ADHD Diagnosis
Children suffering from ADHD are incapable of sitting still, concentrate or behave impulsively. The symptoms of ADHD have been evident for six months or more and are more severe than normal for children of their age.
Experts determine ADHD using questionnaires, interviews with teachers and parents, and school performance records. They also consider the history of the patient and any mental health conditions.
Diagnosing ADHD
For those with ADHD, a diagnosis can bring relief and a sense of acceptance. However, receiving an official diagnosis can also be a stressful experience, particularly when a person doesn't intend to use medication as part of their treatment.
A professional who is trained to identify ADHD will examine the symptoms and history of your child or you. They'll inquire about when the symptoms first began and if they've gotten worse over time. They'll also assess your child's or your own development, mental health and lifestyle. They may also speak with teachers, coaches or other adults who are familiar with your child.
The goal is to determine whether you or your child has symptoms that fit the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-V)1. This includes six or more symptoms related to ADHD that affect daily functioning, and are not explained by any other factors such as issues at home or school eating disorders, poor nutrition or anxiety, or sleep disorders.
In addition to the DSM-V criteria Your doctor will also consider your child's or your own behavior and performance. They'll assess the time it takes you or your child to finish tasks, their tendency to make careless mistakes, and whether they have trouble sitting still. They'll also consider whether you or your child is suffering from depression or anxiety. These disorders can often coexist with ADHD.
adult adhd diagnosis uk of physical trauma or birth complications or an abnormal thyroid gland may influence 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, you or your child might take one of the ADHD tests, like the Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid System (NEBA). The instrument analyzes brain wave patterns and is approved for children ages 6 to 17. ADHD testing is only one aspect of a complete 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 or controlling their behavior. This can lead to problems both at home and at school. They tend to make choices without thinking about the consequences or the needs of others. They are often guilty of making mistakes at work or in school. The condition is diagnosed when symptoms are present for longer than six months and affect daily functioning at school as well as in the community.
Doctors employ ADHD symptoms checklists and standard behavior ratings scales to determine whether a person fits the criteria needed to diagnose. Patients may be asked to describe their problem in their own words. They also talk to people who know the patient well like a spouse or sibling for adults, or a schoolteacher or coach for children. These interviews usually provide valuable insight that can't be gathered through questionnaires or tests.
ADHD symptoms can manifest at any time, but they usually begin in the early years of childhood. Doctors should consider a patient's issues from childhood in determining a diagnosis. They may want to see the school records from the past or talk to the patient's parents or teachers regarding the symptoms when they were an infant.
Many adults with ADHD aren't diagnosed because they compensated for their problems as children using tricks or strategies to learn. When they are struggling to balance work, family, and other obligations, their symptoms may be more obvious. Women and girls are more adept at concealing their symptoms than boys and men which makes a diagnosis more difficult.
Researchers believe that while the exact cause of ADHD is not yet known the cause is genetic, certain environmental factors could play a role in the development of the disorder. Exposure to nicotine, alcohol, or drugs may increase the likelihood of developing the disorder. Trauma and early loss of attachment could also trigger this disorder. The symptoms are caused by chemical changes in the nervous system that occur during critical developmental periods.
Medication for ADHD
In a typical evaluation an expert in health care will conduct an interview with you or your child. They will ask you about the symptoms that you or your child have been experiencing, their frequency and the issues they create. They may also speak to other people, such as family members, teachers, and coaches, in order to get more insight into the child's behavior.
The doctor may refer to the list of ADHD symptoms to determine whether you or your child meets the diagnostic criteria for this disorder. They will also consider other disorders, like anxiety and mood disorders that may produce symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD are typically prescribed medications 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 drugs can also enhance the capacity of certain adults to make sound decisions and make clear. Other options include nonstimulants like atomoxetine and antidepressants. These drugs are slower to work than stimulants and are usually effective for children or parents who are unable to take stimulants due other medical problems or severe adverse effects.
Treatment for children with ADHD is mostly dependent on parents playing an active part in therapy sessions. Parents learn how to better communicate with their child and support them at home as well as at school. Therapists can teach parents parenting skills and techniques for managing stress to help them cope better with the demands placed on a child who has ADHD.
Some people who suffer from ADHD also have co-occurring mental disorders, like depression and anxiety, which need to be treated at the same time as the ADHD symptoms. For this reason, an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in treating ADHD frequently collaborates with a mental health specialist who can treat these coexisting disorders. Therapists can help those with ADHD to develop coping and organizing skills that improve their relationships and overall quality. They can also suggest classes which teach problem-solving as well as communication skills.
Treatment for ADHD
There are many different treatment options available for ADHD in children and adults. Your healthcare provider will help you find the most effective treatment plan for your child or adult. Treatment options include medication or behavioral therapy, as well as family counseling. Psychoeducation and support group are also beneficial.
Your health care provider will examine your child's behavior and history to determine whether they have ADHD. They might ask about your child's behavior at school, at home and social situations. They will also look at your child's medical history and mood, and look for any other conditions that may cause ADHD-like symptoms, such as learning disorders, seizure disorders, sleep apnea, issues with vision and hearing and thyroid issues.
The most prevalent type of ADHD is one that is marked by inattention, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature. This presentation is more common among children in the early years, and it's usually evident because children with this type often are prone to flutter, talk frequently or struggle to sit still. They have problems paying attention at school, as well as in other settings, such as social and family activities.
It isn't easy to recognize other forms of ADHD because they present in different ways. Some adults may show inattention but not the hyperactivity and an impulsiveness that are seen in younger individuals. These adults might have trouble managing their work and on task, or managing relationships.
Some people with ADHD may also experience depression or anxiety. These people need a different treatment plan that includes psychotherapy (sometimes called talk therapy). It is important that your mental health professional examines these other symptoms as well as the ADHD symptoms.
Stimulants, or stimulants, are the most commonly prescribed medications prescribed for ADHD. They can be taken orally, in the form of a liquid nasal spray or patch. They are generally safe for most people, but there is a risk of adverse reactions, such as a slowed heart rate, a decreased appetite, and a decrease in mood in some people.
Other medications and supplements can help some people with ADHD. These include omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins C and E. They can help improve concentration and reduce the irritability.