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ADHD Screening Test – The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD If you suspect that your child or you has ADHD, the first step is to schedule an appointment to get a diagnosis. A clear diagnosis will help you understand and treat this condition. During the exam during the exam, your doctor might ask you questions regarding the way your health has improved from your childhood. They might also employ scales for assessing behavior and symptoms as well as checklists. Signs and symptoms The first step in diagnosing ADHD is to gather as much information about the person as is possible. This could include an exam for physical examination, collecting medical and school records, or talking to family members, teachers, coworkers or other close friends. It is also important to rule out other conditions that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD such as thyroid problems, seizures and some kinds of anxiety disorders. The doctor will want to know how symptoms affected the patient's life. You could ask whether the patient has difficulty working through tasks or is easily distracted. If they are often late to work or social occasions They may also have issues with time management, or lose things frequently. For children, the physician might also inquire if the symptoms started before age 12 years old. Psychiatrists, psychologists and some physicians are trained in diagnosing ADHD in both children and adults. get more info 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 match 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 one must show at least six or more symptoms within one of the categories for at least six months. It is crucial to keep in mind that being diagnosed with ADHD does not mean that you are deserving of punishment. Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from mild symptoms. They can manage their symptoms with therapy, medication and healthy lifestyle habits. Stimulants are among the most popular medication to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety forms like chewable tablets, chewable pills and liquids. A health care provider can recommend the appropriate dosage and medication to the patient. They will also be competent to offer suggestions on healthy lifestyles that can improve the symptoms of ADHD like regular exercise and making sure that a person gets enough sleep. In certain instances antidepressants and nonstimulant medications can be used to treat ADHD. Diagnosis An ADHD screening test is the first step to make an accurate diagnosis of the disorder. However, the best way to determine whether you suffer from ADHD is to schedule a clinical evaluation with an expert in mental health. A psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist can all conduct an ADHD assessment. Before making a diagnosis, your mental health professional will study 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 regarding symptoms persisting for at least six months. They will also look over you or your child's medical, mental health and family background. The person who is being evaluated could be asked for feedback from independent sources such as spouses or other family members on their symptoms. This assists the mental healthcare professional to gain a complete picture of the person’s behavior and ADHD experience. The doctor will also use standardized ADHD behavior rating scales as well as interview the person about their experiences in the past with school, work relationships, hobbies and other activities. It is crucial for the mental health professional to understand that other conditions can mimic ADHD symptoms. They must therefore rule out other disorders, such as thyroid disorders and seizure disorders before determining if a person has ADHD. In some instances, a mental health specialist may suggest a physical examination. This is important for adults as certain medical conditions can produce the similar symptoms as ADHD. Once the mental health specialist has established an assessment, they will explain how it is most likely caused by neurological issues such as hypothalamus that is overactive or underactive, genetic predisposition and environmental factors such as poor diet, substance abuse and stress. The mental health professional discusses the treatment options. The best combination of treatments can help many people manage their ADHD symptoms, and live an active life. Other people are able to get solutions at school and work like being able to take tests in a private space or to have an extended break between classes, which make their lives more manageable. Treatment The diagnosis of ADHD symptoms can be the first step to control these symptoms. They can cause serious problems at work, school or at home. Treatment options include medication and therapy. Therapy can help an individual develop better time management and develop methods for improving their organization, including daily planners or list. A therapist can help teach the skills of social interaction and emotional regulation. If a child has coexisting conditions such as depression or anxiety, counseling may help with those too. The health care professional conducting the evaluation will ask a series of questions and will conduct a neuropsychological psychological examination. These tests compare the performance of an individual with those with similar ages. These tests can tell the severity of a person's condition, whether they suffer from an intellectual disorder or other disorders that may be co-existent or have a similar appearance to ADHD. The specialist might give the person questionnaires and also interview other adults, like babysitters or teachers, to obtain a complete picture of the person's behavior, issues 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 the school records of a previous student to determine if the individual had issues as a kid. Adults may have difficulty remembering their childhood problems. However, according to current diagnostic guidelines the disorder cannot be identified if symptoms did not occur frequently more than once prior to the age of 12. Before beginning any treatment, a physician may check to see if there are any medical conditions that could be causing ADHD symptoms or making them worse. This could be thyroid issues or seizures, which can exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD. A medical examination may also include a vision or hearing test. The specialist may also conduct an emotional or psychological background, interview the patient's parents or other family members, and discuss the person's issues at school or at work. Medication ADHD is usually treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine. They boost the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate attention and movement. When stimulants are taken as prescribed, studies show that they decrease the chance of children suffering from ADHD taking drugs and developing other issues. It is crucial to know that stimulants may cause adverse effects. These include a decreased appetite or trouble sleeping as well as lung or heart problems. Doctors may also prescribe non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. These drugs are slower to work than stimulants, and are safer for some patients with certain health issues or who are unable to take stimulants due to unpleasant adverse effects like anxiety, ringing of the ears, or changes to the heart, vision, and lung function. They also can help treat tic disorders such as Tourette Syndrome. Certain antidepressants, such as bupropion and SSRIs are used to treat ADHD. These drugs are not FDA approved for this purpose and may be incompatible with stimulants. It has been shown that other kinds of medication that are used to treat high blood pressure, can also help improve ADHD symptoms. They haven't been studied as extensively as stimulants. For adults, a combination of medication, behavior therapy and training in skills is usually the most effective treatment. Adults who receive this type of treatment report feeling more in control of their symptoms and are able to manage them. Ask your doctor or mental health professional to recommend an expert if you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from symptoms of ADHD. You can also contact the hospital of a university or medical school, or graduate program for recommendations. Or you can look at the list of specialists that are covered by your insurance plan. You can also use a self-assessment to determine if you suffer from ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists' online Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale is a simple checklist that can help you determine whether you suffer from symptoms of ADHD.