ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
The first step to take if believe that your child might be suffering from ADHD is to make an appointment for a diagnostic assessment. Getting an accurate diagnosis is the only way to comprehend and treat the condition.
During an exam, your doctor will ask you questions about your health and development prior to early childhood. They may also use the symptom checklist and behavior rating scales.
Symptoms
The first step in diagnosing ADHD is to gather as many details about the individual as is possible. This could involve undergoing an exam for physical examination, collecting medical and school records, or talking to family members, teachers, coworkers or other close friends. It is also essential to rule out any other conditions which may trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD like thyroid issues, seizures and some kinds of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will be interested in knowing how the symptoms have affected the patient's daily life. You could ask whether the patient has difficulty getting through work or is easily distracted. If they're frequently late to work or social occasions They may also have issues with time management or lose things frequently. For children, the doctor might also inquire about whether the symptoms began before 12.
Psychologists, psychiatrists, and a few doctors are trained to recognize ADHD in adults and children. They will use standardized criteria as set forth 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. To be diagnosed with ADHD one must show at least six or more symptoms within one of the categories for a minimum of six months.
It is important to keep in mind that having a diagnosis for ADHD does not mean that you are condemned. 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 among the most popular medication to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms such as tablets and liquids. adhd test for women can prescribe the appropriate dosage and medication for the patient. They can also be able to give advice on healthier lifestyle habits that can help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD like regular exercise and ensuring that a person gets enough sleep. In some instances, non-stimulant medications such as antidepressants can be prescribed to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
A screening test for ADHD is the first step towards making a proper diagnosis. The best way to find out if you have ADHD is to arrange an appointment for a clinical assessment. A psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist can all provide an ADHD assessment.
Before making a diagnoses, your mental health professional will review 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 review your or your child's family medical and psychiatric histories.
The person who is being evaluated could be asked for feedback from independent sources such as spouses or other family members about their symptoms. This helps the mental healthcare professional get a complete picture of the individual's behavior and ADHD experience. The doctor will also use standardized ADHD behavior rating scales as well as ask the person to talk about their past experiences in work, school, relationships and hobbies.
It is crucial that the mental health professional is aware that other disorders can resemble ADHD symptoms. They must therefore rule out other disorders like seizures and thyroid disorders, before determining if someone has ADHD.
In some instances, a mental health specialist may suggest a physical exam. This is especially crucial for adults, because some medical conditions can trigger the similar symptoms as ADHD.
When a mental health professional determines a diagnosis and confirms the diagnosis, they will explain that the condition is likely to be caused by neurological issues, for example, hypothalamus overactive or underactive. Genetic predisposition, poor diet, and environmental factors, such as stress, substance abuse and poor diet are also common causes.
The mental health professional then talks about the treatment options. The right combination of treatments can help many people manage their ADHD symptoms, and live an active and fulfilling life. Other people are able to get accommodations at work and school for example, being able to take tests in a separate room or to have an extended break between classes, that makes their lives easier.
Treatment
The process of determining a diagnosis is the first step to controlling ADHD symptoms that could cause serious issues at work, school or home. Treatment options include medication and therapy. Therapy can help someone improve their time management skills and develop strategies to improve their organization like daily planners or lists. Therapists can help teach social skills and emotional regulation. If a child suffers from co-existing issues, like depression or anxiety, therapy can help with these too.
The health care professional doing the test may ask a series of questions and take an examination for neuropsychological or psychological. These tests compare the performance of an individual with those with similar ages. They can show whether someone suffers from a learning impairment or other disorders that look like or are co-occurring with ADHD. The doctor may offer the person a questionnaire and also interview other adults such as teachers or babysitters to get more information about 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 doctor may also look over old school records in order to determine if the person was a victim of problems as a child. Adults can have trouble remembering their childhood struggles. However, according to current diagnostic guidelines the disorder cannot be diagnosed if symptoms did not occur often more than once before age 12.
Before beginning any treatment, the doctor might check to see whether any medical issues might be causing or worsening the ADHD symptoms. This could be thyroid issues or seizures, which can exhibit similar symptoms as ADHD. A medical examination 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 school or at work.
Medication
Stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are among the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD. They increase the levels of neurotransmitters which control attention and movements. When stimulants are prescribed, studies have shown that they lower the risk of children suffering from ADHD using drugs and causing other problems. However, it's important to be aware of the potential adverse effects, which could include a decreased appetite, trouble sleeping and heart or lung issues in some children.
Doctors can prescribe nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. These drugs perform slower than stimulants, and are more suitable for people with certain health conditions or who are unable to take stimulants due a negative side effects such as anxiety, ringing of the ears, or changes in the heart, vision, 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. These medications aren't FDA approved for this purpose and may interfere negatively with stimulants.
It has been proven that other types of medications that are that treat high blood pressure, can also help improve ADHD symptoms. However, they haven't been studied as extensively as stimulants.
For adults, a combination of behavior therapy, medication and skills training is often the most effective treatment. Many people who receive this kind of treatment report they feel more in control and are able to manage their symptoms.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional to refer you to an expert if you believe that you or someone you know is suffering from symptoms of ADHD. You can also call an institution of higher education like a hospital or medical or graduate school for recommendations, or check your insurance plan's list of providers by specialty.
If you are an adult, you can also try a self-assessment questionnaire to see if you might be suffering from ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists Adult ADHD Self Report Scale is an easy checklist that can be used to determine whether you suffer from ADHD symptoms.