ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
The first step to take if think your child or you may have ADHD is to make an appointment for a diagnostic assessment. Only a clear diagnosis can aid in understanding and treating this condition.
During click to read , your doctor may ask you questions regarding how your health has changed from your childhood. They might also employ symptom checklists and scales for assessing behavior.
Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD for the first time, you must gather as much information as possible about the person. This could include a physical exam as well as obtaining medical and school records, or interviewing family members, close friends or teachers. It is important to identify any other medical conditions that could trigger symptoms similar to ADHD, such as seizures, thyroid disorders, and a variety of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will be interested in knowing how the symptoms affected the patient's life. This might involve asking questions such as whether they have difficulty finishing tasks or get easily distracted, if they often lose things, have difficulty with managing their time or are always running late for social or work events. In children, the doctor may also ask about whether the symptoms began before 12 years old.
Psychiatrists and psychologists are trained to diagnose ADHD in adults and in children. 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 meet the diagnostic requirements for the diagnosis of ADHD. The DSM-5 defines the main categories of ADHD as inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. To be diagnosed with ADHD the person must show six or more symptoms in one of the categories for a minimum of six months.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the fact that you have been diagnosed with ADHD does not mean that you are deserving of punishment. Many people with ADHD experience mild symptoms. They are able to manage their symptoms by using medication, therapy and healthy lifestyle habits.
The most popular medication used to treat ADHD is stimulant. It comes in many different forms, including tablets and liquids. A doctor can prescribe the right medication and dosage for the patient. They can also give tips on healthy lifestyles that will improve symptoms of ADHD like regular exercise or a good night's sleep. In some instances, non-stimulant medication like antidepressants may be prescribed to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
An ADHD screening test is a first step to make an accurate diagnosis of the disorder. The best way to determine if you have ADHD is to arrange a clinical evaluation. A psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist can all provide an ADHD assessment.
Before making a diagnoses your mental health professional will go over 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 symptoms have been present for at least six month. They will also examine the medical, mental health and family medical history.
You can ask your spouse or another family member to provide details regarding the person's behavior. This helps the mental healthcare professional get a complete picture of the person’s behavior and ADHD experience. The psychologist will also talk to the person and use standard ADHD behavior rating scales.
It is important for a mental health professional to understand that other disorders can be similar to ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they must also exclude other conditions such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders before determining that one suffers from ADHD.
In some instances, a mental health professional will recommend a physical exam. This is especially important in adults because certain medical conditions can cause the same symptoms as ADHD.
After the mental health specialist has established an assessment they will explain the reasons why it's most likely caused by neurological disorders such as an underactive or overactive hypothalamus, genetic predisposition and environmental factors like poor diet, alcohol abuse and stress.
The mental health professional will discuss treatment options. For a lot of people the best combination of treatments lets them manage their ADHD symptoms and live their lives to the maximum. Certain people can find accommodations at their workplaces or schools, like the ability to take tests in private or take a longer break during class. This can make life much easier.
Treatment
The diagnosis of ADHD symptoms can be the first step to control these symptoms. They can create serious problems, whether at school, at work or at home. Treatment includes medication and therapy. Therapy can help a person develop better time management techniques and devise strategies to improve their organization by using daily planners or lists. A therapist can help teach social skills and emotional regulation. Counseling can also be helpful if a child is suffering from co-existing illnesses such as depression or anxiety.
The health professional who is conducting the test 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 whether a person suffers from a learning disorder or other disorders that may be co-existent or have a similar appearance to ADHD. The specialist may give the person a questionnaire and interview other adults like babysitters or teachers to get more information about 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 look over old school records in order to determine if a person had problems as a child. Adults often have a difficult remembering their difficulties from their childhood, but according to current guidelines for diagnosing disorders the disorder cannot be diagnosed if symptoms didn't occur frequently in more than one environment prior to age 12.
Before beginning any treatment, your doctor will be able to determine whether any medical conditions could be causing or worsening the ADHD symptoms. Certain of these conditions can cause thyroid issues or seizures that may have symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A medical examination may also include a vision or hearing test. The expert might also conduct a psychological or emotional history, interview the person's parents or other family members and discuss the person's concerns at school or at work.
Medication
Stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine - are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD. free online adhd test increase the levels of neurotransmitters that control attention and movements. Studies have shown that stimulants can reduce the risk of drug abuse and other issues for children with ADHD, as long as they are used as directed. It is important to be aware that stimulants can have side effects. They can cause a decrease in appetite or trouble sleeping, and heart or lung problems.
Doctors may prescribe non-stimulant drugs, such as atomoxetine and Guanfacine. These drugs are slower to work than stimulants and are more suitable for patients with certain health issues or who are unable to use stimulants due a negative side effects such as anxiety, ringing of the ears, or changes to vision, heart, or lung function. They can also help treat disorders that cause tics, such as Tourette Syndrome. Some antidepressants such as bupropion and SSRIs can also be used to treat ADHD. These medications aren't FDA approved for this purpose and may be incompatible with stimulants.
Other kinds of medications -such as those used to treat high blood pressure -also have been proven to reduce symptoms of ADHD. However, they have not been as thoroughly studied as stimulants.
Adults typically respond better to a combination of medication, behavior therapy, and techniques training. Adults who receive this combination treatment report feeling more in control of their symptoms and able manage these.
If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from symptoms of ADHD, ask your personal physician or mental health provider for the recommendation of an expert. You can also call the hospital of a university, medical or graduate school for recommendations or check your insurance plan's list of specialists according to their specialties.
You can also perform self-assessment tools to determine if you suffer from ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists' online Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale is a simple checklist that can help you determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD.