ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
If you suspect that your child or you has ADHD the first step is to schedule an appointment for a diagnosis. Making sure you have a clear diagnosis is the only way to understand and treat the condition.
During the evaluation during the exam, your doctor might ask you questions about the way your health has improved from your childhood. They might also employ behavior rating scales and symptom checklists.
Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD for the first time, you must gather as much information as possible about the person. This could include a physical exam or obtaining health and school records, or speaking with family members, close friends or teachers. It is also crucial to rule out other ailments that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD like thyroid problems, seizures and some kinds of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will be interested in knowing how the symptoms have affected the individual's life and relationships. This might involve asking questions like whether they have difficulty finishing tasks or are easily distracted, if they regularly lose things, struggle with managing their time or are always getting late for social or work events. The doctor could inquire if the symptoms began before the age of 12.
Psychologists, psychiatrists, and a few 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 symptoms satisfy 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 have at least six symptoms in each category for at least six month.
It is crucial to remember that being diagnosed with ADHD does not mean that you are a scourge. Many people with ADHD have mild symptoms and they can learn to manage their symptoms through the use of therapy, medications and healthy lifestyle habits.
Stimulants are the most common medication to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety of different forms, including chewable tablets, tablets pills, and liquids. A doctor can prescribe the appropriate medication and dosage for the patient. They can also provide suggestions on healthy lifestyles which can improve the symptoms of ADHD like regular exercise or getting enough sleep. In some instances, non-stimulant medications such as antidepressants can be prescribed to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
A screening test for ADHD is the first step to a correct diagnosis. The best method to find out if you have ADHD is to schedule a clinical evaluation. A psychotherapist, psychiatrist, psychologist or neurologist are all qualified to perform an ADHD assessment.
Before determining a diagnosis, your mental health professional will review the American Psychiatric Society's clinical guidelines for the disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They will talk to you or your child regarding symptoms persisting for at least six months. They will also review your or your child's family medical and psychiatric histories.
You can ask your spouse or a family member to share details about the person's symptoms. This can help the mental health professional build an accurate picture of the person's behavior and experience with ADHD. The psychologist will also talk to the patient and use standardized ADHD behavior rating scales.
It is essential for a mental health professional to recognize that other disorders can mimic ADHD symptoms. They must therefore be able to rule out other conditions that may be related to thyroid disorders and seizure disorders prior to determining if someone has ADHD.
In some instances, an expert in mental health may suggest a physical exam. This is important for adults since certain medical conditions can cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
After go right here has established a diagnosis, they will explain how it's most likely caused by neurological issues such as an underactive or overactive hypothalamus or genetic predisposition, as well as environmental factors like inadequate diet, addiction to substances and stress.
The mental health professional will then discuss the options for treatment. The best combination of treatments can help people manage their ADHD symptoms, and live an active life. Certain people can find accommodations at their workplaces and schools, for example, the ability to take tests in private or take a break during class. This makes life much easier.
Treatment
Recognizing ADHD symptoms is the first step towards controlling these symptoms. They can create serious problems, whether at school, at work or at home. Treatment can include therapy and medication. Therapy can help people develop better time management skills and develop strategies to improve their organization like daily planners or lists. A therapist can also teach the skills of social interaction and emotional regulation. If a child is suffering from coexisting conditions such as anxiety or depression, counseling can help with these too.
The health care professional conducting the evaluation will ask a series of questions and perform a neuropsychological or psychological exam. These tests compare the performance of an individual to that of people with similar ages. These tests can help determine whether a person suffers from a learning disorder or other disorders that may coexist or look similar to ADHD. The doctor may offer the patient a questionnaire and interview other adults such as babysitters or teachers to get a better picture of their behavior, challenges 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 wish to review the school records of the past to determine whether the patient had issues in childhood. Adults can have trouble remembering their childhood issues. However, according to current diagnostic guidelines the disorder is not able to be diagnosed if symptoms did not occur often more than once before age 12.
Before beginning any treatment, a physician will determine if there are any medical issues that could be causing ADHD symptoms or making them worse. Some of these ailments include seizures or thyroid problems that can have symptoms similar 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, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. They increase the levels of chemical in the brain, known as neurotransmitters that regulate the flow of attention and movement. Studies have proven that stimulants lower the chance of addiction and other problems for children with ADHD when they are taken as directed. 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 issues in some children.
Doctors also may prescribe nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine and guanfacine. These drugs work slower than stimulants and are safe for patients with certain health issues or who are unable to use stimulants due to undesirable side effects such as anxiety, ringing of the ears, or changes to the heart, vision, and lung function. They may also aid in treating disorders of the tic, like Tourette Syndrome. Certain antidepressants, like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and bupropion are also used to treat ADHD. However, they haven't been specifically approved by the FDA for this purpose and can interact with stimulants.
Other types of medication -for instance, some used to treat high blood pressure -- also have been shown to help alleviate symptoms of ADHD. However, they have not been studied as extensively as stimulants.
Adults usually respond best to a combination of medicines, behavior therapy, and training in skills. Adults who receive this type of treatment report feeling more in control of their symptoms and are able to manage them.
If you suspect you or someone you know is suffering from symptoms of ADHD, ask your physician or mental health professional for an appointment with a specialist. You can also contact a university hospital or medical school program for recommendations. You can also check out the list of specialists on your insurance plan.
If you're an adult, you may take a self-assessment test to see if you might be suffering from ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists' online Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale is an easy-to-use checklist that will help you determine whether you suffer from symptoms of ADHD.