ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
The first step to take if you suspect you or your child might have ADHD is to make an appointment for a diagnostic evaluation. Only a clear diagnosis can aid in understanding and treating this condition.
During the evaluation the doctor will ask you questions regarding how your health has changed since your early childhood. They might also employ scales for assessing behavior and symptoms as well as checklists.
Signs and symptoms
The first step in diagnosing ADHD is to gather as much information about the person as possible. This could include a physical exam or obtaining health and school records, or talking to family members, close friends, or teachers. It is crucial to rule out any other illnesses that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD, such as seizures, thyroid disorders and certain types of anxiety disorders.
The doctor may also want to know how the symptoms have affected the individual's life and relationships. It is possible to inquire if the person has trouble working through tasks or is easily distracted. If they are often late for work or social events, they may also struggle with time management or lose items frequently. For children, the physician might also inquire about whether the symptoms started before age 12 years old.
Psychologists and psychiatrists are trained to diagnose ADHD in adults and children. They employ standardized diagnostic criteria, as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if symptoms satisfy the criteria needed for an ADHD diagnosis. The DSM-5 defines the main categories of ADHD as inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD one must show at least six symptoms in one of the categories for at least six months.
It is important to note that a diagnosis of ADHD is not a denial. Many people suffering from ADHD have mild symptoms, and they can learn to manage their symptoms with the help of therapy, medications and healthy lifestyle habits.
Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment for ADHD. It comes in a variety of different forms including tablets, chewable pills and liquids. A doctor can recommend the appropriate dosage and medication for the patient. They will also be in a position to provide advice on healthier lifestyle habits which can reduce the symptoms of ADHD such as regular exercise and making sure that a person gets enough sleep. In certain instances, non-stimulant drugs like antidepressants could be used to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
A screening test for ADHD is the first step to a correct diagnosis. The best way to find out whether you suffer from ADHD is to schedule an evaluation with a clinician. A psychotherapist, psychiatrist, psychologist or neurologist are all able to provide an ADHD assessment.
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 look at the family history of your child or you medical and psychiatric history.
You could ask your spouse or other family member to share details regarding the person's behavior. online test for adhd adults will help the mental health professional create an accurate picture of the person's behaviour and experience with ADHD. The doctor will also use standardized ADHD behavior rating scales as well as ask the person to talk about their previous experiences in work, school, relationships and hobbies.
It is crucial for the mental health professional to recognize that other disorders can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they need to determine if there are other conditions such as thyroid problems and seizures before determining whether the patient has ADHD.
In some instances, a mental health professional will recommend a physical exam. This is especially crucial for adults because certain medical conditions can cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
After the mental health specialist has established the diagnosis and explained the reason, they will then explain why it's most likely caused by neurological issues like hypothalamus hyperactive or inactive and genetic predisposition as well as environmental factors like inadequate diet, addiction to substances and stress.
The mental health professional then will discuss the treatment options. For many people, the correct combination of treatments can help them manage their ADHD symptoms and live their lives to the fullest. Some people can get accommodations in their workplaces and schools, for example, the ability to take tests privately or have an extended break during classes. This makes life easier.
Treatment
The diagnosis of ADHD symptoms is the first step towards controlling them. They can create serious problems at work, at school or at home. Treatment can include therapy and medication. Therapy can help someone improve their time management skills and develop methods for improving their organization, such as daily planners or lists. A therapist can also teach emotional regulation and social skills. If a child has co-existing disorders, such as depression or anxiety, counseling could help with those as well.
The health professional who is conducting the examination may ask a series of questions and then conduct a psychological or neuropsychological exam. These tests compare the performance of an individual to that of people of a similar age. These tests can reveal whether a person suffers from a learning disorder or any other disorder that could coexist or look similar to ADHD. The specialist may give the person a questionnaire and also interview other adults like teachers or babysitters to gain more information about their behavior, challenges, 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 specialist might also examine the school records of a previous student to determine if a person had problems as a child. Adults often have a difficult recalling their issues from childhood, but under current guidelines for diagnosing the disorder isn't diagnosed if symptoms didn't occur frequently in more than one setting before the age of 12.
Before beginning any treatment, your doctor will be able to determine whether any medical conditions could be causing or aggravating the ADHD symptoms. Certain of these conditions can cause thyroid issues or seizures which can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A medical exam might also include a hearing and vision test. The doctor may also speak with the person’s parents or other relatives, and discuss their issues at school or work.
Medication
Stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate are among the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They increase the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain which control attention and movements. If stimulants are used as prescribed, research has shown that they lower the risk of children with ADHD taking drugs and developing other problems. It is crucial to be aware that stimulants may cause adverse effects. They may cause a decrease in appetite or difficulty sleeping, as well as breathing problems or heart disease.
Doctors may also prescribe nonstimulant medications, such as atomoxetine and Guanfacine. These drugs work slower than stimulants and are safer for some people with certain health conditions or who are unable to take stimulants due a negative adverse effects like anxiety, ringing of the ears, or changes in vision, heart, and lung function. They may also be beneficial in treating tic disorders, like Tourette syndrome. Certain antidepressants, such as SSRIs and bupropion are also used to treat ADHD. However, they haven't been specifically approved by the FDA for this purpose and could interact with stimulants.
It has been proven that other types of medications, including those that treat high blood pressure, may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. They haven't been examined as extensively as stimulants.
Adults generally respond well to a combination of medication or behavior therapy, as well as training in skills. Many adults who receive this kind of treatment report that they feel more in control and able to manage their symptoms.
If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from symptoms of ADHD consider asking your doctor or mental health professional for the recommendation of an expert. You can also ask a university hospital or medical school, or graduate program for recommendations. You can also look at the list of specialists in your insurance plan.
If you're an adult, you may take a self-assessment test to determine if you be suffering from ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists' online Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale is a user-friendly checklist that can help you determine whether you suffer from symptoms of ADHD.