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 get a diagnosis. A clear diagnosis will help you understand and treat this condition.
During the evaluation, your doctor will ask you questions about your health and development prior to early childhood. They can also use the symptom checklist and scales for assessing behavior.
Signs and symptoms
To determine the presence of ADHD, you need to gather as much information as you can about the person. This could include a physical examination as well as obtaining medical and school records, or speaking with family members, close friends or teachers. It is crucial to identify any other medical illnesses that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD including seizures, thyroid disorders and a variety of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will want to know how the symptoms have affected the patient's daily life. This might involve asking questions like whether they have difficulty finishing tasks or are easily distracted, if they often lose things, struggle with time management or are constantly running late for social or work events. The doctor may 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 use standard diagnostic criteria, defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to determine if symptoms meet the criteria needed for an ADHD diagnosis. The DSM-5 defines the main categories of ADHD as inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. To be diagnosed with ADHD you must show at least six signs in each category for a minimum of six month.
It is crucial to understand that the diagnosis of ADHD is not a condemnation. Many people suffering from ADHD have mild symptoms and they can learn to manage their symptoms with the help of medications, therapy and healthy lifestyle practices.
The most common medication used to treat ADHD is a stimulant. It comes in a variety of forms, including tablets and liquids. A health care provider can prescribe the correct dosage and medication to the patient. They can also give advice on healthy lifestyle habits that can help improve symptoms of ADHD like regular exercise or a good night's sleep. In certain instances, non-stimulant medications such as antidepressants can be used to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
An ADHD screening test is the first step towards making an accurate diagnosis of the disorder. The best way to find out if you have ADHD is by scheduling a clinical evaluation. A psychotherapist, psychiatrist, psychologist or neurologist are all able to provide an ADHD assessment.
Before making a diagnosis your mental health professional will review 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 regarding symptoms that have remained for at least six months. They will also review your child's medical, mental health and family medical history.
You can ask your spouse or other family member to provide details about the person's symptoms. This helps the mental healthcare professional get a complete picture of the person’s behavior and ADHD experience. The clinician will also interview the patient and use standardized ADHD behavior rating scales.
It is essential that the mental health professional understands that other conditions can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they should exclude other disorders like seizures and thyroid disorders, before determining whether someone suffers from ADHD.
In some instances, a mental health professional might suggest a physical examination. This is particularly important for adults because certain medical conditions can cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
After a mental health professional determines a diagnosis and confirms the diagnosis, they will explain that the condition is likely caused by neurological issues, for example, an overactive or underactive hypothalamus. Genetic predisposition, poor nutrition and environmental factors, such as stress, alcohol abuse, and poor nutrition are common causes.
The mental health professional talks about the treatment options. For a lot of people the best combination of treatments lets them manage their ADHD symptoms and live their lives to the maximum. Some people can find solutions at school and work like being able to take tests in a private room or to take a longer break between classes, that help them live their lives more comfortably.
Treatment
Recognizing ADHD symptoms is often the first step to control the symptoms. They can cause serious issues, whether at work, at school or at home. Medication and therapy are essential to the treatment. Therapy can help a person learn better time management and learn methods to improve their organization, including daily planners or list. Therapists can also help teach social skills and emotional regulation. Counseling can also be helpful when a child suffers from coexisting conditions like anxiety or depression.
The health care professional performing the evaluation will ask a series of questions and will conduct a neuropsychological psychological test. These tests assess the performance of an individual to those with similar ages. These tests can reveal whether a person suffers from a learning disorder or any other disorders that might be related to or resemble ADHD. The specialist might provide the person with questionnaires and interview other adults, such as babysitters or teachers, to get a full picture of the person's 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. free adhd test might also want to examine the school records of the past to determine whether the patient had issues in their childhood. Adults have a difficult time remembering their problems from their childhood, but according to current guidelines for diagnosing the disorder cannot be diagnosed if symptoms did not occur frequently in more than one setting prior to age 12.
Before beginning any treatment, a physician might check to determine whether there are any medical issues that could be causing ADHD symptoms or making them worse. Some of these ailments include seizures or thyroid issues which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. A medical exam could include a hearing or vision test. The specialist may also conduct a psychological or emotional history, interview the person's parents or other family members, and discuss the person's concerns at school or at work.
Medication
Stimulants - like amphetamine or methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD. They boost the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate attention and movement. When stimulants are used as prescribed, research has shown that they reduce the risk of children suffering from ADHD taking drugs and developing other issues. However, it's important to be aware of the potential adverse effects, which could include the loss of appetite, difficulties sleeping and heart or lung problems in a few children.
Doctors may prescribe non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. These work more slowly than stimulants and are more secure for people with certain health problems or cannot take stimulants because of unpleasant adverse effects, like anxiety, ringing in the ears, or changes in vision or heart and lung function. They may also be beneficial in treating tic disorders, like Tourette syndrome. Certain antidepressants, like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and bupropion are also used to treat ADHD. However, these have not been specifically approved by the FDA for this use and could interact with stimulants.
It has been proven that other types of medications such as those used to treat high blood pressure, can also improve ADHD symptoms. However, they haven't been as thoroughly studied as stimulants.
In adults, a combination of therapy, medication and skills training is often the most effective treatment. Many people who receive this kind of treatment report that they feel more at control and able to manage their symptoms.
If you suspect you or someone you know has symptoms of ADHD you should ask your doctor or mental health professional for the recommendation of a specialist. You can also contact a university hospital, medical school or graduate program to get recommendations. You can also take a look at the list specialists that are covered by your insurance plan.
If you are an adult, you may try a self-assessment survey to see if you might be suffering from ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists Adult ADHD Self Report Scale is a simple test that can be used to determine whether you suffer from ADHD symptoms.