How to Diagnose and Treat ADHD
Many people believe that ADHD is only a condition of children, but it can affect adults as well. Finding a doctor and treating ADHD can help improve the quality of life for a person.
A diagnosis for ADHD could involve a conversation with the person and family members. The specialist could examine the school records of the past to determine if symptoms began as a child.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD is a disorder that can affect school, work and family life. Everyone struggles with concentration and focusing at times. To be diagnosed with the disorder, a person must exhibit severe symptoms in at least two of these areas and demonstrate that the symptoms significantly impair daily functioning. The symptoms must be present for at least six months.
A doctor will inquire with the patient about their symptoms, and also about any medical concerns and family history. They can also utilize rating scales to measure child's or adult's symptoms. These questionnaires are usually built on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They include questions about symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive.
For adults, doctors might request a conversation with an intimate partner or others who know the patient. This is not a way to doubt the patient's honesty, but rather to gain a better understanding of their behavior that can't be gained from a questionnaire. They might inquire about childhood behaviors and use the old school records to determine whether symptoms began before the age of 12.
Before determining a diagnosis the doctor will conduct a physical exam and do tests on the lab to rule out any other health conditions, such as thyroid issues or head injuries which can trigger similar symptoms. The provider will also review the medication list of a patient. Certain medications for depression or high blood pressure, as well as other ailments can be a trigger for stimulants, so the doctor will take these into account when suggesting treatments. It is essential that adults talk with their primary healthcare provider if they suspect they may have ADHD.
Diagnosis
For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must occur in more than one setting (like home, school and work) and significantly interfere with functioning. The symptoms must have appeared before the age of 12 and can't be caused by another disorder, such as anxiety or depression.
A mental health professional uses various tools to assess the patient, such as ADHD symptom lists, standardized behaviour rating scales as well as a thorough medical history. They can also speak with family members or friends to find out what the symptoms have done to them. They may also inquire whether there are other psychiatric disorders or physical conditions that exhibit similar symptoms.
The evaluators will consider whether symptoms are mild or severe. They will also look into the patient's medical and familial background to determine if there are any underlying causes for their issue, such as thyroid problems or head injuries.
In some instances, an evaluator may want to conduct a cognitive test or have the person undergo an imaging test to rule out other causes for their symptoms, such as learning disabilities, mood disorders personality disorders, and addiction to drugs. These people often present differently than those without these problems. For instance, boys are more likely to exhibit hyperactivity symptoms, whereas girls exhibit inattention symptoms.
A few people suffering from ADHD are interested in taking part in a clinical trial to test new treatments. This is a great opportunity to further research. However, participants must be aware that the primary objective of these studies is to gain scientific knowledge and not necessarily the guarantee of treatment. Visit the NIMH's Clinical Trials Fact Sheet for more information on clinical trials.
Treatment
If you suspect you have ADHD seek out a specialist who is certified to recognize the disorder. Make sure to check with your health insurance provider to see if ADHD specialists are covered, and then seek referrals from your family doctor or other health care professionals. Word-of-mouth recommendations are a good option.
A doctor will speak with the patient -or their parents, in the case of children -- about the symptoms. She might use checklists with standardized criteria or ADHD symptoms, and also ask other people in a person's life for information, such as their spouses and their families. Personal insights will reveal more than can be learned from questionnaires.
Experts will also examine any old school records and reports, particularly those from the past. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on a person's history and, to be diagnosed with the condition, the symptoms must be present from childhood (technically prior to the age of 12).
A physical exam is typically performed. Iampsychiatry checks for other medical conditions that may be causing symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues. A neurological examination is often conducted by the expert to test the coordination and motor control. Psychological tests that test the ability to think and be smart could also be used. The test subject may also be asked to complete simple computer tasks designed to test attention and memory. This can help an expert determine if someone is hyperactive or inattentional. The expert will then determine the diagnosis and suggest treatment. Treatment plans typically consist of therapy and medication. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy can teach adults and children healthy coping strategies and help change negative thinking patterns. This therapy can be provided by a primary doctor or a mental healthcare professional who is an expert in adult ADHD.
Medication
Many people with ADHD are helped by medication. However this isn't the only method of treating the condition. Psychotherapy, behavioral therapy or a combination of the two can be beneficial to teenagers, children and adults. These therapies help them cope and live with their ADHD symptoms. They can include psychoeducation, which is education about ADHD and ways to manage it. They can involve teachers, parents and other professionals.
It's crucial to locate an expert in mental health or health care professional who is experienced in treating ADHD. You can seek recommendations from other people with ADHD or from a mental health provider you already know, or conduct an online search. It is important to find a specialist familiar with your insurance.
The health professional will ask you or your child about the symptoms and issues caused by ADHD. They will conduct an examination of the body and look for other health problems that could cause similar symptoms. They will go over the medical and family history of your child or you and also school records and other documents.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults can be more difficult because the symptoms Guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-V) are mostly geared toward diagnosing children. Your health care provider may interview you or your children about their symptoms and have others who spend a lot of time with them 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. ADHD medications include stimulants like methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine and atomoxetine as well as non-stimulants like atomoxetine and certain antidepressants. They help by increasing levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters.
Counseling
Many people who suffer from ADHD also have comorbid disorders, including anxiety or depression. Treatment should therefore include therapy that targets these issues. Some patients may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps develop skills like time and task management, emotional self-regulation and impulse control.
In addition, therapists can assist patients in managing their symptoms by making lifestyle adjustments. For instance, a regular exercise routine can reduce hyperactivity and increase concentration. A healthy diet is important; people with ADHD tend to eat higher levels of sugar and fat, and eat fewer vegetables and fruits than other people. Also making social and family relationships a priority can lower stress levels and allow people to feel more in control of their lives.
A diagnosis of ADHD can aid adults and children to understand their challenges. A child with ADHD may have trouble communicating their needs to teachers or friends. Once a teacher realizes that this is not an issue that is solely because of their inability to communicate, they can make adjustments.
A professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask questions specific to the person's age, interview teachers and family members as well as review medical records and check for comorbid conditions. For adults, school records might be useful in determining whether the ADHD symptoms started before the age of adulthood.
The specialist will also check for any hearing or vision problems. They might also conduct a blood test in order to check for certain hormones, as well as other health conditions which can cause ADHD-like signs and symptoms.