ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
The first step to take if think your child or you might be suffering from ADHD is to schedule an appointment for a diagnostic assessment. Only a clear diagnosis can help you understand and treat this condition.
During the evaluation during the exam, your doctor might ask you questions regarding the way your health has improved since your early childhood. They can also use the symptom checklist and scales for assessing behavior.
Signs and symptoms
To determine the presence of ADHD it is necessary to gather as much information as possible about the person. This might include getting an exam for physical examination, collecting health and school records or speaking with family members, teachers, coworkers or other close friends. It is also important to rule out other conditions that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD like thyroid issues as well as seizures and various types of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will want to know how symptoms affected the patient's life. adhd test free uk could include asking questions like whether they have difficulty finishing tasks or are easily distracted, especially if they frequently lose things, have difficulty with time management or are always running late for work or social events. The doctor might ask if the symptoms began before the age of 12.
Psychologists, psychiatrists, and a few doctors are trained to diagnose ADHD in both children and adults. They use the established criteria that are standardized as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if the symptoms match the diagnostic criteria needed 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 exhibit at least six symptoms in each category for at least six months.
It is important to keep in mind that being diagnosed with ADHD does not mean you are a scourge. Many people suffering from ADHD have mild symptoms, and they can learn to manage their symptoms through the use of therapy, medication and healthy lifestyle practices.
The most commonly used medication to treat ADHD is a stimulant. It comes in a variety forms, including chewable tablets, tablets pills and liquids. A doctor can recommend the appropriate dosage and medication to the patient. They can also be competent to offer suggestions on healthy lifestyles that can improve the symptoms of ADHD such as regular exercise and making sure that the patient gets enough sleep. In some cases, nonstimulant drugs like antidepressants could be prescribed 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 have ADHD is to schedule a clinical evaluation with an expert in mental health. A psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist could all offer an ADHD evaluation.
Before determining 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 interview you or your child about the symptoms that have persisted for at minimum six months. They will also review the medical, psychiatric and family history.
You can ask your spouse or a family member to share details about the person's symptoms. This will help the mental health professional create a complete picture of the person's behavior and experiences with ADHD. The psychologist will also talk to the patient and use standardized ADHD behavior rating scales.
It is crucial for a mental health professional to understand that other disorders may be similar to ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they must also exclude other conditions like thyroid issues and seizures before determining whether the patient has ADHD.
In some cases, the mental health specialist may suggest a physical examination. This is essential for adults since certain medical conditions can produce the same symptoms as ADHD.
When a mental health specialist determines a diagnosis, he or she will explain that the condition is likely caused by neurological issues, like hypothalamus overactive or underactive. Genetic predisposition, poor diet, and environmental factors, such as substance abuse, stress and poor eating habits are common causes.
The mental health professional will then discuss treatment options. For many the best combination of treatments lets them manage their ADHD symptoms and live their lives to the fullest. Some people are able find accommodations at their workplaces and schools, for example, the ability to take tests in private or take a break during classes. This can make life much easier.
Treatment
The process of determining a diagnosis is the first step to controlling ADHD symptoms that can cause serious issues at work, school, or home. Treatment options include medication and therapy. Therapy can help someone learn better time management and learn methods to improve their organization, including daily planners or list. A therapist can teach social skills and emotional regulation. Counseling can also be helpful if a child is suffering from coexisting conditions like depression or anxiety.
The health care professional conducting the examination will ask a series of questions and will conduct a neuropsychological psychological test. These tests compare the performance of a person with those of typical people of similar age. They can reveal if a person is suffering from a learning disability or any other disorder that appears like or are co-occurring with ADHD. The specialist may give the person a questionnaire and also interview other adults like teachers or babysitters to gain a better picture of their behavior, challenges, 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 want to examine old school records to find out whether the patient had issues in their childhood. Adults can have trouble remembering their childhood struggles. However, according to current guidelines for diagnosing disorders, the disorder cannot be identified when symptoms didn't occur frequently more than once prior to the age of 12.
Before starting any treatment, your doctor will be able to determine if any medical issues could be causing or aggravating the ADHD symptoms. Some of these conditions include thyroid issues or seizures that can have symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A medical examination could include a hearing or vision test. The specialist may also talk to the person'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 levels of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters that control attention and movement. As long as stimulants are prescribed, research has shown that they decrease the chance of kids with ADHD taking drugs and developing other issues. However, it is important 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 are slower to work than stimulants and are more secure for people with certain health issues or are unable to take stimulants because of unpleasant side effects, like anxiety and ringing in the ear, or changes in vision or lung and heart function. They also can help treat disorders that cause tics, such as Tourette Syndrome. Certain antidepressants, including SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and bupropion, are also used to treat ADHD. These drugs are not FDA approved for this purpose, and could be incompatible with stimulants.
Other forms of medication- including some that are used to treat high blood pressure- also have been shown to improve symptoms of ADHD. They have not been studied as thoroughly as stimulants.
In adults, a mix of therapy, medication and skills training is often the most effective treatment. Adults who receive this combination treatment feel more in control of their symptoms and able manage them.
If you think you or someone you know has symptoms of ADHD, ask your physician or mental health professional for an appointment with a specialist. You can also reach out to the hospital of a university or medical school, or graduate program for recommendations. You can also look at the list of specialists in your insurance plan.
You can also use an assessment of your own to determine if you have ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists Adult ADHD Self Report Scale is a simple checklist that can be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms.