ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
If you suspect that your child or you has ADHD the first step is to make an appointment to receive an assessment. Getting an accurate diagnosis is the only way to comprehend and treat the condition.
During the exam the doctor will ask you questions regarding how your health has developed since your early childhood. They could also use behavior rating scales and symptom checklists.
Symptoms
To determine if someone has ADHD for the first time, you must collect as much information as you can about the person. This could include a physical exam, obtaining health and school records, or talking to close friends, family members or teachers. It is also essential to rule out any other conditions which may trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD like thyroid issues as well as seizures and various types of anxiety disorders.
The doctor may also want to know how the issues have affected the patient's life and relationships. It is possible to inquire whether the patient has difficulty getting through work or is easily distracted. If they are often late for work or social events, they may also struggle with time management or lose things frequently. The doctor could ask if the symptoms began before the age of 12.
Psychiatrists and psychologists are trained to recognize ADHD in adults as well as children. They will use standardized diagnostic criteria, as laid out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if symptoms satisfy the criteria 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 show at least six or more symptoms within one of the categories for a minimum of six months.
It is crucial to understand that the diagnosis of ADHD is not a reason to be scolding. Many people with ADHD suffer from mild symptoms. They are able to manage their symptoms by using therapy, medication and healthy lifestyle habits.
Stimulants are the most common medication to treat ADHD. It is available in a variety of forms, including tablets and liquids. A doctor can recommend the appropriate medication and dosage to the patient. They are also competent to offer advice on healthier lifestyle habits that can improve the symptoms of ADHD such as regular exercise and ensuring that a person gets enough sleep. In some instances antidepressants and nonstimulant medications can be used to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
A screening test for ADHD is the first step towards a correct diagnosis. The best way to find out if you have ADHD is to arrange a clinical evaluation. A psychotherapist, psychiatrist, psychologist or neurologist are all qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment.
Before making a diagnosis your mental health professional will review American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines for the disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They will ask you or your child about the symptoms that have persisted for at least six months. They will also look at your or your child's family medical and psychiatric histories.
The person being evaluated may be asked to provide input from independent sources such as a spouse or other family members about their symptoms. adhd test for adults free helps the mental health professional to build an accurate picture of the person's behavior as well as their experiences with ADHD. The psychologist will also employ the standard ADHD behavior rating scales and interview the person about their past experiences in work, school relationships, hobbies and other activities.
It is important that the mental health professional is aware that other conditions can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they need to exclude other conditions such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders before determining that someone has ADHD.
In some cases, the mental health professional might suggest a physical exam. This is especially important in adults as certain medical conditions can trigger the same symptoms as ADHD.
After the mental health specialist has established an assessment and explained the reason, they will then explain why it's most likely caused by neurological issues like hypothalamus that is overactive or underactive and genetic predisposition as well as environmental factors like poor diet, substance abuse and stress.
The mental health professional will then discuss the options for treatment. The best combination of treatments can help people manage their ADHD symptoms and lead an active and fulfilling life. Others are able to find solutions at school and work like being able to take tests in a private room or having an extended break between classes, which makes their lives easier.
Treatment
The diagnosis of ADHD symptoms can be the first step in controlling these symptoms. They can cause serious issues, whether at school, at work or at home. Treatment options include medication and therapy. Therapy can help someone improve their time management techniques and devise strategies to improve their organization by using daily planners or lists. Therapists can help teach social skills and emotional regulation. Counseling can also be helpful if a child is suffering from coexisting conditions such as anxiety or depression.
The health care professional performing the test will ask a series of questions and will conduct a neuropsychological psychological exam. These tests are used to compare the performance of a person with those of normal people who are the same age. They can show whether the person is suffering from a learning disability or other disorders that look like or coexist with ADHD. The specialist may provide the person with questionnaires and also interview other adults, such as babysitters or teachers, in order 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 the individual had issues as a kid. Adults have a difficult remembering their difficulties in childhood, however, according to current guidelines for diagnosing disorders, the disorder can't be identified if the symptoms didn't manifest frequently in more than one setting before the age of 12.
Before beginning any treatment, a physician may check to see if there are any medical conditions that could be causing the ADHD symptoms or causing them to get worse. This could include thyroid issues or seizures, which sometimes exhibit similar symptoms as ADHD. A medical exam might also 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 problems at work or school.
Medication
Stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine - are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD. They boost the amount of chemicals in the brain, known as neurotransmitters that control the flow of attention and movement. If stimulants are used as prescribed, research has shown that they decrease the chance of children with ADHD using drugs and causing other problems. However, it's important to be aware of potential side effects, including a decreased appetite, trouble sleeping, and lung or heart problems in some children.
Doctors may also prescribe nonstimulant medications, such as atomoxetine and Guanfacine. They are slower to work than stimulants, and are less harmful for those with certain health issues or are unable to use stimulants due to undesirable side effects, such as anxiety and ringing in the ear or changes in vision or lung and heart 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. However, they haven't been specifically approved by the FDA for this use and can interact with stimulants.
Other kinds of medications -- including some that are used to treat high blood pressure- also have been shown to help alleviate symptoms of ADHD. However, they haven't been studied as extensively as stimulants.
Adults typically respond better to a combination of medication, behavior therapy, and training in skills. Adults who receive this type of treatment feel more in control of their symptoms and are able to manage them.
If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers 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, medical school or graduate program for recommendations. You can also take a look at the list specialists that are covered by your insurance plan.
If you are an adult, you may also try a self-assessment questionnaire to determine if you be suffering from ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists' online Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale is an easy-to-use checklist that will help you determine whether you are suffering from ADHD.