ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
If you suspect that your child or you has ADHD the first step is to schedule an appointment for a diagnosis. A clear diagnosis will aid in understanding and treating this condition.
During the exam, your doctor may ask you questions regarding how your health has changed since your early childhood. They might also employ symptom checklists and scales for assessing behavior.
Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, you need to gather as much information as you can about the person. This could involve a physical examination as well as obtaining medical and school records, or talking to close friends, family members or teachers. It is important to determine if there are any other conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD including thyroid disorders, seizures and a variety 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 have difficulty finishing tasks or are easily distracted, if they often lose things, struggle with managing their time or are always getting late for work or social occasions. The doctor might inquire if the symptoms started before the age of 12.
Psychologists and psychiatrists are trained to diagnose ADHD in adults and 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 the 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, a person must exhibit six or more symptoms in one of the categories for a minimum of six months.
It is important to remember that a diagnosis of ADHD is not a reason to be scolding. Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from mild symptoms. They can manage their symptoms with therapy, medication and healthy lifestyle habits.
The most common medication used to treat ADHD is stimulant. It is available in a variety of forms that include liquids and tablets. A doctor can prescribe the right dosage and medication to the patient. They can also be in a position to provide advice on healthier lifestyle habits that can help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD such as regular exercise and making sure that the patient gets enough sleep. In some instances, antidepressants and nonstimulant medication are used to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
An ADHD screening test is a first step to make an accurate diagnosis of the disorder. However, the most effective method to determine if you suffer from ADHD is to schedule a medical evaluation with a mental health professional. A psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist can all provide an ADHD assessment.
Before making a diagnosis, your mental health professional will study the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines for the disorder found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They will ask you or your child about symptoms that have persisted for at least six months. They will also review the medical, psychiatric, and family background.
The person who is being evaluated could be asked to provide input from other sources, such as a spouse or other family members about their symptoms. This assists the mental healthcare professional get a complete picture of the individual's behavior and ADHD experience. The doctor will also use standardized ADHD behavior scales and ask the patient about their past experiences in work, school, relationships and hobbies.
It is crucial that the mental health professional understands that other conditions can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they should rule out other disorders, such as thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, before determining if a person has ADHD.
In some cases, a mental health professional will suggest a physical exam. This is particularly important for adults, because some medical conditions can trigger the similar symptoms as ADHD.
After a mental health professional makes a diagnosis, he or she will explain that the condition is likely to be caused by neurological issues, for example, 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 will then discuss the options for treatment. The right 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, such as being allowed to take tests in a private space or to have an extended break between classes, which make their lives more manageable.
Treatment
Diagnosing ADHD symptoms is often the first step to control these symptoms. They can cause serious problems, whether at school, at work or at home. Therapy and medication are both a part of the treatment. Therapy can help a person develop better time management and learn methods to improve their organization, including daily planners or list. A therapist can also teach the skills of social interaction and emotional regulation. If a child suffers from co-existing issues, like anxiety or depression, counseling can help with these too.
The health care professional conducting the examination will ask a series questions and perform a neuropsychological or psychological exam. These tests compare the performance of a person to those who are similar in age. They can show whether a person is suffering from a learning disability or other disorders that look similar to or coexist with ADHD. The specialist might ask the person questions and interview other adults, like babysitters or teachers, in order to get a more complete picture of the person's behavior, issues 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 might also want to look over old school records to determine whether the patient had issues in their childhood. Adults may struggle to remember their childhood problems. However, according to current guidelines for diagnosing disorders, the disorder cannot be identified in the event that symptoms did not manifest frequently more than once prior to the age of 12.
Before starting any treatment, a physician might check to determine if there are any medical issues which could be causing ADHD symptoms or making them worse. These might include thyroid problems or seizures, which sometimes exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD. A medical examination could include a vision or hearing test. The doctor may also speak with the patient's parents or other relatives, and discuss the issues they face at school or at work.
Medication
ADHD is treated most often with stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine. They boost the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain which control attention and movements. Studies have proven that stimulants lower the risk of relapse to drugs and other problems for children with ADHD, as long as they are taken according to the directions. private adhd testing is important to be aware that stimulants may cause adverse effects. These include a decreased appetite or trouble sleeping, and breathing problems or heart disease.
Doctors can also prescribe nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. These work more slowly than stimulants and are more secure for those with certain health issues or are unable to use stimulants due to undesirable adverse effects, like anxiety and ringing in the ear, or changes in vision or heart and lung function. They also can help treat disorders of the tic, like Tourette Syndrome. Some antidepressants, such as 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 can interact with stimulants.
It has been demonstrated that other kinds of medication such as those used to treat high-blood pressure, can also improve ADHD symptoms. However, 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. Adults who receive this combination treatment feel more in control of their symptoms and are able to manage these.
If you think you or someone you know is suffering from symptoms of ADHD, ask your doctor or mental health professional for a referral to an expert. You can also contact an institution of higher education like a hospital, medical or graduate school to get recommendations or look on your insurance plan's list of providers by specialty.
If you're an adult, you can take a self-assessment test to see if you might have ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists Adult ADHD Self Report Scale is an easy checklist that can be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms.