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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 receive an assessment. A clear diagnosis will aid in understanding and treating this condition.
During the evaluation the doctor will ask you questions regarding your health and development prior to early childhood. They may also use behavior rating scales and symptom checklists.
Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD for the first time, you must collect as much information as you can about the person. This could include an exam for physical examination, collecting health and school records or speaking with family members, teachers, coworkers or other close friends. It is essential to identify any other medical conditions that could trigger symptoms similar to ADHD including thyroid disorders, seizures and a variety of anxiety disorders.
The doctor may also want to know about how the symptoms have affected the person's life and relationships. This might involve asking questions like whether they struggle to finish tasks or get easily distracted, if they often lose things, have difficulty with time management or are constantly being late for work or social occasions. The doctor may ask if the symptoms began before the age of 12.
Psychiatrists, psychologists and some doctors are trained to diagnose ADHD in adults and children. They employ standardized diagnostic criteria, as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if symptoms meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. The DSM-5 defines the main categories of ADHD as inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. To be diagnosed with ADHD you must exhibit at least six symptoms in each category for at least six months.
It is crucial to understand that the diagnosis of ADHD is not a condemnation. Many people with ADHD experience mild symptoms. They are able to manage their symptoms by using medication, therapy and healthy lifestyle habits.
The most popular medication used to treat ADHD is a stimulant. It comes in many different forms that include liquids and tablets. A health care provider can prescribe the right dosage and medication for the patient. They can also give advice on healthy lifestyle habits that can help improve symptoms of ADHD such as regular exercise or getting enough sleep. In some instances antidepressants and nonstimulant medications can be used to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
A screening test for ADHD is the first step in obtaining making a proper diagnosis. However, the best way to determine whether you are suffering from ADHD is to schedule a medical evaluation with a mental health professional. A psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist can all provide an ADHD assessment.
Before making a diagnosis, your mental health professional will go over the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines for the disorder found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). ADHD test free will ask you or your child about the symptoms that have persisted for at minimum six months. They will also examine your child's medical, psychiatric, and family medical history.
The person being assessed may be asked to provide input from independent sources such as a spouse or other family members about their symptoms. This allows the mental health professional to get a full picture of the person’s behavior and ADHD experience. The clinician will also use the standard ADHD behavior rating scales and ask the patient about their previous experiences in work, school, relationships and hobbies.
It is essential that the mental health professional knows that other disorders can resemble ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they should exclude other disorders, such as seizures and thyroid disorders, before determining if a person has ADHD.
In some cases, mental health professionals may suggest a physical exam. This is particularly important for adults, because some medical conditions can trigger the similar symptoms as ADHD.
After the mental health specialist has established the diagnosis, they will explain how it's most likely caused by neurological issues like an underactive or overactive hypothalamus and genetic predisposition as well as environmental factors like inadequate diet, addiction to substances and stress.
The mental health professional then will discuss treatment options. The best 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 like being able to take tests in a private room or to have an extended break between classes, that makes their lives easier.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis is the first step to taking control of ADHD symptoms that could cause serious issues at work, school or at home. ADHD test online can include therapy and medication. Therapy can help a person improve their time management skills and develop methods for improving their organization, like daily planners or list. A therapist can also teach the skills of social interaction and emotional regulation. If a child suffers from co-existing disorders, such as depression or anxiety, counseling can help with these too.
The health professional who is conducting the examination can ask a series questions and take a psychological or neuropsychological exam. These tests compare the performance of an individual to that of people of a similar age. They can determine if the person suffers from a learning impairment or any other disorder that appears like or coexist with ADHD. The specialist might give the person questionnaires and talk to other adults, like teachers or babysitters, to get a full picture of the person's behavior, problems 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 look over old school records to determine whether the patient was troubled in their childhood. Adults often have a hard recalling their issues from childhood, but under current guidelines for diagnosing disorders, the disorder can't be identified if the symptoms didn't manifest regularly in more than one setting prior to age 12.
Before beginning any treatment, a doctor may check to see if there are any medical conditions that could be causing ADHD symptoms or making them worse. Certain of these conditions can cause seizures or thyroid issues that may have symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A medical exam could include a vision or hearing test. The doctor may also speak with the person's parents or other relatives, and discuss their issues at school or work.
Medication
ADHD is treated most often with stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate. They boost the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that control attention and movements. If stimulants are taken as prescribed, studies show that they lower the risk of children suffering from ADHD taking drugs and developing other problems. However, it is crucial to be aware of possible side effects, such as a decreased appetite, trouble sleeping and heart or lung problems in some children.
Doctors may prescribe non-stimulant drugs, such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. These drugs perform slower than stimulants, and are safe for patients with certain health issues or who are unable to take stimulants due to unpleasant side effects such as anxiety, ringing of the ears, or changes to vision, heart, and lung function. They also can help treat disorders that cause tics, such as Tourette Syndrome. Some antidepressants, such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and bupropion, are also utilized to treat ADHD. These medications aren't FDA approved for this purpose, and could interfere negatively with stimulants.
Other kinds of medications -such as those used to treat high blood pressure -- also have been shown to help alleviate symptoms of ADHD. They haven't been studied as thoroughly as stimulants.
Adults typically respond better to a combination of medications as well as behavior therapy and techniques training. Adults who receive this combination treatment feel more in control of their symptoms and able manage these.
If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from symptoms of ADHD consider asking your doctor or mental health provider for the recommendation of a specialist. You can also call a university-based hospital, medical or graduate school for recommendations or check your insurance plan's list of specialists by specialty.
If you are an adult, you may try a self-assessment survey 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.