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ADHD Assessment and Treatment It is crucial to keep in mind that a thorough evaluation of ADHD is essential prior to starting any treatment. This includes a physician interview, information from other sources, like the spouse or a family member, DSM-5 ADD symptom scales and checklists, as well standard tests. Experts might also see your child's school records and talk with teachers and scout or religious coaches or leaders. ADHD symptoms must be present since childhood in order to be diagnosed at an adult age. Signs and symptoms of ADHD ADHD symptoms can vary based on age, but many children suffering from this disorder are unable to focus or pay attention. They may fumble or mutter answers when asked questions or interrupt others. They may also struggle with organizing skills, are easily bored and have trouble waiting their turn. The behavior of an impulsive person is characterized by getting involved in activities or running around without permission. They may also be prone to using extreme excitement or anger to excite themselves, such as by making others angry or pulling off pranks. In an assessment, a doctor may employ questionnaires or clinical interviews to determine whether the child is suffering from ADHD. They may also ask teachers to complete ratings scales. They may also perform a physical or neurodevelopmental exam to identify possible medical problems that may cause symptoms of ADHD like thyroid conditions or mood disorders. The evaluator will also want to know if your child has any other mental health conditions like oppositional defiant disorders, conduct disorder or anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your family history, including if anyone else has ADHD or other psychiatric disorders. Adults who suffer from ADHD have trouble managing their lives, which includes work and home responsibilities. They may also have issues working with colleagues or family members. The symptoms of these people can cause them to be late for appointments or fail to attend social events. The academic challenges they face can result in failure at school and poor job performance. For an adult to be diagnosed with ADHD, they must have six or more established symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity for at least six months. Doctors will interview both the patient and someone who knows them very well. This could be a spouse, parent or teacher, coach, nanny, or coach for children. The information collected will help the doctor determine what tests could rule out other conditions that are causing symptoms of ADHD. They may also employ an assessment tool designed to detect these signs in adults. Diagnosis The method of diagnosing ADHD involves a series of appointments with therapists and doctors. The diagnosis is dependent on the presence of symptoms and their impact on a person's life. It is important to get the right diagnosis in order to manage symptoms that could hinder the family life and work. The diagnosis is made by a healthcare provider who is specialized in ADHD like psychologist or psychiatrist. The doctor will go over the patient's medical history and symptoms, including the date they first began to show. They may request the patient to keep a record of their symptoms and the impact on their lives. This is very useful in gaining an exact picture of the issue and helping to decide what tests or assessments are required to determine if ADHD is the reason behind the symptoms. In addition to observing how a person is functioning in different situations, the doctor may utilize questionnaires to evaluate the signs. This can include questionnaires for parents and teachers to evaluate children for the disorder, as well as an interview with a patient to determine the symptoms they are experiencing. The questions are often similar to those in the NIMH ADHD diagnostic criteria, which help doctors identify whether a person is exhibiting hyperactive/impulsive or inattentive symptoms. Some doctors may also perform an examination to ensure there's no physical condition like thyroid issues or seizures, that could be the root of the issue. Other tests can be conducted to look for other ailments like depression or anxiety. Sometimes, the doctor may order brain scans in order to rule out possible causes for the symptoms. These tests are not used to diagnose ADHD however they can be useful when other tests for diagnosis have failed. For adults who suspect they or their child is suffering from ADHD the best place to start is to speak with a primary health care provider. If the person does not have a primary care doctor, they should call their insurance provider for a list of health professionals in their area who are certified to perform an ADHD evaluation. Treatment options The first step in treatment is an evaluation by a doctor who can determine if symptoms are caused by ADHD or another mental health condition. A thorough evaluation can include an interview with a parent and child as well as rating scales that compare the child's behavior with that of those who do not have ADHD. There are a variety of medical conditions that can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. These include thyroid issues, head injuries, and seizures. It is possible to conduct a physical exam in order to rule out these conditions. A psychological examination may be necessary to determine if the symptoms are due to ADHD or another mental health condition, like anxiety. ADHD symptoms can have a major impact on work, school, and relationships. The person being evaluated should be honest and open with the examiner about the problems they're facing. They shouldn't hold back because of fear of being judged or shame. They should report symptoms as accurately as possible, including the way they affect them at home and at school. Parents should be involved in the evaluation process, but they shouldn't make the decision to prescribe medication for their child. The type of medication prescribed will depend on the child's age as well as the condition causing the symptoms and the type of medication. For example, stimulants are typically used in adolescents and children to treat ADHD because they work by increasing activity in areas of the brain that control attention and behavior. These medications are available in tablets with immediate release and modified-release that release the drug gradually throughout the day. Methylphenidate is one of the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. Other options for treating ADHD include family and marital therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches specific techniques to transform negative behavior to positive ones. Certain adults with ADHD might benefit from these treatments and also from educational and occupational accommodations. The most important aspect of treatment is following-up with regular meetings to examine progress and determine next steps. Parents should encourage teachers and other professionals to be involved in the process, for example religious or scout leaders. These people can provide valuable information about how the child behaves in various environments and provide a more complete picture of the child's behavior. Medication There are many different medications used to treat ADHD. The most popular are stimulants, which function by increasing activity in specific brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most widely used stimulant for adults, teenagers and children who are over 5 years old. It is a tablet form, typically 2 to 3 times a day. linked website is available as immediate-release (short-acting) or extended-release (taken every day in the morning and released throughout the day). Many people say they feel better after taking medication. These effects can be observed in educational, social and home settings. The effect of these factors on performance is assessed by using one or more standard ratings scales that measure the performance of a person with other people. The scores on these forms aren't considered to be diagnostic in themselves however they serve as important sources of information when evaluating the process. There are a variety of non-medical treatment options for ADHD such as behavior therapy and training for parents and teachers. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that parents undergo training in behavior management prior to attempting medication on their children. The guidelines recommend that psychotherapy and interventions in the classroom be part of the treatment plan of adolescents and teens suffering from ADHD. Most often, ADHD medication can cause nausea, sleep disturbances, and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Children and teens who are taking stimulants might develop tics. These are repetitive actions or sounds such as eye-blinking, or clearing the throat. Certain children and teens who take ADHD medication may experience a slight reduction in their height, but it is usually minor and doesn't impact their final height. Stimulant medications do have the potential for addiction and abuse, however research suggests that there is no significant risk with the doses prescribed to treat ADHD. Some kids and teens who suffer from ADHD are more prone for substance use problems however, this is due to the disorder and not the medication. Another potential negative result of ADHD medication is the risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recent research has revealed that those who take stimulant medications to treat ADHD are more at risk of developing cardiovascular disease than those who do not. Researchers analyzed data of 278 027 people, which included 10 388 people with ADHD. They compared the participants with 51 672 people who did not have ADHD. The participants were monitored for 14 years.