ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
If you think that your child or you has ADHD the first step is to make an appointment to get the diagnosis. A clear diagnosis will help you understand and treat this condition.
During love it will ask you questions regarding how your health has developed since your early childhood. They can also use the symptom checklist and behavior rating scales.
Signs and symptoms
The first step in diagnosing ADHD is to gather as as much information about the individual as you can. This could include a physical examination or obtaining health and school records, or talking to family members, close friends or teachers. It is essential to identify any other medical conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD like seizures, thyroid disorders and a variety of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will also want to know about how the symptoms have affected the person's life and relationships. This may include asking questions like whether they struggle to finish tasks or are easily distracted, if they often lose things, struggle with managing their time or are always being late for work or social events. In children, the doctor might also inquire if the symptoms started before age 12 years old.
Psychiatrists, psychologists and some doctors are trained to diagnose ADHD in both children and adults. They will use established criteria that are standardized as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if the symptoms match the diagnostic criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. The DSM-5 defines the main categories of ADHD as inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must show at least six or more symptoms within one of the categories for at least six months.
It is essential to keep in mind that a diagnosis for ADHD does not mean that you are condemned. Many people with ADHD have mild symptoms. They are able to manage their symptoms by using therapy, medication and a healthy lifestyle.
The most commonly used medication to treat ADHD is a stimulant. It comes in many different forms that include liquids and tablets. A health care provider can determine the best dosage and medication for 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 ensuring that a person gets enough sleep. In some cases antidepressants and nonstimulant medications can be employed to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
A screening test for ADHD is the first step to a correct diagnosis. However, the most effective way to determine whether you have ADHD is to schedule a consultation with an expert in mental health. A psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist can all conduct an ADHD assessment.
Before making a diagnosis, your mental health professional will review the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines for the disorder found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They will interview you or your child about symptoms that have persisted for at least six months. They will also review your or your child's family, medical and psychiatric history.
The person being assessed may be asked for feedback from independent sources such as a spouse or other family members about their symptoms. This allows the mental health professional to get a full picture of the person’s behavior and ADHD experience. The clinician will also use standard ADHD behavior scales and interview the person about their experiences in the past in work, school and relationships, as well as their hobbies.
It is crucial for the mental health professional to understand that other disorders may mimic 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 cases, a mental health professional will recommend a physical examination. This is essential for adults as certain medical conditions can cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
Once the mental health specialist has established a diagnosis and explained the reason, they will then explain why it is most likely caused by neurological issues such as an underactive or overactive hypothalamus or genetic predisposition, as well as environmental factors like poor diet, substance abuse and stress.
The mental health professional will discuss the treatment options. The best combination of treatments can help many people manage their ADHD symptoms and lead an active life. Other people are able to get accommodations at school and at work, such as being allowed to take tests in a private room or to have an extended break between classes, that makes their lives easier.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis is the first step towards taking control of ADHD symptoms that can lead to serious issues at work, school or at home. Therapy and medication are both a an integral part of treatment. Therapy can help someone improve their time management skills and devise strategies for improving their organization, like daily planners or lists. Therapists can also teach the skills of social interaction and emotional regulation. If a child suffers from co-existing disorders, such as depression or anxiety, therapy can help with these too.
The health professional who is conducting the test will ask a series of questions and will conduct a neuropsychological psychological exam. These tests evaluate the performance of a person with those of normal people with the same age. They can reveal if a person is suffering from a learning disability or any other disorder that appears similar to or coexist with ADHD. The specialist could give the person a questionnaire and interview other adults like teachers or babysitters to gain an accurate 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 examine the school records of a previous student to determine if the person had issues as a kid. Adults often have a difficult recalling their issues from childhood, but under current guidelines for diagnosing disorders, the disorder can't be identified if the symptoms didn't manifest frequently in more than one environment prior to age 12.
Before beginning any treatment, a physician might check to determine if there are any medical issues that could be causing the ADHD symptoms or causing them to worsen. Certain of these conditions can cause seizures or thyroid issues that can have symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A medical exam could include a hearing or vision 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 issues at school or at work.
Medication
Stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine - are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They increase the amount of neurotransmitters that control attention and movements. As long as stimulants are used as prescribed, studies show that they lower the risk of children with ADHD using drugs and causing other problems. It is essential to know that stimulants can cause side effects. They can cause a decrease in appetite or trouble sleeping, and breathing problems or heart disease.
Doctors can also prescribe nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. These drugs are slower to work than stimulants, and are safer for some patients with certain health issues or who are unable to take stimulants due to undesirable side effects such as anxiety, ringing in the ears, or changes to the heart, vision, and lung function. They may also be beneficial in treating tic disorders, such as Tourette syndrome. Certain antidepressants like SSRIs and bupropion are also used to treat ADHD. However, they haven't been specifically approved by the FDA for this use and can interact with stimulants.
It has been shown that other types of medications, including those used to treat high-blood pressure, may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. However, they haven't been examined as thoroughly as stimulants.
For adults, a combination of therapy, medication and training in skills is usually the most effective treatment. Many people who have this kind of treatment report that they feel more in control and are able to manage their symptoms.
If you suspect that you or someone you know has symptoms of ADHD, ask your personal physician or mental health provider for the recommendation of an expert. updated blog post can also contact an institution of higher education or medical school program for recommendations. You can also look at the list of specialists in your insurance plan.
If you're an adult, you can take a self-assessment test 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.