ADHD Screening Test: How to Know If You Have ADHD

Do You Need an ADHD Screening Test?

ADHD is characterized by hyperactivity and inability to focus. These can also lead to easy forgetfulness. Being unable to concentrate and remember things can be symptoms of the disorder. ADHD basically affects one’s work and relationships. Regardless of your approach, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder always has an impact on your life, whether it’s relationships or work. To sort things out, you may try an ADHD screening test. But what does that mean, and how does one go about using the tool? 

Signs You May Need ADHD Testing

Deficits in focus and attention are a common struggle among many individuals. This is where it is vital to note that if there are persistent and unavoidable challenges in focusing and paying attention, you may have ADHD. Impulse control and attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder is real and severe. You may undergo professional screening to confirm. It can stem from external stressors or can also be ingrained from birth. Here are some common signs:

• Constantly disorganized, leading to missed deadlines and important events and tasks. 
• Continual forgetfulness in regard to basic, daily chores and necessities. 
• Sudden, rash decisions and speech that stems from a lack of forethought.
• Being deeply interested in a subject or aspect yet still unable to finish the task at hand. 
• Restlessness leads to difficulty keeping still during conversations and long-winded social interactions and events. 
• Zoning out during a conversation due to an inability to concentrate.
• Feeling stressed and burdened later on due to procrastination. 

If such problems exist in your day-to-day activities, the world around you, relationships or your ability to function normally concerns you, trying out an ADHD test will be smart.

How Does the ADHD Screening Test Work?

The ADHD test enables a professional to evaluate your symptoms and check whether they are consistent with symptoms for ADHD. The steps are generally as follows.

1. Self-Assessment Questionnaires: You will be asked questions related to your attention span, how impulsive you are, and how you deal with various issues on a daily basis.
2. Clinical Interviews: A provider will listen to your medical history in addition to your symptoms.
3. Input from Family or Teachers: Professionals may solicit information from people who interact with them on a regular basis.
4. Rule out Other Conditions: Some health issues such as anxiety, depression or learning disabilities can look very much like ADHD and hence need to be distinguished from it.
5. Standardized ADHD Tests: A few clinics assess attention and memory using computerized tests and other techniques.

ADHD Treatment Options: What Comes Next?

If further tests confirm ADHD, you will be glad to know that there are many ADHD treatment options to choose from. Managing ADHD is not entirely uniform in approach; thus, finding the right mix of strategies will help. Some of the main treatment options include.

1. Medications

• Stimulants (Ritalin, Adderall): These increase focus through increased levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
• Non-Stimulants: Intuniv and Strattera-meds work by completely different mechanisms, but they are still very useful in improving concentration and controlling impulsivity.
• Pros: Works quickly for many.
• Cons: Side effects may include sleeplessness and loss of appetite.

2. Psychotherapy

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – A method directed at changing negative patterns of thinking and teaching the patients how to control them.
• Mindfulness and meditation – Mindfulness, relaxation, and meditation are useful for focusing, impulsivity, etc.
• Executive function coaching – Provides instruction on organization and time management.

3. Dietary and Exercise Lifestyle Changes

• Moving enough – Chronic physical activity increases dopamine and calms anger.
• Changes in diet – Some people may improve with a lower intake of the body’s processed food and a higher level of dietary Omega-3.
• Regular bedtime sleep routine – Every ADHD suffers energy and concentration problems. Having a routine helps normalize attention levels.

4. Coaching & educational support for ADHD symptoms

• Helps from ADHD coaches – Specialized coaches address the necessary systems for work and routine tasks.
• Support groups – Sharing experiences and seeking help with others who have ADHD can be encouraging and reassuring as well.

Take the First Step Today

Avoiding dealing with ADHD symptoms will not make your life better. Start with an ADHD screening test if you think you could have it. The earlier you find out, the earlier you can start looking at treatment options that are suitable for you. Take a test today, and seize control of what your future can look like.