ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
The first step to take if you believe that your child might be suffering from ADHD is to set up an appointment to have a diagnostic evaluation. Making sure you have a clear diagnosis is the only way to understand and treat the condition.
During an evaluation during an evaluation, your doctor will ask you questions regarding your health and development prior to the early years of childhood. They might also employ behavior rating scales as well as symptom checklists.
Symptoms
The first step to diagnose ADHD is to gather as many details about the individual as you can. This could involve undergoing an exam for physical examination, collecting medical and school records, or talking to family members, teachers, coworkers or other close friends. It is also important to rule out other ailments that may cause symptoms that resemble ADHD such as thyroid problems as well as seizures and various types of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will be interested in knowing how the symptoms have affected the person's life and relationships. This may include asking questions such as whether they have difficulty finishing tasks or become easily distracted, especially if they frequently lose things, have difficulty with managing their time or are always getting late for work or social events. In children, the doctor might also inquire if the symptoms began before 12.
Psychiatrists and psychologists are trained to recognize ADHD in adults and in children. They use the standardized criteria as set forth by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if the symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria 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 have at least six signs in each category for at least six months.
It is important to remember that a diagnosis of ADHD is not a reason to be scolding. Many people suffering from ADHD have mild symptoms and they can learn how to manage their symptoms through the use of therapy, medication and healthy lifestyle habits.
The most commonly used medication to treat ADHD is a stimulant. It is available in a variety of forms, including tablets and liquids. A doctor will be able to determine the best dosage and medication for the patient. They can also be able to give suggestions on healthy lifestyles that can help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD like regular exercise and ensuring that a person gets enough sleep. In some cases, nonstimulant drugs like antidepressants could be used to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
A screening test for ADHD is the first step in obtaining a correct diagnosis. The best way to determine whether you suffer from ADHD is to schedule an evaluation with a clinician. online adhd testing , psychologist or psychotherapist can all provide an ADHD assessment.
Before determining a diagnosis, your mental health professional will review the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for clinical care for the disorder found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They will ask you or your child if they have had symptoms present for at least six months. They will also review your child's or your own family medical and psychiatric history.
You may ask a spouse or a family member to share information about the person's symptoms. This allows the mental health professional to get a full picture of the person's behavior and ADHD experience. The doctor will also interview the person and use standard ADHD behaviour rating scales.
It is crucial for a mental health professional to recognize that other disorders can be similar to ADHD symptoms. They must therefore rule out other disorders, such as thyroid disorders and seizure disorders before determining if a person has ADHD.
In some cases, the mental health specialist may suggest a physical examination. This is important for adults because certain medical conditions can produce the same symptoms as ADHD.
Once 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 and genetic predisposition as well as environmental factors like poor diet, alcohol abuse and stress.
The mental health professional will discuss the options for treatment. The right combination of treatments can help many people manage their ADHD symptoms and lead an active life. Some people are able find accommodations at their workplaces or schools, such as the ability to take tests privately or have an extended break during classes. This makes life much easier.
Treatment
Finding out the diagnosis is the first step to controlling ADHD symptoms that could cause serious problems at work, school or at home. Therapy and medication are both a part of the treatment. Therapy can help an individual improve their time management skills and learn methods to improve their organization, such as daily planners or lists. Therapists can help teach social skills and emotional regulation. If a child suffers from co-existing issues, like depression or anxiety, therapy can help with these too.
The health professional who is conducting the examination will ask a series questions and perform a neuropsychological or psychological exam. These tests compare the performance of a person to those who are similar in age. These tests can tell whether a person suffers from an intellectual disorder or other disorders that might be related to or resemble ADHD. The specialist could give the patient a questionnaire, and interview other adults, such as teachers or babysitters to gain more information about 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 want to review the school records of the past to determine whether the patient had issues in childhood. Adults have a difficult time remembering their problems from their childhood, but according to current diagnostic guidelines the disorder isn't diagnosed if symptoms did not occur often in more than one environment before age 12.
Before beginning any treatment, the doctor may check to see whether any medical conditions could be causing or aggravated the ADHD symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizures, which can exhibit similar symptoms as ADHD. A medical exam might also include a hearing and vision test. The specialist may also talk to the person's parents or other relatives, and talk about their problems at school or work.
Medication
ADHD is treated most often with stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine. They boost the amount of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters that control attention and movement. Studies show that stimulants reduce the risk of drug abuse and other issues for children with ADHD in the event that they are used as directed. However, it is crucial to be aware of potential adverse effects, which could include a decreased appetite, trouble sleeping, and heart or lung issues in some children.
Doctors may also prescribe nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. These drugs are slower to work than stimulants, and are more suitable for people suffering from certain health issues or who are unable to use stimulants due a negative adverse effects like anxiety, ringing in the ears, or changes to vision, heart, or lung function. They also can help treat 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 can interact with stimulants.
Other kinds of medications -- including some that are used to treat high blood pressure- also have been shown to help alleviate symptoms of ADHD. However, they haven't been examined as thoroughly as stimulants.
Adults generally respond well to a combination of medicines, behavior therapy, and training in skills. Adults who undergo this combination treatment feel more in control of their symptoms and are able to manage their symptoms.
If you suspect that you or someone you know has symptoms of ADHD you should ask your doctor or mental health provider for the recommendation of a specialist. You can also ask an institution of higher education or medical school program to get recommendations. Or you can take a look at the list specialists in your insurance plan.
You can also take a self-assessment to determine if you have ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists' online Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale is a user-friendly checklist that will help you determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD.
