ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
If you think that you or your child has ADHD, the first step is to make an appointment to get an assessment. Getting an accurate diagnosis is the only way to fully understand and treat the condition.
During the exam, your doctor may ask you questions about how your health has developed from your childhood. They could also use behavior rating scales as well as symptom checklists.
Symptoms
The first step to diagnose ADHD is to collect as much information about the person as is possible. This could include a physical examination or obtaining health and school records, or speaking with family members, close friends, or teachers. It is important to identify any other medical conditions that could trigger symptoms similar to ADHD, such as seizures, thyroid disorders and a variety of anxiety disorders.
The doctor may also want to know about how the symptoms have affected the individual's life and relationships. You could ask whether the person is having difficulty working through tasks or is easily distracted. If they're often late for work or social events they might also have problems with time management or lose items frequently. For children, the physician may also ask about whether the symptoms began before 12 years old.
Psychiatrists and psychologists are trained to diagnose ADHD in adults as well as children. They employ standardized diagnostic criteria, defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to determine if symptoms satisfy the criteria 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 the person must exhibit at least six or more symptoms within one of the categories for at least six months.
It is important to keep in mind that having a diagnosis for ADHD does not mean that you are condemned. Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from mild symptoms and they can learn to manage their symptoms with the help of medications, therapy and healthy lifestyle habits.
Stimulants are the most commonly used medication to treat ADHD. It is available in a variety forms, including chewable tablets, tablets pills, and liquids. A health care provider can recommend the appropriate dosage and medication for the patient. They can also give advice on healthy lifestyle habits that can help improve symptoms of ADHD such as regular exercise or a good night's sleep. In some cases, nonstimulant medication like antidepressants may be used to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
A screening test for ADHD is the first step towards a correct diagnosis. The best method to determine if you have ADHD is by scheduling a clinical evaluation. A psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist can all conduct an ADHD evaluation.
Before determining a diagnosis, your mental health professional will go over 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 they have had symptoms present for at least six months. They will also review your child's medical, mental health and family medical history.
You can ask your spouse or a family member to share details regarding the person's behavior. This allows the mental health professional to gain a complete picture of the person’s behavior and ADHD experience. The doctor will also interview the person and use standardized ADHD behaviour rating scales.
It is essential for the mental health professional to understand that other disorders may mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they should exclude other disorders that may be related to seizures and thyroid disorders prior to determining if a person has ADHD.
In some cases, mental health professionals may suggest a physical exam. This is especially crucial for adults because certain medical conditions can trigger the same symptoms as ADHD.
After the mental health specialist has established a diagnosis, they will explain how it is most likely caused by neurological issues such as an underactive or overactive hypothalamus, genetic predisposition and environmental factors like inadequate diet, addiction to substances and stress.
The mental health professional will then discuss the options for treatment. The right 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, like the ability to take tests in private or take a longer break during classes. This makes life much easier.
Treatment
Diagnosing ADHD symptoms is often the first step towards controlling these symptoms. They can create serious problems at work, at school or at home. Treatment includes medication and therapy. Therapy can help someone develop better time management and devise strategies for improving their organization, including daily planners or list. Therapists can also teach emotional regulation and social skills. describes it can also be helpful when a child suffers from co-existing disorders like anxiety or depression.
The health professional who is conducting the evaluation might ask a series of questions and take an examination for neuropsychological or psychological. These tests compare the performance of an individual with those of a similar age. They can determine if a person has a learning disability or any other disorder that appears like or coexist with ADHD. The doctor may offer the patient a questionnaire and also interview other adults like babysitters or teachers to get an accurate picture of their behavior, challenges, 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 doctor may also want to review the school records of the past to find out if the person had trouble in the early years of their life. Adults can have trouble remembering their childhood problems. However, under current guidelines for diagnosing disorders, the disorder cannot be diagnosed in the event that symptoms did not manifest frequently more than once prior to age 12.
Before beginning any treatment, a physician might check to determine if there are any medical issues that could be causing the ADHD symptoms or causing them to worsen. Certain of these conditions can cause seizures or thyroid problems which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. A medical exam could include a vision or hearing test. The specialist may also conduct an emotional or psychological history, interview the person's parents or other family members and discuss the person's problems at school or at work.
Medication
ADHD is treated most often with stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate. They increase the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate attention and movement. Studies have proven that stimulants lower the risk of relapse to drugs and other problems for kids with ADHD when they are taken according to the directions. It is essential to know that stimulants can cause side effects. These include a decreased appetite or trouble sleeping, as well as lung or heart problems.
Doctors may also prescribe nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine and guanfacine. These work more slowly than stimulants and are more secure in some people who have certain health issues or are unable to take stimulants because of unpleasant side effects, like anxiety or ringing in the ears, or changes in vision or heart and lung function. They may also be beneficial in treating tic disorders like Tourette syndrome. Certain antidepressants like bupropion and SSRIs can also be used to treat ADHD. These medications are not FDA approved for this purpose and may interact negatively with stimulants.
Other types of medication -for instance, some used to treat high blood pressure- also have been shown to reduce symptoms of ADHD. However, they have not been as thoroughly studied as stimulants.
For adults, a combination of medication, behavior therapy and training in skills is usually the most effective treatment. Many adults who receive this combination of treatments say that they feel more at control and are able to manage their symptoms.
If you suspect you or someone you know is suffering from symptoms of ADHD you should ask your physician or mental health professional for an appointment with a specialist. You can also contact an institution of higher education, medical school or graduate program to get recommendations. You can also take a look at the list specialists that are covered by your insurance plan.
You can also use a self-assessment to determine if you suffer from ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists' online Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale is a user-friendly checklist that will help you determine whether you are suffering from ADHD.