ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
The first step to take if think your child or you might be suffering from ADHD is to schedule an appointment for a diagnostic assessment. Only a clear diagnosis can aid in understanding and treating this condition.
During your evaluation the doctor will ask you questions regarding your health and development prior to early childhood. They could also use behavior rating scales as well as symptom checklists.
Signs and symptoms
The first step to diagnose ADHD is to collect as much information about the person as you can. This could include a physical exam, obtaining health and school records, or talking to family members, close friends, or teachers. It is also crucial to rule out other ailments that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD such as thyroid problems, seizures and some kinds of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will want to know how the symptoms affected the patient's life. You might 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 often. For children, the physician might also inquire about whether the symptoms started before age 12.
Psychologists, psychiatrists and some doctors are trained to diagnose ADHD in children and adults. They employ standardized diagnostic criteria, described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if the symptoms meet the criteria needed for an ADHD diagnosis. The DSM-5 defines the main categories of ADHD as inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must exhibit at least six or more symptoms within one of the categories for at least six months.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the fact that you have been diagnosed with ADHD doesn't mean you are a scourge. Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from mild symptoms. They can manage their symptoms using therapies, medication, and healthy lifestyle choices.
The most popular medication used to treat ADHD is a stimulant. It is available in a variety forms like chewable tablets, chewable pills and liquids. A doctor will be able to determine the best medication and dosage for the patient. They can also provide tips on healthy lifestyles that will improve symptoms of ADHD like regular exercise or a good night's sleep. In some cases, nonstimulant medication like antidepressants may be prescribed to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
An ADHD screening test is a first step to make an accurate diagnosis of the disorder. However, the most effective way to determine whether you suffer from ADHD is to schedule a clinical evaluation with a mental health professional. A psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist or neurologist are all qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment.
Before making a diagnoses your mental health professional will go over American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines 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 symptoms have been present for at least six months. They will also look over you or your child's medical, psychiatric and family background.
The person being evaluated may be asked for feedback from independent sources such as spouses or other family members on their symptoms. This helps the mental health professional build an accurate picture of the person's behavior as well as their experiences with ADHD. The clinician will also use standardized ADHD behavior rating scales as well as ask the person to talk about their past experiences in school, work, relationships and hobbies.
It is crucial that the mental health professional understands that other disorders may resemble ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they should exclude other disorders, such as seizures and thyroid disorders, before determining if a person has ADHD.
In some instances, a mental health specialist may recommend a physical examination. This is especially important in adults because certain medical conditions can cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
When a mental health specialist is able to diagnose a problem and confirms the diagnosis, they will explain that it is likely caused by neurological issues, like hypothalamus overactive or underactive. Genetic predisposition, poor diet and environmental factors, such as stress, substance abuse and poor nutrition are common causes.
The mental health professional talks about the treatment options. The best combination of treatments can help people manage their ADHD symptoms and lead a full life. Some people can get accommodations at their workplaces or schools, such as the possibility of taking tests in private or have an extended break during class. This can make life easier.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis is the first step in getting control of ADHD symptoms that could cause serious problems at work, school or home. Therapy and medication are a an integral part of treatment. Therapy can help people learn better time management skills and also develop strategies to improve their organization, such as daily planners or lists. attention deficit disorder online test can help teach social skills and emotional regulation. If a child suffers from co-existing issues, like anxiety or depression, counseling may help with those too.
The health care professional doing the test may ask a series of questions and take the neuropsychological or psychological exam. These tests evaluate the performance of an individual with those who are similar in age. They can show whether a person has a learning disability or other disorders that look similar to or coexist with ADHD. The specialist may ask the person questions and interview other adults, like teachers or babysitters, to obtain a complete picture of the person's behavior, issues 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 wish to examine the school records of the past to determine if the person had trouble in childhood. Adults can have trouble remembering their childhood problems. However, according to current guidelines for diagnosing disorders, the disorder cannot be identified if symptoms did not occur often more than once before age 12.
Before starting any treatment, a doctor will determine if there are any medical issues that could be causing the ADHD symptoms or making them worse. This could be thyroid issues or seizures, which may exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD. A medical examination could include a hearing or vision test. The expert might also conduct an emotional or psychological history, talk to the person's parents or other family members and discuss the person's problems at work or school.
Medication
ADHD is usually treated with stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine. They boost the amount of chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters that control the flow of attention and movement. Studies show that stimulants reduce the risk of relapse to drugs and other issues for children with ADHD when they are taken as directed. However, it is crucial to be aware of the possible side effects, such as the loss of appetite, difficulties sleeping, and heart or lung problems in a few children.
Doctors also may prescribe non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine and guanfacine. These drugs work slower than stimulants and are safer for some people suffering from certain health issues or who are unable to take stimulants due to unpleasant side effects such as anxiety, ringing in the ears, or changes in vision, heart, and lung function. They can also help treat tic disorders such as Tourette Syndrome. Certain antidepressants, including SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and bupropion, are also utilized to treat ADHD. These drugs are not FDA approved for this purpose, and could interfere negatively with stimulants.
It has been proven that other types of medications, including those that treat high blood pressure, may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. They haven't been examined as thoroughly as stimulants.
Adults usually respond best to a combination of medicines, behavior therapy, and training in skills. Adults who receive this type of treatment feel more in control of their symptoms and are able to manage them.
If you think you or someone you know is suffering from symptoms of ADHD consider asking your physician or mental health provider for a referral to an expert. 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.
If you are an adult, you may also try a self-assessment questionnaire to see if you might have ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists' online Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale is a simple checklist that will help you determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD.