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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 for a diagnostic evaluation. A clear diagnosis is the only way to fully understand and treat the condition.
During your evaluation, your doctor will ask you questions regarding your health and development prior to early childhood. They may also use behavior rating scales as well as symptom checklists.
Signs and symptoms
The first step in diagnosing ADHD is to collect as many details about the individual as you can. This could involve undergoing an exam for physical examination, collecting health and school records or talking to family members as well as teachers, coworkers, and other close friends. adhd test for women is important to rule out any other illnesses that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD including seizures, thyroid disorders and certain types of anxiety disorders.
The doctor will also want to know about how the issues have affected the patient's life and relationships. It is possible to inquire if the person has trouble completing tasks or gets easily distracted. If they're often late for work or social occasions they might also have problems with time management or lose things often. For children, the doctor might also inquire about whether the symptoms began before 12.
Psychologists and psychiatrists are trained to diagnose ADHD in adults and in children. They will use established criteria that are standardized as defined 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. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD the person must exhibit at least six or more symptoms within one of the categories for a minimum of six months.
It is essential to keep in mind that the fact that you have been diagnosed with ADHD does not mean that you are condemned. Many people suffering from ADHD have mild symptoms and they can learn how to manage their symptoms through the use of therapy, medication and healthy lifestyle practices.
The most popular medication used to treat ADHD is a stimulant. It comes in a variety of forms including tablets, chewable pills, and liquids. A doctor can recommend the appropriate medication and dosage to the patient. They can also give tips on healthy lifestyles that can help improve symptoms of ADHD such as regular exercise and getting enough sleep. In certain instances the use of antidepressants as well as nonstimulant medications can be employed to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
A screening test for ADHD is the first step to making a proper diagnosis. The best way to determine whether you suffer from ADHD is to schedule a consultation with an expert in mental health. A psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist can all provide an ADHD evaluation.
Before making a diagnosis your mental health professional will review 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 month. They will also review you or your child's medical, psychiatric, and family medical history.
You may ask a spouse or a family member to provide details regarding the person's behavior. This helps the mental healthcare professional to gain a complete picture of the individual's behavior and ADHD experience. The doctor will also use the 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 the mental health professional to understand that other conditions can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they must also exclude other conditions like thyroid issues and seizure disorders before determining that someone has ADHD.
In certain instances, a mental health professional might suggest a physical examination. This is especially crucial for adults as certain medical conditions can cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
After the mental health professional has made an assessment they will explain the reasons why it is most likely caused by neurological issues like hypothalamus that is overactive or underactive and genetic predisposition as well as environmental factors such as inadequate diet, addiction to substances and stress.
The mental health professional then will discuss treatment options. The best combination of treatments can help 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 ability to take tests privately or take a longer break during class. This makes life much easier.
Treatment
Diagnosing ADHD symptoms can be the first step towards controlling the symptoms. They can cause serious problems, whether at work, school or at home. Treatment can include therapy and medication. Therapy can help people develop better time management skills and also develop methods to improve their organization by using daily planners or lists. Therapists can also help teach emotional regulation and social skills. If a child has coexisting conditions such as depression or anxiety, counseling could help with those as well.
The health care professional doing the test may ask a series of questions and then conduct an examination for neuropsychological or psychological. These tests compare the performance of an individual to those who are similar in age. They can determine if someone is suffering from a learning disability or any other disorder that appears similar to or coexist with ADHD. The specialist could give the person questionnaires and also interview other adults, such as teachers or babysitters, to get a full picture of the person's behavior, issues 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 individual had issues as a kid. Adults have a difficult recalling their issues from childhood, but under current diagnostic guidelines, the disorder can't be diagnosed if symptoms did not occur frequently in more than one setting prior to age 12.
Before beginning any treatment, a doctor will determine if there are any medical issues that could be causing the ADHD symptoms or making them worse. This could be thyroid issues or seizures, which can have similar symptoms to ADHD. A medical examination may also include a hearing or vision test. The expert might also conduct a psychological or emotional history, interview the person's parents or other family members, and discuss the person's issues at work or school.
Medication
ADHD is treated most often with stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate. They boost the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that control attention and movements. Studies have proven that stimulants lower the risk of relapse to drugs and other issues for children with ADHD when they are taken as directed. It is important to be aware that stimulants can have side effects. These include a decreased appetite or trouble sleeping as well as lung or heart problems.
Doctors may also prescribe nonstimulant medications, such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. These drugs are slower to work than stimulants, and are more suitable for patients with 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, or lung function. They may also aid in treating tic disorders such as Tourette Syndrome. Some antidepressants, such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and bupropion are also used to treat ADHD. These medications are not FDA approved for this purpose, and could interact negatively with stimulants.
Other kinds of medications -- including some that are used to treat high blood pressure -- also have been shown to reduce symptoms of ADHD. They haven't been studied as thoroughly as stimulants.
In adults, a combination of medication, behavior therapy and skills training is typically the most effective treatment. Adults who receive this combination treatment report feeling more at ease with their symptoms and are able to manage their symptoms.
If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from symptoms of ADHD you should ask your doctor or mental health provider for a referral to an expert. You can also ask a university hospital, medical school or graduate program for suggestions. Or you can check out the list of specialists on your insurance plan.
You can also take an assessment of your own to determine whether 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 suffer from symptoms of ADHD.