ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
The first step to take if you believe that your child might be suffering from ADHD is to make an appointment to have a diagnostic evaluation. Only a clear diagnosis can help you understand and treat this condition.
During the evaluation during the exam, your doctor might ask you questions about the way your health has improved from your childhood. They might also employ scales for assessing behavior and symptoms as well as checklists.
Signs and symptoms
The first step to diagnose ADHD is to gather as much information about the person as is possible. This might include getting an exam for physical examination, collecting medical and school records, or speaking with family members as well as teachers, coworkers, and other close friends. It is important to identify any other medical conditions that could trigger symptoms similar to ADHD, such as seizures, thyroid disorders, and certain types of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will want to know how the symptoms affected the patient's life. You could ask whether the patient has difficulty working through tasks or is easily distracted. If they're often late for work or social occasions they might also have problems with time management or lose things often. The doctor could inquire if the symptoms started before the age of 12.
Psychologists and psychiatrists are trained to diagnose ADHD in adults as well as children. 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 match the diagnostic criteria for a 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 month.
It is crucial to keep in mind that having the fact that you have been diagnosed with ADHD doesn't mean you are a scourge. Many people with ADHD experience mild symptoms. attention deficit disorder online test can manage their symptoms using therapy, medication and healthy lifestyle habits.
The most commonly used medication to treat ADHD is stimulant. It is available in a variety forms, including chewable tablets, tablets pills, and liquids. A doctor can recommend the appropriate 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 some instances the use of antidepressants as well as nonstimulant medications can be employed to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
A screening test for ADHD is the first step in obtaining an accurate diagnosis. The best method to find out whether you suffer from ADHD is to schedule a clinical evaluation. A psychotherapist, psychiatrist, psychologist or neurologist are all able to conduct an ADHD assessment.
Before making a diagnosis your mental health professional will study the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for clinical care for the disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They will interview you or your child regarding symptoms that have remained for at minimum six months. They will also look at your child's or your own family medical and psychiatric history.
The person being evaluated may be asked for input from outside sources like a spouse or other family members on their symptoms. This can help the mental health professional create an accurate picture of the person's behavior and experiences with ADHD. The doctor will also interview the patient and use standardized ADHD behaviour rating scales.
It is important that the mental health professional knows that other disorders may resemble ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they must be able to rule out other conditions, such as seizures and thyroid disorders before determining whether someone suffers from ADHD.
In some cases, an expert in mental health may recommend a physical exam. This is important for adults since certain medical conditions can cause the same symptoms as ADHD.
After the mental health specialist has established an assessment they will explain the reasons why it could be caused by neurological issues such as hypothalamus hyperactive or inactive, genetic predisposition and environmental factors like inadequate diet, addiction to substances and stress.
The mental health professional will discuss the options for treatment. The right combination of treatments can help many people manage their ADHD symptoms, and live a full life. Some people can get accommodations at their workplaces and schools, for example, the ability to take tests privately or take a break during classes. This can make life much easier.
Treatment
Diagnosing ADHD symptoms is often the first step to control these symptoms. They can cause serious problems, whether at work, at school or at home. Therapy and medication are both a part of the treatment. Therapy can help a person learn better time management skills and also develop strategies to improve their organization like daily planners or lists. Therapists can also teach social skills and emotional regulation. If a child has co-existing disorders, such as depression or anxiety, therapy could help with those as well.
The health care professional performing the evaluation will ask a series questions and will conduct a neuropsychological psychological exam. These tests compare the performance of a person with those of people who are typical who are similar age. These tests can reveal if a person is suffering from an intellectual disorder or other disorder that could be co-existent or have a similar appearance to ADHD. The specialist could give the person questionnaires and also interview other adults, such as babysitters or teachers, in order to get a more complete picture of the person's 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 may also review old school records to determine if the person had issues as a kid. Adults have a difficult remembering their difficulties in childhood, however, 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 starting any treatment, a physician may check to see whether there are any medical conditions that could be causing ADHD symptoms or causing them to get worse. Some of these ailments include thyroid issues or seizures which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. A medical exam could include a hearing or vision test. The specialist may also conduct a psychological or emotional background, interview the patient's parents or other family members, and discuss the person's concerns at school or at work.
Medication
ADHD is most commonly treated by using stimulants, like methylphenidate and amphetamine. They boost the levels of neurotransmitters that regulate attention and movement. As long as stimulants are taken as prescribed, research has shown that they lower the risk of children with ADHD abusing drugs and having other problems. However, it is crucial to be aware of potential side effects, including an increased appetite, difficulty sleeping and lung or heart problems in some children.
Doctors may prescribe non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. They are slower to work than stimulants and are more secure for those with certain health issues or are unable to take stimulants due to unpleasant adverse 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, like Tourette syndrome. Certain antidepressants, including SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and bupropion, are also used to treat ADHD. These medications aren't FDA approved for this purpose and could interfere negatively with stimulants.
It has been proven that other types of medications that are used to treat high blood pressure, can also help improve ADHD symptoms. They haven't been examined as in depth as stimulants.
In adults, a mix of medication, behavior therapy and skills training is often the most effective treatment. Many adults who receive this type of treatment say that they feel more at control and are able to manage their symptoms.
Ask your physician or mental health professional to refer you to an expert if you suspect that you or someone else you know is suffering from symptoms of ADHD. You can also contact an institution of higher education like a hospital or medical school for recommendations, or consult your insurance company's list of specialists by specialty.
If you are an adult, you can also try a self-assessment questionnaire to see if you might have ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists Adult ADHD Self Report Scale is an easy checklist that can be used to determine if you have ADHD symptoms.