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 schedule an appointment for a diagnostic evaluation. Getting an accurate diagnosis is the only way to understand and treat the condition.
During your exam during an evaluation, your doctor will ask you questions about your health and growth going back to early childhood. They might also employ symptom checklists 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 or obtaining health and school records, or interviewing family members, close friends, or teachers. It is also important to rule out other ailments that can cause symptoms that mimic ADHD like thyroid issues, seizures and some kinds of anxiety disorders.
The doctor may be interested in knowing how the symptoms have affected the person's life and relationships. This could include asking questions such as whether they struggle to finish tasks or get easily distracted, if they often lose things, struggle with time management or are always running late for work or social occasions. The doctor could inquire if the symptoms began before the age of 12.
Psychologists, psychiatrists and some doctors are trained to recognize ADHD in children and adults. They will employ established criteria that are standardized as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if the symptoms are in line with the diagnostic requirements for the diagnosis of ADHD. The DSM-5 defines the main categories of ADHD as inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must have at least six or more symptoms within one of the categories for at least six months.
It is important to note that the diagnosis of ADHD is not a condemnation. Many people who suffer from ADHD experience mild symptoms. They are able to manage their symptoms by using therapies, medication, and a healthy lifestyle.
Stimulants are the most common treatment for ADHD. It is available in a variety forms, including chewable tablets, tablets pills, and liquids. A health professional can recommend the appropriate medication and dosage to the patient. They will also be in a position to provide suggestions on healthy lifestyles that can improve the symptoms of ADHD such as regular exercise and making sure that the patient gets enough sleep. In certain instances antidepressants and 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. The best way to determine if you have ADHD is to schedule an appointment for a clinical assessment. A psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist can all provide an ADHD evaluation.
Before determining 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 months. They will also review the family history of your child or you medical and psychiatric histories.
The person being assessed may be asked for input from outside sources like spouses or other family members regarding their symptoms. This assists the mental healthcare professional get a complete picture of the individual's behavior and ADHD experience. The doctor will also use standardized ADHD behavior scales and ask the patient about their experiences in the past in school, work and relationships, as well as their hobbies.
It is crucial for a mental health professional to be aware that other disorders can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they must exclude other disorders, such as thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, before determining whether someone suffers from ADHD.
In certain instances, an expert in mental health may suggest a physical exam. This is especially crucial for adults because certain medical conditions can cause the same symptoms as ADHD.
When a mental health professional determines a diagnosis, he or she will explain that the problem is likely to be caused by neurological issues, such as an overactive or underactive hypothalamus. Genetic predisposition, poor diet, and environmental factors like substance abuse, stress and poor eating habits are common causes.
The mental health professional will discuss treatment options. The right combination of treatments can help people manage their ADHD symptoms, and live an active and fulfilling life. Others are able to find accommodations at school and at work, such as being allowed to take tests in a private room or having an extended break between classes. These make their lives more manageable.
Treatment
Finding out the diagnosis is the first step in getting control of ADHD symptoms that can cause serious problems at work, school or at home. Treatment can include therapy and medication. Therapy can help a person learn better time management skills and develop methods to improve their organizational skills, such as daily planners or lists. A therapist can also teach the skills of social interaction and emotional regulation. Counseling may also help if a child is suffering from co-existing disorders such as anxiety or depression.
The health professional who is conducting the examination will ask a series questions and conduct a neuropsychological or psychological exam. These tests assess the performance of an individual with those with similar ages. These tests can help determine if a person is suffering from a learning disorder or any other disorders that might be co-existent or have a similar appearance to ADHD. The specialist could give the patient a questionnaire, and also interview other adults such as teachers or babysitters to get a better picture of their behavior, problems and routines.
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 doctor may also look over old school records in order to determine if the person had issues as a kid. Adults often have a difficult recalling their issues from childhood, but under current guidelines for diagnosing disorders the disorder cannot be diagnosed if symptoms didn't occur regularly in more than one environment before age 12.
Before beginning any treatment, your doctor may check to see if any medical issues could be causing or aggravating the ADHD symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizures, which may have similar symptoms to ADHD. A medical exam could include a vision or hearing test. The expert might also conduct an emotional or psychological background, interview the patient's parents or other family members and discuss the person's problems at school or at work.
Medication
Stimulants - such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are among the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They boost the amount of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters, which regulate attention and movement. If stimulants are taken as prescribed, research has shown that they reduce the risk of children suffering from ADHD using drugs and causing other problems. However, it's important to be aware of possible side effects, such as an increased appetite, difficulty sleeping and heart or lung problems in some children.
Doctors can prescribe nonstimulant medicines, such as atomoxetine and Guanfacine. These drugs work slower than stimulants and are safer for some people suffering from certain health issues or who are unable to take stimulants due to undesirable side effects such as anxiety, ringing of the ears, or changes to the heart, vision, and lung function. They can also help treat tic disorders such as Tourette Syndrome. Certain antidepressants, including SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and bupropion are also used to treat ADHD. These medications are not FDA approved for this purpose and may interact negatively with stimulants.
It has been demonstrated that other kinds of medication such as those that treat high blood pressure, may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. They have not been studied as thoroughly as stimulants.
Adults generally respond well to a combination of medicines, behavior therapy, and techniques training. Many people who receive this combination of treatments say they feel more in control and are able to manage their symptoms.
If you suspect that you or someone you know has symptoms of ADHD consider asking your physician or mental health professional for a referral to an expert. You can also contact an institution of higher education or medical school, or graduate program to get recommendations. free test for adhd can also look at the list of specialists in your insurance plan.
If you're an adult, you may try a self-assessment survey 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 are suffering from ADHD.