ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
The first step to take if believe that your child may have ADHD is to schedule an appointment to have a diagnostic evaluation. Only an accurate diagnosis can help you understand and treat this condition.
During the evaluation the doctor will ask you questions regarding how your health has changed from your childhood. They may also use behavior rating scales and symptom checklists.
Signs and symptoms
To determine the presence of ADHD it is necessary to gather as much information as possible about the person. This could include a physical exam, gathering health and school records or speaking with family members teachers, coworkers, or other close friends. It is essential to determine if there are any other conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD like seizures, thyroid disorders, and certain types of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will be interested in knowing how the symptoms have affected the patient's daily life. This might involve asking questions like whether they have trouble finishing tasks or are easily distracted, if they often lose things, have difficulty with managing their time or are always getting late for social or work events. The doctor may ask if the symptoms began before the age of 12.
Psychologists, psychiatrists and some doctors are trained to recognize ADHD in both children and adults. They employ standardized diagnostic criteria, laid out by 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 have at least six or more symptoms within one of the categories for at least six months.
It is crucial to keep in mind that having a diagnosis for ADHD doesn't mean you are deserving of punishment. Many people suffering from ADHD have mild symptoms. They can manage their symptoms with therapies, medication, and a healthy lifestyle.
Stimulants are the most commonly used medication to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms, including tablets and liquids. A doctor can prescribe the right dosage and medication for the patient. They can also give advice on healthy lifestyle habits that will improve symptoms of ADHD such as regular exercise or a good night's 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 to an accurate diagnosis. The best way to determine if you have ADHD is to schedule a clinical evaluation. A psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist could all offer an ADHD assessment.
Before determining a diagnosis your mental health professional will review American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines for the disorder that are found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They will talk to you or your child regarding symptoms that have remained for at least six months. They will also review the medical, psychiatric and family background.
The person being evaluated may be asked for feedback from other sources, such as spouses or other family members about their symptoms. This helps the mental health professional to build a complete picture of the person's behavior as well as their experience with ADHD. The clinician will also use standard ADHD behavior scales and interview the person about their previous experiences in school, work, relationships and hobbies.
It is crucial for a mental health professional to understand that other disorders can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they should rule out other disorders that may be related to thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, before determining whether someone suffers from ADHD.
In some cases, an expert in mental health may recommend a physical exam. This is essential for adults since certain medical conditions can cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
When a mental health professional determines a diagnosis and confirms the diagnosis, they will explain that it is likely caused by neurological issues, like hypothalamus overactive or underactive. free adhd test online , poor nutrition and environmental factors, like stress, alcohol abuse, and poor diet are also common causes.
The mental health professional then will discuss the treatment options. For many people the best combination of treatments allows them to manage their ADHD symptoms and live their lives to the fullest. Others are able to find accommodations at school and at work for example, being able to take tests in a private room or having an extended break between classes, which help them live their lives more comfortably.
Treatment
Finding out the diagnosis is the first step to taking control of ADHD symptoms that could cause serious problems at school, work or home. Therapy and medication are both a part of the treatment. Therapy can help an individual develop better time management and devise strategies for improving their organization, such as daily planners or lists. Therapists can also teach social skills and emotional regulation. If a child suffers from coexisting conditions such as depression or anxiety, therapy may help with those too.
The health professional who is conducting the test may ask a series of questions and then conduct an examination for neuropsychological or psychological. These tests are used to compare a person's performance to those of normal people with similar age. These tests can reveal if a person is suffering from an intellectual disorder or other disorders that might coexist or look similar to ADHD. The specialist may give the person a questionnaire and interview other adults such as babysitters or teachers to get an accurate 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 specialist might also want to examine the school records of the past to determine whether the patient was troubled in the early years of their life. Adults can have trouble remembering their childhood issues. However, under current diagnostic guidelines the disorder is not able to be diagnosed when symptoms didn't occur frequently more than once prior to the age of 12.
Before starting any treatment, your doctor might check to see whether any medical conditions could be causing or aggravated the ADHD symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizures, which may have similar symptoms to ADHD. A medical exam could include a hearing or vision test. The specialist may also talk to the person’s parents or other relatives, and discuss their issues at school or work.
Medication
ADHD is usually treated with stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate. They boost the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain which control attention and movements. Studies have shown that stimulants can reduce the risk of drug abuse and other problems for children with ADHD in the event that they are taken as directed. However, it's important to be aware of possible side effects, such as the loss of appetite, difficulties sleeping and heart or lung problems in a few children.
Doctors can prescribe non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. They work slower than stimulants, and are less harmful for people with certain health problems or cannot take stimulants due to unpleasant side effects, such as anxiety or ringing in the ears or changes in vision or lung and heart function. They can also help treat disorders that cause tics, such as Tourette Syndrome. Certain antidepressants, including SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and bupropion, are also utilized to treat ADHD. However, these have not been specifically approved by the FDA for this purpose and could interact with stimulants.
It has been shown that other kinds of medication, including those used to treat high blood pressure, can also help improve ADHD symptoms. They haven't been studied as thoroughly as stimulants.
For adults, a combination of medication, behavior therapy and skills training is typically the most effective treatment. Many adults who receive this combination of treatments say that they feel more in control and are able to manage their symptoms.
Ask your physician or mental health professional to recommend an expert if you believe that you or someone you know is suffering from symptoms of ADHD. You can also reach out to a university hospital, medical school or graduate program for suggestions. Or you can look at the list of specialists that are covered by your insurance plan.
You can also take an assessment of your own to determine if you suffer from ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists Adult ADHD Self Report Scale is a simple checklist that can be used to determine if you have ADHD symptoms.
