ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
If you think that your child is suffering from ADHD the first step is to schedule an appointment for a diagnosis. A clear diagnosis is the only way to fully understand and treat the condition.
During the exam during an evaluation, your doctor will ask you questions regarding your health and development going back to the early years of childhood. They might also employ symptoms checklists and scales for assessing behavior.
Signs and symptoms
The first step in identifying ADHD is to gather as much information about the person as you can. This could involve undergoing a physical exam, gathering medical and school records, or speaking with family members, teachers, coworkers or other close friends. It is also important to rule out any other conditions which may trigger symptoms that mimic ADHD like thyroid problems, seizures and some kinds 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 such as whether they have trouble finishing tasks or get easily distracted, especially if they frequently lose things, have difficulty with managing their time or are always being late for work or social events. The doctor may inquire if the symptoms started before the age of 12.
Psychiatrists and psychologists are trained to diagnose 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 meet the diagnostic criteria needed for a 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 at least six months.
It is important to keep in mind that having being diagnosed with ADHD does not mean you are a scourge. Many people suffering from ADHD experience mild symptoms. They can manage their symptoms with medication, therapy and healthy lifestyle choices.
The most commonly used medication to treat ADHD is a stimulant. It is available in a variety of different forms including tablets, chewable pills and liquids. A doctor can recommend the appropriate medication and dosage to the patient. They can also provide suggestions on healthy lifestyles that will improve symptoms of ADHD such as regular exercise or getting enough sleep. In certain instances, non-stimulant drugs like antidepressants could be prescribed to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
A screening test for ADHD is the first step to making a proper diagnosis. However, the best method to determine if you are suffering from ADHD is to schedule a clinical evaluation with an expert in mental health. A psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist can all provide an ADHD evaluation.
Before making a diagnosis your mental health professional will study 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 ask you or your child if symptoms have been present for at least six month. They will also examine your child's or your own family, medical and psychiatric history.
The person being evaluated may be asked for feedback from independent sources such as spouses or other family members on their symptoms. This allows the mental health professional get a complete picture of the person's behavior and ADHD experience. The doctor will also interview the patient and use standardized ADHD behaviour rating scales.
It is important for the mental health professional to recognize that other disorders may cause ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they should be able to rule out other conditions, such as thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, before determining if someone has ADHD.
In some instances, a mental health specialist may recommend a physical examination. This is essential for adults as certain medical conditions can cause the same symptoms as ADHD.
When a mental health professional is able to diagnose a problem then they explain that the problem is likely caused by neurological issues, for example, hypothalamus overactive or underactive. Genetic predisposition, poor diet and environmental factors, like stress, alcohol abuse, and poor nutrition are common causes.
The mental health professional will then discuss treatment options. For a lot of people, the correct combination of treatments allows them to manage their ADHD symptoms and live their lives to the fullest. Others are able to find accommodations at school and at work like being able to take tests in a private room or having an extended break between classes, which make their lives more manageable.
Treatment
The process of determining a diagnosis is the first step towards taking control of ADHD symptoms that could cause serious problems at school, work or home. Therapy and medication are a essential to the treatment. Therapy can help someone improve their time management skills and devise strategies for improving their organization, including daily planners or list. A therapist can teach the skills of social interaction and emotional regulation. adhd testing adults can also be helpful when a child suffers from co-existing disorders such as anxiety or depression.
The health care professional doing the examination might ask a series of questions and then conduct the neuropsychological or psychological exam. These tests compare the performance of an individual to that of typical people who are similar age. They can determine if a person has a learning disability or other conditions that look similar to or coexist with ADHD. The specialist could give the person questionnaires and talk to 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 wish to examine the school records of the past to determine whether the patient had issues in childhood. Adults often have a difficult time remembering their problems from childhood, but under current guidelines for diagnosing disorders the disorder isn't identified if the symptoms didn't manifest regularly in more than one setting prior to age 12.
Before starting any treatment, a doctor may check to see if there are any medical issues that could be causing ADHD symptoms or making them worse. 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 specialist may also talk to the patient's parents or other relatives, and talk about the issues they face at school or at work.
Medication
ADHD is treated most often with stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate. They boost the amount of chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters that control attention and movement. Studies have shown that stimulants can reduce the chance of addiction and other problems for children with ADHD when they are taken as directed. It is essential to know that stimulants can cause side effects. They may cause a decrease in appetite or difficulty sleeping, and breathing problems or heart disease.
Doctors can also prescribe nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine and guanfacine. These drugs perform slower than stimulants, and are safe for people with certain health conditions or who are unable to take stimulants due to unpleasant adverse effects like anxiety, ringing in the ears, or changes to vision, heart, and lung function. They can also be helpful in treating tic disorders, such as Tourette syndrome. Certain antidepressants like SSRIs and bupropion are also used to treat ADHD. However, these have not been specifically approved by the FDA for this purpose and could interact with stimulants.
Other forms of medicationsuch as those used to treat high blood pressure -- also have been shown to help alleviate symptoms of ADHD. However, they have not been studied as extensively as stimulants.
Adults generally respond well to a combination of medications, behavior therapy, and skills training. Many people who receive this kind of treatment report that they feel more in control and more able to manage their symptoms.
If you suspect you or someone you know has symptoms of ADHD consider asking your doctor or mental health professional for the recommendation of an expert. You can also contact the hospital of a university or medical school, or graduate program to get recommendations. Or you can take a look at the list specialists on your insurance plan.
You can also perform self-assessment tools to determine if 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 have ADHD symptoms.