ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
If you think that your child or you has ADHD, the first step is to schedule an appointment to get a diagnosis. Making sure you have a clear diagnosis is the only way to fully understand and treat the condition.
During an evaluation the doctor will ask you questions about your health and growth going back to the early years of childhood. They can also use the symptom checklist and behavior rating scales.
Symptoms
The first step in diagnosing ADHD is to collect as much information about the person as possible. This could include a physical exam, gathering health and school records or talking to family members teachers, coworkers, or other close friends. It is also crucial to rule out any other conditions that may cause symptoms that resemble ADHD like thyroid issues seizures, seizures, and other types of anxiety disorders.
The doctor may also want to know about how the symptoms have affected the person's life and relationships. This might involve asking questions like whether they struggle to finish tasks or are easily distracted, especially if they frequently lose things, have difficulty with time management or are always running late for work or social occasions. The doctor may inquire if the symptoms began before the age of 12.
Psychiatrists, psychologists and some physicians are trained in diagnosing ADHD in both children and adults. They use standard diagnostic criteria, described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to determine if the symptoms meet 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 the person must exhibit at least six or more symptoms within one of the categories for a minimum of six months.
It is crucial to understand that a diagnosis of ADHD is not a reason to be scolding. Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from mild symptoms. They can manage their symptoms using therapy, medication and healthy lifestyle choices.
Stimulants are among the most popular treatment for ADHD. It is available in a variety of forms such as tablets and liquids. A health professional can prescribe the correct dosage and medication to the patient. They are also in a position to provide advice on healthier lifestyle habits which can reduce the symptoms of ADHD such as regular exercise and ensuring that the patient gets enough sleep. In certain instances, non-stimulant drugs like antidepressants could be prescribed to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
A screening test for ADHD is the first step to making a proper diagnosis. The best way to determine if you have ADHD is by scheduling an evaluation with a clinician. A psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist or neurologist can all be certified to perform an ADHD assessment.
Before making a diagnoses your mental health professional will review American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines for the disorder 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 month. They will also look at the family history of your child or you medical and psychiatric history.
You could ask your spouse or another family member to provide details regarding the person's behavior. This can help the mental health professional build an accurate picture of the person's behaviour and experiences with ADHD. The psychologist will also talk to the person and use standardized ADHD behaviour rating scales.
It is important that the mental health professional understands that other disorders can resemble ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they must also exclude other conditions like thyroid issues and seizures before determining if the patient has ADHD.
In certain instances, mental health professionals may recommend a physical examination. This is essential for adults since certain medical conditions can produce the similar symptoms as ADHD.
After a mental health professional determines a diagnosis, he or she will explain that it is likely caused by neurological issues, such as an overactive or underactive hypothalamus. Genetic predisposition, poor nutrition and environmental factors, such as substance abuse, stress and poor nutrition are common causes.
The mental health professional then will discuss the treatment options. The best combination of treatments can help many people manage their ADHD symptoms and lead a full life. Some people can get accommodations at their workplaces or schools, such as the ability to take tests in private or have an extended break during class. This makes life easier.
Treatment
Recognizing ADHD symptoms can be the first step to control these symptoms. They can create serious problems, whether at work, school or at home. Treatment can include therapy and medication. Therapy can help an individual learn better time management and learn methods to improve their organization, including daily planners or list. A therapist can teach the skills of social interaction and emotional regulation. If a child has coexisting conditions such as anxiety or depression, counseling could help with those as well.
The health care professional performing the test will ask a series questions and perform a neuropsychological or psychological exam. These tests assess the performance of a person to those who are similar in age. They can reveal if the person suffers from a learning impairment or other conditions that look similar to or coexist with ADHD. The specialist could give the patient a questionnaire, and interview other adults such as babysitters or teachers to get a better picture of their behavior, challenges 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 the early years of their life. Adults often have a difficult recalling their issues in childhood, however, according to current guidelines for diagnosing disorders the disorder isn't identified if the symptoms didn't manifest regularly in more than one environment before age 12.
Before beginning any treatment, a doctor may check to see whether there are any medical issues which could be causing ADHD symptoms or making them worse. Certain of these conditions can cause thyroid issues or seizures which can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. where can i get tested for adhd might also include a hearing or vision test. The expert might also conduct an emotional or psychological background, interview the patient's parents or other family members and discuss the person's problems at school or at work.
Medication
Stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate are among the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They boost levels of chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters that control the flow of attention and movement. Studies have shown that stimulants can reduce the risk of relapse to drugs and other problems for children with ADHD, as long as they are taken as directed. It is crucial to be aware that stimulants may cause adverse effects. They may cause a decrease in appetite or difficulty sleeping, as well as heart or lung problems.
Doctors may prescribe nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine and Guanfacine. These drugs are slower to work than stimulants, and are safer for some patients with certain health issues or who cannot take stimulants due to undesirable side effects such as anxiety, ringing of the ears, or changes in vision, heart, and lung function. They may also be beneficial in treating tic disorders, such as Tourette syndrome. Certain antidepressants, such as bupropion and SSRIs can also be used to treat ADHD. However, these have not been specifically approved by the FDA for this purpose and may interact with stimulants.
It has been demonstrated that other medications, including those that treat high blood pressure, may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. However, they have not been examined as thoroughly as stimulants.
Adults typically respond better to a combination of medicines or behavior therapy, as well as techniques training. Many adults who receive this combination of treatments say they feel more in control and able to manage their symptoms.
Ask your physician or mental health professional to recommend an expert if you believe that you or someone else you know suffers from symptoms of ADHD. You can also call the hospital of a university or medical school for recommendations, or consult your insurance company's list of specialists by specialty.
If browse around this website are an adult, you can also try a self-assessment questionnaire to see if you might have ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists Adult ADHD Self Report Scale is an easy checklist that can be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms.