ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
The first step to take if you believe that your child might be suffering from ADHD is to schedule an appointment to have a diagnostic evaluation. Only an accurate diagnosis can help you understand and treat this condition.
During the exam the doctor will ask you questions regarding the way your health has improved since your early childhood. free online adhd test may also use behavior rating scales and symptom checklists.
Symptoms
The first step to diagnose ADHD is to collect as as much information about the individual as you can. This could involve a physical examination as well as obtaining medical and school records, or talking to family members, close friends or teachers. It is also crucial to rule out other ailments which may trigger symptoms similar to ADHD such as thyroid problems, seizures and some kinds of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will want to know how the symptoms have affected the patient's daily life. You could ask whether the patient has difficulty working through tasks or is easily distracted. If they are often late for work or social occasions, they may also struggle with time management or lose things frequently. The doctor may ask if the symptoms began before the age of 12.
Psychologists and psychiatrists are trained to recognize ADHD in adults as well as children. They use standard 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 requirements for a ADHD diagnosis. The DSM-5 defines the main categories of ADHD as inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD one must have at least six or more symptoms within one of the categories for at least six months.
It is important to keep in mind that having being diagnosed with ADHD does not mean that you are condemned. Many people who suffer from ADHD have mild symptoms. They are able to manage their symptoms by using therapy, medication and a healthy lifestyle.
Stimulants are the most commonly used medication to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety forms, including chewable tablets, tablets pills and liquids. A doctor can prescribe the correct 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 like regular exercise and making sure that a person gets enough sleep. In some cases, nonstimulant medications such as antidepressants can be prescribed to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
An ADHD screening test is a first step in making an accurate diagnosis of the disorder. The best method to find out if you have ADHD is to arrange a clinical evaluation. A psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist or neurologist can all be certified to conduct 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 talk to you or your child about symptoms persisting for at least six months. They will also review your child's medical, psychiatric and family background.
You could ask your spouse or a family member to provide information about the person's symptoms. This helps the mental healthcare professional to get a full picture of the individual's behavior and ADHD experience. The clinician will also use standardized ADHD behavior scales and ask the patient about their previous experiences in work, school and relationships, as well as their hobbies.
It is important for a mental health professional to understand that other disorders may mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they must also rule out other disorders such as thyroid problems and seizures before determining whether the patient has ADHD.
In some cases, mental health professionals may recommend a physical examination. This is important for adults as certain medical conditions can produce the similar symptoms as ADHD.
Once the mental health professional has made an assessment and explained the reason, they will then explain why it could be caused by neurological issues such as hypothalamus that is overactive or underactive or genetic predisposition, as well as environmental factors such as inadequate diet, addiction to substances and stress.
The mental health professional talks about the treatment options. For a lot of people the best combination of treatments allows them to manage their ADHD symptoms and live their lives to the fullest. Some people can get accommodations at their workplaces or schools, such as the possibility of taking tests in private or have an extended break during class. This makes life easier.
Treatment
Recognizing ADHD symptoms can be the first step in controlling the symptoms. They can cause serious issues, whether at school, at work or at home. Treatment options include medication and therapy. Therapy can help a person 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. If a child has coexisting conditions such as depression or anxiety, therapy may help with those too.
The health care professional conducting the examination will ask a series questions and conduct a neuropsychological or psychological exam. These tests compare the performance of a person to those who are similar in age. They can reveal if a person has a learning disability or other conditions that look like or coexist with ADHD. The specialist could provide the person with questionnaires and talk to other adults, like teachers or babysitters, to get a full picture of the person's 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 look over the school records of a previous student to determine if the person had issues as a kid. Adults often have a hard time remembering their problems from childhood, but under current guidelines for diagnosing disorders the disorder cannot be diagnosed if symptoms did not occur frequently in more than one environment before the age of 12.
Before starting any treatment, your doctor may check to see whether any medical conditions could be causing or worsening the ADHD symptoms. Certain of these conditions can cause seizures or thyroid issues which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Full Piece of writing might also 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
Stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD. They increase the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate attention and movement. Studies have proven that stimulants lower the chance of addiction and other problems for kids with ADHD in the event that they are used as directed. However, it is important to be aware of the possible side effects, such as the loss of appetite, difficulties sleeping, and heart or lung problems in some children.
Doctors may also prescribe nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine and Guanfacine. These drugs perform slower than stimulants and are safe for patients with certain health issues or who are unable to use stimulants due to undesirable adverse effects like anxiety, ringing of the ears, or changes to vision, heart, and lung function. They may also be beneficial in treating tic disorders, like Tourette syndrome. Certain antidepressants, like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and bupropion, are also used to treat ADHD. However, these have not been specifically approved by the FDA for this purpose and may interact with stimulants.
It has been shown that other medications that are used to treat high-blood pressure, can also improve ADHD symptoms. However, they haven't been as thoroughly studied as stimulants.
Adults generally respond well to a combination of medications, behavior therapy, and techniques training. Adults who undergo this combination 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, ask your personal physician or mental health professional for a referral to a specialist. You can also contact a university-based hospital, medical or graduate school for recommendations, or consult your insurance company's list of providers by specialty.
If you are 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 a simple test that can be used to determine if you have ADHD symptoms.