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ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
If you suspect that your child or you has ADHD the first step is to schedule an appointment for an assessment. A clear diagnosis is the only way to comprehend and treat the condition.
During the exam the doctor will ask you questions about how your health has developed since your early childhood. They could also use behavior rating scales and symptom checklists.
Symptoms
The first step in identifying ADHD is to collect as much information about the person as possible. This could include a physical examination as well as obtaining medical and school records, or talking to family members, close friends or teachers. It is also essential to rule out any other conditions that may cause symptoms that resemble ADHD like thyroid issues as well as seizures and various types of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will be interested in knowing how the symptoms affected the patient's life. You could ask if the person has trouble working through tasks or is easily distracted. If they are often late for work or social events, they may also struggle with time management, or lose things often. In children, the doctor might also inquire if the symptoms started before age 12 years old.
Psychologists, psychiatrists and some doctors are trained to diagnose ADHD in both children and adults. 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 meet the diagnostic requirements for a diagnosis of ADHD. The DSM-5 defines the main categories of ADHD as inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. To be diagnosed with ADHD the person must have at least six symptoms in one of the categories for at least six months.
It is important to note that the diagnosis of ADHD is not a condemnation. Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from mild symptoms and they can learn to manage their symptoms with the help of therapy, medications and healthy lifestyle choices.
Stimulants are among the most popular medication to treat ADHD. It comes in many different forms such as tablets and liquids. A health care provider can prescribe the correct dosage and medication for the patient. They can also provide tips on healthy lifestyles which can improve the symptoms of ADHD such as regular exercise or getting 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 to an accurate diagnosis. The best method to determine whether you suffer from ADHD is by scheduling an evaluation with a clinician. A psychotherapist, psychiatrist, psychologist or neurologist are all qualified to perform an ADHD assessment.
Before making a diagnosis your mental health professional will go over 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 months. They will also examine the medical, psychiatric and family background.
do i have adhd test free may ask a spouse or another family member to provide details about the person's symptoms. This will help the mental health professional build a complete picture of the person's behavior as well as their experience with ADHD. The psychologist will also talk to the patient and use standardized ADHD behavior rating scales.
It is important that the mental health professional understands that other disorders may resemble ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they should rule out other disorders such as thyroid problems or seizures before determining whether the patient has ADHD.
In some cases, an expert in mental health may recommend a physical examination. This is crucial for adults because certain medical conditions can produce the similar symptoms as ADHD.
Once the mental health specialist has established an assessment, they will explain how it is most likely caused by neurological disorders such as hypothalamus hyperactive or inactive or genetic predisposition, as well as environmental factors such as poor diet, substance abuse and stress.
The mental health professional will discuss treatment options. The right combination of treatments can help people manage their ADHD symptoms, and live an active life. Others are able to find accommodations at school and at work, such as being allowed to take tests in a private space or to have an extended break between classes, that make their lives more manageable.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis is the first step in getting control of ADHD symptoms that can cause serious problems at work, school or at home. Therapy and medication are a essential to the treatment. Therapy can help a person develop better time management skills and also develop methods to improve their organizational skills by using daily planners or lists. Therapists can also teach social skills and emotional regulation. Counseling can also be helpful if a child is suffering from co-existing illnesses, such as depression or anxiety.
The health care professional conducting the examination may ask a series of questions and take an examination for neuropsychological or psychological. These tests are used to compare the performance of an individual to that of people who are typical with the same age. These tests can reveal whether a person suffers from a learning disorder or other disorders that might be co-existent or have a similar appearance to ADHD. The specialist could give the person questionnaires and interview other adults, such as babysitters or teachers, to obtain a complete picture of the person's 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 old school records in order to determine if a person had issues as a kid. Adults can have trouble remembering their childhood struggles. However, under current diagnostic guidelines the disorder cannot be diagnosed if symptoms did not occur often more than once before the age of 12.
Before starting any treatment, your doctor may check to see whether any medical conditions could be causing or worsening the ADHD symptoms. Certain of these conditions can cause seizures or thyroid problems that can have symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A medical exam could include a hearing and vision test. The expert may also interview the person's parents or other relatives, and talk about their issues at school or work.
Medication
ADHD is treated most often with stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine. They increase the levels of chemical in the brain known as neurotransmitters, which regulate attention and movement. Studies have proven that stimulants lower the risk of drug abuse and other issues for children with ADHD in the event that they are taken as directed. However, it's important to be aware of potential adverse effects, which could include the loss of appetite, difficulties sleeping, and lung or heart problems in some children.
Doctors can also prescribe nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or guanfacine. These drugs perform slower than stimulants and are safe for people suffering from certain health issues or who are unable to use stimulants due a negative adverse effects like anxiety, ringing in the ears, or changes to the heart, vision, and lung function. They may also aid in treating tic disorders such as Tourette Syndrome. Certain antidepressants, like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and bupropion, are also used to treat ADHD. These medications aren't FDA approved for this purpose and could interfere negatively with stimulants.
It has been proven that other medications that are used to treat high-blood pressure, can also help improve ADHD symptoms. They haven't been studied as in depth as stimulants.
Adults generally respond well to a combination of medication, behavior therapy, and techniques training. Adults who undergo this combination treatment report feeling more in control of their symptoms and are able to manage these.
If you suspect that you or someone you know is suffering from symptoms of ADHD you should ask your doctor or mental health professional for the recommendation of a specialist. You can also call the hospital of a university or medical school for recommendations or look on your insurance plan's list of specialists by specialty.
You can also take a self-assessment to determine if you suffer from ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists' online Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale is a simple checklist that will help you determine whether you suffer from symptoms of ADHD.