ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
If you suspect that your child has ADHD the first step is to schedule an appointment to get a diagnosis. A clear diagnosis will aid in understanding and treating this condition.
During your examination, your doctor will ask you questions about your health and growth going back to the early years of childhood. They could also use behavior rating scales as well as symptom checklists.
Symptoms
To determine if someone has ADHD it is necessary to gather as much information as possible about the person. This could involve a physical examination, obtaining health and school records, or talking to close family members, friends or teachers. It is also crucial to rule out any other conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD such as thyroid problems as well as seizures and various types of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will be interested in knowing how the symptoms affected the patient's life. You might ask whether the patient has difficulty completing tasks or gets easily distracted. If they're frequently late for work or social occasions, they may also struggle with time management or lose items frequently. The doctor may 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 standardized criteria as set forth by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if the symptoms match 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 show at least six symptoms in each category for at least six months.
It is crucial to remember that a diagnosis for ADHD doesn't mean you are deserving of punishment. Many people who suffer from ADHD have mild symptoms. They can manage their symptoms using medication, therapy and healthy lifestyle choices.
Stimulants are the most commonly used medication to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms that include liquids and tablets. A doctor will be able to prescribe the appropriate dosage and medication for the patient. They can also provide tips on healthy lifestyles that will improve symptoms of ADHD, such as regular exercise or a good night's sleep. In certain instances, non-stimulant drugs like antidepressants could be prescribed to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
A screening test for ADHD is the first step towards making a proper diagnosis. The best way to find out if you have ADHD is to schedule an evaluation with a clinician. A psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist can all provide an ADHD evaluation.
Before determining a diagnosis your mental health professional will review American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines 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 examine the medical, mental health and family history.
You could ask your spouse or a family member to share details about the person's symptoms. This can help the mental health professional create a complete picture of the person's behavior and experience with ADHD. The psychologist will also employ standard ADHD behavior rating scales as well as ask the patient about their previous experiences in work, school relationships, hobbies and other activities.
It is crucial that the mental health professional is aware that other disorders may resemble ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they should be able to rule out other conditions like thyroid disorders and seizure disorders before determining if a person has ADHD.
In some cases, mental health professionals may recommend a physical exam. This is especially important in adults as certain medical conditions can trigger the similar symptoms as ADHD.
After a mental health professional makes a diagnosis and confirms the diagnosis, they will explain that the condition is likely to be caused by neurological issues, like hypothalamus overactive or underactive. Genetic predisposition, poor diet, and environmental factors, such as stress, substance abuse and poor eating habits are common causes.
The mental health professional then will discuss treatment options. For many the best combination of treatments lets them manage their ADHD symptoms and live their lives to the maximum. Some people can find accommodations at work and school for example, being able to take tests in a private room or having an extended break between classes. These makes their lives easier.
Treatment
Recognizing ADHD symptoms is the first step towards controlling them. They can cause serious issues, whether at school, at work or at home. Treatment options include medication and therapy. Therapy can help someone develop better time management and learn methods to improve their organization, such as daily planners or lists. Therapists can help teach social skills and emotional regulation. If a child has co-existing issues, like depression or anxiety, counseling can help with these too.
The health care professional performing the examination will ask a series questions and will conduct a neuropsychological psychological examination. These tests are used to compare the performance of an individual to that of people who are typical with similar age. They can show whether someone has a learning disability or other disorders that look like or are co-occurring with ADHD. The doctor may offer the patient a questionnaire and interview other adults like babysitters or teachers to get an accurate picture of their behavior, problems 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 specialist might also want to look over old school records to find out whether the patient was troubled in the early years of their life. Adults can have trouble remembering their childhood struggles. However, under current diagnostic guidelines the disorder cannot be diagnosed in the event that symptoms did not manifest frequently more than once prior to age 12.
Before beginning any treatment, your doctor may check to see if any medical issues could be causing or worsening the ADHD symptoms. This could be thyroid issues or seizures, which may exhibit similar symptoms as ADHD. A medical examination may also include a vision or hearing test. The doctor may also conduct an emotional or psychological history, talk to the person's parents or other family members and discuss the person's issues at work or school.
Medication
Stimulants - like amphetamine or methylphenidate - are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD. They increase the levels of chemical in the brain known as neurotransmitters that regulate attention and movement. As long as stimulants are taken as prescribed, studies show that they lower the risk of kids with ADHD taking drugs and developing other issues. It is essential to be aware that stimulants can have side effects. They can cause a decrease in appetite or difficulty sleeping, as well as lung or heart problems.
Doctors can prescribe non-stimulant drugs, such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. These drugs are slower to work than stimulants, and are safer for some patients with certain health issues or who cannot take stimulants due to unpleasant side effects such as anxiety, ringing in the ears, or changes in vision, heart, or lung function. They can also be helpful in treating tic disorders, such as Tourette syndrome. Certain antidepressants, such as bupropion and SSRIs can also be 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 proven that other types of medications such as those used to treat high-blood pressure, can also improve ADHD symptoms. However, they haven't been as thoroughly studied as stimulants.
Adults usually respond best to a combination of medication or behavior therapy, as well as techniques training. Many people who receive this combination of treatments say that they feel more in control and are able to manage their symptoms.
Ask your doctor or mental health provider to recommend a specialist if you suspect that you or someone else you know suffers from symptoms of ADHD. You can also ask the hospital of a university, medical school or graduate program for recommendations. You can also take a look at the list specialists on your insurance plan.
If adhd testing free are an adult, you may take a self-assessment test to see if you might be suffering from 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.