ADHD Diagnosis
Children with ADHD struggle to remain still, paying attention and acting recklessly. The symptoms of ADHD have been present for six months or more and are more severe than is normal for children of their age.
Experts identify ADHD using questionnaires, interviews with teachers and parents, and school performance records. They also consider the patient's past and any mental health issues.
Diagnosing ADHD
A diagnosis can be a source of relief for those with ADHD. It can also provide a sense of acceptance. A diagnosis can be emotionally draining, especially for those who don't plan to use medication as part of their treatment.
A trained professional to diagnose ADHD will look over the history and symptoms of your child or you. They will inquire about the beginning of the symptoms and if they've become worse with time. They'll also look at your child's growth and mental health as well as family and lifestyle. They may also interview coaches, teachers, or other adults who are familiar with your child.
The objective is to determine if your or your child's symptoms that meet the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V)1. This includes six or more ADHD-related symptoms that hinder daily functioning, and cannot be caused by other factors such as issues at home or at school or in the home, inadequate nutrition, anxiety, or sleep disorders.
Your doctor will also take into consideration past behavior and performance in addition to the DSM-V Criteria. They'll look at how long it takes you or your child to complete tasks, their tendency to make impulsive mistakes, and whether they're having trouble sitting still. They'll also consider whether you or your child is suffering from depression or anxiety. These disorders often coexist alongside ADHD.
A history of physical trauma or birth complications or an abnormal thyroid gland can affect the results of an ADHD evaluation. They'll also be looking for signs of other disorders, such as bipolar disorder or learning disabilities.
In a face-to-face ADHD assessment, you or your child may take one of many ADHD tests, like the Neuropsychiatric-EEG-Based Assessment Aid System (NEBA). The instrument measures brain waves and is deemed suitable for children between the ages of 6-17. ADHD testing is just one component of a larger assessment.
Signs and symptoms of ADHD
People with ADHD utilize brain networks in different ways to send and relay information. They have trouble focusing their attention and controlling their behavior which can cause issues at home and at school. Their behavior also is marked by sudden bursts of activity and a tendency to make decisions on the spot without taking into consideration the consequences or the requirements of others. They make a lot of mistakes at work and at school. When symptoms persist for more than 6 months and affect daily life at school and community, the disorder is diagnosed.
Doctors usually use standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine whether someone meets the criteria for a diagnosis. Patients may be asked to describe their problem in their own words. They can also ask those who have a relationship with the patient, for example, a sibling or spouse for adults or a teacher or coach when they are children. These interviews usually offer valuable information that cannot be gathered from questionnaires or tests.
ADHD symptoms can occur at any age, however they typically begin in childhood. Doctors need to consider the patient's issues from childhood in determining a diagnosis. They can request old school records or speak to the patient's parents or teachers about their symptoms as when they were children.
Many adults suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed because they dealt with their problems as children by using tricks or strategies to learn. As they struggle to balance work with family, work, and other obligations, their symptoms can be more obvious. Women and girls are able to hide their symptoms better than boys and men. This can make diagnosis more difficult.
Researchers believe that while the exact cause of ADHD has not been determined, genetics and certain environment factors may contribute to the development of ADHD. adhd undiagnosed in adults to drugs, alcohol, or nicotine could increase the chance of developing the disorder. Trauma and early loss of attachment may cause this disorder as well. The symptoms are caused by chemical changes in the nervous system that occur in critical developmental phases.
Medication for ADHD
In a typical assessment, a health professional will talk to you or your child. They will ask you questions about the symptoms that you or your child has been experiencing, their frequency, and the causes of their symptoms. They might also talk to other people, like family members, teachers, and coaches, in order to gain more insight into your or child's behavior.
The healthcare provider might use a list of ADHD symptoms to determine whether you or your child meet the diagnostic criteria for this disorder. They may also look at other disorders, including anxiety and mood disorders, that may produce symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD.
Adults with ADHD who are diagnosed with the condition typically take prescription medication to treat their symptoms. Stimulants, including products which contain amphetamine and methylphenidate can boost and balance the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. These medications may also improve the ability of certain adults to make sound decisions and make clear. Other options include non-stimulants like atomoxetine, or antidepressants. These drugs are slower to work than stimulants and are usually effective when you or your child can't take stimulants because of other medical problems or severe adverse effects.
The treatment of children suffering from ADHD is largely dependent on parents playing an active part in therapy sessions. Parents learn how to better communicate with their child, and also support their child at home and at school. Therapists can help parents learn parenting skills and stress management techniques that will help them cope better with the demands placed on a child who has ADHD.
Certain people suffering from ADHD suffer from psychiatric disorders that are comorbid, such as anxiety and depression, that need to be treated simultaneously with the ADHD symptoms. A psychiatrist or psychologist who has been trained to treat ADHD typically works closely with a mental health professional who can treat coexisting conditions. Therapists can help people with ADHD to develop coping and organizing abilities that improve their relationships and life quality. They can also recommend classes that teach problem-solving and social skills.
Treatment for ADHD
There are a variety of treatments available for children and adults with ADHD. Your health care provider will help you find the most effective treatment plan for your child or adult. Treatment options include medications or behavioral therapy, as well as family counseling. Psychoeducation and support groups are also helpful.
Your child's symptoms will be assessed by your health care provider to determine if they have ADHD. They may ask about your child's behavior at school, at home, and in social situations. They will also look at your child's mood and medical history, and search for other conditions which can cause ADHD-like signs, such as sleep apnea and seizure disorders.
People with the most common kind of ADHD have issues with inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. This type is more common among young children. It's easy to identify because children who suffer from ADHD fidget a lot and talk a lot and have trouble sitting still. They have problems paying attention at school and in other settings, like social and family activities.
Other forms of ADHD are more difficult to recognize because they tend to manifest differently in different environments. Some adults may show inattention but not the hyperactivity or an impulsiveness that are seen in younger individuals. Adults with these traits may have difficulty maintaining their jobs and on task, or managing relationships.
Some people with ADHD experience anxiety or depression in addition to their ADHD symptoms. These people need a different treatment plan that includes psychotherapy (sometimes called talk therapy). It is essential for your mental health professional to evaluate these other symptoms as well as the ADHD symptoms.
Stimulants or stimulants are the most common medications prescribed for ADHD. They can be taken orally in the form of a liquid nasal spray or patch. They are generally safe for the majority people, however there is a chance of adverse reactions, such as a slower heart rate, a decreased appetite, and a decrease in mood in a few people.
Certain people with ADHD can be helped by taking a variety of supplements or other medications, such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins C and E. These supplements can aid in improving concentration and reduce anxiety.