ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
If you think that your child or you is suffering from ADHD, the first step is to set an appointment to receive a diagnosis. A clear diagnosis will help you understand and treat this condition.
During the examination during the exam, your doctor might ask you questions regarding how your health has developed from your childhood. They may also use symptoms checklists and scales for assessing behavior.
Signs and symptoms
The first step in identifying ADHD is to gather as as much information about the individual as is possible. This could involve a physical examination as well as obtaining medical and school records, or talking to close family members, friends, or teachers. It is also important to rule out other conditions that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD like thyroid issues as well as seizures and various types of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will be interested in knowing how the symptoms have affected the patient's daily life. You could ask whether the patient has difficulty working through tasks or is easily distracted. If they're often late to work or social occasions, they may also struggle with time management, or lose things frequently. For children, the doctor may also ask about whether the symptoms began before age 12.
Psychiatrists, psychologists and some doctors are trained to diagnose ADHD in both children and adults. They will use standardized diagnostic criteria, described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if symptoms satisfy the requirements for a ADHD diagnosis. The DSM-5 defines the main categories of ADHD as inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD one must show at least six or more symptoms within one of the categories for at least six months.
It is essential to keep in mind that a diagnosis for ADHD doesn't mean you are condemned. Many people suffering from ADHD experience mild symptoms. They can manage their symptoms using medication, therapy and a healthy lifestyle.
Stimulants are among the most popular medication to treat ADHD. It comes in many different forms that include liquids and tablets. A health care provider will be able to prescribe the appropriate dosage and medication for the patient. They will also be competent to offer suggestions on healthy lifestyles which can reduce the symptoms of ADHD like regular exercise and making sure that the patient gets enough sleep. In certain instances antidepressants and nonstimulant medications are used to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
An ADHD screening test is the first step in making an accurate diagnosis of the disorder. The best way 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 go over the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines for the disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They will interview you or your child regarding symptoms that have persisted for at minimum six months. They will also look at your or your child's family medical and psychiatric histories.
The person being evaluated may be asked to provide input from outside sources like a spouse or other family members about their symptoms. This allows the mental health professional to gain a complete picture of the individual's behavior and ADHD experience. The doctor will also interview the person and use standard ADHD behaviour rating scales.
It is important for a mental health professional to understand that other conditions can be similar to ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they must be able to rule out other conditions that may be related to seizures and thyroid disorders prior to determining if a person has ADHD.
In some instances, a mental health specialist may suggest a physical examination. This is essential for adults since certain medical conditions can cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
After the mental health specialist has established a diagnosis, they will explain how it is most likely caused by neurological issues like an underactive or overactive hypothalamus, genetic predisposition and environmental factors such as poor diet, alcohol abuse and stress.
The mental health professional then will discuss the treatment options. The right combination of treatments can help people manage their ADHD symptoms and lead an active life. Some people can find accommodations at work and school like being able to take tests in a private room or having an extended break between classes. These make their lives more manageable.
Treatment
The diagnosis of ADHD symptoms can be the first step in controlling them. They can cause serious issues, whether at school, at work or at home. Treatment includes medication and therapy. Therapy can help a person improve their time management skills and also develop methods to improve their organizational skills, such as daily planners or lists. Therapists can also help teach emotional regulation and social skills. Counseling can also help if a child is suffering from coexisting conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
private test for adhd care professional performing the test will ask a series questions and conduct a neuropsychological or psychological exam. These tests compare the performance of an individual to that of people who are similar in age. They can determine if someone suffers from a learning impairment or other disorders that look like or are co-occurring with 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 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 doctor may also look over old school records to determine if the individual was a victim of problems as a child. Adults have a difficult time remembering their problems in childhood, however, according to current guidelines for diagnosing the disorder isn't diagnosed if symptoms didn't occur frequently in more than one setting prior to age 12.
Before starting any treatment, the doctor will be able to determine whether any medical issues might be causing or aggravating the ADHD symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizures, which sometimes exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD. A medical exam could include a vision or hearing test. The specialist may also talk to the person's parents or other relatives, and talk about the issues they face at school or at work.
Medication
ADHD is most commonly treated by using stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate. They increase the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain which control attention and movements. Studies have shown that stimulants can reduce the risk of drug abuse and other problems for kids with ADHD in the event that they are taken according to the directions. However, it is crucial to be aware of the potential adverse effects, which could include a decreased appetite, trouble sleeping, and heart or lung issues in a few children.
Doctors may also prescribe non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine and Guanfacine. These drugs perform slower than stimulants and are safe for people with certain health conditions or who are unable to use stimulants due a negative adverse effects like anxiety, ringing in the ears, or changes in the heart, vision, and lung function. They can also help treat disorders that cause tics, such as Tourette Syndrome. Certain antidepressants, including 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 use and can interact with stimulants.
It has been proven that other medications, including those used to treat high-blood pressure, can also improve ADHD symptoms. However, they haven't been as thoroughly studied as stimulants.
Adults typically respond better to a combination of medications, behavior therapy, and training in skills. Adults who undergo this combination treatment report feeling more in control of their symptoms and able manage them.
Ask your doctor or mental health provider to refer you to an expert if you suspect that you or someone else you know is suffering from symptoms of ADHD. You can also contact the hospital of a university, medical or graduate school to get recommendations or look on your insurance plan's list of specialists according to their specialties.
You can also take self-assessment tools to determine if you have ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists Adult ADHD Self Report Scale is a simple test that can be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms.