ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
The first step to take if think your child or you may have ADHD is to set up an appointment to have a diagnostic evaluation. A clear diagnosis is the only way to fully understand and treat the condition.
During the exam, your doctor may ask you questions regarding the way your health has improved from your childhood. They might also employ behavior rating scales as well as symptom checklists.
Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD it is necessary to collect as much information as possible about the person. This could include a physical exam or obtaining health and school records, or speaking with family members, close friends or teachers. It is also important to rule out other ailments which may trigger symptoms that mimic ADHD such as thyroid problems as well as seizures and various types of anxiety disorders.
The doctor may be interested in knowing how the symptoms have affected the person's life and relationships. adhd test for adults online might involve asking questions such as whether they have trouble finishing tasks or get easily distracted, if they often lose things, have difficulty with time management or are always being late for work or social occasions. In children, the doctor may also ask about whether the symptoms began before 12.
Psychiatrists and psychologists are trained to diagnose ADHD in adults and children. They will use standardized criteria as set forth 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 signs in each category for at least six months.
It is crucial to understand that the diagnosis of ADHD is not a reason to be scolding. Many people with ADHD have mild symptoms. They are able to manage their symptoms by using therapy, medication and a healthy lifestyle.
The most common medication used to treat ADHD is a stimulant. It comes in a variety of different forms like chewable tablets, chewable pills, and liquids. A doctor can prescribe the correct dosage and medication to the patient. They can also give advice on healthy lifestyle habits that will improve symptoms of ADHD such as regular exercise and getting enough sleep. In certain instances antidepressants and nonstimulant medications are used to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
An ADHD screening test is the first step to make an accurate diagnosis of the disorder. However, the most effective way to determine whether you suffer from ADHD is to schedule a consultation with an expert in mental health. A psychotherapist, psychiatrist, psychologist or neurologist are all qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment.
Before making a diagnosis your mental health professional will review the American Psychiatric Association'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 if they have had symptoms present for at least six month. They will also look over your child's medical, psychiatric and family medical history.
You could ask your spouse or another family member to provide information about the person's symptoms. This allows the mental health professional to get a full picture of the individual's behavior and ADHD experience. The clinician will also interview the person and use standard ADHD behavior rating scales.
It is essential for the mental health professional to understand that other conditions can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they must also exclude other conditions such as thyroid problems and seizures before determining if one suffers from ADHD.
In some cases, an expert in mental health may recommend a physical exam. This is essential for adults because certain medical conditions can cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
Once the mental health professional has made the diagnosis, they will explain how it could be caused by neurological issues like hypothalamus that is overactive or underactive, genetic predisposition and environmental factors such as inadequate diet, addiction to substances and stress.
The mental health professional discusses treatment options. For a lot of people, the correct combination of treatments allows them to manage their ADHD symptoms and live their lives to the fullest. Some people can find solutions at school and work for example, being able to take tests in a separate room or to take a longer break between classes, which help them live their lives more comfortably.
Treatment
Recognizing ADHD symptoms can be the first step to control these symptoms. They can cause serious problems, whether at school, at work or at home. Medication and therapy are part of the treatment. Therapy can help someone develop better time management and develop methods for improving their organization, including daily planners or lists. Therapists can also help teach emotional regulation and social skills. If a child is suffering from co-existing disorders, such as depression or anxiety, counseling may help with those too.
The health professional who is conducting the test will ask a series questions and perform a neuropsychological or psychological examination. These tests are used to compare a person's performance to those of typical people of the same age. These tests can help determine whether a person suffers from a learning disorder or any other disorders that might be co-existent or have a similar appearance to ADHD. The specialist may give the person a questionnaire and interview other adults such as teachers or babysitters to get an accurate picture of their behavior, challenges and routines.
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 look over old school records in order to determine if the individual had issues as a kid. Adults often have a difficult remembering their difficulties from childhood, but under current guidelines for diagnosing disorders the disorder isn't diagnosed if symptoms did not occur often in more than one setting before the age of 12.
Before starting any treatment, your doctor will be able to determine whether any medical conditions could be causing or aggravated the ADHD symptoms. Some of these conditions include seizures or thyroid issues that may have symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A medical examination could include a hearing or vision test. The specialist may also talk to the patient's parents or other relatives, and discuss the issues they face at school or at work.
Medication
Stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD. They increase the amount of neurotransmitters that regulate attention and movement. Studies show that stimulants reduce the risk of drug abuse and other issues for children with ADHD in the event that they are taken according to the directions. It is crucial to be aware that stimulants can cause side effects. They can cause a decrease in appetite or trouble sleeping and heart or lung problems.
Doctors can also prescribe non-stimulant medications, such as atomoxetine or Guanfacine. These work more slowly than stimulants and are more secure for people with certain health issues or are unable to use stimulants due to undesirable adverse effects, like anxiety, ringing in the ears, or changes in vision or heart and lung function. They can also help treat tic disorders such as Tourette Syndrome. Some antidepressants, such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and bupropion, are also used to treat ADHD. These medications are not FDA approved for this purpose and may be incompatible with stimulants.
It has been shown that other medications that are used to treat high-blood pressure, may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. However, they have not been examined as thoroughly as stimulants.
Adults usually respond best to a combination of medicines as well as behavior therapy and skills training. Adults who undergo this combination treatment feel more at ease with their symptoms and able manage these.
If you suspect you or someone you know is suffering from symptoms of ADHD you should ask your physician or mental health provider for an appointment with an expert. You can also contact a university hospital or medical school, or graduate program for suggestions. Or you can check out the list of specialists in your insurance plan.
You can also take a self-assessment to determine whether you suffer from ADHD. adhd test for adults online of Psychiatrists' online Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale is an easy-to-use checklist that can help determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD.