ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
If you suspect that your child or you is suffering from ADHD the first step is to make an appointment to get an assessment. Making sure you have a clear diagnosis is the only way to comprehend and treat the condition.
During an exam the doctor will ask you questions regarding your health and growth going back to the early years of childhood. They may also use symptoms checklists and scales for assessing behavior.
Signs and symptoms
The first step in identifying ADHD is to gather as many details about the individual as is possible. This could include a physical exam or obtaining health and school records, or speaking with family members, close friends or teachers. It is crucial to rule out any other conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD like seizures, thyroid disorders, and a variety of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will also want to know about how the issues have affected the patient's life and relationships. This might involve asking questions like whether they struggle to finish tasks or become easily distracted, especially if they frequently lose things, have difficulty with managing their time or are always running late for work or social occasions. For children, the doctor may also ask about whether the symptoms began before age 12 years old.
Psychologists, psychiatrists and some doctors are trained to recognize ADHD in children and adults. They employ standardized diagnostic criteria, as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to determine if the symptoms meet the requirements for a ADHD diagnosis. The DSM-5 defines the main categories of ADHD as inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD the person must show at least six or more symptoms within one of the categories for a minimum of six months.
It is crucial to remember that being diagnosed with ADHD doesn't mean you are deserving of punishment. Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from mild symptoms. They are able to manage their symptoms by using therapies, medication, and healthy lifestyle choices.
Stimulants are among the most popular medication to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms such as tablets and liquids. A health care provider will be able to prescribe the right dosage and medication for the patient. They are also competent to offer suggestions on healthy lifestyles that can help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD like regular exercise and making sure that the patient gets enough sleep. In some cases, nonstimulant medications such as antidepressants can be used to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
An ADHD screening test is the first step in making an accurate diagnosis of the disorder. The best method to find out whether you suffer from ADHD is to arrange an evaluation with a clinician. A psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist could all offer an ADHD assessment.
Before making free online adhd test uk , your mental health professional will study the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines for the disorder 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 look at your or your child's family medical and psychiatric history.
You may ask a spouse or other family member to provide details regarding the person's behavior. This can help the mental health professional to build an accurate picture of the person's behavior and experiences with ADHD. The clinician will also interview the person and use standardized ADHD behaviour rating scales.
It is important for a mental health professional to be aware that other disorders may cause ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they should exclude other disorders, such as thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, before determining if someone has ADHD.
In some cases, a mental health professional will recommend a physical examination. This is especially crucial for adults, because some medical conditions can trigger the same symptoms as ADHD.
After a mental health professional makes a diagnosis, he or she will 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, substance abuse and poor diet are also common causes.
The mental health professional then will discuss the treatment options. The best combination of treatments can help many people manage their ADHD symptoms, and live an active and fulfilling life. Some people are able find accommodations at their workplaces or schools, for example, the possibility of taking tests in private or take a longer break during classes. This can make life easier.
Treatment
The process of determining a diagnosis is the first step to taking control of ADHD symptoms that can cause serious problems at work, school, or at home. Medication and therapy are essential to the treatment. Therapy can help a person learn better time management skills and also develop strategies to improve their organization, such as daily planners or lists. A therapist can teach social skills and emotional regulation. Counseling can also be helpful if a child is suffering from coexisting conditions such as anxiety or depression.
The health care professional doing the evaluation may ask a series of questions and take the neuropsychological or psychological exam. These tests evaluate the performance of a person with those who are similar in age. These tests can reveal the severity of a person's condition, whether they suffer from a learning disorder or other disorders that may coexist or look similar to ADHD. The specialist may give the patient a questionnaire, and also interview other adults, such as teachers or babysitters to gain an accurate picture of their behavior, problems, 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 may also review old school records in order to determine if the person had issues as a kid. Adults may have difficulty 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 the age of 12.
Before starting any treatment, your doctor will be able to determine whether any medical conditions could be causing or aggravating the ADHD symptoms. Some of these conditions include thyroid issues or seizures that may have symptoms similar to ADHD. A medical exam could include a hearing or vision test. The doctor may also speak with the person's parents or other relatives, and talk about their issues at school or work.
Medication
ADHD is most commonly treated with stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate. They increase the amount of neurotransmitters which control attention and movements. As long as stimulants are used as prescribed, research has shown that they decrease the chance of children suffering from ADHD abusing drugs and having other issues. 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 a few children.
Doctors may also prescribe nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. These drugs are slower to work than stimulants, and are more suitable for patients with certain health issues or who are unable to take stimulants due to unpleasant adverse effects like anxiety, ringing in the ears, or changes in vision, heart, or lung function. They can also help treat disorders that cause tics, such as Tourette Syndrome. Some antidepressants such as bupropion and SSRIs are used to treat ADHD. These medications aren't FDA approved for this purpose and could be incompatible with stimulants.
It has been demonstrated that other kinds of medication such as those that treat high blood pressure, can also help improve ADHD symptoms. They haven't been examined as thoroughly as stimulants.
Adults usually respond best to a combination of medication as well as behavior therapy and skills training. Many people who have this kind of treatment report that they feel more at control and more able to manage their symptoms.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional to recommend a specialist if you suspect that you or someone you know is suffering from symptoms of ADHD. You can also call the hospital of a university or medical school for recommendations, or consult your insurance company's list of specialists by specialty.
If you are an adult, you may also try a self-assessment questionnaire to see if you might be suffering from ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists Adult ADHD Self Report Scale is a simple test that can be used to determine if you have ADHD symptoms.