ADHD Diagnosis
Children with ADHD have trouble sitting still paying attention, and are often recklessly. The symptoms of ADHD have been evident for a period of six months or more and are much more severe than expected for their age.
Experts diagnose ADHD by conducting questionnaires, interviews with parents and teachers, and school performance records. They also consider the patient's history and any mental health issues.
Diagnosing ADHD
For those with ADHD being diagnosed with ADHD can bring relief and understanding. But getting an official diagnosis can be emotional, especially when a person doesn't intend to take medication as part of their treatment.
A specialist in diagnosing ADHD will review your child's or your own's history and symptoms. They will inquire about the beginning of the symptoms and whether they have gotten worse over time. They'll also look at your or your child's development, mental health, family, and lifestyle. They may also conduct interviews with teachers, coaches and other professionals who know your the child well.
The goal is to determine if you or your child's symptoms that match the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (DSM-V)1. This includes six or more ADHD symptoms that are significantly affecting with daily functioning and can't be explained by other causes such as issues at school or home poor nutrition, or medical disorders like sleep disorders or anxiety.
In addition to the DSM-V criteria Your doctor will also consider your child's or your own behavior and performance. They'll look at the length of time you or your child take to complete tasks and if they tend to make mistakes or have difficulty sitting still. They'll also consider if you or your child has any history of depression, anxiety or mood disorders which can often coexist with ADHD.
Other factors that could affect the results of an ADHD evaluation include whether your or your child has an history of physical trauma or birth-related complications, or an abnormal thyroid gland. They may also be looking for other conditions such as bipolar disorder and learning disabilities.
During a face-to-face ADHD assessment your child or you may take one of many ADHD tests, including the Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid System (NEBA). The instrument tests brain waves and is deemed suitable for children aged between 6 and 17. ADHD testing is only one aspect of a complete assessment.
Signs and symptoms of ADHD
People suffering from ADHD have a different method of using brain networks that transmit and relay messages. They aren't able to focus their attention or controlling their behavior. This can lead to issues at home as well as at school. They tend to make decisions without thinking about the consequences or needs of others. They often make careless mistakes at work and in school. The disorder is diagnosed when symptoms occur for more than six months and affect the daily activities at school and in the community.
Doctors typically use standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if a person is a candidate for a diagnosis. They may also ask the patient to explain their issues in their own words. They also interview people who are familiar with the patient like a spouse or sibling for adults, or a schoolteacher or coach for children. These interviews can give valuable information that cannot be obtained by taking tests or completing questionnaires.
The symptoms of ADHD can appear at any age, but the condition usually starts during the early years of childhood. Doctors must consider a person's issues from childhood when determining the diagnosis. They may ask to see old school records or talk to the patient's teachers or parents regarding their experiences as a child.
Many people who suffer from ADHD go undiagnosed in adulthood because they were able to overcome their problems in childhood by using tricks or strategies for learning. As they struggle to manage work with family and other obligations, their symptoms can become more apparent. Women and girls are more adept in hiding their symptoms than boys and men which makes the diagnosis more difficult.
While the root cause of ADHD isn't known, researchers believe that genetics and certain environmental factors are responsible for the development of this disorder. The prenatal exposure to drugs, alcohol, or nicotine could increase the risk for developing the disorder. Trauma and early loss of attachment can also trigger this disorder. The symptoms are caused by chemical changes in the nervous system, which occur during critical developmental periods.
Medication for ADHD
In a typical evaluation an expert in health will conduct an interview with you or your child. They will ask you questions about the symptoms that you or your child has been experiencing, the frequency they occur and what problems they create in your life. They may also talk to other people in your life, such as family members, teachers and coaches, to help them get clearer picture of your or your child's behavior.
The healthcare professionals may employ a list of ADHD symptoms to determine whether you or your child meets diagnostic criteria for the disorder. They will also consider other disorders, including mood and anxiety disorders, that can sometimes cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD.
Adults with ADHD who are diagnosed with the condition typically take prescription medication to manage their symptoms. Products that stimulate the brain, such as those containing amphetamine and methylphenidate are believed to improve the balance and levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These medications may also improve the ability of certain adults to make sound decisions and think clearly. Non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, are alternatives. These drugs work slower than stimulants and are usually efficient for children or parents who are unable to take stimulants due other medical problems or serious adverse effects.
The treatment of children suffering from ADHD is dependent on parents' active participation in therapy sessions. Parents learn to better communicate with their child and help their child at home and at school. Therapists can also instruct parents on strategies for managing stress and parenting skills that can assist them in coping with the demands of children with ADHD.
Certain people suffering from ADHD have comorbid psychiatric conditions like anxiety and depression, that require treatment at the same time as they are ADHD symptoms. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has been trained to treat ADHD is often in close contact with a mental health professional who can treat coexisting conditions. Therapists can also assist people who suffer from ADHD learn coping and organization skills that improve their relationships and their quality of life. They can also suggest classes that teach problem-solving and communication skills.
Treatment for ADHD
There are many different treatments available for ADHD in children and adults. Your health care provider will help you find the most effective treatment plan for your child or adult. Treatment options include counseling for families, medication therapy and behavioural therapy. Psychoeducation and support groups can also be helpful.
Your health care provider will examine your child's behavior and history to determine whether they have ADHD. They may ask about your child's behavior at school, at home and social situations. They will also examine your child's mood and medical history, and search for other conditions which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD such as seizures and sleep apnea.
The most well-known type of ADHD is characterized by excessive activity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. This is more common in children who are young. It's easy to identify because children who suffer from ADHD tend to fidget and talk frequently or are unable to sit still. They have trouble paying attention in school and other settings like family or community activities.
It isn't always easy to identify other forms of ADHD because they present in different ways. For instance there are adults who exhibit inattention but don't have the impulsivity or hyperactivity that is typical of younger people. Adults with these traits may have difficulty managing their work and staying on track or managing relationships.
Some people who suffer from ADHD experience anxiety or depression in addition to their ADHD symptoms. These people require a different treatment plan, which includes psychotherapy (also called talk therapy). It is essential that your mental health professional assesses these other symptoms as well as the ADHD symptoms.
Stimulants, also known as stimulants, are the most commonly prescribed medications prescribed for ADHD. They are available orally or as a liquid nasal spray or patch. Most people are safe from adverse effects. However, adhd in adults diagnosis might experience a slower pulse rate, a decreased appetite, or a worsening mood.
Some people with ADHD can be assisted by taking a range of other medications or supplements including omega-3 fatty acids as well as vitamins C and E. These supplements can aid in improving concentration and reduce irritability.