ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
The first step to take if think your child or you may have ADHD is to make an appointment for a diagnostic assessment. Only a clear diagnosis can aid in understanding and treating this condition.
During the evaluation during an evaluation, your doctor will ask you questions about your health and development going back to the early years of childhood. They might also employ scales for assessing behavior and symptoms as well as checklists.
Signs and symptoms
The first step to diagnose ADHD is to gather as as much information about the individual as is possible. This could involve a physical examination, obtaining health and school records, or talking to family members, close friends, or teachers. It is important to rule out any other conditions that could trigger symptoms similar to ADHD, such as seizures, thyroid disorders, and a variety of anxiety disorders.
The doctor may also want to know about how the symptoms have affected the person's life and relationships. This could include asking questions like whether they have difficulty finishing tasks or become easily distracted, if they often lose things, struggle with managing their time or are always getting late for work or social occasions. In children, the doctor might also inquire if the symptoms began before 12 years old.
Psychiatrists, psychologists and some doctors are trained to diagnose ADHD in adults and children. They will use standardized diagnostic criteria, as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if the 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, a person must show six or more symptoms in one of the categories for at least six months.
It is crucial to understand that a diagnosis of ADHD is not a denial. Many people suffering from ADHD experience mild symptoms. They are able to manage their symptoms by using therapies, medication, and a healthy lifestyle.
The most commonly used medication to treat ADHD is a stimulant. It comes in many different forms such as tablets and liquids. A health professional can recommend the appropriate medication and dosage to the patient. They can also be in a position to provide advice on healthier lifestyle habits that can help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD such as regular exercise and ensuring that the patient gets enough sleep. In some cases the use of antidepressants as well as nonstimulant medications can be employed to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
An ADHD screening test is a first step to make an accurate diagnosis of the disorder. However, the most effective method to determine if you suffer from ADHD is to schedule a medical evaluation with an expert in mental health. A psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist can all conduct an ADHD assessment.
Before making 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 examine your child's or your own family, medical and psychiatric history.
You can ask your spouse or a family member to share details regarding the person's behavior. This helps the mental health professional build a complete picture of the person's behavior and experiences with ADHD. adhd testing free will also use the standard ADHD behavior scales and ask the patient about their experiences in the past in school, work, relationships and hobbies.
It is crucial that the mental health professional is aware that other disorders may resemble ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they should be able to rule out other conditions that may be related to seizures and thyroid disorders prior to determining if a person has ADHD.
In some cases, the mental health specialist may suggest a physical examination. This is important for adults as certain medical conditions can produce the same symptoms as ADHD.
When a mental health specialist determines a diagnosis then they explain that it is likely caused by neurological issues, like hypothalamus overactive or underactive. Genetic predisposition, poor diet and environmental factors like stress, alcohol abuse, and poor diet are also common causes.
The mental health professional then will discuss the treatment options. The best combination of treatments can help people manage their ADHD symptoms and lead a full life. Certain people can find accommodations at their workplaces or schools, for example, the possibility of taking tests in private or have an extended break during class. This can make life easier.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis is the first step to controlling ADHD symptoms that can cause serious problems at school, work or at home. Treatment includes medication and therapy. Therapy can help someone learn better time management skills and also develop methods to improve their organization like daily planners or lists. A therapist can teach the skills of social interaction and emotional regulation. Counseling can also be helpful if a child is suffering from co-existing disorders like anxiety or depression.
The health professional who is conducting the evaluation can ask a series questions and take a psychological or neuropsychological exam. These tests assess the performance of an individual to those who are similar in age. They can determine if a person suffers from a learning impairment or other disorders that look like or are co-occurring with ADHD. The specialist could give the patient a questionnaire and also interview other adults, such as teachers or babysitters to get an accurate picture of 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 old school records to determine if the individual had issues as a kid. Adults may struggle to remember their childhood struggles. However, under current diagnostic guidelines the disorder cannot be identified if symptoms did not occur regularly more than once before the age of 12.
Before starting any treatment, your doctor might check to see whether any medical issues might be causing or worsening the ADHD symptoms. This could be thyroid issues or seizures, which can exhibit similar symptoms 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 talk about their problems at school or work.
Medication
Stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. They increase the levels of chemical in the brain called neurotransmitters, which regulate attention and movement. If stimulants are taken as prescribed, research has shown that they lower the risk of kids with ADHD taking drugs and developing other issues. It is crucial to be aware that stimulants can have side effects. They may cause a decrease in appetite or trouble sleeping, and breathing problems or heart disease.
Doctors can also prescribe non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. These drugs perform slower than stimulants, and are safe for people with certain health conditions or who are unable to use stimulants due to unpleasant side effects such as anxiety, ringing in the ears, or changes to vision, heart, or lung function. They may also aid in treating tic disorders such as Tourette Syndrome. Certain antidepressants, such as SSRIs and bupropion are also used to treat ADHD. These medications aren't FDA approved for this purpose, and could be incompatible with stimulants.
Other kinds of medications -such as those used to treat high blood pressureare also proven to improve symptoms of ADHD. However, they haven't been studied as extensively as stimulants.
Adults typically respond better to a combination of medication, behavior therapy, and techniques training. Adults who receive this type of treatment feel more at ease with their symptoms and able manage these.
If you suspect that you or someone you know is suffering from symptoms of ADHD consider asking your doctor or mental health professional for an appointment with an expert. You can also contact the hospital of a university, medical or graduate school for recommendations or consult your insurance company's list of specialists according to their specialties.
If you are an adult, you can also try a self-assessment questionnaire to see if you might have ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists Adult ADHD Self Report Scale is a simple checklist that can be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms.