ADHD Diagnosis
Children suffering from ADHD are incapable of sitting still, focus or act impulsively. Their symptoms have been present for at minimum six months and are more severe than expected for their age or developmental stage.
Experts determine ADHD using questionnaires, interviews with teachers and parents, and school performance records. They also take into consideration the patient's history and any mental health conditions.
Diagnosing ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD, a diagnosis can provide relief and a sense of acceptance. A diagnosis can be emotionally draining particularly for those who do not plan to use medication as part their treatment.
A professional who specializes in diagnosing ADHD will go over your child's or your own's history and symptoms. They'll ask questions about when symptoms first started and if they've gotten worse over time. They'll also look at the development of your child and mental health, family, and lifestyle. They may also conduct interviews with teachers, coaches and other adults who know you or your child well.
The goal is to determine if your or your child has symptoms that match the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V)1. This includes six or more ADHD symptoms that significantly interfere with daily functioning and cannot be explained by other factors, such as problems at school or home or nutrition issues, or medical disorders like sleep disorders or anxiety.
In addition to the DSM-V criteria, your doctor will consider your child's previous behavior and performance. They will look at how long you or your child take to complete tasks and if they tend to make careless errors or struggle to remain still. They will also look at whether you or your child is suffering from depression or anxiety. These disorders often coexist with ADHD.
Other factors that may affect the results of an ADHD evaluation include whether your or your child has any history of physical trauma or birth complications, or an abnormal thyroid gland. They'll also be looking for signs of other conditions, such as bipolar disorder or learning disabilities.
When you take a face-toface ADHD evaluation, you or your child might take one of the ADHD tests, such as the Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid System (NEBA). This instrument tests brain waves and is approved for children aged between 6 and 17. It's important to note that ADHD testing is only one aspect of a comprehensive assessment.
The symptoms of ADHD
People with ADHD have a different way of making use of brain networks to send and relay messages. They are unable to focus their attention and controlling their behavior which may lead to issues at home and at school. They tend to make decisions without thinking about the consequences or the needs of others. They make many careless mistakes at work and at school. The disorder is diagnosed when symptoms are present for longer than six months and affect the daily activities at school and in the community.
Doctors typically use standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to determine if a person meets the criteria for a diagnosis. They may also ask the patient to explain their issues in their own words. They also talk to people who are familiar with the patient for example, a spouse or sibling for adults, or a teacher or coach for children. These interviews often offer valuable information that cannot be obtained through tests or questionnaires.
ADHD symptoms can manifest at any time, but they usually begin in childhood. When diagnosing a patient, doctors must consider the problems they had in their early years. They may need to look at old school records or speak with the patient's teachers or parents about the symptoms they experienced as in the midst of their childhood.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed until later in life because they were able to overcome their issues in childhood employing tricks or strategies to learn. The symptoms of ADHD can be more obvious when their responsibilities grow in adulthood, as they attempt to manage work and family obligations, as well as other obligations. Girls and women are better at hiding their symptoms than males and females which makes a diagnosis more difficult.
Researchers believe that although the root cause of ADHD has not been identified, genetics and certain environment factors could play a role in its development. Exposure to drugs prior to birth nicotine, alcohol or even alcohol may increase the chance of developing the disorder. Loss of attachment early and trauma could cause the disorder. 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 interview either you or your child. They will ask questions about the symptoms you or your child have been experiencing, the frequency they happen and what kind of problems they cause in your life. They might also speak to other people in your life, like teachers, family members and coaches to help them gain clearer picture of your your child's behavior.
The doctor may refer to a list of ADHD symptoms to determine if you or your child meet the diagnostic criteria for this disorder. I Am Psychiatry will also take into account other disorders like mood and anxiety disorders that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
Adults with ADHD who are diagnosed with the condition typically receive prescription medications to treat their symptoms. Products that stimulate the brain, such as those containing amphetamine and methylphenidate are believed to balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. In certain adults, these drugs may also improve their ability to think clearly and make smart decisions. Other options include non-stimulants like atomoxetine, or antidepressants. These drugs work slower than stimulants, and are typically beneficial when you or your child are unable to take stimulants due other medical conditions or serious side effects.
The treatment of children who suffer from ADHD is dependent on the parents actively participating in therapy sessions. Parents are taught to communicate better with their child and how to support them at school and at home. Therapists can help parents develop parenting skills and strategies for managing stress that will aid them in coping with the demands of a child who has ADHD.
Some people who suffer from ADHD have comorbid psychiatric conditions like anxiety and depression, that need to be treated simultaneously with the ADHD symptoms. A psychologist or psychiatrist who is trained to treat ADHD is often in close contact with a mental specialist who can treat coexisting disorders. Therapists can assist people suffering from ADHD to develop coping and organizing skills that will improve their relationships and quality. They may also recommend classes that teach problem-solving and improve communication.
Treatment for ADHD
Many different treatments are available for adults and children with ADHD. Your doctor can help you determine the most effective treatment plan for your child or adult. Treatment options include medication, behavioral therapy, and family counseling. Support groups and psychoeducation are also helpful.
Your child's symptoms will be assessed by your doctor to determine if they have ADHD. They may ask about your child's behavior in school, at home and social situations. They will also look at your child's mood and medical history, and search for other conditions that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD, such as seizure disorders and sleep apnea.
People who suffer from the most common type of ADHD show problems with hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature. This type of presentation is more prevalent among children in the early years and is evident because children who have this type of disorder often are prone to flutter, talk frequently or are unable to sit still. They have trouble paying attention at school, as well as other settings such as social or family activities.
It isn't easy to recognize other forms of ADHD because they present in different ways. For example there are some adults who show inattention but don't have the impulsivity or hyperactivity which is usually seen in younger people. Adults with these traits may have difficulty managing their work, staying on task or managing relationships.
Some people who suffer from ADHD suffer from anxiety or depression in addition to their ADHD symptoms. They require a different treatment plan that includes psychotherapy (sometimes called talk therapy). It is crucial that your mental health professional assesses these other symptoms as well as the ADHD symptoms.
Stimulants, or stimulants, are the most frequently prescribed drugs prescribed for ADHD. They can be taken either by inhalation or via a nasal spray (liquid) or patch. The majority of people are safe from any adverse side effects. However, some individuals might experience a slowing of their pulse rate, less appetite, or a change in mood.
Other medications and supplements can aid people suffering from ADHD. These include omega-3 fatty acid and vitamins C and E. They can improve concentration and decrease the irritability.