ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
If you suspect that your child is suffering from ADHD the first step is to make an appointment to get the diagnosis. A clear diagnosis is the only way to understand and treat the condition.
During the evaluation, your doctor may ask you questions regarding the way your health has improved from your childhood. They may also use symptoms checklists and behavior rating scales.
Symptoms
The first step to diagnose ADHD is to collect as much information about the person as you can. This might include getting an exam for physical examination, collecting medical and school records, or interviewing family members teachers, coworkers, or other close friends. It is also essential to rule out other conditions that can cause symptoms that mimic ADHD like thyroid problems, seizures and some kinds 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 difficulty finishing tasks or become easily distracted, especially if they frequently lose things, struggle with time management or are always being late for work or social events. The doctor may inquire if the symptoms began before the age of 12.
Psychologists, psychiatrists, and a few doctors are trained to diagnose ADHD in children and adults. They use the 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 match the diagnostic criteria needed 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 exhibit at least six signs in each category for at least six month.
It is essential to remember that the fact that you have been diagnosed with ADHD does not mean you are a scourge. Many people who suffer from ADHD have mild symptoms, and they can learn how to manage their symptoms through the use of therapy, medication and healthy lifestyle choices.
The most popular medication used to treat ADHD is stimulant. It comes in a variety of forms like chewable tablets, chewable pills and liquids. A health professional can prescribe the correct dosage and medication for the patient. They are also in a position to provide suggestions on healthy lifestyles that can improve the symptoms of ADHD like regular exercise and making sure that the patient gets enough sleep. In some cases, nonstimulant drugs like antidepressants could be used to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
An ADHD screening test is the first step in making an accurate diagnosis of the disorder. The best way to find out whether you suffer from ADHD is by scheduling an appointment for a clinical assessment. A psychotherapist, psychiatrist, psychologist or neurologist are all qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment.
Before determining a diagnosis, your mental health professional will go over the American Psychiatric Society's clinical guidelines 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 the symptoms persisting for at least six months. They will also look over the medical, mental health and family medical history.
The person being assessed may be asked for feedback from other sources, such as a spouse or other family members about their symptoms. This will help the mental health professional create an accurate picture of the person's behavior and experiences with ADHD. The clinician will also use standardized ADHD behavior rating scales and ask the person to talk about their experiences in the past in work, school and relationships, as well as their hobbies.
It is essential that the mental health professional is aware that other conditions can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they should exclude other conditions such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders before determining that one suffers from ADHD.
In certain instances, a mental health professional will recommend a physical exam. This is essential for adults since certain medical conditions can cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
When a mental health specialist is able to diagnose a problem and confirms the diagnosis, they will explain that the problem is likely to be caused by neurological issues, such as hypothalamus that is overactive or underactive. Genetic predisposition, poor nutrition and environmental factors, such as stress, substance abuse and poor diet are also common causes.
The mental health professional then discusses the treatment options. The right combination of treatments can help many people manage their ADHD symptoms and lead an active and fulfilling life. Some people can get accommodations at their workplaces and schools, for example, the ability to take tests in private or take a longer break during class. This makes life much easier.
Treatment
Recognizing ADHD symptoms is often the first step in controlling them. They can cause serious problems, whether at work, school or at home. Treatment can include therapy and medication. Therapy can help people improve their time management skills and also develop methods to improve their organization by using daily planners or lists. Therapists can also teach emotional regulation and social skills. Counseling can also help children suffering from co-existing illnesses, such as depression or anxiety.
The health care professional doing the test can ask a series questions and complete the neuropsychological or psychological exam. These tests evaluate the performance of an individual to that of normal people with similar age. They can determine if the person is suffering from a learning disability or other conditions that look like or are co-occurring with ADHD. The specialist may provide the person with questionnaires and interview other adults, like babysitters or teachers, to get a full 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 specialist may also review the school records of a previous student to determine if a person was a victim of problems as a child. Adults can have trouble remembering their childhood struggles. However, under current guidelines for diagnosing disorders, the disorder cannot be diagnosed when symptoms didn't occur frequently more than once prior to the age of 12.
Before starting any treatment, the doctor might check to see whether any medical conditions could be causing or aggravated the ADHD symptoms. Some of these ailments include seizures or thyroid problems that can have symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A medical examination may also include a hearing or vision test. The expert may also interview the person's parents or other relatives, and talk about their issues at school or work.
Medication
ADHD is treated most often with stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine. They boost levels of chemicals in the brain, known as neurotransmitters that control attention and movement. Studies show that stimulants reduce the chance of addiction and other issues for children with ADHD, as long as they are used as directed. However, it's important to be aware of potential adverse effects, which could include the loss of appetite, difficulties sleeping, and lung or heart problems in some children.
Doctors may also prescribe nonstimulant medications, such as atomoxetine and Guanfacine. These drugs are slower to work than stimulants and are more suitable for people with certain health conditions or who cannot take stimulants due to undesirable side effects such as anxiety, ringing of the ears, or changes in vision, heart, or lung function. They can also help treat disorders of the tic, like Tourette Syndrome. Certain antidepressants, such as SSRIs and bupropion are also used to treat ADHD. These drugs are not FDA approved for this purpose and may be incompatible with stimulants.
It has been proven that other kinds of medication such as those used to treat high-blood pressure, may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. However, they haven't been studied as extensively as stimulants.
Adults generally respond well to a combination of medication, behavior therapy, and techniques training. Many adults who receive this kind of treatment report that they feel more at control and more able to manage their symptoms.
If you think you or someone you know has symptoms of ADHD, ask your personal physician or mental health provider for a referral to a specialist. You can also call the hospital of a university or medical school for recommendations or check your insurance plan's list of providers by specialty.
If free adhd test 're an adult, you may also try a self-assessment questionnaire to determine if you have ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists' online Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale is an easy-to-use checklist that can help you determine whether you are suffering from ADHD.