ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
The first step to take if you think your child or you might be suffering from ADHD is to schedule an appointment to have a diagnostic evaluation. Only an accurate diagnosis can aid in understanding and treating this condition.
During the examination during the exam, your doctor might ask you questions regarding how your health has developed from your childhood. They might also employ symptoms checklists and behavior rating scales.
Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD it is necessary to collect as much information as you can about the person. This could include a physical exam, gathering health and school records or talking to family members, teachers, coworkers or other close friends. It is also important to rule out any other conditions that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD like thyroid problems seizures, seizures, and other types of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will want to know how symptoms affected the patient's life. This might involve asking questions like whether they have trouble finishing tasks or are easily distracted, if they often lose things, struggle with time management or are always being late for social or work events. For children, the doctor might also inquire about whether the symptoms began before age 12.
Psychologists, psychiatrists, and a few physicians are trained in diagnosing ADHD in children and adults. They use the standardized criteria as set forth by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if the symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria needed for the diagnosis of ADHD. 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 signs in each category for at least six months.
It is important to note that the diagnosis of ADHD is not a reason to be scolding. Many people suffering from ADHD have mild symptoms. I Am Psychiatry UK can manage their symptoms using medication, therapy and healthy lifestyle habits.
Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment for ADHD. It is available in a variety of forms, including chewable tablets, tablets pills, and liquids. A health professional can prescribe the correct medication and dosage to the patient. They will also be competent to offer tips on healthier lifestyles that can help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD like regular exercise and making sure that the patient gets enough sleep. In some cases, antidepressants and nonstimulant medication are used to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
An ADHD screening test is a first step in making an accurate diagnosis of the disorder. The best way to determine whether you suffer from ADHD is by scheduling an appointment for a clinical assessment. A psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist can all provide an ADHD assessment.
Before making a diagnosis, your mental health professional will go over American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines for the disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They will talk to you or your child regarding symptoms that have remained for at minimum six months. They will also review your or your child's family medical and psychiatric histories.
The person being evaluated may be asked for feedback from outside sources like spouses or other family members on their symptoms. This helps the mental health professional create an accurate picture of the person's behavior as well as their experience with ADHD. The doctor will also use standard ADHD behavior rating scales and ask the person to talk about their past experiences in school, work and relationships, as well as their hobbies.
It is important for a mental health professional to understand that other disorders can be similar to ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they should rule out other disorders such as thyroid problems or seizures before determining if the patient has ADHD.
In some instances, a mental health professional will suggest a physical exam. This is especially crucial for adults, because some medical conditions can trigger the same symptoms as ADHD.
When a mental health professional determines a diagnosis and confirms the diagnosis, they will explain that the problem is likely caused by neurological issues, such as an overactive or underactive hypothalamus. Genetic predisposition, poor diet, and environmental factors, like stress, alcohol abuse, and poor eating habits are common causes.
The mental health professional then discusses the treatment options. The best combination of treatments can help many people manage their ADHD symptoms and lead an active life. Certain people can find accommodations at their workplaces or schools, for example, the possibility of taking tests in private or have an extended break during classes. This can make life much easier.
Treatment
Diagnosing ADHD symptoms can be the first step to control the symptoms. They can cause serious issues at work, at school or at home. Therapy and medication are both a essential to the treatment. Therapy can help someone improve their time management skills and devise strategies for improving their organization, like daily planners or list. Therapists can also help teach the skills of social interaction and emotional regulation. Counseling can also be helpful children suffering from co-existing disorders like depression or anxiety.
The health care professional performing the evaluation will ask a series questions and conduct a neuropsychological or psychological test. These tests compare the performance of a person with those of people who are typical with similar age. These tests can tell the severity of a person's condition, whether they suffer from a learning disorder or any other disorders that may be related to or resemble ADHD. The specialist may ask the person questions and also interview other adults, like teachers or babysitters, to get a full 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 doctor may also wish to review old school records to determine if the person had trouble in childhood. Adults have a difficult recalling their issues from childhood, but under current guidelines for diagnosing the disorder isn't diagnosed if symptoms did not occur regularly in more than one environment prior to age 12.
Before starting any treatment, the doctor may check to see if any medical issues could be causing or aggravating the ADHD symptoms. Some of these conditions include thyroid issues or seizures which can cause symptoms that are similar to 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 problems at school or work.
Medication
ADHD is most commonly treated with stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate. 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 lower the risk of children with ADHD taking drugs and developing other problems. However, it's important to be aware of the possible side effects, such as an increased appetite, difficulty sleeping and heart or lung problems in a few children.
Doctors can prescribe nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. These drugs are slower to work than stimulants, and are safer for some 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 in vision, heart, and lung function. They may also be beneficial in treating tic disorders like Tourette syndrome. Certain antidepressants, such as bupropion and SSRIs are used to treat ADHD. However, they haven't been specifically approved by the FDA for this purpose and can interact with stimulants.
It has been proven that other types of medications such as those used to treat high blood pressure, can also help improve ADHD symptoms. However, they have not been as thoroughly studied as stimulants.
Adults typically respond better to a combination of medications or behavior therapy, as well as techniques training. Many people who receive this type of treatment say they feel more in control and able to manage their symptoms.
If you suspect you or someone you know is suffering from symptoms of ADHD consider asking your doctor or mental health provider for an appointment with a specialist. You can also call the hospital of a university or medical school to get recommendations or check your insurance plan's list of specialists by specialty.
You can also take an assessment of your own to determine whether you suffer from ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists Adult ADHD Self Report Scale is an easy checklist that can be used to determine if you have ADHD symptoms.