ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
The first step to take if think your child or you might have ADHD is to make an appointment for a diagnostic evaluation. Getting an accurate diagnosis is the only way to understand and treat the condition.
During the examination the doctor will ask you questions regarding how your health has developed since your early childhood. They might also employ behavior rating scales as well as symptom checklists.
Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD it is necessary to collect as much information as possible about the person. This could involve undergoing a physical exam, gathering health and school records or speaking with family members teachers, coworkers, or other close friends. It is also important to rule out other ailments that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD like thyroid issues, seizures and some kinds of anxiety disorders.
The doctor may also want to know about how the symptoms have affected the individual's life and relationships. It is possible to inquire whether the person is having difficulty getting through work or is easily distracted. If they are often late to work or social occasions, they may also struggle with time management, or lose things frequently. In children, the doctor may also ask about whether the symptoms began before age 12 years old.
Psychologists, psychiatrists, and a few doctors are trained to recognize ADHD in adults and children. They will employ 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 the 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.
weblink is important to keep in mind that having being diagnosed with ADHD does not mean that you are a scourge. Many people with ADHD suffer from mild symptoms and they can learn how to manage their symptoms through the use of therapy, medications and healthy lifestyle practices.
The most commonly used medication to treat ADHD is stimulant. It is available in a variety forms like chewable tablets, chewable pills and liquids. A doctor will be able to prescribe the right dosage and medication for the patient. They can also offer tips on healthy lifestyles which can improve the symptoms of ADHD like regular exercise or getting enough sleep. In some cases, nonstimulant drugs like antidepressants could be prescribed to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
A screening test for ADHD is the first step towards making a proper diagnosis. However, the most effective method to determine if you suffer from ADHD is to schedule a consultation with an expert in mental health. A psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist or neurologist are all qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment.
Before determining a diagnosis, your mental health professional will review 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 talk to you or your child about the symptoms persisting for at minimum six months. They will also look at your child's or your own family medical and psychiatric history.
The person who is being evaluated could be asked for input from outside sources like spouses or other family members regarding their symptoms. This will help the mental health professional build a complete picture of the person's behavior and experience with ADHD. The doctor will also interview the person and use standard ADHD behaviour rating scales.
It is crucial that the mental health professional understands that other disorders can resemble ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they should exclude other disorders like seizures and thyroid disorders, before determining whether someone suffers from ADHD.
In some instances, a mental health professional may suggest a physical examination. This is especially crucial for adults as certain medical conditions can cause the same symptoms as ADHD.
Once the mental health specialist has established the diagnosis they will explain the reasons why it is most likely caused by neurological disorders such as hypothalamus hyperactive or inactive or genetic predisposition, as well as environmental factors like inadequate diet, addiction to substances and stress.
The mental health professional talks about treatment options. For a lot of people the best combination of treatments can help them manage their ADHD symptoms and live their lives to the fullest. Others are able to find accommodations at work and school for example, being able to take tests in a separate room or to take a longer break between classes, which makes their lives easier.
Treatment
The process of determining a diagnosis is the first step in controlling ADHD symptoms that can cause serious problems at work, school or at home. Therapy and medication are both a an integral part of treatment. Therapy can help an individual develop better time management and learn methods to improve their organization, like daily planners or lists. Therapists can also help teach the skills of social interaction and emotional regulation. Counseling may also help if a child is suffering from co-existing illnesses, such as anxiety or depression.
The health care professional doing the evaluation may ask a series of questions and take a psychological or neuropsychological exam. These tests compare the performance of a person to those with similar ages. These tests can tell if a person is suffering from a learning disorder or any other disorder that could be co-existent or have a similar appearance to ADHD. The specialist might give the person questionnaires and interview other adults, such as babysitters or teachers, in order to get a more complete picture of the person's behavior, issues 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 specialist might also want to review the school records of the past to determine if the person had trouble in the early years of their life. Adults often have a hard recalling their issues in childhood, however, according to current guidelines for diagnosing disorders the disorder isn't identified if the symptoms didn't manifest regularly in more than one setting prior to age 12.
Before starting any treatment, the doctor may check to see if any medical issues could be causing or aggravating the ADHD symptoms. test for adhd online of these conditions include seizures or thyroid problems that can have symptoms similar to ADHD. A medical examination could include a vision or hearing test. The expert may also interview the person’s parents or other relatives, and talk about the issues they face at school or at work.
Medication
ADHD is most commonly treated with stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate. They increase the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that control attention and movements. If stimulants are prescribed, research has shown that they lower the risk of kids with ADHD taking drugs and developing other problems. However, it's important to be aware of the possible side effects, such as the loss of appetite, difficulties sleeping and lung or heart problems in a few children.
Doctors may also prescribe nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. These drugs are slower to work than stimulants and are safer for some people suffering from certain health issues or who are unable to take stimulants due a negative side effects such as anxiety, ringing in the ears, or changes in the heart, vision, and lung function. They may also be beneficial in treating tic disorders such as Tourette syndrome. Certain antidepressants, including SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and bupropion, are also utilized to treat ADHD. However, they haven't been specifically approved by the FDA for this use and may interact with stimulants.
It has been shown that other kinds of medication that are that treat high blood pressure, may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. They have not been studied as extensively as stimulants.
In adults, a mix of medication, behavior therapy and training in skills is usually the most effective treatment. Many people who receive this type of treatment say that they feel more in control and are able to manage their symptoms.
Ask your physician or mental health professional to recommend a specialist if you suspect that you or someone else you know is suffering from symptoms of ADHD. You can also contact a university hospital or medical school program for suggestions. Or you can look at the list of specialists in your insurance plan.
You can also take an assessment of your own to determine whether you suffer from ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists' online Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale is a simple checklist that will help you determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD.