ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
If you think that you or your child has ADHD, the first step is to set an appointment for the diagnosis. A clear diagnosis is the only way to fully understand and treat the condition.
During your evaluation, your doctor will ask you questions about your health and development prior to the early years of childhood. They may also use behavior rating scales and symptom checklists.
Symptoms
To determine if someone has ADHD for the first time, you must collect as much information as you can about the person. This could include a physical exam, obtaining health and school records, or speaking with close friends, family members, or teachers. It is important to rule out any other conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD, such as seizures, thyroid disorders, and a variety of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will want to know how symptoms affected the patient's life. You might ask whether the patient has difficulty getting through work or is easily distracted. If they're often late for work or social events They may also have issues with time management or lose things frequently. The doctor might ask if the symptoms began before the age of 12.
Psychiatrists and psychologists are trained to diagnose ADHD in adults and 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 are in line with the diagnostic criteria needed 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 a minimum of six month.
It is important to note that a diagnosis of ADHD is not a reason to be scolding. Many people with ADHD experience mild symptoms. They can manage their symptoms using therapy, medication and a healthy lifestyle.
Stimulants are the most common medication to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms, including tablets and liquids. A health care provider can prescribe the right dosage and medication for the patient. They are also in a position to provide tips on healthier lifestyles that can help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD like regular exercise and making sure that the patient gets enough sleep. In some instances antidepressants and nonstimulant medications can be used to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
A screening test for ADHD is the first step towards an accurate diagnosis. The best method to find out whether you suffer from ADHD is to schedule an evaluation with a clinician. A psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist could all offer an ADHD evaluation.
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 talk to you or your child about symptoms that have persisted for at minimum six months. They will also look over the medical, psychiatric and family background.
The person being evaluated may be asked to provide input from outside sources like spouses or other family members about their symptoms. This helps the mental healthcare professional to get a full picture of the person's behavior and ADHD experience. The doctor will also use standardized ADHD behavior rating scales as well as ask the patient about their previous experiences with school, work, relationships and hobbies.
It is important for the mental health professional to understand that other disorders may mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they should exclude other conditions such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders before determining that one suffers from ADHD.
In certain instances, a mental health specialist may suggest a physical examination. This is essential for adults as certain medical conditions can produce the similar symptoms as ADHD.
After the mental health professional has made a diagnosis and explained the reason, they will then explain why it could be caused by neurological issues such as an underactive or overactive hypothalamus and genetic predisposition as well as environmental factors like inadequate diet, addiction to substances and stress.
The mental health professional discusses the treatment options. For a lot of people the best combination of treatments allows them to manage their ADHD symptoms and live their lives to the fullest. Certain people can find accommodations at their workplaces or schools, such as the ability to take tests in private or take a break during class. This can make life much easier.
Treatment
The diagnosis of ADHD symptoms can be the first step in controlling them. They can cause serious issues, whether at work, school or at home. Treatment includes medication and therapy. Therapy can help a person develop better time management and learn methods to improve their organization, like daily planners or lists. Therapists can help teach social skills and emotional regulation. Counseling may also help if a child is suffering from coexisting conditions like depression or anxiety.
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 that of people who are similar in age. They can reveal if the person has a learning disability or any other disorder that appears like or are co-occurring with ADHD. The specialist might ask the person questions and also interview other adults, like teachers or babysitters, to obtain a complete 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. The specialist may also review old school records in order to determine if the individual was a victim of problems as a child. Adults often have a difficult remembering their difficulties from childhood, but under current diagnostic guidelines the disorder cannot be diagnosed if symptoms did not occur often in more than one environment before the age of 12.
Before beginning any treatment, a physician may check to see whether there are any medical conditions that could be causing ADHD symptoms or making them worse. This could be thyroid issues or seizures, which sometimes exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD. A medical examination could include a hearing or vision test. The specialist may also conduct a psychological or emotional background, interview the patient's parents or other family members, and discuss the person's concerns at school or at work.
Medication
ADHD is usually treated by using stimulants, like methylphenidate and amphetamine. They increase the levels of chemical in the brain known as neurotransmitters, which regulate the flow of attention and movement. As long as stimulants are used as prescribed, studies have shown that they decrease the chance of children suffering from ADHD abusing drugs and having other problems. It is important to be aware that stimulants may cause adverse effects. These include a decreased appetite or trouble sleeping, and breathing problems or heart disease.
Doctors can prescribe non-stimulant drugs, such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. These drugs perform slower than stimulants and are safe for people suffering from certain health issues or who are unable to take stimulants due a negative adverse effects like anxiety, ringing in the ears, or changes in vision, heart, and lung function. They may also be beneficial in treating tic disorders, such as Tourette syndrome. Certain antidepressants, including SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and bupropion, are also utilized to treat ADHD. These medications are not FDA approved for this purpose, and could interfere negatively with stimulants.
Other kinds of medications -such as those used to treat high blood pressure -- also have been shown to help alleviate symptoms of ADHD. However, private adhd test haven't been examined as thoroughly as stimulants.
For adults, a combination of behavior therapy, medication and training in skills is usually the most effective treatment. Many people who receive this kind of treatment report they feel more in control and more able to manage their symptoms.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional 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 call a university-based hospital or medical school for recommendations, or consult your insurance company's list of specialists by specialty.
You can also use a self-assessment to determine if you suffer from ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists Adult ADHD Self Report Scale is a simple test that can be used to determine if you have ADHD symptoms.