ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
If you think that your child or you has ADHD the first step is to set an appointment for an assessment. A clear diagnosis is the only way to comprehend and treat the condition.
During your examination the doctor will ask you questions regarding your health and growth going back to the early years of childhood. They may also use scales for assessing behavior and symptoms as well as checklists.
Signs and symptoms
To determine if someone has ADHD, you need to collect as much information as possible about the person. This could include a physical exam as well as obtaining medical and school records, or speaking with close friends, family members or teachers. It is also essential to rule out any other conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD like thyroid issues seizures, seizures, and other types of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will also want to know how the symptoms have affected the person's life and relationships. This might involve asking questions like whether they have difficulty finishing tasks or are easily distracted, if they often lose things, have difficulty with time management or are constantly getting late for work or social occasions. The doctor may ask if the symptoms began before the age of 12.
Psychologists and psychiatrists are trained to diagnose ADHD in adults and children. They use standard diagnostic criteria, as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if symptoms meet the criteria 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 the person must show six or more symptoms in one of the categories for at least six months.
It is important to note that the diagnosis of ADHD is not a condemnation. Many people who suffer from ADHD have mild symptoms. They are able to manage their symptoms by using medication, therapy and healthy lifestyle habits.
Stimulants are the most common medication to treat ADHD. It is available in a variety of forms that include liquids and tablets. A health care provider will be able to prescribe the appropriate dosage and medication for the patient. They will also be able to give tips on healthier lifestyles that can improve the symptoms of ADHD such as regular exercise and ensuring that the patient gets enough sleep. In some cases, antidepressants and nonstimulant medication are used to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
A screening test for ADHD is the first step to an accurate diagnosis. The best way to determine if you have ADHD is to schedule a clinical evaluation. A psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist can all provide an ADHD evaluation.
Before making a diagnoses, 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 they have had symptoms present for at least six months. They will also look over the medical, mental health and family history.
The person who is being evaluated could be asked to provide input from independent sources such as spouses or other family members regarding their symptoms. This allows the mental health professional to get a full picture of the person's behavior and ADHD experience. The doctor will also use standardized ADHD behavior rating scales as well as ask the patient about their experiences in the past with school, work, relationships and hobbies.
It is crucial that the mental health professional understands that other conditions can mimic ADHD symptoms. They must therefore exclude other disorders, such as 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 essential for adults because certain medical conditions can produce the similar symptoms as ADHD.
Once the mental health professional has made the diagnosis, they will explain how it is most likely caused by neurological disorders such as hypothalamus hyperactive or inactive, genetic predisposition and environmental factors such as poor diet, substance abuse and stress.
The mental health professional will discuss the options for treatment. The best combination of treatments can help many people manage their ADHD symptoms and lead an active life. Others are able to find solutions at school and work like being able to take tests in a private space or having an extended break between classes, which makes their lives easier.
Treatment
The process of determining a diagnosis is the first step to getting control of ADHD symptoms that could cause serious issues at work, school or home. Therapy and medication are both a part of the treatment. Therapy can help someone learn better time management and devise strategies for improving their organization, like daily planners or lists. Therapists can also teach social skills and emotional regulation. Counseling may also help if a child is suffering from coexisting conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
The health professional who is conducting the test might ask a series of questions and complete an examination for neuropsychological or psychological. These tests are used to compare the performance of an individual to that of typical people who are similar age. These tests can reveal if a person is suffering from an intellectual disorder or other disorder that could be related to or resemble ADHD. The specialist could give the person questionnaires and also interview other adults, like teachers or babysitters, to get a more complete picture of the person's 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 specialist may also review old school records in order to determine if the person had problems as a child. Adults may have difficulty remembering their childhood issues. However, according to current diagnostic guidelines the disorder cannot be diagnosed if symptoms did not occur frequently more than once prior to age 12.
Before beginning any treatment, your doctor might check to see whether any medical conditions could be causing or worsening the ADHD symptoms. Certain of these conditions can cause seizures or thyroid issues which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. A medical examination could include a hearing or vision test. The expert might also conduct an emotional or psychological history, talk to the person's parents or other family members and discuss the person's issues at school or at work.
Medication
Stimulants - like amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD. They boost levels of chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters that regulate the flow of attention and movement. If stimulants are taken as prescribed, studies have shown that they lower the risk of children with ADHD using drugs and causing other problems. However, it is important to be aware of the potential adverse effects, which could include a decreased appetite, trouble sleeping, and heart or lung problems in some children.
Doctors may also prescribe non-stimulant medications, such as atomoxetine or Guanfacine. These drugs work slower than stimulants, and are safer for some patients with certain health issues or who are unable to use stimulants due a negative adverse effects like anxiety, ringing of the ears, or changes to the heart, vision, and lung function. They may also be beneficial in treating tic disorders, like 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 purpose and can interact with stimulants.
It has been shown that other types of medications that are used to treat high-blood pressure, can also improve ADHD symptoms. They have not been studied as extensively as stimulants.
Adults usually respond best to a combination of medications or behavior therapy, as well as skills training. Many people who have this kind of treatment report that they feel more at control and able to manage their symptoms.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional to refer you to a specialist if you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from symptoms of ADHD. You can also ask the hospital of a university or medical school program to get recommendations. free adhd test for adults uk can also take a look at the list specialists in your insurance plan.
If you're an adult, you may also try a self-assessment questionnaire to see if you might be suffering from ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists' online Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale is a simple checklist that can help determine whether you are suffering from ADHD.