ADHD Diagnosis
Children with ADHD struggle to remain still, paying attention and acting recklessly. The symptoms of ADHD have been present for a period of six months or more and are more severe than what is normal for children of their age.
Experts use questionnaires, interviews with teachers and parents and school performance reports to determine ADHD. They also look at the history of a patient and any other mental health problems.
Diagnosing ADHD
A diagnosis can be a relief for people with ADHD. It can also provide a sense of that you are in the right. A diagnosis can be emotionally draining especially for those who don't plan to take medication as part their treatment.
A trained professional to recognize ADHD will review the symptoms and history of your child or you. They will ask about the onset of symptoms and if they've become worse over time. They'll also look at the development of your child or yourself, mental health and lifestyle. They might also conduct interviews with teachers, coaches and other professionals who know your your child well.
The objective is to determine whether you or your child have symptoms that are in line with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition DSM-V criteria1. This includes six or more ADHD symptoms that are significantly affecting with daily functioning and cannot be explained by other causes, such as problems at school or home poor nutrition or medical conditions like anxiety or sleep issues.
Your doctor will also take into consideration the behavior and performance of your child in the past, in addition to the DSM-V Criteria. They'll take note of the time it takes you or your child to finish tasks and also their tendency to make careless mistakes, and if they have trouble sitting still. They'll also consider if you or your child has any history of depression, anxiety, or mood disorders, which often occur in conjunction with ADHD.
A history of physical trauma or birth complications or an abnormal thyroid gland could affect the results of an ADHD evaluation. They'll also look for signs of other disorders, such as bipolar disorder or learning disabilities.
When you take a face-toface ADHD evaluation either you or your child could take one of a variety of ADHD tests, including the Neuropsychiatric-EEG Based Assessment Aid System (NEBA). This tool measures brain waves and is approved for children between the ages of 6-17. It's important to note that ADHD testing is only a small part of a comprehensive assessment.
Symptoms of ADHD
People with ADHD use brain networks differently 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 is also characterised by rapid bursts of energy and making decisions on the fly without weighing the consequences or the needs of others. They often make careless mistakes at work or in school. The disorder is diagnosed when symptoms appear for more than six months and affect daily functioning at school and in the community.
Doctors typically use standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to determine whether an individual is a candidate for a diagnosis. Patients may be asked to describe their issue in their own words. They also interview those who know the patient well for example, a sibling or spouse for adults or a teacher or coach for children. These interviews usually provide valuable information that can't be gathered from questionnaires or tests.
ADHD symptoms can occur at any age, however they usually begin in childhood. When diagnosing a patient doctors must consider the issues they experienced in their childhood. They can request old school records or speak to the patient's teachers or parents regarding their experiences as an infant.
Many adults with ADHD aren't diagnosed as they compensated for their problems when they were children with tricks or strategies to learn. The symptoms of ADHD can be more obvious when their responsibilities grow in adulthood, as they try to manage their work or family obligations, among others. Women and girls can conceal their symptoms better than boys and men. This can make diagnosis more difficult.
Researchers believe that while the cause of ADHD has not been identified, genetics and certain environment factors could play a role in its development. Prenatal exposure to nicotine, alcohol or other drugs can increase the chance of developing the disorder. The early loss of attachment and trauma can also trigger the disorder. The symptoms are linked to chemical changes that affect the nervous system during critical periods of development.
Medication for ADHD
In a typical evaluation the health professional will interview you or your child. They will ask you about the symptoms you or your child has been experiencing, their frequency, and the issues they create. They may also speak to others, including family members, teachers, and coaches, in order to get an understanding of the child's behavior.
The provider may use the list of ADHD symptoms to determine if you or your child meets the diagnostic criteria for this disorder. They may also look at other disorders, including mood and anxiety disorders, that may cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD are usually prescribed medication to manage symptoms. The stimulants, which include those that contain amphetamine and methylphenidate, appear to boost and balance levels of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. In certain adults, these drugs may also improve their ability to think clearly and make sound decisions. Non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine, and some antidepressants are other options. These medications work slower than stimulants, and are typically efficient when you or your child are unable to take stimulants due other medical problems or serious side effects.
Treatment for children with ADHD is mostly dependent on parents playing an active part in therapy sessions. adhd diagnosis adult uk learn to better communicate with their child and help them at home as well as at school. Therapists can help parents learn parenting skills and stress management techniques that will assist them in managing the demands imposed on the child with ADHD.
Some people who suffer from ADHD suffer from psychiatric disorders that are comorbid, such as depression and anxiety that need to be treated simultaneously with the ADHD symptoms. A psychiatrist or psychologist who has been trained to treat ADHD will often work closely with a mental health professional who can treat coexisting disorders. Therapists can also assist people who suffer from ADHD learn coping and organization skills that can improve their relationships and their quality of life. They can also recommend classes to teach problem-solving skills and improve communication.
Treatment for ADHD
There are many different treatment options 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 behavioural therapy. Support groups and psychoeducation are also helpful.
Your child's symptoms will be evaluated by your health care professional to determine if they are suffering from 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 look for other conditions which can cause signs of ADHD, such as seizure disorders and sleep apnea.
People who suffer from the most common kind of ADHD exhibit problems with hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. This kind of disorder is more prevalent in young children. It is easy to recognize because these kids fidget a lot and talk a lot and have trouble sitting still. They have trouble paying attention in school and 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 do not exhibit the hyperactivity or impulsivity which is usually seen in younger people. Adults with these traits may have a hard time keeping tasks or staying on track with tasks, or they might get frustrated easily and struggle with relationships.
Some people suffering from ADHD also develop depression or anxiety. These people need a different treatment plan that includes psychotherapy (sometimes called talk therapy). It is essential that your mental health professional examines these other symptoms as well as the ADHD symptoms.
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. They are available orally in the form of a liquid nasal spray or patch. They are generally safe for the majority of people, however there is a possibility of side effects, including slowing heart rate, decreased appetite, and a change in mood in a few people.
Other supplements and medications can aid people suffering from ADHD. These include omega-3 fatty acid and vitamins C and E. They can improve concentration and reduce irritation.