ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
The first step to take if you suspect you or your child might be suffering from ADHD is to set up an appointment for a diagnostic assessment. A clear diagnosis will help you understand and treat this condition.
During the evaluation, your doctor may ask you questions about the way your health has improved from your childhood. They can also use symptom checklists and behavior rating scales.
Signs and symptoms
To determine if someone has ADHD, you need to collect as much information as possible about the person. This could include a physical examination, obtaining health and school records, or speaking with close friends, family members or teachers. It is crucial to determine if there are any other conditions that could trigger symptoms similar to ADHD including thyroid disorders, seizures and certain types of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will want to know how symptoms affected the patient's life. This could include asking questions like whether they struggle to finish tasks or are easily distracted, if they often lose things, have difficulty with managing their time or are always being late for work or social occasions. The doctor may ask if the symptoms began before the age of 12.
Psychiatrists, psychologists and some doctors are trained to diagnose ADHD in both children and adults. They use the standardized criteria as set forth by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if the symptoms are in line with the diagnostic criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. The DSM-5 defines the main categories of ADHD as inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least six signs in each category for a minimum of six month.
It is crucial to keep in mind that having a diagnosis for ADHD does not mean that you are deserving of punishment. Many people with ADHD have mild symptoms, and they can learn how to manage their symptoms with the help of therapy, medication and healthy lifestyle practices.
The most popular medication used to treat ADHD is a stimulant. It comes in a variety of different forms, including chewable tablets, tablets pills, and liquids. A doctor can recommend the appropriate dosage and medication for the patient. They will also be competent to offer suggestions on healthy lifestyles which can reduce the symptoms of ADHD such as regular exercise and ensuring that a person gets enough sleep. In some instances antidepressants and nonstimulant medications are used to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
A screening test for ADHD is the first step in obtaining an accurate diagnosis. The best way to determine whether you have ADHD is to schedule a medical evaluation with an expert in mental health. A psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist or neurologist are all qualified to provide an ADHD assessment.
Before determining a diagnosis, your mental health professional will review American Psychiatric Association 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 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.
You could ask your spouse or other family member to provide details about the person's symptoms. This helps the mental healthcare professional to gain a complete picture of the person’s behavior and ADHD experience. The doctor will also use the standard ADHD behavior rating scales and ask the patient about their past experiences in work, school and relationships, as well as their hobbies.
adhd testing adults is essential for a mental health professional to recognize that other disorders can cause ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they should rule out other disorders like thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, before determining if someone has ADHD.
In some instances, a mental health professional may suggest a physical exam. This is crucial for adults because certain medical conditions can cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
Once the mental health professional has made the diagnosis and explained the reason, they will then explain why it's most likely caused by neurological issues such as an underactive or overactive hypothalamus and genetic predisposition as well as environmental factors such as inadequate diet, addiction to substances and stress.
The mental health professional will discuss the treatment options. The right combination of treatments can help people manage their ADHD symptoms and lead an active life. Other people are able to get accommodations at work and school like being able to take tests in a private space or to take a longer break between classes, that make their lives more manageable.
Treatment
Diagnosing ADHD symptoms can be the first step in controlling the symptoms. They can cause serious issues, whether at school, at work or at home. Therapy and medication are a an integral part of treatment. Therapy can help people improve their time management skills and develop methods to improve their organization, such as daily planners or lists. A therapist can help teach social skills and emotional regulation. Counseling may also help when a child suffers from co-existing disorders like depression or anxiety.
The health professional who is conducting the evaluation might ask a series of questions and complete an examination for neuropsychological or psychological. These tests evaluate the performance of a person to those with similar ages. These tests can tell whether a person suffers from an intellectual disorder or other disorder that could be co-existent or have a similar appearance to ADHD. The doctor may offer the patient a questionnaire, and also interview other adults, such as babysitters or teachers to get a better picture of their 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 look over old school records in order to determine if the individual had problems as a child. Adults may have difficulty remembering their childhood struggles. However, according to current guidelines for diagnosing disorders, the disorder is not able to be diagnosed if symptoms did not occur frequently more than once prior to age 12.
Before beginning any treatment, a physician might check to determine whether there are any medical conditions which could be causing ADHD symptoms or making them worse. This could include thyroid issues or seizures, which can exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD. A medical exam could include a vision or hearing test. The expert may also interview the person’s parents or other relatives, and discuss the issues they face at school or at work.
Medication
Stimulants - like amphetamine or methylphenidate are among the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They boost the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain which control attention and movements. Studies have proven that stimulants lower the chance of addiction and other problems for kids with ADHD in the event that they are taken as directed. However, it is crucial to be aware of potential side effects, including the loss of appetite, difficulties sleeping and heart or lung problems in some children.
Doctors may prescribe non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. They work slower than stimulants and are more secure for those with certain health problems or cannot take stimulants because of unpleasant side effects, such as anxiety and ringing in the ear or changes in vision or lung and heart function. They may also be beneficial in treating tic disorders 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 use and could interact with stimulants.
It has been demonstrated that other types of medications such as those used to treat high-blood pressure, can also help improve ADHD symptoms. However, they have not been examined as thoroughly as stimulants.
Adults typically respond better to a combination of medications or behavior therapy, as well as skills training. Adults who receive this type of treatment report feeling more in control of their symptoms and able manage them.
If you suspect that you or someone you know has symptoms of ADHD you should ask your personal physician or mental health provider for the recommendation of an expert. You can also contact a university hospital or medical school program for recommendations. Or you can check out the list of specialists on your insurance plan.
If you're an adult, you may also try a self-assessment questionnaire 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 will help you determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD.