ADHD Diagnosis
Children suffering from ADHD have trouble sitting still, paying attention and acting impulsively. Their symptoms have been present for at least six months, and are much more severe than what is expected for their age or developmental stage.
Experts utilize questionnaires, interviews with teachers and parents as well as school performance reports to determine ADHD. They also consider the patient's past and any mental health problems.
Diagnosing ADHD
For people who live with ADHD being diagnosed with ADHD can provide relief and acceptance. But getting an official diagnosis may be emotional, especially when a person doesn't intend to use medication as part of their treatment.
A specialist in diagnosing ADHD will go over your child's or your own's history and symptoms. They will ask about the beginning of the symptoms and whether they've gotten worse over time. They'll also look at your child's growth as well as mental health, family, and lifestyle. They might also conduct interviews with teachers, coaches and other adults who know your or your child well.
The objective is to determine if you or your child has symptoms that fit the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-V)1. This means six or more symptoms related to ADHD that affect daily functioning, and cannot be explained by any other factors such as problems at school or home, poor nutrition or anxiety, or sleep disorders.
Your doctor will also consider the behavior and performance of your child in the past, in addition to the DSM-V Criteria. They'll assess the time it takes you or your child to complete tasks and their tendency to make careless mistakes, and if they have trouble sitting still. They will also look at whether your child or you is suffering from depression or anxiety. These disorders can often coexist with ADHD.
A history of physical trauma or birth complications or an abnormal thyroid gland can also influence the outcome of a ADHD evaluation. They also will look for other conditions, such as bipolar disorder and learning disabilities.
During a face-to-face ADHD assessment either you or your child may take one of many ADHD tests, such as the Neuropsychiatric-EEG-Based Assessment Aid System (NEBA). This instrument examines brain patterns of waves and is approved for children aged 6 to 17. ADHD testing is just one component of a larger assessment.
Symptoms of ADHD
People with ADHD have a different way of using brain networks to send and relay messages. They are unable to focus their attention or managing their behavior. This can cause problems at home and in school. They also tend to make decisions without thinking about the consequences or needs of others. They make many careless mistakes in the workplace as well as at school. The disorder is diagnosed when symptoms appear for more than six months and interfere with daily functioning at school and in the community.
Doctors employ ADHD symptoms checklists and standard behavior ratings scales to determine if someone meets the criteria for diagnosis. They may also request the patient to describe their issues in their own words. They can also interview people who know the patient, like siblings or spouses for adults or a teacher coach when they are children. These interviews can provide valuable information that cannot be obtained by taking tests or completing questionnaires.
The symptoms of ADHD can appear in any age group however, the condition typically starts during childhood. When diagnosing a patient, doctors must take into account the problems they had in their early years. They may ask to see old school records or talk to the patient's teachers or parents regarding their experiences as a child.
Many adults with ADHD are not diagnosed because they reacted to their issues when they were children with techniques or strategies to learn. The signs may become more evident as their responsibilities increase in adulthood, as they try to manage their work, family and other obligations. Women and girls are better at hiding their symptoms than boys and men and this can make a diagnosis more difficult.
Researchers believe that while the root cause of ADHD has not been determined the cause is genetic, certain environmental factors could play a role in the development of the disorder. The prenatal exposure to nicotine, alcohol or other substances may increase the risk of developing the disorder. Trauma and early loss of attachment can cause this disorder as well. The symptoms are linked to chemical changes that affect the nervous system during critical periods of development.
Medication for ADHD
In a typical assessment an expert in health care will interview you or your child. They will ask questions about symptoms you or your child has been experiencing, how often they happen and what kind of problems they can cause in your life. They may also speak to other people, such as family members, teachers and coaches, in order to gain more insight into your or child's behavior.
The doctor may refer to the list of ADHD symptoms to determine if you or your child fulfill the diagnostic criteria for this disorder. They will also consider other disorders, including anxiety and mood disorders, that may produce symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are usually prescribed medication to manage symptoms. Stimulants, including products that contain amphetamine and methylphenidate can boost and balance the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. In some adults, these medications may also improve their ability to think clearly and make smart decisions. Non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine, and some antidepressants are other options. These drugs are not as powerful as stimulants, but they can be effective in the event that your child is not able to take stimulants due to medical conditions or serious adverse effects.
The treatment of children suffering from ADHD is largely dependent on parents taking an active role in therapy sessions. Parents learn to communicate better with their child, and how to support them at school and at home. Therapists can also help parents learn methods for managing stress as well as parenting skills that can help them cope with the demands of a child suffering from ADHD.
Some people who suffer from ADHD also have co-occurring mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression that must be treated in conjunction with the ADHD symptoms. A psychiatrist or psychologist who is specially trained to treat ADHD typically works closely with a mental health professional who can treat coexisting issues. Therapists can help those with ADHD learn coping and organizational skills that will improve their relationships and overall quality. They can also suggest classes that teach problem-solving and social skills.
Treatment for ADHD
There are a variety of treatments available for both adults and children with ADHD. Your doctor will help you determine the most effective treatment plan for your child or adult. Treatment options include counseling for families, medication therapy and behavioral therapy. Support groups and psychoeducation are also helpful.
Your health care provider will examine your child's behavior and past medical history to determine if they have ADHD. They might ask questions about your child's behavior at school, home, and in social situations. They will also assess your child's mood and medical history, and search for other conditions which can cause signs of ADHD like seizure disorders and sleep apnea.
The most well-known form of ADHD is one that is marked by hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. This kind of disorder is more prevalent in children who are young. It's easy to spot as these children are often distracted, talk a great deal and have trouble sitting still. They have trouble paying attention in the classroom and other settings such as social or family activities.
It can be difficult to diagnose other forms of ADHD because they present in different ways. For instance there are some adults who show inattention, but do not exhibit the hyperactivity or impulsivity that is typical of younger people. These adults might struggle to keep their jobs or staying on track in their work or may become annoyed easily and struggle with relationships.
Some people with ADHD develop depression or anxiety 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 assess these other symptoms in addition to the ADHD symptoms.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. They can be taken by mouth or through a nose spray (liquid) or patch. adhd diagnosis adult uk are generally safe for most people, however there is a chance of adverse reactions, such as a slowed heart rate, decreased appetite, and a change in mood in some people.
Other supplements and medications can help some people with ADHD. These include omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins C and E. They can improve concentration and decrease the irritability.