ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
If you think that you or your child has ADHD, the first step is to make an appointment to get the diagnosis. Getting an accurate diagnosis is the only way to fully understand and treat the condition.
During an evaluation the doctor will ask you questions regarding your health and development going back to early childhood. They can also use symptoms checklists and scales for assessing behavior.
Signs and symptoms
The first step in diagnosing ADHD is to gather as many details about the individual as you can. This could include a physical exam, obtaining health and school records, or speaking with close friends, family members, or teachers. It is important to identify any other medical conditions that could trigger symptoms similar to ADHD, such as seizures, thyroid disorders and a variety of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will want to know how the symptoms affected the patient's life. You could ask whether the patient has difficulty completing tasks or gets easily distracted. If they are often late for work or social events They may also have issues with time management or lose things frequently. In children, the doctor might also inquire if the symptoms started before age 12 years old.
Psychologists and psychiatrists are trained to diagnose ADHD in adults and in children. They will use 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 meet the diagnostic criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. The DSM-5 defines the main categories of ADHD as inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD one must have at least six symptoms in one of the categories for at least six months.
It is important to note that a diagnosis of ADHD is not a condemnation. Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from mild symptoms. They can manage their symptoms with medication, therapy and healthy lifestyle choices.
Stimulants are the most common medication to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety forms including tablets, chewable pills, and liquids. A health professional can prescribe the right dosage and medication to the patient. They will also be able to give advice on healthier lifestyle habits that can help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD such as regular exercise and making sure that a person gets enough sleep. In some instances, antidepressants and nonstimulant medication can be employed to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
An ADHD screening test is the first step to make an accurate diagnosis of the disorder. The best method to determine whether you suffer from ADHD is by scheduling an appointment for a clinical assessment. A psychotherapist, psychiatrist, psychologist or neurologist are all able to perform an ADHD assessment.
Before making a diagnosis your mental health professional will study 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 over your child's medical, psychiatric and family history.
The person who is being evaluated could be asked to provide input from other sources, such as spouses or other family members about their symptoms. This assists the mental healthcare professional to get a full picture of the person’s behavior and ADHD experience. The clinician will also interview the person and use standard ADHD behaviour rating scales.
It is essential that the mental health professional understands that other disorders may resemble ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they must exclude other disorders like thyroid disorders and seizure disorders before determining if someone has ADHD.
In some instances, a mental health specialist may suggest a physical exam. This is essential for adults as certain medical conditions can produce the same symptoms as ADHD.
After a mental health professional makes a diagnosis, he or she will explain that the condition is likely to be caused by neurological issues, such as hypothalamus that is overactive or underactive. Genetic predisposition, poor diet, and environmental factors, like stress, substance abuse and poor eating habits are common causes.
The mental health professional will then discuss treatment options. For many choosing the right combination of treatments allows them to manage their ADHD symptoms and live their lives to the maximum. Some people can find accommodations at school and at work like being able to take tests in a separate room or to have an extended break between classes. These make their lives more manageable.
Treatment
The process of determining a diagnosis is the first step in taking control of ADHD symptoms that can cause serious issues at work, school or home. Medication and therapy are part of the treatment. Therapy can help a person learn better time management techniques and devise methods to improve their organizational skills like daily planners or lists. A therapist can teach social skills 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 conducting the test will ask a series questions and perform a neuropsychological or psychological test. These tests evaluate the performance of a person to that of people who are similar in age. They can reveal if the person suffers from a learning impairment or other disorders that look like or coexist with ADHD. The specialist could provide the person with questionnaires and talk to other adults, such as teachers or babysitters, to get a more complete picture of the person's 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 old school records to determine if the person had trouble in the early years of their life. Adults may struggle to remember their childhood issues. However, under current guidelines for diagnosing disorders, the disorder cannot be identified if symptoms did not occur regularly more than once before the age of 12.
Before starting Recommended Webpage , the doctor will be able to determine whether any medical issues might be causing or aggravated the ADHD symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizures, which can exhibit similar symptoms as ADHD. A medical examination could involve a hearing and vision test. The doctor may also conduct a psychological or emotional history, talk to the person's parents or other family members and discuss the person's problems at school or at work.
Medication
ADHD is most commonly treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine. They increase the levels of chemical in the brain, known as neurotransmitters that regulate attention and movement. If stimulants are prescribed, studies show that they decrease the chance of children with ADHD taking drugs and developing other issues. However, it is important to be aware of the possible side effects, such as a decreased appetite, trouble sleeping, and heart or lung issues in a few children.
Doctors can also prescribe non-stimulant medications, such as atomoxetine or Guanfacine. They are slower to work than stimulants, and are less harmful for those with particular health issues or who are unable to take stimulants due to unpleasant side effects, like anxiety, ringing in the ears or changes in vision or heart and lung function. They may also be beneficial in treating tic disorders like Tourette syndrome. Some antidepressants, such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and bupropion are also used to treat ADHD. However, these have not been specifically approved by the FDA for this purpose and could interact with stimulants.
It has been proven that other types of medications that are used to treat high blood pressure, may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. However, they haven't been studied as extensively as stimulants.
In adults, a mix of 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 are able to manage their symptoms.
If you suspect that you or someone you know is suffering from symptoms of ADHD, ask your doctor or mental health provider for the recommendation of an expert. You can also ask an institution of higher education or medical school program to get recommendations. You can also check out the list of specialists in your insurance plan.
You can also take an assessment of your own to determine whether you suffer from 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.