ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
If you think that your child or you is suffering from ADHD, the first step is to schedule an appointment to get a diagnosis. A clear diagnosis will aid in understanding and treating this condition.
During the exam, your doctor will ask you questions about your health and development going back to the early years of childhood. They might also employ behavior rating scales and symptom checklists.
Signs and symptoms
The first step in diagnosing ADHD is to collect as many details about the individual as is possible. This might include getting an examination for physical health, obtaining medical and school records, or interviewing family members as well as teachers, coworkers, and other close friends. It is also essential to rule out any other conditions which may trigger symptoms similar to ADHD like thyroid issues, seizures and some kinds of anxiety disorders.
The doctor may also want to know about how the issues have affected the patient's life and relationships. You might ask if the person has trouble completing tasks or gets easily distracted. If they're frequently late for work or social events, they may also struggle with time management, or lose items frequently. The doctor might inquire if the symptoms started before the age of 12.
Psychologists and psychiatrists are trained to diagnose ADHD in adults as well as children. They will employ standardized criteria as set forth by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if the symptoms are in line with the diagnostic criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. The DSM-5 defines the main categories of ADHD as inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. To be diagnosed with ADHD you must exhibit at least six symptoms in each category for a minimum of six months.
It is crucial to understand that a diagnosis of ADHD is not a condemnation. Many people suffering from ADHD have mild symptoms and they can learn how to manage their symptoms through the use of therapy, medications and healthy lifestyle practices.
The most popular medication used to treat ADHD is stimulant. It is available in a variety forms including tablets, chewable pills and liquids. A health care provider can determine the best medication and dosage for the patient. They can also give tips on healthy lifestyles that will improve symptoms of ADHD, such as regular exercise and getting enough sleep. In certain instances, non-stimulant drugs like antidepressants could be used to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
An ADHD screening test is a first step towards making an accurate diagnosis of the disorder. The best method to determine if you have ADHD is to schedule a medical evaluation with a mental health professional. A psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist or neurologist are all qualified to provide an ADHD assessment.
Before making a diagnosis, your mental health professional will study the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for clinical care for the disorder found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They will ask you or your child if they have had symptoms present for at least six month. They will also examine your child's medical, mental health and family background.
The person who is being evaluated could be asked for input from other sources, such as a spouse or other family members regarding their symptoms. This allows the mental health professional to get a full picture of the individual's behavior and ADHD experience. The clinician will also interview the person and use standardized ADHD behaviour rating scales.
It is important that the mental health professional knows that other conditions can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they need to exclude other conditions such as thyroid problems or seizures before determining if the patient has ADHD.
In certain instances, a mental health professional will recommend a physical examination. This is especially crucial for adults as certain medical conditions can trigger the similar symptoms as ADHD.
After a mental health professional is able to diagnose a problem and confirms the diagnosis, they will explain that the problem is likely caused by neurological issues, such as an overactive or underactive hypothalamus. Genetic predisposition, poor diet and environmental factors, like substance abuse, stress and poor eating habits are common causes.
The mental health professional will discuss treatment options. The right combination of treatments can help many people manage their ADHD symptoms and lead a full life. Certain people can find accommodations in their workplaces and schools, for example, the possibility of taking tests in private or take a longer break during classes. This makes life much easier.
Treatment
The process of determining a diagnosis is the first step in taking control of ADHD symptoms that could cause serious problems at work, school, or home. Treatment includes medication and therapy. Therapy can help an individual improve their time management skills and learn methods to improve their organization, including daily planners or lists. adhd test online free can also teach the skills of social interaction and emotional regulation. If a child suffers from co-existing disorders, such as anxiety or depression, counseling can help with these too.
The health care professional conducting the test will ask a series of questions and perform a neuropsychological or psychological test. These tests evaluate the performance of an individual to that of normal people of the same age. They can reveal if someone has a learning disability or other conditions that look similar to or coexist with ADHD. The specialist might give the person questionnaires and also interview other adults, like babysitters or teachers, to obtain a complete picture of the person's behavior, problems and habits.
For adults, health care professionals use the same criteria for diagnosing ADHD as they do for children: six or more established symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning. The doctor may also want to examine old school records to find out whether the patient was troubled in the early years of their life. Adults may struggle to remember their childhood struggles. However, according to current diagnostic guidelines the disorder cannot be identified if symptoms did not occur frequently more than once prior to age 12.
Before starting any treatment, a doctor will determine whether there are any medical conditions that could be causing ADHD symptoms or causing them to get worse. This could include thyroid issues or seizures, which sometimes have similar symptoms to ADHD. A medical exam could include a hearing and vision test. The doctor may also conduct an emotional or psychological history, talk to the person's parents or other family members and discuss the person's problems at school or at work.
Medication
Stimulants like amphetamine or methylphenidate - are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They boost the levels of neurotransmitters that control attention and movements. Studies have proven that stimulants lower the risk of relapse to drugs and other issues for children with ADHD when they are used as directed. However, it is crucial to be aware of potential side effects, including an increased appetite, difficulty sleeping and heart or lung issues in some children.
Doctors may also prescribe non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine and Guanfacine. These drugs perform slower than stimulants and are more suitable for people suffering from certain health issues or who are unable to take stimulants due to undesirable adverse effects like anxiety, ringing of the ears, or changes in vision, heart, and lung function. They also can help treat disorders of the tic, like Tourette Syndrome. Some antidepressants, such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and bupropion, are also utilized to treat ADHD. However, these have not been specifically approved by the FDA for this purpose and may interact with stimulants.
It has been demonstrated that other kinds of medication, including those used to treat high blood pressure, may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. They haven't been studied as in depth as stimulants.
Adults usually respond best to a combination of medicines, behavior therapy, and techniques training. Many people who have this combination of treatments say that they feel more in control and more able to manage their symptoms.
If you suspect that you or someone you know has symptoms of ADHD consider asking your physician or mental health provider for the recommendation of a specialist. You can also contact the hospital of a university or medical school program for suggestions. You can also look at the list of specialists that are covered by your insurance plan.
You can also take an assessment of your own to determine whether you suffer from ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists' online Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale is an easy-to-use checklist that can help you determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD.