ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
If you suspect that you or your child is suffering from ADHD, the first step is to schedule an appointment to receive a diagnosis. Only an accurate diagnosis can aid in understanding and treating this condition.
During the examination during the exam, your doctor might ask you questions regarding how your health has changed since your early childhood. They might also employ the symptom checklist and scales for assessing behavior.
Symptoms
The first step to diagnose ADHD is to collect as as much information about the individual as is possible. This could involve a physical examination or obtaining health and school records, or talking to close friends, family members or teachers. It is also important to rule out other ailments which may trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD like thyroid problems, seizures and some kinds of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will want to know how the symptoms affected the patient's life. You might ask if the person has trouble completing tasks or gets easily distracted. If they're frequently late to work or social occasions They may also have issues with time management, or lose items frequently. In children, the doctor might also inquire if the symptoms began before age 12 years old.
Psychologists, psychiatrists and some doctors are trained to recognize ADHD in children and adults. They use the standard criteria, as laid out 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. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD the person must exhibit six or more symptoms in one of the categories for at least six months.
It is crucial to remember that a diagnosis for ADHD does not mean that you are a scourge. Many people who suffer from ADHD have mild symptoms. They are able to manage their symptoms by using medication, therapy and healthy lifestyle choices.
The most popular medication used to treat ADHD is a stimulant. It comes in a variety of forms such as tablets and liquids. A doctor will be able to prescribe the appropriate dosage and medication for the patient. They can also give suggestions on healthy lifestyles which can improve the symptoms of ADHD like regular exercise or getting enough sleep. In some cases, antidepressants and nonstimulant medication are used to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
A screening test for ADHD is the first step in obtaining a correct diagnosis. The best way to determine whether you suffer from ADHD is to schedule a medical evaluation with an expert in mental health. A psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist could all offer an ADHD evaluation.
Before making a diagnosis your mental health professional will review the American Psychiatric Society's clinical guidelines for the disorder 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 review your or your child's family medical and psychiatric histories.
The person being assessed may be asked to provide input from other sources, such as a spouse or other family members about their symptoms. This can help the mental health professional to build a complete picture of the person's behavior as well as their experience with ADHD. The clinician will also interview the person and use standard ADHD behaviour rating scales.
It is essential that the mental health professional is aware that other disorders may resemble ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they should be able to rule out other conditions that may be related to thyroid disorders and seizure disorders before determining whether someone suffers from ADHD.
In certain instances, a mental health professional will recommend a physical examination. This is especially important in adults because certain medical conditions can trigger the similar symptoms as ADHD.
After the mental health specialist has established the diagnosis they will explain the reasons why it's most likely caused by neurological issues such as hypothalamus that is overactive or underactive, genetic predisposition and environmental factors such as poor diet, alcohol abuse and stress.
The mental health professional will discuss the options for treatment. For many people the best combination of treatments can help them manage their ADHD symptoms and live their lives to the maximum. Other people are able to get accommodations at school and at work, such as being allowed to take tests in a private room or to have an extended break between classes, that help them live their lives more comfortably.
Treatment
The diagnosis of ADHD symptoms is the first step in controlling them. They can cause serious issues at school, at work or at home. Therapy and medication are both a essential to the treatment. Therapy can help an individual learn better time management and develop methods for improving their organization, including daily planners or lists. A therapist can teach the skills of social interaction and emotional regulation. If a child is suffering from co-existing disorders, such as depression or anxiety, therapy could help with those as well.
The health care professional performing the examination will ask a series questions and will conduct a neuropsychological psychological test. These tests evaluate the performance of a person with those of a similar age. These tests can tell if a person is suffering from a learning disorder or other disorders that may be related to or resemble ADHD. The specialist might give the person questionnaires and also interview other adults, like babysitters or teachers, to get a full picture of the person's behavior, problems and routines.
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 review the school records of the past to find out if the person had trouble in their childhood. Adults may have difficulty remembering their childhood struggles. However, under current diagnostic guidelines the disorder cannot be diagnosed if symptoms did not occur frequently more than once prior to the age of 12.
Before beginning any treatment, a doctor may check to see whether there are any medical conditions that could be causing the ADHD symptoms or making them worse. Some of these conditions include seizures or thyroid issues which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. A medical exam might also include a hearing and vision test. The doctor may also conduct an emotional or psychological history, interview the person's parents or other family members, and discuss the person's issues at school or at work.
Medication
ADHD is treated most often by using stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate. They increase the levels of chemical in the brain known as neurotransmitters that regulate attention and movement. When stimulants are prescribed, studies show that they reduce the risk of children suffering from ADHD taking drugs and developing other issues. It is important to be aware that stimulants can cause side effects. These include a decreased appetite or difficulty sleeping, as well as lung or heart problems.
Doctors may prescribe nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine and Guanfacine. They are slower to work than stimulants and are safer for people with certain health issues or are unable to take stimulants because of unpleasant adverse effects, like anxiety, ringing in the ears or changes in vision or heart and lung function. They can also be helpful in treating tic disorders, such as Tourette syndrome. Certain antidepressants, such as bupropion and SSRIs are used to treat ADHD. These medications aren't FDA approved for this purpose, and could interact negatively with stimulants.
It has been shown that other types of medications such as those used to treat high blood pressure, can also improve ADHD symptoms. They have not been studied as in depth as stimulants.
Adults generally respond well to a combination of medicines or behavior therapy, as well as training in skills. Adults who undergo this combination treatment feel more in control of their symptoms and are able to manage them.
Ask your doctor or mental health provider to refer you to an expert if you suspect that you or someone else you know is suffering from symptoms of ADHD. You can also ask an institution of higher education or medical school, or graduate program for recommendations. You can also look at the list of specialists that are covered by your insurance plan.
free test for adhd can also use self-assessment tools to determine if you have ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists Adult ADHD Self Report Scale is an easy checklist that can be used to determine whether you suffer from ADHD symptoms.