ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
The first step to take if you think your child or you may have ADHD is to set up an appointment to have a diagnostic evaluation. Only a clear diagnosis can aid in understanding and treating this condition.
During the examination, your doctor may ask you questions regarding how your health has developed since your early childhood. They may also use the symptom checklist and behavior rating scales.
Symptoms
To determine if someone has ADHD, you need to gather as much information as possible about the person. This could involve undergoing an exam for physical examination, collecting medical and school records, or interviewing family members as well as teachers, coworkers, and other close friends. It is essential to rule out any other illnesses that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD, such as thyroid disorders, seizures and certain types of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will also want to know how the symptoms have affected the person's life and relationships. This might involve asking questions such as whether they struggle to finish tasks or are easily distracted, especially if they frequently lose things, struggle with time management or are always running late for work or social occasions. In children, the doctor may also ask about whether the symptoms began before age 12 years old.
Psychologists and psychiatrists are trained to diagnose ADHD in adults and in children. They use standard 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. To be diagnosed with ADHD you must show at least six symptoms in each category for at least six months.
It is important to remember that a diagnosis of ADHD is not a denial. Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from mild symptoms. They are able to manage their symptoms by using therapy, medication and a healthy lifestyle.
The most popular medication used to treat ADHD is a stimulant. It comes in many different forms, including tablets and liquids. A doctor can prescribe the correct dosage and medication to the patient. They will also be able to give suggestions on healthy lifestyles which can reduce the symptoms of ADHD such as regular exercise and ensuring that a person gets enough sleep. In some cases, nonstimulant drugs like antidepressants could be prescribed to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
An ADHD screening test is the first step towards making an accurate diagnosis of the disorder. The best method to find out whether you suffer from ADHD is by scheduling an appointment for a clinical assessment. A psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist can all provide 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 ask you or your child if symptoms have been present for at least six months. They will also examine you or your child's medical, psychiatric and family background.
You can ask your spouse or other family member to share details about the person's symptoms. This will help the mental health professional to build a complete picture of the person's behaviour and experiences with ADHD. The psychologist will also talk to the person and use standard ADHD behaviour rating scales.
It is important that the mental health professional is aware that other disorders can resemble ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they need to rule out other disorders like thyroid issues and seizures before determining if the patient has ADHD.
In certain instances, an expert in mental health may recommend a physical examination. This is crucial for adults as certain medical conditions can produce the similar symptoms as ADHD.
When a mental health professional makes a diagnosis then they explain that the condition is likely caused by neurological issues, for example, hypothalamus that is overactive or underactive. Genetic predisposition, poor diet and environmental factors like stress, substance abuse and poor nutrition are common causes.
The mental health professional will then discuss treatment options. For a lot of people, the correct combination of treatments can help them manage their ADHD symptoms and live their lives to the maximum. Others are able to find accommodations at work and school like being able to take tests in a private space or to have an extended break between classes, which help them live their lives more comfortably.
Treatment
Diagnosing ADHD symptoms is the first step in controlling them. They can cause serious problems at work, at school or at home. Treatment options include medication and therapy. Therapy can help a person learn better time management and develop methods for improving their organization, like daily planners or lists. Therapists can also help teach the skills of social interaction and emotional regulation. Counseling can also help when a child suffers from co-existing disorders like depression or anxiety.
The health professional who is conducting the evaluation will ask a series of questions and will conduct a neuropsychological psychological exam. These tests evaluate the performance of an individual to those who are similar in age. These tests can reveal the severity of a person's condition, whether they suffer from a learning disorder or other disorder that could coexist or look similar to ADHD. The specialist might provide the person with questionnaires and interview other adults, like babysitters or teachers, in order to get a more complete picture of the person's behavior, issues 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 specialist might also examine the school records of a previous student to determine if a person had problems as a child. Adults often have a difficult time remembering their problems in childhood, however, according to current guidelines for diagnosing disorders the disorder isn't diagnosed if symptoms didn't occur often in more than one setting before age 12.
Before beginning any treatment, a physician will determine if there are any medical conditions which could be causing ADHD symptoms or making them worse. This could include thyroid issues or seizures, which sometimes exhibit similar symptoms as ADHD. A medical examination may also include a vision or hearing test. The expert might also conduct an emotional or psychological background, interview the patient's parents or other family members and discuss the person's problems at school or at work.
Medication
ADHD is most commonly treated with stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine. They increase the amount of neurotransmitters that regulate attention and movement. Studies show that stimulants reduce the risk of drug abuse and other problems for kids with ADHD in the event that they are taken as directed. However, it is crucial to be aware of the possible side effects, such as a decreased appetite, trouble sleeping, and heart or lung problems in a few children.
Doctors can also prescribe non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. These work more slowly than stimulants, and are less harmful in some people who have certain health problems or cannot take stimulants due to unpleasant side effects, like anxiety or ringing in the ears, or changes in vision or lung and heart function. They can also be helpful in treating tic disorders, such as Tourette syndrome. Certain antidepressants, such as bupropion and SSRIs can also be used to treat ADHD. However, these have not been specifically approved by the FDA for this use and may interact with stimulants.
It has been proven that other medications such as those used to treat high-blood pressure, can also help improve ADHD symptoms. However, they haven't been studied as extensively as stimulants.
In adults, a mix of behavior therapy, medication and training in skills is usually the most effective treatment. Adults who undergo this combination treatment feel more at ease with their symptoms and are able to manage them.
If you suspect you or someone you know has symptoms of ADHD consider asking your personal physician or mental health professional for the recommendation of an expert. You can also contact a university-based hospital or medical or graduate school for recommendations, or consult your insurance company's list of specialists according to their specialties.
love it can also use self-assessment tools to determine if you have ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists' online Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale is a user-friendly checklist that can help you determine whether you suffer from symptoms of ADHD.