ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
The first step to take if believe that your child may have ADHD is to schedule an appointment for a diagnostic evaluation. Only a clear diagnosis can help you understand and treat this condition.
During the examination, your doctor may ask you questions regarding how your health has developed since your early childhood. They might also employ scales for assessing behavior and symptoms as well as checklists.
Symptoms
To determine if someone has ADHD for the first time, you must gather as much information as you can about the person. This could include a physical examination as well as obtaining medical and school records, or speaking with close family members, friends or teachers. It is also crucial to rule out other conditions which may trigger symptoms that mimic ADHD like thyroid problems, seizures and some kinds of anxiety disorders.
The doctor may be interested in knowing how the symptoms have affected the person's life and relationships. You could ask if the person has trouble completing tasks or gets easily distracted. If they are often late to work or social occasions they might also have problems with time management or lose things often. In children, the doctor may also ask about whether the symptoms started before age 12 years old.
Psychiatrists and psychologists are trained to diagnose ADHD in adults and in children. They use the standard criteria, as laid out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if the symptoms match the diagnostic criteria needed for the diagnosis of ADHD. The DSM-5 defines the main categories of ADHD as inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must show six or more symptoms in one of the categories for a minimum of six months.
It is crucial to understand that the diagnosis of ADHD is not a denial. Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from mild symptoms and they can learn to manage their symptoms with the help of medications, therapy and healthy lifestyle practices.
The most commonly used medication to treat ADHD is stimulant. It comes in many different forms such as tablets and liquids. A doctor will be able to prescribe the right dosage and medication for the patient. They can also provide advice on healthy lifestyle habits that can help improve symptoms of ADHD, such as regular exercise or getting enough sleep. In certain instances, non-stimulant medications such as antidepressants can be used 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 whether you suffer from ADHD is to arrange an evaluation with a clinician. A psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist can all provide an ADHD evaluation.
Before making a diagnosis, your mental health professional will study the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for clinical care 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 they have had symptoms present for at least six month. They will also look over your child's medical, psychiatric, and family background.
You could ask your spouse or other family member to provide details about the person's symptoms. This will help the mental health professional to build a complete picture of the person's behavior as well as their experiences with ADHD. The clinician will also use the standard ADHD behavior rating scales and ask the person to talk about their previous experiences with school, work and relationships, as well as their hobbies.
It is essential for the mental health professional to be aware that other disorders may cause ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they should exclude other disorders like thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, before determining if a person has ADHD.
In some instances, an expert in mental health may suggest a physical exam. This is essential for adults as certain medical conditions can produce the similar symptoms as ADHD.
Once the mental health professional has made an assessment they will explain the reasons why it is most likely caused by neurological disorders such as hypothalamus hyperactive or inactive or genetic predisposition, as well as environmental factors like poor diet, alcohol abuse and stress.
online adhd test adults Iam Psychiatry will discuss treatment options. For many people choosing the right combination of treatments lets them manage their ADHD symptoms and live their lives to the fullest. Some people are able find accommodations at their workplaces or schools, such as the ability to take tests in private or have an extended break during classes. This makes life easier.
Treatment
Recognizing ADHD symptoms can be the first step in controlling them. They can cause serious problems at school, at work or at home. Medication and therapy are an integral part of treatment. Therapy can help someone improve their time management skills and develop strategies to improve their organization, such as daily planners or lists. A therapist can teach social skills and emotional regulation. Counseling may also help when a child suffers from co-existing illnesses, such as anxiety or depression.
The health care professional conducting the evaluation can ask a series questions and then conduct the neuropsychological or psychological exam. These tests evaluate the performance of an individual to that of typical people who are the same age. They can determine if a person suffers from a learning impairment or other disorders that look similar to or coexist with ADHD. The specialist may ask the person questions and also interview other adults, such as babysitters or teachers, to get a more complete picture of the person's 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 doctor may also want to look over old school records to determine whether the patient had issues in their childhood. Adults may have difficulty remembering their childhood struggles. However, under current diagnostic guidelines the disorder cannot be identified when symptoms didn't occur frequently more than once prior to age 12.
Before starting any treatment, the doctor will be able to determine if any medical issues could be causing or aggravating the ADHD symptoms. These might include thyroid problems or seizures, which may have similar symptoms to ADHD. A medical exam could include a vision or hearing test. The doctor may also conduct a psychological or emotional background, interview the patient's parents or other family members and discuss the person's issues at work or school.
Medication
ADHD is treated most often by using stimulants, like methylphenidate and amphetamine. They increase the levels of chemical in the brain called neurotransmitters that regulate attention and movement. As long as stimulants are prescribed, studies show that they reduce the risk of kids with ADHD taking drugs and developing other problems. However, it is crucial to be aware of potential side effects, including the loss of appetite, difficulties sleeping, and heart or lung problems in a few children.
Doctors may also prescribe nonstimulant drugs, such as atomoxetine or Guanfacine. These work more slowly than stimulants and are more secure for those with certain health issues or are unable to take stimulants because of unpleasant side effects, such as anxiety, ringing in the ears or changes in vision or the function of the heart and lungs. They can also help treat disorders of the tic, 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 purpose and may interact with stimulants.
Other types of medication -for instance, some used to treat high blood pressure -- also have been shown to improve symptoms of ADHD. However, they haven't been examined as thoroughly as stimulants.
Adults typically respond better to a combination of medications, behavior therapy, and training in skills. Adults who receive this type of treatment report feeling more in control of their symptoms and are able to manage their symptoms.
Ask your doctor or mental health provider to refer you to an expert if you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from symptoms of ADHD. You can also contact an institution of higher education or medical school, or graduate program for recommendations. You can also take a look at the list specialists that are covered by your insurance plan.
You can also use a self-assessment to determine whether you suffer from ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists Adult ADHD Self Report Scale is a simple checklist that can be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms.