ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
If you suspect that your child or you is suffering from ADHD the first step is to set an appointment to get an assessment. A clear diagnosis will aid in understanding and treating this condition.
During the evaluation the doctor will ask you questions regarding how your health has changed from your childhood. They could also use behavior rating scales as well as symptom checklists.
Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, you need to gather as much information as you can about the person. This could involve undergoing a physical exam, gathering medical and school records, or speaking with family members teachers, coworkers, or other close friends. It is also crucial to rule out other ailments which may trigger symptoms similar to ADHD such as thyroid problems as well as seizures and various types of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will also want to know about how the symptoms have affected the individual's life and relationships. This may include asking questions such as whether they have trouble finishing tasks or get easily distracted, especially if they frequently lose things, struggle with managing their time or are always being late for social or work events. The doctor might inquire if the symptoms started before the age of 12.
Psychologists, psychiatrists, and a few doctors are trained to recognize ADHD in both children and adults. They use the standard criteria, as laid out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if the symptoms are in line with the diagnostic requirements 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 show at least six symptoms in each category for a minimum of six months.
It is important to remember that a diagnosis of ADHD is not a reason to be scolding. Many people who suffer from ADHD have mild symptoms. They are able to manage their symptoms by using therapy, medication and healthy lifestyle habits.
Stimulants are among the most popular treatment for ADHD. It comes in a variety forms like chewable 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 the patient gets enough sleep. In some cases, nonstimulant medication like antidepressants may be used to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
A screening test for ADHD is the first step to a correct diagnosis. However, the most effective way to determine whether you are suffering from ADHD is to schedule a medical evaluation with an expert in mental health. A psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist or neurologist can all be certified to conduct an ADHD assessment.
Before making 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 about symptoms that have remained for at least six months. They will also review your or your child's family medical and psychiatric history.
You could ask your spouse or a family member to share details regarding the person's behavior. This assists the mental healthcare professional to gain a complete picture of the person's behavior and ADHD experience. The psychologist will also talk to the person and use standardized ADHD behaviour rating scales.
It is essential that the mental health professional understands that other disorders may resemble ADHD symptoms. They must therefore be able to rule out other conditions that may be related to thyroid disorders and seizure disorders prior to determining if someone has ADHD.
In certain instances, a mental health specialist may suggest a physical exam. This is especially important in adults as certain medical conditions can cause the same symptoms as ADHD.
After a mental health professional determines a diagnosis and confirms the diagnosis, they will explain that the problem is likely caused by neurological issues, like an overactive or underactive hypothalamus. Genetic predisposition, poor nutrition and environmental factors like substance abuse, stress and poor nutrition are common causes.
The mental health professional then will discuss treatment options. The best combination of treatments can help people manage their ADHD symptoms, and live an active and fulfilling life. Some people are able find accommodations at their workplaces and schools, like the ability to take tests in private or take a break during class. This can make life much easier.
Treatment
Diagnosing ADHD symptoms is the first step towards controlling the symptoms. They can cause serious problems at work, school or at home. Treatment options include medication and therapy. Therapy can help an individual learn better time management and devise strategies for improving their organization, such as daily planners or lists. online test for adhd can also teach social skills and emotional regulation. Counseling can also be helpful children suffering from co-existing illnesses, such as anxiety or depression.
The health care professional performing the test will ask a series questions and conduct a neuropsychological or psychological exam. These tests are used to compare the performance of an individual to that of typical people of similar age. They can show whether the person has a learning disability or other conditions that look similar to or coexist with ADHD. The specialist could give the patient a questionnaire and also interview other adults like babysitters or teachers to get a better picture of their 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 specialist might also want to examine old school records to find out whether the patient had issues in childhood. Adults often have a difficult recalling their issues from childhood, but under current guidelines for diagnosing disorders the disorder cannot be diagnosed if symptoms did not occur frequently in more than one environment prior to age 12.
Before starting any treatment, a physician might check to determine if there are any medical conditions that could be causing the ADHD symptoms or causing them to worsen. Some of these conditions include thyroid issues or seizures that can have symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A medical examination may also include a hearing or vision test. The specialist may also talk to the patient's parents or other relatives, and talk about their problems at school or work.
Medication
Stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine - are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They increase the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain that control attention and movements. If stimulants are used as prescribed, studies have shown that they reduce the risk of kids with ADHD abusing drugs and having other problems. It is essential to be aware that stimulants can have side effects. These include a decreased appetite or trouble sleeping, and heart or lung problems.
Doctors also may prescribe nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. These work more slowly than stimulants and are safer for those with particular health issues or who are unable to use stimulants due to undesirable side effects, like anxiety and ringing in the ear or changes in vision or lung and heart function. They may also be beneficial in treating tic disorders such as Tourette syndrome. Some antidepressants such as SSRIs and bupropion are also used to treat ADHD. However, these have not been specifically approved by the FDA for this use and could interact with stimulants.
It has been shown that other medications that are used to treat high blood pressure, may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. They have not been studied as extensively as stimulants.
In adults, a mix of behavior therapy, medication and skills training is typically the most effective treatment. Many people who have this type of treatment say that they feel more at control and are able to manage their symptoms.
Ask your doctor or mental health provider to refer you to an expert if you suspect that you or someone else you know suffers from symptoms of ADHD. You can also call the hospital of a university or medical school to get recommendations or look on your insurance plan's list of specialists according to their specialties.
If you're an adult, you may also try a self-assessment questionnaire to determine if you be suffering from ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists Adult ADHD Self Report Scale is a simple checklist that can be used to determine whether you suffer from ADHD symptoms.