diagnosing adhd suffering from ADHD are not able to remain still, concentrate or act impulsively. Their symptoms have been evident for at least six months and are more severe than is normal for their age or development.
Experts employ questionnaires interviews with teachers and parents and school performance reports to determine ADHD. They also consider the patient's history and any mental health problems.
Diagnosing ADHD
A diagnosis can be a source of relief for those with ADHD. It can also give a sense of understanding. However, receiving an official diagnosis can be a stressful experience, particularly when a person doesn't intend to use medication as part of their treatment.
A trained professional to recognize ADHD will examine the history and symptoms of your child or you. They will inquire about the onset of symptoms and whether they've gotten worse with time. They'll also look at your child's or your own development, mental health and lifestyle. They may also interview teachers, coaches or other professionals who are familiar with your child.
The goal is to determine whether you or your child have symptoms that match the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition DSM-V criteria1. This includes six or more ADHD-related symptoms that affect daily functioning, and cannot be explained by any other factor like problems at home or at school, poor nutrition or sleep disorders.
In addition to the DSM-V criteria Your doctor will also consider your or your child's past 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 erroneous mistakes and if they are unable to sit still. They will also look at whether your child or you has a history of depression or anxiety. These disorders can often coexist alongside ADHD.
A history of physical trauma or birth complications or an abnormal thyroid gland may affect the results of an ADHD evaluation. They'll also look for signs of other conditions, such as bipolar disorder or learning disabilities.
When you take a face-toface ADHD assessment, you or your child might take one of the ADHD tests, including the Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid System (NEBA). This tool tests brain waves and is approved for children aged between 6 and 17. It is important to understand that ADHD testing is just part of a comprehensive assessment.
ADHD symptoms
People with ADHD have a different method of making use of brain networks to transmit and relay messages. They have difficulty focusing their attention and controlling their behavior which can cause problems at home and at school. They tend to make decisions without considering the consequences or needs of others. They are often guilty of making mistakes at work and at school. If symptoms persist for longer than six months and affect the school day and in the community, the disorder is diagnosed.
Doctors employ ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized behavior ratings scales to determine whether someone meets the criteria for diagnosis. Patients are often asked to describe their problem in their own words. They may also interview those who know the patient, for example, spouse or a sibling for adults or a teacher coach if they are children. These interviews usually offer valuable information that cannot be obtained through questionnaires or tests.
ADHD symptoms can be present at any age, but they typically start in the early years of childhood. Doctors need to consider the patient'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 have ADHD are not diagnosed until later in life because they could have compensated for their difficulties in childhood using tricks or learning strategies. The signs may be more obvious when their responsibilities grow in adulthood, as they struggle to manage their work or family obligations, among others. Women and girls are able to hide their symptoms better than boys and men. This can make diagnosis more difficult.
Researchers believe that while the exact cause of ADHD is not yet known the cause is genetic, certain environmental factors may contribute to its development. Exposure to drugs prior to birth, alcohol or nicotine may increase the chance of developing the disorder. Trauma and early loss of attachment could also trigger this disorder. The symptoms are linked to chemical changes that affect the nervous system during crucial stages of development.
Medication for ADHD
In a typical assessment an expert in health care will conduct an interview with you or your child. They will ask you questions about the symptoms you or your child are experiencing, the frequency at which they happen and what kind of problems they create in your life. They might also speak to other people in your life, such as family members, teachers and coaches to help them develop clearer picture of you or the child's behavior.
The healthcare provider might use a list of ADHD symptoms to determine whether you or your child meets the diagnostic criteria for this disorder. They will also consider other disorders such as mood and anxiety disorders that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
Adults with ADHD who are diagnosed with the condition typically receive prescription medications to manage their symptoms. The stimulants like those that contain amphetamine and methylphenidate are believed to regulate and increase levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. These drugs can also enhance the ability of individuals to make smart decisions and think clearly. Nonstimulants, like atomoxetine, and some antidepressants are also options. They are not as potent as stimulants, but they are effective in the event that your child is unable to take stimulants due to medical conditions or severe adverse effects.
The treatment of children suffering from ADHD is largely dependent on parents taking an active part in therapy sessions. Parents learn how to better communicate with their child, and also support them at home as well as at school. Therapists can teach parents parenting skills and techniques for managing stress to aid them in coping with the demands imposed on a child who has ADHD.
Some people who suffer from ADHD have psychiatric issues that are co-occurring, such as depression and anxiety, which need to be treated in conjunction with the ADHD symptoms. A psychologist or psychiatrist who is trained to treat ADHD typically works closely with a mental health professional who can treat coexisting conditions. Therapists can assist people suffering from ADHD learn coping and organizational skills that improve their relationships and life quality. They can also recommend classes that teach problem-solving and social skills.
Treatment for ADHD
There are a variety of treatments available for children and adults with ADHD. Your doctor will help you determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your child or adult. Treatment options include medications or behavioral therapy, as well as family counseling. Support groups and psychoeducation are also helpful.
Your health care provider will assess your child's symptoms and history to determine whether they have ADHD. They might ask about your child's behavior in school, at home, and in social situations. They will also examine your child's mood and medical history, and look for other conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD, such as seizure disorders and sleep apnea.
The most prevalent form of ADHD is one that is marked by inattention, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature. This is more common in young children. It is easy to recognize because these kids fidget a lot, talk a great deal or are unable to sit still. They have problems paying attention at school and in other settings, like family and 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 exhibit the hyperactivity or impulsivity which is usually seen in younger people. They may have difficulty managing their work and staying on track or managing relationships.
Some people with ADHD develop depression or anxiety in addition to their ADHD symptoms. These individuals require a separate treatment plan that includes psychotherapy (sometimes called talk therapy). It's important for your mental health professional to assess these other signs in addition to the ADHD symptoms.
Stimulants or stimulants are the most common medications prescribed for ADHD. They can be taken either by mouth or through a nose spray (liquid) or patch. Most people are protected from adverse effects. However, some might experience a slower pulse rate, less appetite, or a change in mood.
Certain people suffering from ADHD can be assisted by taking a range of supplements or other medications, such as omega-3 fatty acids as well as vitamins C and E. These can help improve concentration and decrease the irritability.