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. Getting an accurate diagnosis is the only way to understand and treat the condition.
During your evaluation, your doctor will ask you questions about your health and growth going back to early childhood. They may also use behavior rating scales and symptom checklists.
Signs and symptoms
To determine if someone has ADHD for the first time, you must gather as much information as you can about the person. This could include an examination for physical health, obtaining medical and school records, or interviewing family members, teachers, coworkers or other close friends. It is also crucial to rule out any other conditions that may cause symptoms that mimic ADHD like thyroid issues, seizures and some kinds of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will want to know how symptoms have affected the patient's daily life. This might involve asking questions like whether they have difficulty finishing tasks or become easily distracted, if they regularly lose things, have difficulty with time management or are constantly getting late for work or social occasions. The doctor might ask if the symptoms began before the age of 12.
Psychologists, psychiatrists and some physicians are trained in diagnosing ADHD in adults and children. They will use standardized diagnostic criteria, laid out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to determine if symptoms meet the criteria needed 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 exhibit at least six symptoms in each category for at least six months.
It is crucial to remember that being diagnosed with ADHD does not mean you are deserving of punishment. Many people who suffer from ADHD have mild symptoms and they can learn to manage their symptoms with the help of therapy, medication and healthy lifestyle choices.
The most common medication used to treat ADHD is a stimulant. It comes in many different forms such as tablets and liquids. A health care provider can prescribe the appropriate medication and dosage for the patient. They can also provide tips on healthy lifestyles that can help improve symptoms of ADHD such as regular exercise or a good night's sleep. In some instances, non-stimulant medications such as antidepressants can be used to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
An ADHD screening test is the first step in making an accurate diagnosis of the disorder. The best way to determine whether you suffer from ADHD is to arrange a clinical evaluation. A psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist or neurologist are all qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment.
Before determining a diagnosis, your mental health professional will go over 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 ask you or your child about the symptoms persisting for at minimum six months. They will also examine the family history of your child or you medical and psychiatric history.
You could ask your spouse or a 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 experience with ADHD. The psychologist will also talk to the person and use standard ADHD behaviour rating scales.
It is essential for the mental health professional to be aware that other conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they should exclude other conditions like thyroid issues and seizure disorders before determining that someone has ADHD.
In some cases, mental health professionals may suggest a physical exam. This is essential for adults since certain medical conditions can cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
Once the mental health specialist has established a diagnosis they will explain the reasons why 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 then talks about treatment options. The right combination of treatments can help many people manage their ADHD symptoms and lead an active and fulfilling life. Some people can find accommodations at work and school for example, being able to take tests in a private space or to have an extended break between classes, that make their lives more manageable.
Treatment
Diagnosing ADHD symptoms is often the first step to control them. They can cause serious issues at school, at work or at home. Treatment options include medication and therapy. Therapy can help a person improve their time management skills and devise strategies for improving their organization, including daily planners or lists. Therapists can also teach emotional regulation and social skills. If a child suffers from co-existing disorders, such as depression or anxiety, counseling may help with those too.
The health professional who is conducting the examination will ask a series questions and conduct a neuropsychological or psychological exam. These tests compare the performance of a person to that of people of a similar age. These tests can reveal the severity of a person's condition, whether they suffer from a learning disorder or any other disorder that could coexist or look similar to ADHD. The specialist could give the person a questionnaire and also interview other adults like teachers or babysitters to gain more information about their behavior, problems 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 a person had issues as a kid. Adults have a difficult recalling their issues from their childhood, but according to current guidelines for diagnosing the disorder cannot be identified if the symptoms didn't manifest regularly in more than one setting prior to age 12.
Before beginning any treatment, the doctor may check to see if any medical issues could be causing or aggravating the ADHD symptoms. These might include thyroid problems or seizures, which may exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD. A medical exam could include a hearing or vision test. The expert may also interview the person’s parents or other relatives, and discuss their problems at school or work.
Medication
ADHD is most commonly treated by using stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate. They increase the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain which control attention and movements. When stimulants are taken as prescribed, studies show that they lower the risk of children with ADHD abusing drugs and having other issues. It is essential to be aware that stimulants may cause adverse effects. They may cause a decrease in appetite or trouble sleeping as well as lung or heart problems.
Doctors may prescribe non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or guanfacine. They are slower to work than stimulants, and are less harmful in some people who have certain health issues or are unable to take stimulants due to unpleasant side effects, like anxiety and ringing in the ear or changes in vision or heart and lung function. They can also help treat tic disorders such as Tourette Syndrome. Certain antidepressants, including SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and bupropion, are also used to treat ADHD. However, they haven't been specifically approved by the FDA for this purpose and may interact with stimulants.
It has been shown that other kinds of medication such as those used to treat high blood pressure, may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. However, they have not been studied as extensively as stimulants.
For adults, a combination of therapy, medication and skills training is typically the most effective treatment. Adults who receive this type of treatment report feeling more in control of their symptoms and able manage these.
If you suspect that 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 reach out to a university hospital, medical school or graduate program for recommendations. adhd test for adults free can also check out the list of specialists on your insurance plan.
You can also take an assessment of your own to determine if you have ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists Adult ADHD Self Report Scale is a simple checklist that can be used to determine whether you suffer from ADHD symptoms.