ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
If you think that your child has ADHD, the first step is to schedule an appointment to get the diagnosis. Only a clear diagnosis can aid in understanding and treating this condition.
During the exam the doctor will ask you questions regarding how your health has developed from your childhood. They may also use behavior rating scales and symptom checklists.
Signs and symptoms
The first step to diagnose ADHD is to gather as as much information about the individual as possible. This could include a physical examination as well as obtaining medical and school records, or speaking with close friends, family members or teachers. It is also crucial to rule out other conditions that can cause symptoms that mimic ADHD like thyroid problems, seizures and some kinds of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will want to know how symptoms affected the patient's life. It is possible to inquire whether the patient has difficulty getting through work or is easily distracted. If they're often late for work or social occasions they might also have problems with time management or lose items frequently. For children, the physician might also inquire about whether the symptoms started before age 12 years old.
private adhd testing and psychologists are trained to diagnose ADHD in adults as well as children. They use standard diagnostic criteria, as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to determine if symptoms satisfy 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 six or more symptoms in one of the categories for a minimum of six months.
It is essential 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 have mild symptoms, and they can learn how to manage their symptoms with the help of therapy, medication and healthy lifestyle practices.
The most commonly used medication to treat ADHD is stimulant. It is available in a variety of forms such as tablets and liquids. A doctor can recommend the appropriate dosage and medication for the patient. They are also able to give suggestions on healthy lifestyles which can reduce the symptoms of ADHD such as regular exercise and ensuring that a person gets enough sleep. In certain instances antidepressants and nonstimulant medications can be used to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
A screening test for ADHD is the first step to making a proper diagnosis. However, the most effective way to determine whether you are suffering from ADHD is to schedule a clinical evaluation with an expert in mental health. A psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist could all offer an ADHD assessment.
Before determining a diagnosis, your mental health professional will go over American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines for the disorder 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 month. They will also examine your child's medical, psychiatric, and family medical history.
The person being assessed may be asked for feedback from other sources, such as a spouse or other family members about their symptoms. This can help the mental health professional build an accurate picture of the person's behavior and experience with ADHD. The clinician will also interview the patient and use standardized ADHD behavior rating scales.
It is crucial that the mental health professional is aware that other disorders may resemble ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they must rule out other disorders, such as seizures and thyroid disorders, before determining if someone has ADHD.
In certain instances, an expert in mental health may recommend a physical examination. This is essential for adults because certain medical conditions can cause the same symptoms as ADHD.
When a mental health specialist is able to diagnose a problem then they explain that it is likely caused by neurological issues, like an overactive or underactive hypothalamus. Genetic predisposition, poor diet and environmental factors, such as stress, alcohol abuse, and poor eating habits are common causes.
The mental health professional will then discuss treatment options. For many 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 in their workplaces and schools, for example, the ability to take tests privately or take a longer break during class. This makes life much easier.
Treatment
The process of determining a diagnosis is the first step to taking control of ADHD symptoms that can lead to serious problems at work, school or home. Treatment can include therapy and medication. Therapy can help someone learn better time management skills and develop strategies to improve their organization, such as daily planners or lists. Therapists can help teach social skills and emotional regulation. If a child suffers from coexisting conditions such as depression or anxiety, therapy can help with these too.
The health care professional conducting the evaluation will ask a series questions and will conduct a neuropsychological psychological examination. These tests compare a person's performance to those of people who are typical of similar age. These tests can help determine 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 patient a questionnaire and also interview other adults such as teachers or babysitters to gain a better picture of their 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 may also review the school records of a previous student to determine if a person was a victim of problems as a child. Adults often have a hard time remembering their problems in childhood, however, according to current diagnostic guidelines the disorder isn't diagnosed if symptoms didn't occur regularly in more than one environment prior to age 12.
Before starting any treatment, a physician might check to determine if there are any medical conditions which could be causing ADHD symptoms or causing them to get worse. Some of these ailments include seizures or thyroid issues that can have symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A medical examination could include a hearing or vision test. The doctor may also conduct an emotional or psychological background, interview the patient's parents or other family members and discuss the person's concerns at work or school.
Medication
Stimulants, like amphetamine or methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. They increase the levels of neurotransmitters that regulate attention and movement. When stimulants are prescribed, studies show that they reduce the risk of children suffering from ADHD taking drugs and developing other issues. However, it's important to be aware of the potential side effects, including a decreased appetite, trouble sleeping and lung or heart problems in a few children.
Doctors can also prescribe nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or guanfacine. These drugs are slower to work than stimulants, and are more suitable for people suffering from certain health issues or who cannot take stimulants due a negative side effects such as anxiety, ringing in the ears, or changes to vision, heart, and lung function. They may also be beneficial in treating tic disorders like Tourette syndrome. Certain antidepressants, including 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 use and may interact with stimulants.
It has been proven that other types of medications that are used to treat high blood pressure, can also improve ADHD symptoms. They haven't been examined as in depth as stimulants.
Adults usually respond best to a combination of medication, behavior therapy, and training in skills. Adults who receive this type of treatment feel 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 believe that you or someone else you know suffers from symptoms of ADHD. You can also contact the hospital of a university, medical or graduate school for recommendations or check your insurance plan's list of specialists by specialty.
If you are an adult, you may also try a self-assessment questionnaire to see if you might have ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists Adult ADHD Self Report Scale is an easy checklist that can be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms.