnaires or ADHD symptom checklists, and ask for information from other people in the person's life, like spouses and family members. Personal insight will reveal more than can be learned from questionnaires.
A specialist will also need to examine any records that the individual may have, including old school reports. Often, the diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the person's past and, in order to be diagnosed with the condition, symptoms must be present since the age of a child (technically prior to age 12).
A physical exam is often performed. It checks for other medical issues that could be responsible for symptoms, like seizure disorders or thyroid problems. A neurological exam is usually carried out by an expert to check motor control and coordination. Psychological tests, designed to test abilities and intelligence, may be used as well. Additionally the person could be asked to complete simple computer tasks to test attention and memory. This can help an expert determine if a person is hyperactive or inattentive. The specialist will then determine the diagnosis and suggest treatment. The treatment typically includes medication and therapy. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy can teach adults as well as children healthy coping techniques and help change negative thinking patterns. The therapy can be conducted by a primary care physician, or a mental health professional who is specialized in adult ADHD.
Medication
Many people suffering from ADHD improve by taking medication. However it is not the only treatment for the condition. Psychotherapy, behavioral therapy or a combination of both can be beneficial to teenagers, children as well as adults. These therapies aid them in dealing with their ADHD symptoms and learn how to manage them. They may also include psychoeducation, which is a form of education about ADHD and methods to manage it. They can involve teachers, family members, and other professionals.
It is essential to find an expert in mental health or health professional with experience treating ADHD. You can ask for suggestions from others who suffer from ADHD or from a mental health professional you already know, or perform an online search. It's best to find an expert who is familiar with your insurance plan.
The doctor will ask you or your child about symptoms and problems caused by ADHD. They will conduct an examination and check for other health problems that could cause similar symptoms. They will review the medical and family history of your child or you, as well as school documents and other reports.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adults can be more difficult because the Symptom Guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-V) are primarily geared towards diagnosing children. Your health care provider will ask you or your child about the signs and may request others who spend long periods of time 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 medications used to treat ADHD include stimulants such as methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine as well as non-stimulants such as atomoxetine, or other antidepressants. They work by boosting and balancing levels of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals.
Counseling
Many people who suffer from ADHD also have comorbid disorders, including anxiety or depression. Therefore, treatment should include therapy that targets these issues. Some patients may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches skills like time and task control, emotional self-regulation and impulse control.
In addition, therapists can help patients learn to manage their symptoms by making lifestyle modifications. Regular exercise can help decrease hyperactivity and improve focus. A healthier diet is also crucial for people with ADHD tend to consume more sugar and fat, and eat fewer vegetables and fruits than other people. Lastly, making relationships with family and friends a priority can lower stress levels and make people feel more in control of their lives.
A diagnosis of ADHD can aid children and adults to recognize their issues. A child suffering from ADHD might have difficulty communicating their requirements to teachers or their other peers. Once a teacher understands that this is not an issue that is solely due to laziness they can offer adjustments.
A professional who is evaluating ADHD will ask questions that are targeted towards the person's specific age, interview family and teachers, look over medical records, and look for any comorbidities. If ADHD symptoms first started before age school records can be helpful for adults.
A physical exam is often included, and the doctor will likely check for vision and hearing problems. The doctor may also do an analysis of blood to look for certain hormones as well as other health issues that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD.