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ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
If you think that your child has ADHD the first step is to schedule an appointment to get an assessment. A clear diagnosis will help you understand and treat this condition.
During the examination, your doctor may ask you questions about how your health has developed from your childhood. They might also employ the symptom checklist and scales for assessing behavior.
Signs and symptoms
The first step in identifying ADHD is to gather as as much information about the individual as you can. adhd free test could involve undergoing an examination for physical health, obtaining medical and school records, or talking to family members as well as teachers, coworkers, and other close friends. It is also essential to rule out other ailments that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD like thyroid issues, seizures and some kinds of anxiety disorders.
The doctor may also want to know how the issues have affected the patient's life and relationships. This might involve asking questions such as whether they have trouble finishing tasks or are easily distracted, if they often lose things, have difficulty with time management or are always being late for work or social occasions. In children, the doctor may also ask about whether the symptoms began before age 12.
Psychologists and psychiatrists are trained to recognize ADHD in adults as well as children. private adhd test uk use standard diagnostic criteria, as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to determine if 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, a person must have at least six symptoms in one of the categories for at least six months.
It is crucial to understand that a diagnosis of ADHD is not a reason to be scolding. Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from mild symptoms and they can learn how to manage their symptoms with the help of therapy, medications and healthy lifestyle practices.
The most common medication used to treat ADHD is stimulant. It is available in a variety of different forms including tablets, chewable pills, and liquids. A doctor can prescribe the correct medication and dosage to the patient. They can also offer suggestions on healthy lifestyles which can improve the symptoms of ADHD such as regular exercise or getting enough sleep. In some cases antidepressants and nonstimulant medications are used to treat ADHD.
Diagnosis
A screening test for ADHD is the first step to an accurate diagnosis. The best way to determine if you have ADHD is to arrange an evaluation with a clinician. A psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist could all offer an ADHD evaluation.
Before determining a diagnosis, your mental health professional will review American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines for the disorder 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 you or your child's medical, psychiatric and family medical history.
You may ask a spouse or a family member to provide details about the person's symptoms. This allows the mental health professional to get a full picture of the person’s behavior and ADHD experience. The clinician will also interview the person and use standardized ADHD behavior rating scales.
It is important that the mental health professional knows that other disorders can resemble ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they need to rule out other disorders like thyroid issues and seizures before determining if the patient has ADHD.
In some instances, a mental health professional will recommend a physical exam. This is important for adults since certain medical conditions can cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
After a mental health professional is able to diagnose a problem then they explain that the problem is likely caused by neurological issues, such as hypothalamus that is overactive or underactive. Genetic predisposition, poor diet, and environmental factors, like stress, substance abuse and poor nutrition are common causes.
The mental health professional then talks about the treatment options. For many people the best combination of treatments lets them manage their ADHD symptoms and live their lives to the maximum. Others are able to find accommodations at work and school, such as being allowed to take tests in a private room or having an extended break between classes, which makes their lives 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. Treatment options include medication and therapy. Therapy can help a person develop better time management skills and develop methods to improve their organization like daily planners or lists. Therapists can help teach the skills of social interaction and emotional regulation. Counseling can also help when a child suffers from co-existing illnesses like anxiety or depression.
The health professional who is conducting the evaluation will ask a series questions and perform a neuropsychological or psychological examination. These tests evaluate a person's performance to those of people who are typical who are similar age. They can show whether someone is suffering from a learning disability or other conditions that look similar to or coexist with ADHD. The specialist could give the patient a questionnaire, and 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 to determine if the person was a victim of problems as a child. Adults often have a hard time remembering their problems in childhood, however, according to current guidelines for diagnosing disorders the disorder cannot be diagnosed if symptoms did not occur regularly in more than one environment before age 12.
Before starting any treatment, the doctor may check to see if any medical issues could be causing or worsening the ADHD symptoms. Some of these ailments include thyroid issues or seizures which can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A medical examination could include a hearing and vision test. The specialist may also talk to the patient's parents or other relatives, and talk about their problems at school or work.
Medication
Stimulants, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. They boost levels of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters that control the flow of attention and movement. Studies have shown that stimulants can reduce the chance of addiction and other problems for children with ADHD when they are taken according to the directions. However, it's important to be aware of the possible side effects, such as the loss of appetite, difficulties sleeping, and heart or lung issues in some children.
Doctors may also prescribe nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine and guanfacine. These drugs are slower to work than stimulants, and are safe for 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 to the heart, vision, and lung function. They also can help treat disorders of the tic, like Tourette Syndrome. Certain antidepressants, like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and bupropion are also used to treat ADHD. These drugs are not FDA approved for this purpose and could interact negatively with stimulants.
It has been demonstrated that other kinds of medication such as those used to 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 medicines, behavior therapy, and training in skills. Adults who undergo this combination treatment report feeling more at ease with their symptoms and are able to manage these.
Ask your doctor or mental health provider to recommend an expert if you suspect that you or someone you know is suffering from symptoms of ADHD. You can also contact the hospital of a university or medical school for recommendations, or consult your insurance company's list of providers by specialty.
You can also perform an assessment of your own to determine if you suffer from ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists' online Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale is an easy-to-use checklist that can help determine whether you suffer from symptoms of ADHD.
