ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
If you think that you or your child is suffering from ADHD the first step is to make an appointment to receive an assessment. Only an accurate diagnosis can help you understand and treat this condition.
During your exam, your doctor will ask you questions regarding your health and development prior to the early years of childhood. They might also employ symptom checklists and scales for assessing behavior.
Signs and symptoms
To determine the presence of ADHD for the first time, you must gather as much information as you can about the person. This could involve undergoing a physical exam, gathering health and school records or interviewing family members as well as teachers, coworkers, and other close friends. It is also essential to rule out any other conditions which may trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD like thyroid issues seizures, seizures, and other types of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will be interested in knowing how the symptoms affected the patient's life. This could include asking questions like whether they have trouble finishing tasks or become 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 might also inquire about whether the symptoms started before age 12 years old.
Psychologists and psychiatrists are trained to recognize ADHD in adults as well as children. They use standard diagnostic criteria, described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if symptoms satisfy the requirements for a ADHD diagnosis. The DSM-5 defines the main categories of ADHD as inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. To be diagnosed with ADHD the person must exhibit six or more symptoms in one of the categories for at least six months.
It is important to remember that the diagnosis of ADHD is not a condemnation. Many people with ADHD suffer from mild symptoms and they can learn to manage their symptoms with the help of therapy, medication and healthy lifestyle choices.
Stimulants are among the most popular treatment for ADHD. It is available in a variety of forms, including tablets and liquids. A doctor can prescribe the appropriate dosage and medication for the patient. They are also 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, non-stimulant medications such as antidepressants can be used to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
A screening test for ADHD is the first step to making a proper diagnosis. The best method to determine whether you suffer from ADHD is to schedule a clinical evaluation. A psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist can all provide an ADHD assessment.
Before making a diagnosis, your mental health professional will review the American Psychiatric Society's clinical guidelines for the disorder 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 review the family history of your child or you medical and psychiatric histories.
You can ask your spouse or other family member to share information about the person's symptoms. This will help the mental health professional create an accurate picture of the person's behaviour and experience with ADHD. The psychologist will also talk to the patient and use standardized ADHD behavior rating scales.
It is essential for a mental health professional to recognize that other conditions can be similar to ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they must also exclude other conditions like thyroid issues and seizures before determining if someone has ADHD.
In some instances, a mental health professional might suggest a physical examination. This is particularly important for adults as certain medical conditions can trigger the same symptoms as ADHD.
When a mental health specialist determines a diagnosis, he or she will explain that the condition is likely to be caused by neurological issues, for example, an overactive or underactive hypothalamus. Genetic predisposition, poor diet, and environmental factors, like stress, substance abuse and poor eating habits are common causes.
The mental health professional then talks about the treatment options. For many people the best combination of treatments lets 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 having an extended break between classes, which makes their lives easier.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis is the first step towards taking control of ADHD symptoms that can lead to serious issues at work, school, or home. Medication and therapy are essential to the treatment. Therapy can help a person learn better time management skills and also develop methods to improve their organizational skills by using daily planners or lists. A therapist can help teach the skills of social interaction and emotional regulation. Counseling can also help children suffering from co-existing illnesses, such as depression or anxiety.
The health professional who is conducting the examination may ask a series of questions and complete an examination for neuropsychological or psychological. These tests compare a person's performance to those of normal people who are the same age. ADHD test for adults can reveal if someone has a learning disability or any other disorder that appears like or coexist with ADHD. The specialist might ask the person questions and also 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 doctor may also wish to review the school records of the past to find out whether the patient was troubled in childhood. Adults often have a difficult remembering their difficulties from childhood, but under current guidelines for diagnosing disorders the disorder isn't diagnosed if symptoms didn't occur frequently in more than one environment before age 12.
Before starting any treatment, a physician may check to see whether there are any medical conditions which could be causing ADHD symptoms or causing them to get worse. Some of these conditions include seizures or thyroid problems which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. A medical exam could involve a hearing and vision test. The doctor may also conduct an emotional or psychological history, interview the person's parents or other family members and discuss the person's problems at school or at work.
Medication
Stimulants, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD. They boost levels of chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters that control attention and movement. Studies have shown that stimulants can reduce the risk of relapse to drugs and other issues for children with ADHD in the event that they are used as directed. It is important to be aware that stimulants can cause side effects. They can cause a decrease in appetite or difficulty sleeping, as well as lung or heart problems.
Doctors can also prescribe non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine and Guanfacine. These drugs are slower to work than stimulants and are safe for people suffering from certain health issues or who are unable to use stimulants due to unpleasant side effects such as anxiety, ringing in the ears, or changes to vision, heart, and lung function. They may also be beneficial in treating tic disorders, like 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 can interact with stimulants.
It has been shown that other kinds of medication that are used to treat high-blood pressure, can also improve ADHD symptoms. They haven't been studied as in depth as stimulants.
In adults, a mix of behavior therapy, medication and skills training is typically the most effective treatment. Adults who undergo this combination treatment report feeling more in control of their symptoms and are able to manage their symptoms.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional to recommend an expert if you suspect that you or someone else you know suffers from symptoms of ADHD. You can also contact a university hospital or medical school, or graduate program to get recommendations. You can also check out the list of specialists in your insurance plan.
If you are an adult, you may take a self-assessment test to see if you might be suffering from ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists Adult ADHD Self Report Scale is a simple test that can be used to determine whether you suffer from ADHD symptoms.