ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
The first step to take if believe that your child may have ADHD is to set up an appointment to have a diagnostic evaluation. Only a clear diagnosis can aid in understanding and treating this condition.
During the evaluation, your doctor may ask you questions regarding how your health has developed from your childhood. They may also use symptoms checklists and scales for assessing behavior.
Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD for the first time, you must collect as much information as you can about the person. online test for adhd adults might include getting a physical exam, gathering health and school records or interviewing family members as well as teachers, coworkers, and other close friends. It is essential to determine if there are any other conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD like seizures, thyroid disorders, and certain types of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will also want to know how the symptoms have affected the person's life and relationships. You might ask if the person has trouble completing tasks or gets easily distracted. If they are often late for work or social events they might also have problems with time management, or lose items frequently. For children, the doctor might also inquire about whether the symptoms began before age 12.
Psychologists, psychiatrists and some physicians are trained in diagnosing ADHD in both children and adults. They will use standardized diagnostic criteria, described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if symptoms meet the criteria needed for an ADHD diagnosis. The DSM-5 defines the main categories of ADHD as inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must exhibit at least six or more symptoms within one of the categories for a minimum of six months.
It is crucial to remember that the fact that you have been diagnosed with ADHD doesn't mean you are a scourge. Many people suffering from ADHD have mild symptoms, and they can learn how to manage their symptoms with the help of therapy, medications and healthy lifestyle choices.
The most commonly used medication to treat ADHD is stimulant. It comes in many different forms such as tablets and liquids. A doctor can recommend the appropriate dosage and medication to the patient. They will also be able to give advice on healthier lifestyle habits that can improve the symptoms of ADHD like regular exercise and making sure that a person gets enough sleep. In certain instances, non-stimulant medications such as antidepressants can be prescribed to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
A screening test for ADHD is the first step in obtaining making a proper diagnosis. The best method to determine if you have ADHD is to schedule a medical evaluation with an expert in mental health. A psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist or neurologist can all be certified to provide an ADHD assessment.
Before making a diagnosis, your mental health professional will go over American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines for the disorder that are found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They will ask you or your child if symptoms have been present for at least six months. They will also review the family history of your child or you medical and psychiatric histories.
The person being assessed may be asked to provide input from other sources, such as a spouse or other family members regarding their symptoms. This helps the mental health professional create an accurate picture of the person's behavior and experiences with ADHD. The psychologist will also talk to the person and use standard ADHD behavior rating scales.
It is essential for a mental health professional to be aware that other conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they must rule out other disorders like seizures and thyroid disorders prior to determining whether someone suffers from ADHD.
In some instances, a mental health professional will suggest a physical exam. This is particularly important for adults because certain medical conditions can trigger the similar symptoms as ADHD.
When a mental health specialist makes a diagnosis, he or she will explain that the condition is likely caused by neurological issues, for example, hypothalamus that is 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 will then discuss treatment options. The best combination of treatments can help people manage their ADHD symptoms and lead a full life. Certain people can find accommodations in their workplaces and schools, for example, the ability to take tests privately or take a break during classes. This can make life much easier.
Treatment
The process of determining a diagnosis is the first step in getting control of ADHD symptoms that can lead to serious issues at school, work or home. Treatment can include therapy and medication. Therapy can help someone learn better time management and devise strategies for improving their organization, such as daily planners or lists. Therapists can also teach emotional regulation and social skills. If a child is suffering from co-existing issues, like depression or anxiety, counseling can help with these too.
The health care professional conducting the examination will ask a series of questions and conduct a neuropsychological or psychological exam. These tests evaluate the performance of a person to those who are similar in age. They can reveal if someone is suffering from a learning disability or other conditions that look like or coexist with ADHD. The specialist could give the patient a questionnaire and interview other adults such as teachers or babysitters 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 specialist might also want to review the school records of the past to find out whether the patient had issues in the early years of their life. Adults can have trouble remembering their childhood struggles. However, according to current diagnostic guidelines the disorder is not able to be diagnosed in the event that symptoms did not manifest frequently more than once prior to age 12.
Before beginning any treatment, a physician may check to see if there are any medical conditions that could be causing the ADHD symptoms or causing them to worsen. Some of these conditions include seizures or thyroid issues that can have symptoms similar to ADHD. A medical exam could include a hearing or vision test. The expert may also interview the person’s parents or other relatives, and talk about their problems at school or work.
Medication
ADHD is usually treated with stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate. They boost levels of chemicals in the brain, known as neurotransmitters, which regulate attention and movement. When stimulants are prescribed, studies show that they reduce the risk of kids with ADHD using drugs and causing other problems. However, it is important to be aware of possible side effects, such as the loss of appetite, difficulties sleeping, and heart or lung problems in some children.
Doctors may also prescribe nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and Guanfacine. These drugs perform slower than stimulants, and are safer for some people with certain health conditions or who are unable to use stimulants due to unpleasant side effects such as anxiety, ringing in the ears, or changes in the heart, vision, and lung function. They also can help treat disorders of the tic, like Tourette Syndrome. Certain antidepressants, like 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 could interact with stimulants.
It has been demonstrated that other kinds of medication, including those that treat high blood pressure, can also help improve ADHD symptoms. They have not been studied as thoroughly as stimulants.
In adults, a mix of medication, behavior therapy and skills training is typically the most effective treatment. Adults who undergo this combination treatment report feeling more at ease with their symptoms and are able to manage these.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional to recommend an expert if you suspect that you or someone else you know suffers from symptoms of ADHD. You can also reach out to the hospital of a university or medical school program for recommendations. Or you can check out the list of specialists on your insurance plan.
If you are an adult, you can take a self-assessment test to see if you might have ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists' online Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale is an easy-to-use checklist that will help you determine whether you suffer from symptoms of ADHD.