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ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
If you suspect that you or your child is suffering from ADHD, the first step is to schedule an appointment to get a diagnosis. A clear diagnosis will help you understand and treat this condition.
During the examination the doctor will ask you questions about how your health has changed from your childhood. They might also employ symptom checklists and behavior rating scales.
Signs and 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 an exam for physical examination, collecting medical and school records, or talking to family members as well as teachers, coworkers, and other close friends. It is important to rule out any other illnesses that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD, such as seizures, thyroid disorders and a variety of anxiety disorders.
The doctor may also want to know about how the symptoms have affected the individual's life and relationships. This might involve asking questions like whether they have difficulty finishing tasks or become easily distracted, if they regularly lose things, struggle with time management or are always being late for social or work events. For children, the physician may also ask about whether the symptoms started before age 12 years old.
Psychiatrists and psychologists are trained to diagnose ADHD in adults and 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 for the diagnosis of ADHD. The DSM-5 defines the main categories of ADHD as inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. To be diagnosed with ADHD you must show at least six symptoms in each category for a minimum of six month.
It is important to note that a diagnosis of ADHD is not a denial. Many people suffering 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 treatment for ADHD. It comes in a variety forms like chewable tablets, chewable pills and liquids. A doctor can determine the best medication and dosage for the patient. They can also be in a position to provide tips on healthier lifestyles that can improve the symptoms of ADHD like regular exercise and ensuring that a person gets enough sleep. In certain instances, non-stimulant medication like antidepressants may be used to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
An ADHD screening test is the first step in making an accurate diagnosis of the disorder. The best method to determine whether you suffer from ADHD is to arrange an appointment for a clinical assessment. A psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist or neurologist are all qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment.
Before making a diagnosis, your mental health professional will review American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines 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 symptoms have been present for at least six month. They will also look at the family history of your child or you, medical and psychiatric history.
The person being evaluated may be asked for input from other sources, such as a spouse or other family members on their symptoms. This allows the mental health professional to gain a complete picture of the individual's behavior and ADHD experience. The clinician will also use standardized ADHD behavior scales and interview the person about their previous experiences in work, school relationships, hobbies and other activities.
It is essential for a mental health professional to understand that other disorders may be similar to ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they should determine if there are other conditions such as thyroid problems or seizures before determining whether someone has ADHD.
In certain instances, a mental health professional will suggest a physical exam. This is particularly important for adults, because some medical conditions can cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
When a mental health professional makes a diagnosis then they explain that it is likely caused by neurological issues, like an overactive or underactive hypothalamus. adhd test adults free , 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. For many choosing the right combination of treatments can help them manage their ADHD symptoms and live their lives to the fullest. Some people can get accommodations at their workplaces and schools, for example, the ability to take tests in private or have an extended break during class. This makes life easier.
Treatment
The process of determining a diagnosis is the first step towards controlling ADHD symptoms that can lead to serious problems at work, school or at home. Treatment can include therapy and medication. Therapy can help a person develop better time management techniques and devise strategies to improve their organization, such as daily planners or lists. A therapist can help teach social skills and emotional regulation. Counseling can also help if a child is suffering from co-existing disorders, such as anxiety or depression.
The health care professional performing the evaluation will ask a series questions and will conduct a neuropsychological psychological examination. These tests evaluate a person's performance to those of typical people with similar age. They can reveal if a person suffers from a learning impairment or other disorders that look like or coexist with ADHD. The specialist could provide the person with questionnaires and talk to other adults, such as babysitters or teachers, 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 doctor may also look over old school records in order to determine if a person had issues as a kid. Adults often have a difficult recalling their issues from childhood, but under current guidelines for diagnosing the disorder cannot be diagnosed if symptoms didn't occur regularly in more than one environment before the age of 12.
Before starting any treatment, the doctor will be able to determine whether any medical issues might be causing or worsening the ADHD symptoms. This could be thyroid issues or seizures, which may have similar symptoms to ADHD. A medical examination could include a hearing or vision test. The doctor may also speak with the patient's parents or other relatives, and discuss the issues they face at school or at work.
Medication
Stimulants like amphetamine or methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. They increase the levels of neurotransmitters that control attention and movements. If stimulants are prescribed, research has shown that they decrease the chance of children suffering from ADHD abusing drugs and having other issues. However, it is crucial to be aware of possible side effects, such as a decreased appetite, trouble sleeping, and heart or lung problems in a few children.
Doctors also may prescribe nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine and Guanfacine. These drugs are slower to work than stimulants and are safer for some patients with certain health issues or who cannot take stimulants due to undesirable side effects such as anxiety, ringing in the ears, or changes in the heart, vision, and lung function. They also can help treat disorders of the tic, like Tourette Syndrome. Some antidepressants, such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and bupropion, are also used to treat ADHD. These drugs are not FDA approved for this purpose, and could interfere negatively with stimulants.
Other kinds of medications -- including some that are used to treat high blood pressure- also have been shown to reduce symptoms of ADHD. They haven't been studied as thoroughly as stimulants.
For adults, a combination of therapy, medication and skills training is typically the most effective treatment. Many people who have this combination of treatments say that they feel more in control and 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 suffers from symptoms of ADHD. You can also contact 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.
You can also perform an assessment of your own to determine if you suffer from ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists' online Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale is a user-friendly checklist that will help you determine whether you suffer from symptoms of ADHD.