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ADHD Screening Test – The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD If you suspect that your child is suffering from ADHD the first step is to set an appointment to receive the diagnosis. A clear diagnosis will aid in understanding and treating this condition. During the evaluation the doctor will ask you questions about your health and development going back to early childhood. They could also use scales for assessing behavior and symptoms as well as checklists. Signs and symptoms The first step in diagnosing ADHD is to collect as many details about the individual as possible. This could include a physical exam as well as obtaining medical and school records, or talking to close family members, friends or teachers. It is important to identify any other medical conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD like seizures, thyroid disorders, and certain types of anxiety disorders. The doctor will be interested in knowing how the issues have affected the patient's life and relationships. You might ask whether the person is having difficulty completing tasks or gets easily distracted. If they're frequently late for work or social events, they may also struggle with time management or lose things frequently. The doctor could ask if the symptoms began before the age of 12. Psychiatrists, psychologists and some doctors are trained to diagnose ADHD in both children and adults. They use standard diagnostic criteria, described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if the symptoms meet the criteria needed 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, 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 being diagnosed with ADHD does not mean you are a scourge. Many people suffering from ADHD have mild symptoms. They are able to manage their symptoms by using therapies, medication, and healthy lifestyle habits. The most popular medication used to treat ADHD is a stimulant. It comes in a variety of forms such as tablets and liquids. A doctor can prescribe the right dosage and medication for the patient. They can also give suggestions on healthy lifestyles that will improve symptoms of ADHD, such as regular exercise and getting enough 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 an accurate diagnosis. The best way to determine whether you have ADHD is to schedule a consultation with an expert in mental health. A psychotherapist, psychiatrist, psychologist or neurologist can all be certified to conduct an ADHD assessment. Before making 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 look at your child's or your own family medical and psychiatric history. You could ask your spouse or other family member to share details regarding the person's behavior. This allows the mental health professional to get a full picture of the person's behavior and ADHD experience. online test for adhd adults will also talk to the person and use standard ADHD behavior rating scales. It is essential for the mental health professional to be aware that other disorders can cause ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they need to determine if there are other conditions like thyroid issues and seizures before determining if one suffers from ADHD. In certain instances, a mental health professional may recommend a physical examination. This is especially crucial for adults as certain medical conditions can trigger the similar symptoms as ADHD. When a mental health specialist makes a diagnosis then they explain that the problem is likely caused by neurological issues, for example, hypothalamus overactive or underactive. Genetic predisposition, poor diet and environmental factors like substance abuse, stress and poor diet are also common causes. The mental health professional will discuss treatment options. The best combination of treatments can help people manage their ADHD symptoms and lead an active life. Some people are able find accommodations at their workplaces or schools, for example, the possibility of taking tests in private or have an extended break during class. This makes life much easier. Treatment Getting a diagnosis is the first step towards controlling ADHD symptoms that can cause serious issues at work, school or home. Medication and therapy are an integral part of treatment. Therapy can help someone develop better time management techniques and devise methods to improve their organizational skills like daily planners or lists. Therapists can also teach emotional regulation and social skills. If a child suffers from co-existing disorders, such as anxiety or depression, counseling may help with those too. The health care professional performing the test will ask a series of questions and conduct a neuropsychological or psychological examination. These tests compare the performance of an individual to that of normal people with the same age. They can show whether someone has a learning disability or any other disorder that appears similar to or coexist with ADHD. The specialist could give the person a questionnaire and also interview other adults such as teachers or babysitters to get 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 in order to determine if the individual was a victim of problems as a child. Adults may struggle to remember their childhood struggles. However, according to current diagnostic guidelines 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, the doctor may check to see if any medical issues could be causing or aggravating the ADHD symptoms. Certain of these conditions can cause thyroid issues or seizures that may have symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A medical examination may also include a hearing or vision test. The doctor may also speak with the patient's parents or other relatives, and discuss their issues at school or work. Medication ADHD is treated most often by using stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate. They boost levels of chemicals in the brain, known as neurotransmitters that regulate the flow of attention and movement. Studies have proven that stimulants lower the risk of drug abuse and other issues for children with ADHD in the event that they are taken according to the directions. However, it is important to be aware of possible side effects, such as a decreased appetite, trouble sleeping, and lung or heart problems in a few children. Doctors may also prescribe nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. They are slower to work than stimulants and are more secure for those with certain health problems or cannot use stimulants due to undesirable side effects, like anxiety, ringing in the ears or changes in vision or lung and heart function. They can also help treat disorders of the tic, like Tourette Syndrome. Some antidepressants, such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and bupropion are also used to treat ADHD. However, these have not been specifically approved by the FDA for this use and can interact with stimulants. It has been demonstrated that other kinds of medication that are that 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 therapy, medication and skills training is often the most effective treatment. Many people who receive this type of treatment say that they feel more at control and more able to manage their symptoms. If you suspect that you or someone you know has symptoms of ADHD you should ask your personal physician or mental health provider for an appointment with an expert. You can also contact an institution of higher education like a hospital, medical or graduate school to get recommendations or check your insurance plan's list of specialists by specialty. If you are an adult, you may try a self-assessment survey to determine if you have ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists Adult ADHD Self Report Scale is an easy checklist that can be used to determine if you have ADHD symptoms.