ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
If you suspect that your child has ADHD the first step is to schedule an appointment to receive an assessment. Making sure you have a clear diagnosis is the only way to comprehend and treat the condition.
During the exam the doctor will ask you questions about how your health has changed from your childhood. They might also employ behavior rating scales as well as symptom checklists.
Symptoms
The first step to diagnose ADHD is to gather as as much information about the individual as you can. This could include a physical exam as well as obtaining medical and school records, or speaking with close family members, friends or teachers. It is also crucial to rule out any other conditions that may cause symptoms that resemble ADHD such as thyroid problems as well as seizures and various types of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will be interested in knowing how the symptoms have affected the patient's daily life. This may include asking questions such as whether they struggle to finish tasks or get easily distracted, especially if they frequently lose things, have difficulty with managing their time or are always getting late for work or social events. The doctor might inquire if the symptoms started before the age of 12.
Psychiatrists, psychologists and some doctors are trained to recognize ADHD in children and adults. They employ 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 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 one must exhibit at least six symptoms in one of the categories for a minimum of six months.
It is crucial to understand that a diagnosis of ADHD is not a denial. Many people suffering from ADHD experience mild symptoms. They can manage their symptoms with medication, therapy and a healthy lifestyle.
Stimulants are among the most popular medication to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety forms including tablets, chewable pills, and liquids. A health professional can prescribe the correct dosage and medication to the patient. They can also give tips on healthy lifestyles that can help improve symptoms of ADHD like regular exercise or a good night's sleep. In some cases antidepressants and nonstimulant medications are employed to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
An ADHD screening test is the first step to make an accurate diagnosis of the disorder. The best method to determine if you suffer from ADHD is to schedule a clinical evaluation with a mental health professional. A psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist or neurologist can all be certified to provide an ADHD assessment.
Before determining a diagnosis, 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). adhd test for women will talk to you or your child about symptoms that have persisted for at minimum six months. They will also examine the medical, psychiatric, and family background.
You could ask your spouse or other family member to provide details about the person's symptoms. This allows the mental health professional to get a full picture of the individual's behavior and ADHD experience. The clinician will also use standardized ADHD behavior rating scales and ask the patient about their experiences in the past in work, school, relationships and hobbies.
It is crucial for a mental health professional to understand that other conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they must also rule out other disorders such as thyroid problems and seizures before determining whether one suffers from ADHD.
In some cases, a mental health professional will recommend a physical examination. This is especially important in adults, because some medical conditions can trigger the similar symptoms as ADHD.
When a mental health specialist is able to diagnose a problem, he or she will explain that the condition is likely caused by neurological issues, like hypothalamus that is overactive or underactive. Genetic predisposition, poor diet and environmental factors, such as stress, substance abuse and poor eating habits are common causes.
The mental health professional then discusses the treatment options. The right combination of treatments can help many people manage their ADHD symptoms and lead an active life. Other people are able to get solutions at school and work like being able to take tests in a private room or to take a longer break between classes. These help them live their lives more comfortably.
Treatment
The diagnosis of ADHD symptoms is the first step to control them. They can cause serious problems at school, at work or at home. Medication and therapy are an integral part of treatment. Therapy can help an individual learn better time management and learn methods to improve their organization, such as daily planners or list. A therapist can teach the skills of social interaction and emotional regulation. If a child suffers from co-existing issues, like depression or anxiety, therapy may help with those too.
The health care professional performing the test will ask a series questions and conduct a neuropsychological or psychological exam. These tests evaluate the performance of a person to those who are similar in age. They can reveal if the person has a learning disability or other conditions that look like or are co-occurring with ADHD. The specialist might 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, problems 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 want to look over old school records to determine whether the patient was troubled in the early years of their life. Adults often have a difficult time remembering their problems in childhood, however, according to current diagnostic guidelines the disorder cannot be diagnosed if symptoms didn't occur frequently in more than one setting before the age of 12.
Before starting any treatment, your doctor will be able to determine whether any medical issues might be causing or aggravated the ADHD symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizures, which may exhibit similar symptoms as ADHD. A medical exam might also involve a hearing and vision test. The doctor may also speak with the patient's parents or other relatives, and discuss their problems at school or work.
Medication
ADHD is treated most often by using stimulants, like methylphenidate and amphetamine. They increase the levels of chemical in the brain known as neurotransmitters, which regulate attention and movement. Studies have shown that stimulants can reduce the risk of relapse to drugs and other issues for children with ADHD when they are taken as directed. It is essential to be aware that stimulants can have side effects. They can cause a decrease in appetite or difficulty sleeping, as well as lung or heart problems.
Doctors may prescribe nonstimulant medicines, such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. They are slower to work than stimulants, and are less harmful for people with certain health issues or are unable to take stimulants due to unpleasant side effects, like anxiety, ringing in the ears, or changes in vision or heart and lung function. They may also be beneficial in treating tic disorders such as Tourette syndrome. Certain antidepressants, such as bupropion and SSRIs can also be used to treat ADHD. However, they haven't been specifically approved by the FDA for this use and can interact with stimulants.
It has been demonstrated that other medications, including those used to treat high blood pressure, can also help improve ADHD symptoms. They haven't been examined as thoroughly as stimulants.
Adults generally respond well to a combination of medicines, behavior therapy, and training in skills. Many people who receive this combination of treatments say that they feel more at control and more able to manage their symptoms.
If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from symptoms of ADHD you should ask your personal physician or mental health professional for the recommendation of an expert. You can also contact a university hospital, medical school or graduate program for suggestions. You can also look at the list of specialists that are covered by your insurance plan.
If you are an adult, you may try a self-assessment survey to see if you might be suffering from 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.