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ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD, the first step is to make an appointment for the diagnosis. A clear diagnosis is the only way to fully understand and treat the condition.
During your evaluation the doctor will ask you questions about your health and development prior to early childhood. They may also use behavior rating scales as well as symptom checklists.
Signs and symptoms
To determine the presence of ADHD it is necessary to collect as much information as you can about the person. This might include getting a physical exam, gathering medical and school records, or talking to family members teachers, coworkers, or other close friends. It is essential to identify any other medical conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD like thyroid disorders, seizures and certain types of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will be interested in knowing how the symptoms affected the patient's life. You might ask whether the patient has difficulty 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 frequently. For children, the physician might also inquire if the symptoms began before 12.
Psychologists, psychiatrists and some doctors are trained to recognize ADHD in children and adults. They employ standardized diagnostic criteria, as laid out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if symptoms satisfy 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 you must show at least six symptoms in each category for a minimum of six months.
It is essential to keep in mind that a diagnosis for ADHD does not mean that you are a scourge. Many people with ADHD suffer from mild symptoms. They can manage their symptoms using therapy, medication and healthy lifestyle choices.
The most popular medication used to treat ADHD is a stimulant. It comes in a variety of forms that include liquids and tablets. A doctor can prescribe the right dosage and medication for the patient. They are also able to give suggestions on healthy lifestyles that can improve the symptoms of ADHD such as regular exercise and making sure that a person gets enough sleep. In some cases, nonstimulant medications such as antidepressants can be used to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
A screening test for ADHD is the first step to an accurate diagnosis. However, the most effective way to determine whether you have ADHD is to schedule a consultation with a mental health professional. A psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist can all conduct an ADHD evaluation.
Before determining a diagnosis your mental health professional will go over 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 if they have had symptoms present for at least six months. They will also review your or your child's family, medical and psychiatric history.
You could ask your spouse or another family member to provide details about the person's symptoms. This will help the mental health professional build an accurate picture of the person's behaviour and experience with ADHD. The psychologist will also employ standardized ADHD behavior rating scales as well as interview the person about their experiences in the past in school, work and relationships, as well as their hobbies.
adhd test online free is important for a mental health professional to be aware that other disorders may mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they should rule out other disorders such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders before determining that someone has ADHD.
In some instances, mental health professionals may recommend a physical examination. This is crucial for adults as certain medical conditions can cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
After the mental health specialist has established the diagnosis, they will explain how it could be caused by neurological disorders such as an underactive or overactive hypothalamus and genetic predisposition as well as environmental factors like poor diet, substance abuse and stress.
The mental health professional will discuss the options for treatment. The right combination of treatments can help people manage their ADHD symptoms and lead 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 having an extended break between classes, that makes their lives easier.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis is the first step in taking control of ADHD symptoms that can lead to serious issues at work, school or home. Treatment options include medication and therapy. Therapy can help someone develop better time management techniques and devise methods to improve their organization by using daily planners or lists. A therapist can help teach the skills of social interaction and emotional regulation. Counseling can also be helpful when a child suffers from co-existing illnesses like anxiety or depression.
The health professional who is conducting the examination will ask a series of questions and perform a neuropsychological or psychological examination. These tests evaluate the performance of a person with those with similar ages. They can determine if the person is suffering from a learning disability or other conditions that look similar to or coexist with ADHD. The specialist could provide the person with questionnaires and talk to other adults, like babysitters or teachers, to obtain a complete picture of the person's behavior, challenges 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 examine old school records in order to determine if the person had issues as a kid. Adults can have trouble remembering their childhood problems. However, according to current diagnostic guidelines the disorder cannot be identified when symptoms didn't occur often more than once before age 12.
Before starting any treatment, your doctor might check to see whether any medical conditions could be causing or worsening the ADHD symptoms. These might include thyroid problems or seizures, which can exhibit similar symptoms as ADHD. A medical exam could include a hearing or vision test. The specialist may also talk to the person’s parents or other relatives, and discuss their issues at school or work.
Medication
ADHD is usually treated with stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine. They boost levels of chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters, which regulate the flow of attention and movement. As long as stimulants are taken as prescribed, research has shown that they decrease the chance of children with ADHD taking drugs and developing other issues. However, it's important to be aware of potential side effects, including an increased appetite, difficulty sleeping and heart or lung problems in a few children.
Doctors also may prescribe nonstimulant drugs, such as atomoxetine or guanfacine. They are slower to work than stimulants and are more secure for people with certain health problems or cannot take stimulants due to unpleasant side effects, such as anxiety and ringing in the ear or changes in vision or lung and heart function. They may also aid in treating disorders of the tic, like Tourette Syndrome. Some antidepressants such as SSRIs and bupropion are also used to treat ADHD. However, these have not been specifically approved by the FDA for this use and may interact with stimulants.
Other kinds of medications -such as those used to treat high blood pressurealso have been proven to reduce symptoms of ADHD. However, they have not been studied as extensively as stimulants.
In adults, a combination of therapy, medication and skills training is typically the most effective treatment. Many adults who receive this type of treatment say that they feel more at control and are able to manage their symptoms.
If you suspect you or someone you know suffers from symptoms of ADHD, ask your personal physician or mental health provider for an appointment with an expert. You can also contact a university-based hospital or medical school to get recommendations or consult your insurance company's list of providers by specialty.
If you're an adult, you may also try a self-assessment questionnaire 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 you determine whether you are suffering from ADHD.