ADHD Diagnosis
Children with ADHD struggle to remain still paying attention, and are often impulsively. Their symptoms have been evident for at least six months and are significantly more severe than what is expected for their age or developmental stage.
Experts determine ADHD through questionnaires, discussions with teachers and parents, and school performance records. They also consider a patient's history and any other mental health issues.
Diagnosing ADHD
A diagnosis can be a source of relief for those suffering from ADHD. It can also provide a sense of understanding. But getting an official diagnosis can be a stressful experience, particularly if a person doesn't plan to take medication as part of their treatment.
A specialist who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD will review the history of your child or you and symptoms. They'll ask questions about when symptoms first started and if they've gotten worse over time. They'll also look at your child's or your development as well as your mental health and lifestyle. They may also conduct interviews with teachers, coaches and other adults who know you or your child well.
The objective is to determine if you or your child has symptoms that are in line with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition DSM-V criteria1. diagnosis for adhd in adults includes six or more ADHD symptoms that are significantly affecting with daily functioning and cannot be explained by other factors like 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 consider your child's previous behavior and performance. They will look at the time your child take to complete tasks, if they tend to make mistakes or have difficulty sitting still. They'll also determine whether you or your child is suffering from depression or anxiety. These disorders can frequently coexist with ADHD.
A history of physical trauma, birth complications or an abnormal thyroid gland could affect the results of a ADHD evaluation. They will also look for other conditions such as bipolar disorder or learning disabilities.
When you take a face-toface ADHD evaluation your child or you could take one of a variety of ADHD tests, such as the Neuropsychiatric-EEG Based Assessment Aid System (NEBA). The instrument tests brain waves and is recommended for children between the ages of 6-17. ADHD testing is just one part of a comprehensive assessment.
Symptoms of ADHD
People who suffer from ADHD use brain networks differently to relay and transmit information. They have difficulty focusing their attention or controlling their behavior. This can lead to problems at home and at school. They tend to make choices without thinking about the consequences or needs of others. They make many careless mistakes at work and at school. When symptoms persist for more than 6 months and disrupt daily school life and community, the disorder is diagnosed.
Doctors utilize ADHD symptoms checklists and standard behavior ratings scales to determine whether a person fits the criteria needed to diagnose. Patients are often asked to explain their condition in their own words. They also talk to those who are familiar with the patient for example, a sibling or spouse for adults, or a teacher or coach for children. These interviews often offer valuable information that cannot be gathered from questionnaires or tests.
ADHD symptoms can manifest at any age, however they usually begin in childhood. When diagnosing a patient doctors must take into account their childhood problems. They can request old school records, or talk to the patient's teachers or parents about their symptoms as a child.
Many people who have ADHD remain undiagnosed until they reach adulthood because they could have compensated for their issues in childhood using tricks or strategies for learning. The symptoms of ADHD can be more obvious as they take on more responsibilities in adulthood, as they struggle to manage work, family and other obligations. Girls and women can hide their symptoms more easily than males and females. This can make diagnosis more difficult.
Researchers believe that although the exact cause of ADHD has not been determined the cause is genetic, certain environmental factors may contribute to the development of ADHD. The prenatal exposure to drugs nicotine, alcohol or even alcohol may increase the risk for developing the disorder. Trauma and early loss of attachment may 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, a health care professional will talk to you or your child. They will ask you questions about the symptoms you or your child has been experiencing, their frequency and the issues they create. They might also talk to other people, like family members, teachers and coaches, to gain a better understanding of your child's or your child's behavior.
Providers can use an inventory of ADHD symptoms to determine if you or your child meet the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. They will also take into consideration other disorders like mood and anxiety disorders that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD are usually prescribed medication to treat symptoms. The stimulants, which include those that contain amphetamine and methylphenidate are believed to increase and balance the levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These drugs can also enhance the capacity of individuals to make smart decisions and think clearly. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine and certain antidepressants, are other options. These medications work slower than stimulants and are usually effective for children or parents who cannot take stimulants due to other medical conditions or serious side effects.
The treatment of children who suffer from ADHD depends on the parents actively participating in therapy sessions. Parents learn to communicate more effectively with their child and how to support them in school and at home. Therapists can help parents develop parenting skills and stress management techniques that will aid them in coping with the demands placed on children with ADHD.
Some people who suffer from ADHD suffer from psychiatric disorders that are comorbid, such as anxiety and depression, that require treatment simultaneously with the ADHD symptoms. A psychiatrist or psychologist who has been trained to treat ADHD is often in close contact with a mental specialist who can treat coexisting issues. Therapists can also help people with ADHD learn coping and organizational skills that can improve their relationships and their quality of life. They may also recommend classes that teach problem-solving and communication skills.
Treatment for ADHD
There are many different treatments available for ADHD in children and adults. Your doctor will help you determine the best treatment plan for either your child or adult. Treatment options include medication therapy, family counseling, and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation and support group can also be helpful.
Your health care provider will assess your child's symptoms and past medical history to determine if they suffer from ADHD. They may ask questions about your child's behavior at home, school and in social situations. They will also examine 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 who suffer from the most common type of ADHD show problems with hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. This presentation is more common in children who are young and is usually easy to recognize because kids who suffer from this disorder tend to fidget, talk a lot or are unable to sit still. They struggle to focus at school and in other settings, like family and community activities.
It isn't easy to recognize other types of ADHD because they present in different ways. Certain adults may exhibit inattention, but not the hyperactivity and an impulsiveness that are seen in younger individuals. They may have difficulty managing their work and on task, or managing relationships.
Some people who suffer from ADHD develop depression or anxiety in addition to their ADHD symptoms. They require a different treatment plan that includes psychotherapy (sometimes called talk therapy). It is essential that your mental health professional evaluates these other symptoms as well as the ADHD symptoms.
Stimulants, also known as stimulants, are the most common medications prescribed for ADHD. They can be taken orally, as a nasal spray or patch. They are generally safe for the majority people, however there is a possibility of adverse effects, such as a slower heart rate, a decreased appetite and a worsening of mood in some people.
Certain people with ADHD can be helped by taking a variety of other supplements or medications including omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins C and E. These supplements can aid in improving concentration and decrease irritability.