ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
If you suspect that your child or you is suffering from ADHD, the first step is to schedule an appointment to receive the diagnosis. Getting an accurate diagnosis is the only way to fully understand and treat the condition.
During the evaluation, your doctor may ask you questions about how your health has changed since your early childhood. address here could also use behavior rating scales and symptom checklists.
Signs and symptoms
To determine the presence of ADHD it is necessary to gather as much information as possible about the person. This could include a physical exam or obtaining health and school records, or talking to close family members, 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 want to know how symptoms have affected the patient's daily life. You could ask whether the person is having difficulty working through tasks or is easily distracted. If they are often late for work or social events They may also have issues with time management, or lose things frequently. The doctor may inquire if the symptoms started 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 match the diagnostic criteria needed for the diagnosis of ADHD. The DSM-5 defines the main categories of ADHD as inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. To be diagnosed with ADHD you must show at least six symptoms in each category for a minimum of six months.
It is important to keep in mind that a diagnosis for ADHD does not mean you are deserving of punishment. Many people suffering from ADHD have mild symptoms, and they can learn how to manage their symptoms through the use of medications, therapy and healthy lifestyle choices.
Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment for ADHD. It is available in a variety of forms such as tablets and liquids. A doctor can recommend the appropriate medication and dosage to the patient. They can also give tips on healthy lifestyles which can improve the symptoms of ADHD like regular exercise or a good night's sleep. In some cases antidepressants and nonstimulant medications are used to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
A screening test for ADHD is the first step towards a correct diagnosis. However, the most effective method to determine if you have ADHD is to schedule a medical evaluation with an expert in mental health. A psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist can all provide an ADHD evaluation.
Before determining a diagnosis, your mental health professional will go over the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for clinical care 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 look at your child's or your own family medical and psychiatric history.
The person being evaluated may be asked for input from independent sources such as a spouse or other family members regarding their symptoms. This will help the mental health professional build a complete picture of the person's behavior as well as their experiences with ADHD. The psychologist will also talk to the patient and use standardized ADHD behavior rating scales.
It is important for the mental health professional to be aware that other disorders can cause ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they must also determine if there are other conditions such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders before determining that someone has ADHD.
In some instances, a mental health professional will suggest a physical exam. This is essential for adults as certain medical conditions can cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
Once the mental health professional has determined a diagnosis they will explain the reasons why it could be caused by neurological issues such as hypothalamus hyperactive or inactive and genetic predisposition as well as environmental factors like inadequate diet, addiction to substances and stress.
The mental health professional will then discuss treatment options. For a lot of people choosing the right combination of treatments lets them manage their ADHD symptoms and live their lives to the maximum. Some people can get accommodations at their workplaces or schools, such as the ability to take tests privately or have an extended break during classes. This makes life easier.
Treatment
Finding out the diagnosis is the first step in controlling ADHD symptoms that could cause serious issues 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. Therapists can also teach the skills of social interaction and emotional regulation. If a child has co-existing issues, like anxiety or depression, counseling could help with those as well.
The health care professional conducting the test will ask a series of questions and conduct a neuropsychological or psychological exam. These tests compare the performance of a person with those of normal people of similar age. These tests can help determine the severity of a person's condition, whether they suffer from a learning disorder or any other disorders that might coexist or look similar to ADHD. The specialist may give the person 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 a person was a victim of problems as a child. Adults may have difficulty remembering their childhood problems. However, under current diagnostic guidelines the disorder cannot be identified when symptoms didn't occur frequently more than once prior to age 12.
Before beginning any treatment, your doctor may check to see if any medical issues could be causing or worsening the ADHD symptoms. Some of these ailments include thyroid issues or seizures that can have symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A medical exam might also include a hearing or vision test. The expert might also conduct a psychological or emotional history, interview the person's parents or other family members and discuss the person's concerns at school or at work.
Medication
ADHD is treated most often by using stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate. They boost levels of chemicals in the brain, known as neurotransmitters that regulate the flow of attention and movement. Studies have proven that stimulants lower the risk of drug abuse and other problems for children with ADHD when they are taken according to the directions. It is essential to know that stimulants can cause side effects. They may cause a decrease in appetite or trouble sleeping as well as lung or heart problems.
Doctors may also prescribe nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and Guanfacine. They work slower than stimulants, and are less harmful for people with particular health issues or who are unable to take stimulants because of unpleasant adverse effects, like anxiety and ringing in the ear, or changes in vision or the function of the heart and lungs. They may also be beneficial in treating tic disorders, such as Tourette syndrome. Certain antidepressants, such as SSRIs and bupropion are also used to treat ADHD. These drugs are not FDA approved for this purpose and may interact negatively with stimulants.
Other types of medication -for instance, some used to treat high blood pressure -- also have been shown to reduce symptoms of ADHD. However, they have not been as thoroughly studied as stimulants.
In adults, a mix of behavior therapy, medication and skills training is typically the most effective treatment. Many people who have this type of treatment say that they feel more in control and more able to manage their symptoms.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional to recommend an expert if you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from symptoms of ADHD. You can also contact an institution of higher education like a hospital or medical or graduate school for recommendations, or consult your insurance company's list of providers by specialty.
If you're an adult, you can try a self-assessment survey to see if you might be suffering from ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists' online Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale is a simple checklist that can help you determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD.