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 to have a diagnostic evaluation. A clear diagnosis is the only way to comprehend and treat the condition.
During the examination during the exam, your doctor might ask you questions about how your health has developed since your early childhood. They might also employ symptom checklists and behavior rating scales.
Symptoms
The first step to diagnose ADHD is to collect as much information about the person as you can. This could include a physical exam, gathering medical and school records, or speaking with family members teachers, coworkers, or other close friends. It is essential to rule out any other illnesses that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD like seizures, thyroid disorders and certain types of anxiety disorders.
The doctor may also want to know how the issues have affected the patient's life and relationships. This might involve asking questions such as whether they struggle to finish tasks or become easily distracted, especially if they frequently lose things, struggle with time management or are constantly getting late for social or work events. The doctor might inquire if the symptoms began before the age of 12.
Psychiatrists and psychologists are trained to recognize 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 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 exhibit at least six symptoms in each category for a minimum of six month.
It is important to remember that the diagnosis of ADHD is not a reason to be scolding. Many people who suffer from ADHD have mild symptoms. They are able to manage their symptoms by using therapies, medication, and healthy lifestyle habits.
The most common medication used to treat ADHD is a stimulant. It comes in a variety of different forms like chewable tablets, chewable pills and liquids. A doctor can prescribe the right dosage and medication for the patient. They are also in a position to provide advice on healthier lifestyle habits that can improve the symptoms of ADHD such as regular exercise and ensuring that the patient gets enough sleep. In some instances, non-stimulant medication like antidepressants may be prescribed to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
An ADHD screening test is a first step towards making an accurate diagnosis of the disorder. The best method to find out whether you suffer from ADHD is to schedule an evaluation with a clinician. A psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist could all offer an ADHD assessment.
Before making a diagnosis your mental health professional will review the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines for the disorder found 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 months. They will also look over your child's medical, mental health and family medical history.
The person who is being evaluated could be asked for feedback from other sources, such as a spouse or other family members regarding their 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 interview the person about their previous experiences with school, work, relationships and hobbies.
It is important for a mental health professional to recognize that other disorders can be similar to ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they must also rule out other disorders such as thyroid problems or seizures before determining whether one suffers from ADHD.
In some instances, a mental health professional will suggest a physical exam. adhd online test is particularly important for adults, because some medical conditions can trigger the similar symptoms as ADHD.
When a mental health professional makes a diagnosis and confirms the diagnosis, they will explain that it is likely caused by neurological issues, for example, an overactive or underactive hypothalamus. Genetic predisposition, poor diet and environmental factors, like substance abuse, stress and poor nutrition are common causes.
The mental health professional then talks about the treatment options. The right combination of treatments can help people manage their ADHD symptoms, and live an active life. Other people are able to get solutions at school and work, such as being allowed to take tests in a private room or to take a longer break between classes, which help them live their lives more comfortably.
Treatment
Diagnosing ADHD symptoms can be the first step to control these symptoms. They can cause serious problems, whether at school, at work or at home. Medication and therapy are part of the treatment. Therapy can help a person learn better time management skills and also develop strategies to improve their organization by using daily planners or lists. Therapists can help teach the skills of social interaction and emotional regulation. If a child suffers from co-existing issues, like depression or anxiety, therapy may help with those too.
The health professional who is conducting the test will ask a series of questions and perform a neuropsychological or psychological examination. These tests compare the performance of an individual to that of normal people with the same age. They can determine if a person is suffering from a learning disability or other conditions that look like or coexist with ADHD. The specialist could give the patient a questionnaire and also interview other adults like teachers or babysitters to get an accurate picture of their behavior, problems 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 the school records of a previous student to determine if the individual had problems as a child. Adults often have a difficult remembering their difficulties from their childhood, but according to current guidelines for diagnosing the disorder isn't diagnosed if symptoms didn't occur frequently in more than one setting before age 12.
Before starting any treatment, the doctor will be able to determine if any medical issues could be causing or aggravating the ADHD symptoms. Some of these ailments include seizures or thyroid issues which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. A medical exam might also include a hearing or vision test. The doctor may also speak with the patient's parents or other relatives, and discuss their problems at school or work.
Medication
ADHD is most commonly treated by using stimulants, like methylphenidate and amphetamine. They increase the levels of chemical in the brain, known as neurotransmitters, which regulate attention and movement. If stimulants are used as prescribed, research has shown that they lower the risk of kids with ADHD using drugs and causing other issues. However, it is important to be aware of potential adverse effects, which could include the loss of appetite, difficulties sleeping and heart or lung issues in a few children.
Doctors may prescribe non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or guanfacine. These drugs work slower than stimulants, and are safer for some people with certain health conditions or who cannot take stimulants due a negative adverse effects like anxiety, ringing in the ears, or changes in vision, heart, and lung function. They can also be helpful in treating tic disorders like Tourette syndrome. Certain antidepressants, like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and bupropion, are also used to treat ADHD. These drugs are not FDA approved for this purpose, and could interact negatively with stimulants.
It has been demonstrated that other kinds of medication, including those used to treat high blood pressure, may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. They have not been studied as extensively as stimulants.
Adults typically respond better to a combination of medicines as well as behavior therapy and skills training. Adults who receive this type of treatment report feeling more at ease with their symptoms and are able to manage these.
If you suspect you or someone you know has symptoms of ADHD consider asking your physician or mental health professional for the recommendation of an expert. You can also contact an institution of higher education like a hospital or medical school to get recommendations or look on your insurance plan's list of specialists according to their specialties.
If you're an adult, you can try a self-assessment survey to see if you might have ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists' online Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale is a simple checklist that can help you determine whether you are suffering from ADHD.