ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
If you think that your child is suffering from ADHD, the first step is to set an appointment for the diagnosis. Only a clear diagnosis can aid in understanding and treating this condition.
During the exam the doctor will ask you questions regarding how your health has changed from your childhood. They can also use the symptom checklist and behavior rating scales.
Signs and symptoms
The first step to diagnose ADHD is to gather as many details about the individual as is possible. This might include getting an exam for physical examination, collecting health and school records or talking to family members teachers, coworkers, or other close friends. It is also important to rule out any other conditions that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD like thyroid problems as well as seizures and various types of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will also want to know how the symptoms have affected the person's life and relationships. private adhd test might involve asking questions such as whether they have difficulty finishing tasks or are easily distracted, especially if they frequently lose things, have difficulty with managing their time or are always running late for work or social events. The doctor could 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 requirements 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 signs in each category for at least six months.
It is crucial to keep in mind that having being diagnosed with ADHD does not mean you are a scourge. Many people with ADHD suffer from mild symptoms. They can manage their symptoms with therapies, medication, and healthy lifestyle habits.
Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment for ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms, including chewable tablets, tablets pills and liquids. A health professional can prescribe the correct dosage and medication for the patient. They can also offer advice on healthy lifestyle habits that can help improve symptoms of ADHD like regular exercise or getting enough sleep. In some cases, nonstimulant medication like antidepressants may be used to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
A screening test for ADHD is the first step towards an accurate diagnosis. The best way to determine whether you suffer from ADHD is to arrange a clinical evaluation. A psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist or neurologist are all qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment.
Before making a diagnoses your mental health professional will go over American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines for the disorder found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They will interview you or your child about the symptoms that have persisted for at least six months. They will also review your or your child's family medical and psychiatric histories.
You could ask your spouse or a family member to share details regarding the person's behavior. This assists the mental healthcare professional to get a full picture of the person's behavior and ADHD experience. The psychologist will also talk to the person and use standard ADHD behaviour rating scales.
It is crucial that the mental health professional knows that other disorders may resemble ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they should exclude other disorders, such as thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, before determining if someone has ADHD.
In certain instances, an expert in mental health may recommend a physical examination. This is essential for adults because certain medical conditions can cause 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 like hypothalamus that is overactive or underactive, genetic predisposition and environmental factors such as poor diet, alcohol abuse and stress.
The mental health professional discusses treatment options. For many people choosing the right combination of treatments allows them to manage their ADHD symptoms and live their lives to the fullest. Some people can find accommodations at school and at work, such as being allowed to take tests in a separate room or having an extended break between classes. These help them live their lives more comfortably.
Treatment
Recognizing ADHD symptoms is often the first step in controlling them. They can cause serious problems at school, at work or at home. Medication and therapy are part of the treatment. Therapy can help a person improve their time management skills and learn methods to improve their organization, such as daily planners or list. A therapist can teach social skills and emotional regulation. If a child suffers from co-existing issues, like depression or anxiety, counseling can help with these too.
The health care professional conducting the evaluation will ask a series of questions and perform a neuropsychological or psychological examination. These tests assess the performance of an individual to those with similar ages. They can show whether someone is suffering from a learning disability or other disorders that look like or are co-occurring with ADHD. The specialist may provide the person with questionnaires and talk to other adults, such as 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 specialist may also review old school records to determine if a person had issues as a kid. Adults often have a hard time remembering their problems from their childhood, but according to current guidelines for diagnosing, the disorder can't be diagnosed if symptoms didn't occur frequently in more than one environment before age 12.
Before beginning any treatment, a doctor might check to determine whether there are any medical conditions which could be causing ADHD symptoms or causing them to worsen. These might include thyroid problems or seizures, which may exhibit similar symptoms as ADHD. A medical examination could include a hearing or vision test. The doctor may also speak with the person’s parents or other relatives, and talk about their issues at school or work.
Medication
ADHD is most commonly treated by using stimulants, like methylphenidate and amphetamine. They boost levels of chemicals in the brain, known as neurotransmitters that regulate the flow of attention and movement. When stimulants are prescribed, studies show that they lower the risk of children with ADHD abusing drugs and having other problems. It is important to know that stimulants can cause side effects. They can cause a decrease in appetite or trouble sleeping and heart or lung problems.
Doctors also may prescribe nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine and Guanfacine. They work slower than stimulants and are safer for people with particular health issues or who are unable to use stimulants due to undesirable side effects, like anxiety and ringing in the ear, or changes in vision or lung and heart function. They may also aid in treating disorders that cause tics, such as Tourette Syndrome. Some antidepressants such as bupropion and SSRIs can also be used to treat ADHD. However, these have not been specifically approved by the FDA for this purpose and may interact with stimulants.
Other forms of medicationsuch as those used to treat high blood pressureare also proven to help alleviate symptoms of ADHD. However, they haven't been as thoroughly studied as stimulants.
In adults, a combination of behavior therapy, medication and training in skills is usually the most effective treatment. Many people who have this combination of treatments say that they feel more at control and more able to manage their symptoms.
If you suspect that you or someone you know has symptoms of ADHD, ask your doctor or mental health provider for the recommendation of an expert. You can also reach out to the hospital of a university or medical school, or graduate program for suggestions. You can also take a look at the list specialists on your insurance plan.
You can also take a self-assessment to determine if you have ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists' online Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale is a user-friendly checklist that will help you determine whether you suffer from symptoms of ADHD.