ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
The first step to take if you suspect you or your child might have ADHD is to schedule an appointment to have a diagnostic evaluation. 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 symptoms checklists and scales for assessing behavior.
Signs and symptoms
The first step to diagnose ADHD is to collect as as much information about the individual as you can. This could involve a physical examination or obtaining health and school records, or talking to close family members, friends or teachers. It is also important to rule out other ailments that can cause symptoms that mimic ADHD such as thyroid problems seizures, seizures, and other types of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will want to know how the symptoms affected the patient's life. adhd in adults test uk is possible to inquire if the person has trouble completing tasks or gets easily distracted. If they're frequently late to work or social occasions, they may also struggle with time management or lose things often. In children, the doctor might also inquire if the symptoms began before age 12 years old.
Psychologists and psychiatrists 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 needed for an ADHD diagnosis. The DSM-5 defines the main categories of ADHD as inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. To be diagnosed with ADHD the person must show at least six symptoms in one of the categories for at least six months.
It is crucial to understand that a diagnosis of ADHD is not a condemnation. Many people suffering from ADHD have mild symptoms. They can manage their symptoms using therapies, medication, and healthy lifestyle habits.
The most commonly used medication to treat ADHD is a stimulant. It is available in a variety of forms that include liquids and tablets. A doctor will be able to prescribe the appropriate dosage and medication for the patient. They can also give tips on healthy lifestyles that can help improve symptoms of ADHD like regular exercise and getting enough sleep. In certain instances, antidepressants and nonstimulant medication are employed to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
A screening test for ADHD is the first step towards a correct diagnosis. The best method to find out if you have ADHD is to arrange a clinical evaluation. A psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist can all conduct an ADHD assessment.
Before determining a diagnosis your mental health professional will review American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines for the disorder that are found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They will ask you or your child about the symptoms that have persisted for at minimum six months. They will also review the family history of your child or you, medical and psychiatric history.
The person being evaluated may be asked for feedback from independent sources such as spouses or other family members about their symptoms. This will help the mental health professional to build a complete picture of the person's behaviour and experiences with ADHD. The clinician will also use standard ADHD behavior rating scales and ask the patient about their previous experiences in school, work and relationships, as well as their hobbies.
It is crucial for the mental health professional to understand that other conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they need to determine if there are other conditions such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders before determining that one suffers from ADHD.
In some cases, a mental health professional will suggest a physical exam. This is important for adults since certain medical conditions can produce the similar symptoms as ADHD.
Once the mental health professional has determined an assessment, they will explain how it's most likely caused by neurological issues like hypothalamus that is overactive or underactive or genetic predisposition, as well as environmental factors such as poor diet, alcohol abuse and stress.
The mental health professional talks about treatment options. The best combination of treatments can help people manage their ADHD symptoms, and live an active life. Some people can find accommodations at school and at work, such as being allowed to take tests in a separate room or to have an extended break between classes, which makes their lives easier.
Treatment
Recognizing ADHD symptoms is the first step towards controlling them. They can cause serious problems at school, at work or at home. Therapy and medication are a essential to the treatment. Therapy can help a person improve their time management skills and learn methods to improve their organization, such as daily planners or list. Therapists can also help teach emotional regulation and social skills. Counseling may also help when a child suffers from co-existing illnesses like depression or anxiety.
The health care professional doing the examination may ask a series of questions and take the neuropsychological or psychological exam. These tests compare the performance of a person with those who are similar in age. These tests can help determine the severity of a person's condition, whether they suffer from a learning disorder or any other disorder that could coexist or look similar to ADHD. The specialist might 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, 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 look over old school records to determine if the person was a victim of problems as a child. Adults often have a difficult time remembering their problems from childhood, but under current guidelines for diagnosing the disorder cannot be diagnosed if symptoms didn't occur often in more than one setting before age 12.
Before starting any treatment, the doctor might check to see whether any medical issues might be causing or worsening the ADHD symptoms. Certain of these conditions can cause seizures or thyroid problems which can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A medical exam might also include a hearing and vision test. The doctor may also conduct an emotional or psychological background, interview the patient's parents or other family members, and discuss the person's problems at school or at work.
Medication
Stimulants like amphetamine or methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. They increase the levels of chemical in the brain known as neurotransmitters that control attention and movement. If stimulants are taken as prescribed, studies show that they reduce the risk of children with ADHD using drugs and causing other problems. It is essential to be aware that stimulants may cause adverse effects. These include a decreased appetite or trouble sleeping as well as lung or heart problems.
Doctors can also prescribe nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine and guanfacine. These drugs perform slower than stimulants, and are more suitable for people suffering from certain health issues or who cannot take stimulants due to undesirable side effects such as anxiety, ringing in the ears, or changes to vision, heart, or lung function. They can also help treat disorders of the tic, like Tourette Syndrome. Certain antidepressants like bupropion and SSRIs are used to treat ADHD. However, they haven't been specifically approved by the FDA for this use and may interact with stimulants.
Other types of medication -for instance, some used to treat high blood pressure -also have been proven to help alleviate symptoms of ADHD. However, they have not been studied as extensively as stimulants.
In adults, a combination of behavior therapy, medication and skills training is typically the most effective treatment. Many adults who receive this kind of treatment report that they feel more in control and are able to manage their symptoms.
Ask your physician or mental health professional to recommend an expert if you believe that you or someone 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 check out the list of specialists on your insurance plan.
If you're an adult, you can also try a self-assessment questionnaire to determine if you have ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists' online Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale is an easy-to-use checklist that will help you determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD.