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 set an appointment for the diagnosis. A clear diagnosis is the only way to understand and treat the condition.
During an examination the doctor will ask you questions regarding your health and development prior to the early years of childhood. They may also use symptom checklists and scales for assessing behavior.
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 involve undergoing an exam for physical examination, collecting medical and school records, or speaking with family members, teachers, coworkers or other close friends. It is also crucial to rule out any other conditions which may trigger symptoms that mimic ADHD such as thyroid problems as well as seizures and various types of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will want to know how the symptoms have affected the patient's daily life. You might ask whether the patient has difficulty getting through work or is easily distracted. If they're frequently late for work or social events, they may also struggle with time management or lose things often. The doctor may inquire if the symptoms began before the age of 12.
Psychiatrists and psychologists are trained to recognize ADHD in adults and children. They will use standardized criteria as set forth by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if the symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria needed for the diagnosis of ADHD. The DSM-5 defines the main categories of ADHD as inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must show at least six symptoms in one of the categories for a minimum of six months.
It is essential to keep in mind that having a diagnosis for ADHD does not mean that you are condemned. Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from mild symptoms and they can learn to manage their symptoms through the use of therapy, medications and healthy lifestyle choices.
Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment for ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms like chewable tablets, chewable pills, and liquids. A health care provider can prescribe the right dosage and medication for the patient. They are also competent to offer advice on healthier lifestyle habits which can reduce the symptoms of ADHD like regular exercise and making sure that a person gets enough sleep. In certain instances, non-stimulant medication like antidepressants may be used to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
An ADHD screening test is a first step towards making an accurate diagnosis of the disorder. The best method to determine whether you suffer from ADHD is by scheduling an appointment for a clinical assessment. A psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist can all provide an ADHD evaluation.
Before determining a diagnosis, your mental health professional will study the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for clinical care for the disorder found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They will ask you or your child if they have had symptoms present for at least six months. They will also look at your child's or your own family medical and psychiatric histories.
The person being assessed may be asked for feedback from outside sources like spouses or other family members on their symptoms. This will help the mental health professional build a complete picture of the person's behavior and experiences with ADHD. The psychologist will also talk to the patient and use standardized ADHD behaviour rating scales.
It is crucial that the mental health professional understands that other conditions can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they should rule out other disorders like thyroid issues and seizures before determining if one suffers from ADHD.
In some cases, a mental health professional will recommend a physical exam. This is essential for adults since certain medical conditions can cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
When a mental health specialist makes a diagnosis then they explain that the problem is likely to be caused by neurological issues, such as an overactive or underactive hypothalamus. Genetic predisposition, poor diet and environmental factors, such as substance abuse, stress and poor nutrition are common causes.
The mental health professional will then discuss 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 for example, being able to take tests in a separate room or having an extended break between classes, that help them live their lives more comfortably.
Treatment
The process of determining a diagnosis is the first step in taking control of ADHD symptoms that could cause serious issues at work, school, or at home. Medication and therapy are part of the treatment. Therapy can help people learn better time management skills and develop methods to improve their organizational skills like daily planners or lists. online adhd test uk can also teach social skills and emotional regulation. If a child is suffering from coexisting conditions such as anxiety or depression, counseling can help with these too.
The health care professional conducting the evaluation can ask a series questions and then conduct the neuropsychological or psychological exam. free adhd testing assess the performance of a person to that of people with similar ages. These tests can help determine the severity of a person's condition, whether they suffer from an intellectual disorder or other disorders that may coexist or look similar to ADHD. The specialist may give the patient a questionnaire, and also interview other adults, such as babysitters or teachers to get an accurate picture of their behavior, challenges 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 wish to review the school records of the past to determine whether the patient was troubled in the early years of their life. Adults have a difficult time remembering their problems from their childhood, but according to current guidelines for diagnosing, the disorder can't be diagnosed if symptoms didn't occur often in more than one environment before age 12.
Before starting any treatment, the doctor will be able to determine whether any medical conditions could be causing or aggravated the ADHD symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizures, which may exhibit similar symptoms as ADHD. A medical exam could include a hearing and vision test. The expert may also interview the patient's parents or other relatives, and discuss their issues at school or work.
Medication
ADHD is usually treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine. They boost levels of chemicals in the brain, known as neurotransmitters, which regulate the flow of attention and movement. Studies show that stimulants reduce the risk of drug abuse and other problems for children with ADHD, as long as they are used as directed. However, it is important to be aware of the potential adverse effects, which could include a decreased appetite, trouble sleeping and lung or heart problems in some children.
Doctors may prescribe non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. These drugs are slower to work than stimulants and are safe for people with certain health conditions or who are unable to use stimulants due a negative side effects such as anxiety, ringing in the ears, or changes to vision, heart, or lung function. They can also help treat disorders of the tic, 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.
Other types of medication -for instance, some used to treat high blood pressure -- also have been shown 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 adults who receive this kind of treatment report that they feel more in control and more able to manage their symptoms.
If you suspect that you or someone you know has symptoms of ADHD consider asking your doctor or mental health provider for an appointment with an expert. You can also contact an institution of higher education or medical school, or graduate program to get recommendations. You can also check out the list of specialists in your insurance plan.
You can also perform an assessment of your own to determine if you have ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists' online Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale is a user-friendly checklist that can help you determine whether you are suffering from ADHD.