ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
The first step to take if suspect you or your child might be suffering from ADHD is to set up an appointment to have a diagnostic evaluation. Making sure you have a clear diagnosis is the only way to comprehend and treat the condition.
During the examination the doctor will ask you questions about the way your health has improved since your early childhood. They might also employ behavior rating scales and symptom checklists.
Signs and symptoms
The first step in identifying ADHD is to gather as much information about the person as you can. This could include a physical exam, gathering medical and school records, or interviewing family members teachers, coworkers, or other close friends. It is also crucial to rule out other conditions which may trigger symptoms similar to ADHD like thyroid issues as well as seizures and various types of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will want to know how symptoms affected the patient's life. This may include asking questions like whether they struggle to finish tasks or become easily distracted, if they often lose things, have difficulty with time management or are constantly running late for social or work events. In children, the doctor may also ask about whether the symptoms began before 12 years old.
Psychologists and psychiatrists are trained to recognize ADHD in adults and in children. They will employ standard criteria, as laid out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if the symptoms match 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 have at least six signs in each category for a minimum of six month.
It is crucial to understand that a diagnosis of ADHD is not a reason to be scolding. Many people who suffer from ADHD experience mild symptoms. They can manage their symptoms using therapies, medication, and healthy lifestyle habits.
Stimulants are the most common medication to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety forms including tablets, chewable pills, and liquids. A doctor can prescribe the correct medication and dosage to the patient. They can also provide advice on healthy lifestyle habits which can improve the symptoms of ADHD like regular exercise or a good night's sleep. In certain instances, non-stimulant drugs like antidepressants could be prescribed to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
A screening test for ADHD is the first step towards making a proper diagnosis. However, the most effective way to determine whether you are suffering from ADHD is to schedule a medical evaluation with a mental health professional. A psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist or neurologist are all qualified to perform an ADHD assessment.
Before determining a diagnosis, your mental health professional will go over American Psychiatric Association 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 symptoms have been present for at least six month. They will also review the family history of your child or you medical and psychiatric history.
You may ask a spouse or another family member to provide details about the person's symptoms. This allows the mental health professional to get a full picture of the person’s behavior and ADHD experience. The doctor will also use the standard ADHD behavior scales and ask the patient about their experiences in the past with school, work relationships, hobbies and other activities.
It is essential that the mental health professional knows that other conditions can mimic ADHD symptoms. They must therefore exclude other disorders that may be related to thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, before determining if a person has ADHD.
In certain instances, a mental health specialist may recommend a physical examination. This is important for adults since certain medical conditions can cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
After the mental health professional has made an assessment, they will explain how it is most likely caused by neurological disorders such as hypothalamus hyperactive or inactive and genetic predisposition as well as environmental factors like poor diet, substance abuse and stress.
The mental health professional will then discuss the options for treatment. For private adhd test , the correct 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 for example, being able to take tests in a separate room or to take a longer break between classes, that make their lives more manageable.
Treatment
Recognizing ADHD symptoms can be the first step to control the symptoms. They can create serious problems at school, at work or at home. Medication and therapy are an integral part of treatment. Therapy can help someone improve their time management skills and devise strategies for improving their organization, such as daily planners or lists. A therapist can teach social skills and emotional regulation. If a child suffers from coexisting conditions such as anxiety or depression, counseling could help with those as well.
The health care professional performing the test will ask a series questions and conduct a neuropsychological or psychological exam. These tests compare a person's performance to those of people who are typical with the same age. They can reveal if someone has a learning disability or any other disorder that appears like or coexist with ADHD. The specialist might give the person questionnaires and interview other adults, such as babysitters or teachers, in order to obtain a complete picture of the person's behavior, issues 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 wish to look over old school records to determine whether the patient had issues in childhood. Adults can have trouble remembering their childhood problems. However, under current diagnostic guidelines the disorder is not able to be diagnosed if symptoms did not occur frequently more than once prior to age 12.
Before beginning any treatment, the doctor may check to see whether any medical conditions could be causing or aggravated the ADHD symptoms. Some of these ailments include seizures or thyroid issues that can have symptoms similar to ADHD. A medical exam could include a hearing and vision test. The specialist may also talk to the patient's parents or other relatives, and talk about their problems at school or work.
Medication
ADHD is most commonly treated with stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate. They boost the amount of chemicals in the brain, known as neurotransmitters, which regulate the flow of attention and movement. As long as stimulants are prescribed, research has shown that they reduce the risk of children with ADHD taking drugs and developing other problems. It is crucial to know that stimulants can have side effects. They can cause a decrease in appetite or difficulty sleeping, and lung or heart problems.
Doctors also may prescribe nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine and Guanfacine. These drugs perform slower than stimulants, and are safer for some people with certain health conditions or who cannot take stimulants due to undesirable side effects such as anxiety, ringing of the ears, or changes to vision, heart, and lung function. They may also be beneficial in treating tic disorders, such as Tourette syndrome. Certain antidepressants like bupropion and SSRIs can also be used to treat ADHD. These medications are not FDA approved for this purpose and may interact negatively with stimulants.
Other types of medication -such as those used to treat high blood pressure -- also have been shown to reduce symptoms of ADHD. However, they have not been studied as extensively as stimulants.
Adults usually respond best to a combination of medication, behavior therapy, and training in skills. Many people who receive this type of treatment say they feel more in control and are able to manage their symptoms.
If you think you or someone you know suffers from symptoms of ADHD you should ask your doctor or mental health professional for an appointment with an expert. You can also call the hospital of a university, medical or graduate school for recommendations or check your insurance plan's list of providers by specialty.
If you are an adult, you may try a self-assessment survey to determine if you be suffering from ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists Adult ADHD Self Report Scale is an easy checklist that can be used to determine if you have ADHD symptoms.