ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
The first step to take if you think your child or you may have ADHD is to schedule an appointment for a diagnostic evaluation. A clear diagnosis will aid in understanding and treating this condition.
During the examination during the exam, your doctor might ask you questions about the way your health has improved from your childhood. They could also use scales for assessing behavior and symptoms as well as checklists.
Signs and symptoms
To determine if someone has ADHD it is necessary to collect as much information as you can about the person. This could include a physical examination as well as obtaining medical and school records, or speaking with family members, close friends, or teachers. It is crucial to identify any other medical illnesses that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD, such as seizures, thyroid disorders, and certain types of anxiety disorders.
The doctor may also want to know how the symptoms have affected the individual's life and relationships. This might involve asking questions such as whether they struggle to finish tasks or get easily distracted, if they often lose things, have difficulty with time management or are constantly being late for social or work events. In children, the doctor might also inquire if the symptoms began before age 12.
Psychiatrists and psychologists 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 are in line with the diagnostic criteria needed 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 the person must have at least six or more symptoms within one of the categories for a minimum of six months.
It is important to note that the diagnosis of ADHD is not a condemnation. Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from mild symptoms and they can learn how to manage their symptoms through the use of therapy, medication and healthy lifestyle practices.
The most popular medication used to treat ADHD is a stimulant. It comes in a variety forms like chewable tablets, chewable pills and liquids. A health care provider will be able to prescribe the right dosage and medication for the patient. They can also offer tips on healthy lifestyles which can improve the symptoms of ADHD like regular exercise and getting enough sleep. In some instances, non-stimulant drugs like antidepressants could be used to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
A screening test for ADHD is the first step in obtaining making a proper diagnosis. free adhd test for adults to determine if you have ADHD is by scheduling a clinical evaluation. A psychotherapist, psychiatrist, psychologist or neurologist are all qualified to provide an ADHD assessment.
Before making a diagnoses, your mental health professional will review American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines for the disorder found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They will talk to you or your child about symptoms persisting for at least six months. They will also look over the medical, psychiatric, and family background.
The person being evaluated may be asked for input from other sources, such as spouses or other family members regarding their symptoms. This can help the mental health professional create a complete picture of the person's behavior as well as their experiences with ADHD. The doctor will also use standardized ADHD behavior rating scales as well as ask the person to talk about their previous experiences in work, school, relationships and hobbies.
It is essential for a mental health professional to understand that other disorders can be similar to ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they must also determine if there are other conditions such as thyroid problems or seizures before determining whether one suffers from ADHD.
In certain instances, a mental health professional might suggest a physical examination. This is particularly important for adults as certain medical conditions can trigger the same symptoms as ADHD.
Once the mental health specialist has established the diagnosis, they will explain how it could be caused by neurological issues such as an underactive or overactive hypothalamus or genetic predisposition, as well as environmental factors such as inadequate diet, addiction to substances and stress.
The mental health professional will discuss treatment options. The best combination of treatments can help people manage their ADHD symptoms, and live a full life. Other people are able to get accommodations at school and at work like being able to take tests in a private space or to take a longer break between classes, that makes their lives easier.
Treatment
Finding out the diagnosis is the first step in getting control of ADHD symptoms that can lead to serious issues at school, work or at home. Treatment can include therapy and medication. Therapy can help someone develop better time management and develop methods for improving their organization, like daily planners or list. Therapists can also teach the skills of social interaction and emotional regulation. Counseling may also help when a child suffers from co-existing disorders such as depression or anxiety.
The health professional who is conducting the test will ask a series of questions and conduct a neuropsychological or psychological exam. These tests evaluate the performance of an individual to that of normal people of similar age. These tests can help determine whether a person suffers from a learning disorder or other disorders that may be related to or resemble ADHD. The specialist may give the person a questionnaire and also interview other adults like teachers or babysitters to get an accurate picture of 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 specialist might also examine old school records in order to determine if the person had issues as a kid. Adults have a difficult remembering their difficulties from their childhood, but according to current diagnostic guidelines the disorder cannot be diagnosed if symptoms didn't occur regularly in more than one environment before age 12.
Before beginning any treatment, a physician will determine if there are any medical conditions that could be causing the ADHD symptoms or causing them to worsen. Certain of these conditions can cause seizures or thyroid issues which can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A medical exam could include a hearing and vision test. The expert may also interview the person's parents or other relatives, and discuss the issues they face at school or at work.
Medication
ADHD is treated most often by using stimulants, like methylphenidate and amphetamine. They boost levels of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters that control the flow of attention and movement. Studies have shown that stimulants can reduce the chance of addiction and other problems for kids with ADHD when they are taken according to the directions. However, it is important to be aware of the possible side effects, such as the loss of appetite, difficulties sleeping and heart or lung issues in a few children.
Doctors may prescribe nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or guanfacine. These work more slowly than stimulants and are more secure for those with particular health issues or who are unable to use stimulants due to undesirable adverse effects, like anxiety, ringing in the ears, or changes in vision or the function of the heart and lungs. They may also be beneficial in treating tic disorders, like Tourette syndrome. Certain antidepressants, like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and bupropion, are also utilized to treat ADHD. These medications aren't FDA approved for this purpose, and could be incompatible with stimulants.
It has been proven that other types of medications that are used to treat high-blood pressure, can also improve ADHD symptoms. However, they haven't been as thoroughly studied as stimulants.
For adults, a combination of behavior therapy, medication and skills training is often the most effective treatment. Many adults who receive this kind of treatment report that they feel more at control and more able to manage their symptoms.
If you suspect that you or someone you know is suffering from symptoms of ADHD you should ask your physician or mental health provider for the recommendation of an expert. You can also call an institution of higher education like a hospital, medical or graduate school to get recommendations or look on your insurance plan's list of specialists by specialty.
You can also take an assessment of your own to determine if you suffer from ADHD. adhd test online adults of Psychiatrists Adult ADHD Self Report Scale is a simple test that can be used to determine if you have ADHD symptoms.