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ADHD Screening Test – The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD If you suspect that your child or you is suffering from ADHD, the first step is to make an appointment to get a diagnosis. Only a clear diagnosis can help you understand and treat this condition. During an evaluation during an evaluation, your doctor will ask you questions about your health and development going back to early childhood. They might also employ symptoms checklists and scales for assessing behavior. Signs and symptoms The first step in diagnosing ADHD is to gather as much information about the person as is possible. This might include getting a physical exam, gathering medical 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 may cause symptoms similar to ADHD like thyroid issues seizures, seizures, and other types of anxiety disorders. The doctor may also want to know about how the issues have affected the patient's life and relationships. This could include asking questions like whether they have difficulty finishing tasks or are easily distracted, especially if they frequently lose things, struggle with time management or are always getting late for social or work events. The doctor could inquire if the symptoms started before the age of 12. Psychologists and psychiatrists are trained to diagnose ADHD in adults and in children. They will use standardized criteria as set forth by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if the symptoms are in line with 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, a person must show 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 having the fact that you have been diagnosed with ADHD doesn't mean you are condemned. Many people with ADHD have mild symptoms. They are able to manage their symptoms by using medication, therapy and healthy lifestyle habits. The most commonly used medication to treat ADHD is stimulant. It comes in a variety of forms that include liquids and tablets. A doctor can prescribe the right dosage and medication for the patient. They can also provide suggestions on healthy lifestyles which can improve the symptoms of ADHD like regular exercise and getting enough sleep. In some cases antidepressants and nonstimulant medications can be used to treat ADHD. Diagnosis A screening test for ADHD is the first step to making a proper diagnosis. The best method to find out whether you suffer from ADHD is to schedule an appointment for a clinical assessment. A psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist could all offer an ADHD assessment. Before determining a diagnosis, your mental health professional will study the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for clinical care for the disorder found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They will interview you or your child about symptoms that have remained for at minimum six months. online adhd test adults will also review your or your child's family, medical and psychiatric history. You could ask your spouse or a family member to share details about the person's symptoms. This helps the mental health professional to build an accurate picture of the person's behavior as well as their experiences with ADHD. The doctor will also interview the patient and use standardized ADHD behavior rating scales. It is crucial for a mental health professional to be aware that other disorders can cause ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they need to rule out other disorders such as thyroid problems and seizures before determining if the patient has ADHD. In some cases, a mental health professional will recommend a physical examination. This is particularly important for adults because certain medical conditions can cause the same symptoms as ADHD. Once the mental health professional has determined the diagnosis, they will explain how it is most likely caused by neurological issues like hypothalamus that is overactive or underactive and genetic predisposition as well as environmental factors like poor diet, alcohol abuse and stress. The mental health professional will discuss the options for treatment. The best combination of treatments can help many people manage their ADHD symptoms, and live an active and fulfilling life. Others are able to find accommodations at school and at work for example, being able to take tests in a private room or to have an extended break between classes, that makes their lives easier. Treatment The diagnosis of ADHD symptoms is often the first step to control these symptoms. They can cause serious issues, whether at work, school or at home. Treatment options include medication and therapy. Therapy can help an individual learn better time management and devise strategies for improving their organization, like daily planners or lists. A therapist can teach the skills of social interaction and emotional regulation. If a child has co-existing disorders, such as depression or anxiety, counseling may help with those too. The health care professional doing the examination might ask a series of questions and then conduct a psychological or neuropsychological exam. These tests evaluate the performance of an individual with those with similar ages. These tests can reveal if a person is suffering from a learning disorder or other disorders that may be related to or resemble ADHD. The doctor may offer the patient a questionnaire and also interview other adults, such as teachers or babysitters to gain a better picture of their behavior, problems 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 look over old school records to determine if a person was a victim of problems as a child. Adults have a difficult time remembering their problems from their childhood, but according to current diagnostic guidelines, the disorder can't be identified if the symptoms didn't manifest frequently in more than one environment before age 12. Before starting any treatment, a physician might check to determine whether there are any medical conditions which could be causing ADHD symptoms or causing them to worsen. This could include thyroid issues or seizures, which may have similar symptoms to ADHD. A medical examination could include a hearing or vision test. The specialist may also conduct an emotional or psychological history, talk to the person's parents or other family members and discuss the person's problems at school or at work. Medication ADHD is usually treated with stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate. They increase the amount of neurotransmitters which control attention and movements. Studies have shown that stimulants can reduce the risk of drug abuse and other problems for children with ADHD in the event that they are taken as directed. It is essential to know that stimulants can have side effects. They may cause a decrease in appetite or trouble sleeping and heart or lung problems. Doctors can prescribe non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. These work more slowly than stimulants and are more secure for people with certain health problems or cannot use stimulants due to undesirable side effects, such as anxiety and ringing in the ear, or changes in vision or heart and lung function. They may also be beneficial in treating tic disorders, like Tourette syndrome. Certain antidepressants, including SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and bupropion, are also utilized to treat ADHD. These medications aren't FDA approved for this purpose and may interfere negatively with stimulants. It has been shown that other types of medications such as those used to treat high-blood pressure, may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. However, they have not been examined as thoroughly as stimulants. In adults, a combination of medication, behavior therapy and training in skills is usually the most effective treatment. Adults who receive this type of treatment feel more at ease with their symptoms and are able to manage their symptoms. Ask your physician or mental health professional to refer you to a specialist if you suspect that you or someone you know is suffering from symptoms of ADHD. You can also reach out to an institution of higher education or medical school, or graduate program for recommendations. Or you can take a look at the list specialists in your insurance plan. If you are an adult, you can try a self-assessment survey to determine if you be suffering from ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists Adult ADHD Self Report Scale is a simple checklist that can be used to determine whether you suffer from ADHD symptoms.