Diagnosis & Treatment of ADHD

ADHD, an acronym for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, is a behavioral disorder that is characterized by obvious hyperactive, inattentive and impulsive behavior. Although medical science has come a long way in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD, there still isn't a laboratory test available to diagnose this disorder. Instead, a doctor or a mental health professional must rely on the validity of information from and about the patient. Learn more about the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD.

Evaluation

• Physicians typically give patients a full physical exam before diagnosing them with ADHD. The doctor will discuss a patient's medical history to screen for other health conditions that might be affecting behavior. Possible causes for ADHD-like behavior include thyroid problems, depression, hearing problems, anxiety, sleep disorders and learning disabilities. Sudden life changes can also affect behavior, particularly divorce, moving and the death of a loved one. The doctor interviews the patient and his family members to determine the patient's daily behaviors, habits, moods and productivity.

Rating Scales

• Although not required for an official ADHD diagnosis, most health care professionals use one or more ADHD behavior assessments. The Conner's Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS) is commonly used to evaluate patients aged 18 and older. The Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Parent Rating Scale (VADPRS) and the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Teacher Rating Scale (VADTRS) are often used to assess ADHD symptoms in younger children. The Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC) is also frequently used to rate a child's levels of hyperactivity, anxiety, aggression and depression.

Diagnosis

• Medical and mental health care professionals diagnose ADHD based on the criteria set forth by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The guidelines state that an ADHD diagnosis requires a person regularly exhibiting some or all of the common symptoms for at least six months. Because this condition isn't an adult onset disorder, patients must have exhibited ADHD symptoms before they were 7 years old. ADHD behavior must also be present in more than one setting such as at school and at home.

Typical Symptoms

• Children with ADHD tend to be in constant motion, always squirming and fidgeting. They don't appear to listen when they are being spoken to directly and they are easily distracted by outside stimuli. ADHD children have a difficult time starting, continuing and finishing tasks that require concentrated mental effort, especially homework. Typical symptoms of ADHD in adult patients include chronic tardiness and forgetfullness, disorganization, impulsive spending or gambling, employment problems, troubled relationships and low self-esteem.

Medication

• ADHD is typically treated with prescribed medication, primarily some type of stimulant. While it might seem odd to treat a hyperactive child with a stimulant, these medicines usually have a calming effect on ADHD patients. These medications are available in extended release, long-acting and short-acting varieties. The extended release and long-acting are generally taken just once a day, while the short-acting types might require more than one dosage. Common side effects to ADHD medications include headache, loss of appetite, insomnia and irritability.

Other Treatments

• Many individuals with ADHD find that psychotherapeutical treatments can provide them with the coping skills they need to better handle ADHD symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is primarily used in individuals under the age of 18 and consists of modeling behavior by rewarding good behavior and punishing unwanted behavior. Social skills training teach ADHD patients how to look for social cues, read facial expressions and respond appropriately to questions and teasing. ADHD coaching or life coaching might help affected people become more organized and set realistic goals.