ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
The first step to take if think your child or you might have ADHD is to make an appointment for a diagnostic evaluation. Only a clear diagnosis can help you understand and treat this condition.
During your exam the doctor will ask you questions regarding your health and development prior to early childhood. They may also use symptom checklists and scales for assessing behavior.
Symptoms
The first step in diagnosing ADHD is to collect as much information about the person as possible. This might include getting an exam for physical examination, collecting medical and school records, or speaking with family members teachers, coworkers, or other close friends. It is crucial to determine if there are any other conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD, such as seizures, thyroid disorders, and certain types of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will be interested in knowing how the symptoms have affected the patient's daily life. This could include asking questions such as whether they have difficulty finishing tasks or get easily distracted, if they regularly lose things, struggle with managing their time or are always running late for work or social occasions. The doctor may inquire if the symptoms started before the age of 12.
Psychiatrists and psychologists are trained to recognize ADHD in adults and in children. They will use standardized diagnostic criteria, described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if 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 have 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 who suffer from ADHD have mild symptoms, and they can learn how to manage their symptoms with the help of therapy, medications and healthy lifestyle habits.
The most common medication used to treat ADHD is a stimulant. It comes in a variety of forms, including chewable tablets, tablets pills, and liquids. A doctor can determine the best dosage and medication for the patient. They can also offer suggestions on healthy lifestyles which can improve the symptoms of ADHD such as regular exercise or getting enough sleep. In certain instances, antidepressants and nonstimulant medication can be used to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
An ADHD screening test is the first step towards making an accurate diagnosis of the disorder. However, the best method to determine if you suffer from ADHD is to schedule a medical evaluation with an expert in mental health. A psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist or neurologist are all able to conduct 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 interview you or your child about symptoms that have persisted for at minimum six months. They will also review the medical, mental health and family background.
You could ask your spouse or other family member to share details about the person's symptoms. This assists the mental healthcare professional to gain a complete picture of the person’s behavior and ADHD experience. The psychologist will also talk to the person and use standard ADHD behavior rating scales.
It is crucial that the mental health professional knows that other disorders may resemble ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they need to rule out other disorders such as thyroid problems and seizures before determining if someone has ADHD.
In certain instances, mental health professionals may recommend a physical examination. This is particularly important for adults because certain medical conditions can trigger the same symptoms as ADHD.
After the mental health specialist has established a diagnosis and explained the reason, they will then explain why it could be caused by neurological disorders such as an underactive or overactive hypothalamus or genetic predisposition, as well as environmental factors such as inadequate diet, addiction to substances and stress.
The mental health professional will then discuss treatment options. The best combination of treatments can help people manage their ADHD symptoms, and live an active life. Some people can find solutions at school and work for example, being able to take tests in a private space or having an extended break between classes, which help them live their lives more comfortably.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis is the first step to getting control of ADHD symptoms that can lead to serious problems at work, school, or at home. Treatment can include therapy and medication. Therapy can help a person develop better time management and devise strategies for improving their organization, like daily planners or lists. A therapist can help teach the skills of social interaction and emotional regulation. Counseling may also help children suffering from co-existing illnesses, such as depression or anxiety.
The health professional who is conducting the test will ask a series of questions and will conduct a neuropsychological psychological test. These tests evaluate the performance of an individual with those with similar ages. They can show whether the person has a learning disability or other conditions that look similar to or coexist with ADHD. The specialist might give the person questionnaires and talk to other adults, such as babysitters or teachers, in order to obtain a complete picture of the person's 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 a person had issues as a kid. Adults may have difficulty remembering their childhood problems. However, according to current guidelines for diagnosing disorders, the disorder cannot be diagnosed when symptoms didn't occur often more than once before age 12.
Before starting any treatment, a physician might check to determine if there are any medical conditions that could be causing the ADHD symptoms or making them worse. Certain of these conditions can cause thyroid issues or seizures that may have symptoms similar to ADHD. A medical examination could include a hearing and vision test. The doctor may also conduct a psychological or emotional history, interview the person's parents or other family members and discuss the person's issues at work or school.
Medication
Stimulants, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are among the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They increase the levels of chemical in the brain known as neurotransmitters, which regulate the flow of attention and movement. If stimulants are prescribed, studies have shown that they lower the risk of children with ADHD taking drugs and developing other issues. However, it's important to be aware of potential adverse effects, which could include a decreased appetite, trouble sleeping and heart or lung issues in some children.
Doctors can also prescribe nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. These drugs perform slower than stimulants, and are more suitable for people suffering from certain health issues or who cannot take stimulants due to unpleasant adverse effects like anxiety, ringing in the ears, or changes to vision, heart, and lung function. address here 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. However, these have not been specifically approved by the FDA for this use and could interact with stimulants.
It has been shown that other medications, including those used to treat high blood pressure, may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. They haven't been examined as extensively as stimulants.
In adults, a mix of therapy, medication and skills training is typically the most effective treatment. Many adults who receive this combination of treatments say that they feel more in control and more able to manage their symptoms.
If you suspect that you or someone you know has symptoms of ADHD you should ask your personal physician or mental health provider for an appointment with a specialist. You can also contact a university-based hospital or medical school for recommendations or look on your insurance plan's list of specialists according to their specialties.
You can also use an assessment of your own to determine if you have ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists' online Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale is a simple checklist that will help you determine whether you suffer from symptoms of ADHD.