ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
The first step to take if you suspect you or your child might be suffering from ADHD is to set up an appointment to have a diagnostic evaluation. A clear diagnosis will aid in understanding and treating this condition.
During the evaluation the doctor will ask you questions regarding how your health has developed from your childhood. They may also use scales for assessing behavior and symptoms as well as checklists.
Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD for the first time, you must gather as much information as you can about the person. This could include a physical examination, obtaining health and school records, or talking to close friends, family members or teachers. It is crucial to rule out any other illnesses that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD like thyroid disorders, seizures and certain types of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will want to know how symptoms affected the patient's life. This could include asking questions such as whether they have trouble finishing tasks or are easily distracted, if they often lose things, struggle with time management or are constantly running late for work or social events. For children, the doctor might also inquire about whether the symptoms began before age 12 years old.
Psychiatrists and psychologists are trained to diagnose ADHD in adults and in 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 needed for an ADHD diagnosis. The DSM-5 defines the main categories of ADHD as inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD one must show 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 denial. Many people suffering from ADHD experience mild symptoms. They are able to manage their symptoms by using therapies, medication, and healthy lifestyle choices.
The most common medication used to treat ADHD is stimulant. It comes in many different forms, including tablets and liquids. A health professional can prescribe the correct dosage and medication for the patient. They are also in a position to provide suggestions on healthy lifestyles which can reduce the symptoms of ADHD like regular exercise and ensuring that a person gets enough sleep. In some instances, non-stimulant drugs like antidepressants could be prescribed to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
An ADHD screening test is the first step towards making an accurate diagnosis of the disorder. However, the best method to determine if you have ADHD is to schedule a medical evaluation with an expert in mental health. 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). They will interview you or your child regarding symptoms that have remained for at least six months. They will also look at your child's or your own family medical and psychiatric histories.
The person who is being evaluated could be asked to provide input from outside sources like a spouse or other family members on their symptoms. This allows the mental health professional get a complete picture of the individual's behavior and ADHD experience. The psychologist will also talk to the person and use standard ADHD behaviour rating scales.
It is crucial for the mental health professional to be aware that other disorders can be similar to ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they should be able to rule out other conditions, such as seizures and thyroid disorders, before determining if someone has ADHD.
In certain instances, mental health professionals may recommend a physical examination. This is important for adults as certain medical conditions can cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
After a mental health professional determines a diagnosis then they explain that the problem is likely caused by neurological issues, for example, hypothalamus that is overactive or underactive. Genetic predisposition, poor diet and environmental factors, like stress, alcohol abuse, and poor nutrition are common causes.
The mental health professional then will discuss the treatment options. The best combination of treatments can help people manage their ADHD symptoms and lead an active life. Some people can get accommodations at their workplaces and schools, like the ability to take tests privately or have an extended break during classes. This makes life much easier.
Treatment
Recognizing ADHD symptoms can be the first step towards controlling the symptoms. They can cause serious problems, whether at work, school or at home. testing for adhd in adults uk and medication are both a essential to the treatment. Therapy can help a person improve their time management skills and develop methods to improve their organization like daily planners or lists. A therapist can also teach the skills of social interaction and emotional regulation. Counseling can also help if a child is suffering from coexisting conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
The health care professional conducting the examination will ask a series of questions and perform a neuropsychological or psychological examination. These tests evaluate the performance of an individual with those who are similar in 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 ask the person questions and also interview other adults, like teachers or babysitters, 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 specialist might also want to review old school records to find out whether the patient had issues in childhood. Adults can have trouble remembering their childhood issues. However, according to current diagnostic guidelines the disorder cannot be identified if symptoms did not occur regularly more than once before the age of 12.
Before starting any treatment, your doctor may check to see whether any medical issues might be causing or worsening the ADHD symptoms. These might include thyroid problems or seizures, which sometimes exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD. A medical examination may also include a hearing or vision test. The doctor may also speak with the person's parents or other relatives, and discuss their problems at school or work.
Medication
Stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD. They increase the levels of chemical in the brain, known as neurotransmitters that regulate attention and movement. Studies have shown that stimulants can reduce the risk of drug abuse and other problems for children with ADHD, as long as they are taken according to the directions. It is important to be aware that stimulants may cause adverse effects. They can cause a decrease in appetite or difficulty sleeping, as well as breathing problems or heart disease.
Doctors can prescribe nonstimulant medicines, such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. They work slower than stimulants and are more secure for people with particular health issues or who are unable to use stimulants due to undesirable side effects, such as anxiety, ringing in the ears, or changes in vision or the function of the heart and lungs. They may also aid in treating tic disorders such as Tourette Syndrome. Some antidepressants such as SSRIs and bupropion are also used to treat ADHD. These medications are not FDA approved for this purpose, and could interact negatively with stimulants.
Other kinds of medications -- including some that are used to treat high blood pressure -are also proven to improve symptoms of ADHD. They haven't been examined as thoroughly as stimulants.
For adults, a combination of medication, behavior therapy and training in skills is usually the most effective treatment. Many people who receive this combination of treatments say they feel more in control and more able to manage their symptoms.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional to recommend an expert if you believe that you or someone else you know suffers from symptoms of ADHD. You can also reach out to a university hospital or medical school program for suggestions. Or you can look at the list of specialists that are covered by your insurance plan.
If you are an adult, you may take a self-assessment test to see if you might be suffering from ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists' online Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale is a simple checklist that can help determine whether you suffer from symptoms of ADHD.