ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
The first step to take if suspect you or your child might have ADHD is to set up an appointment to have a diagnostic evaluation. Making sure you have a clear diagnosis is the only way to comprehend 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 scales for assessing behavior and symptoms as well as checklists.
Signs and symptoms
The first step in identifying ADHD is to collect as much information about the person as possible. This could involve a physical examination as well as obtaining medical and school records, or speaking with close friends, family members, or teachers. It is also crucial to rule out other conditions which may trigger symptoms similar to ADHD like thyroid problems seizures, seizures, and other types of anxiety disorders.
adhd test for adults free will also want to know about how the issues have affected the patient's life and relationships. This may include asking questions like whether they struggle to finish tasks or become easily distracted, if they regularly lose things, struggle with time management or are constantly running late for work or social occasions. The doctor might ask if the symptoms began before the age of 12.
Psychologists, psychiatrists and some doctors are trained to diagnose ADHD in adults and children. They will use standard criteria, as laid out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if the symptoms meet 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 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 that you are condemned. Many people who suffer from ADHD experience mild symptoms. They are able to manage their symptoms by using medication, therapy and a healthy lifestyle.
The most common medication used to treat ADHD is a stimulant. It comes in a variety of different forms including tablets, chewable pills, and liquids. A doctor will be able to prescribe the right dosage and medication for the patient. They will also be competent to offer suggestions on healthy lifestyles that can improve the symptoms of ADHD like regular exercise and ensuring that the patient gets enough sleep. In certain instances, non-stimulant drugs like antidepressants could be prescribed to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
An ADHD screening test is a first step towards making an accurate diagnosis of the disorder. The best way to find out whether you suffer from ADHD is to arrange an appointment for a clinical assessment. A psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist or neurologist are all qualified to perform an ADHD assessment.
Before making a diagnoses, your mental health professional will go over American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines for the disorder found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They will talk to you or your child about the symptoms persisting for at least six months. They will also look at your child's or your own family, medical and psychiatric history.
You may ask a spouse or other family member to share details regarding the person's behavior. This can help the mental health professional to build an accurate picture of the person's behavior and experiences with ADHD. The psychologist will also employ standardized ADHD behavior rating scales as well as interview the person about their previous experiences in school, work and relationships, as well as their hobbies.
It is essential for a mental health professional to be aware that other disorders may mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they need to rule out other disorders such as thyroid problems and seizures before determining if the patient has ADHD.
In some instances, an expert in mental health may recommend a physical exam. This is especially important in adults, because some medical conditions can trigger the similar symptoms as ADHD.
Once the mental health professional has determined a diagnosis and explained the reason, they will then explain why it is most likely caused by neurological disorders such as an underactive or overactive hypothalamus, genetic predisposition and environmental factors such as poor diet, substance abuse and stress.
The mental health professional will then discuss treatment options. The best combination of treatments can help many people manage their ADHD symptoms, and live an active and fulfilling life. Some people are able find accommodations at their workplaces or schools, for example, the ability to take tests in private or have an extended break during class. This makes life much easier.
Treatment
Recognizing ADHD symptoms can be the first step in controlling them. They can cause serious issues at work, school or at home. Therapy and medication are both a part of the treatment. Therapy can help an individual improve their time management skills and devise strategies for improving their organization, including daily planners or lists. A therapist can teach social skills and emotional regulation. If a child has co-existing disorders, such as depression or anxiety, counseling can help with these too.
The health professional who is conducting the evaluation might ask a series of questions and then conduct a psychological or neuropsychological exam. These tests compare the performance of an individual with those of a similar age. They can show whether the person suffers from a learning impairment or other conditions that look like or coexist with ADHD. The specialist may ask the person questions and also interview other adults, such as babysitters or teachers, to obtain a 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 doctor may also look over old school records in order to determine if the individual had issues as a kid. Adults often have a hard remembering their difficulties from childhood, but under current guidelines for diagnosing the disorder cannot be diagnosed if symptoms didn't occur regularly in more than one environment before the age of 12.
Before starting any treatment, a physician will determine whether there are any medical issues that could be causing ADHD symptoms or causing them to worsen. Some of these conditions include thyroid issues or seizures that can have symptoms similar to ADHD. A medical examination 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
Stimulants - such as methylphenidate or amphetamine - are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD. They boost the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that control attention and movements. Studies show that stimulants reduce the risk of drug abuse and other problems for children with ADHD when they are taken as directed. It is essential to be aware that stimulants may cause adverse effects. They can cause a decrease in appetite or trouble sleeping, and lung or heart problems.
Doctors also may prescribe nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. These drugs are slower to work than stimulants, and are safer for some people with certain health conditions or who cannot take stimulants due a negative adverse effects like anxiety, ringing in the ears, or changes in vision, heart, and lung function. They may also aid in treating disorders of the tic, like Tourette Syndrome. Certain antidepressants, like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and bupropion, are also used to treat ADHD. However, these have not been specifically approved by the FDA for this purpose and may interact with stimulants.
Other types of medication -such as those used to treat high blood pressure -also have been proven to improve symptoms of ADHD. They haven't been examined as thoroughly as stimulants.
Adults usually respond best to a combination of medication as well as behavior therapy and training in skills. Many people who have this kind of treatment report they feel more in control and able to manage their symptoms.
If you suspect that you or someone you know is suffering from symptoms of ADHD consider asking your physician or mental health professional for a referral to an expert. You can also reach out to the hospital of a university, medical school or graduate program for recommendations. Or you can check out the list of specialists in your insurance plan.
If you are an adult, you may also try a self-assessment questionnaire to see if you might have ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists' online Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale is a user-friendly checklist that can help determine whether you are suffering from ADHD.