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ADHD Screening Test – The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD The first step to take if think your child or you might have ADHD is to make an appointment for a diagnostic assessment. A clear diagnosis is the only way to comprehend and treat the condition. During your evaluation, your doctor will ask you questions regarding your health and growth going back to the early years of childhood. They can also use symptom checklists and scales for assessing behavior. Symptoms The first step to diagnose ADHD is to collect as many details about the individual as possible. This could involve undergoing an exam for physical examination, collecting health and school records or interviewing family members teachers, coworkers, or other close friends. It is also crucial to rule out any other conditions that may cause symptoms that resemble ADHD such as thyroid problems as well as seizures and various types of anxiety disorders. The doctor may be interested in knowing how the issues have affected the patient's life and relationships. You could ask whether the patient has difficulty working through tasks or is easily distracted. If they are often late for work or social occasions, they may also struggle with time management, or lose things frequently. The doctor may inquire if the symptoms began before the age of 12. Psychiatrists and psychologists are trained to diagnose ADHD in adults and children. They will employ established criteria that are standardized as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if the symptoms match the diagnostic criteria needed for a diagnosis of ADHD. The DSM-5 defines the main categories of ADHD as inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. To be diagnosed with ADHD one must show at least six symptoms in one of the categories for a minimum of six months. It is essential to remember that a diagnosis for ADHD does not mean you are condemned. Many people with ADHD suffer from mild symptoms and they can learn how to manage their symptoms through the use of medications, therapy and healthy lifestyle practices. Stimulants are among the most popular treatment for ADHD. It is available in a variety of different forms like chewable tablets, chewable pills, and liquids. A health care provider can prescribe the correct dosage and medication for the patient. They can also be able to give suggestions on healthy lifestyles that can improve the symptoms of ADHD like regular exercise and making sure that a person gets enough sleep. In online adhd test for adults of antidepressants as well as nonstimulant medications can be employed to treat ADHD. Diagnosis An ADHD screening test is the first step to make an accurate diagnosis of the disorder. The best method to find out whether you suffer from ADHD is to schedule a clinical evaluation. A psychotherapist, psychiatrist, psychologist or neurologist are all qualified to perform an ADHD assessment. Before making a diagnosis your mental health professional will review the American Psychiatric Society's 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 look over the medical, psychiatric and family history. The person being assessed may be asked to provide input from independent sources such as spouses or other family members about their symptoms. This helps the mental healthcare professional to gain a complete picture of the person's behavior and ADHD experience. The doctor will also use the standard ADHD behavior rating scales and ask the patient about their past experiences in school, work, relationships and hobbies. It is essential that the mental health professional understands that other disorders may resemble ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they should determine if there are other conditions such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders before determining that the patient has ADHD. In certain instances, an expert in mental health may recommend a physical exam. This is especially crucial for adults because certain medical conditions can cause the similar symptoms as ADHD. After the mental health professional has determined the diagnosis they will explain the reasons why it is most likely caused by neurological disorders such as an underactive or overactive hypothalamus, genetic predisposition and environmental factors such as poor diet, substance abuse and stress. The mental health professional will discuss the options for treatment. The right combination of treatments can help many people manage their ADHD symptoms and lead an active and fulfilling life. Certain people can find accommodations at their workplaces or schools, for example, the ability to take tests privately or take a break during class. This makes life much easier. Treatment Recognizing ADHD symptoms is the first step in controlling these symptoms. They can cause serious problems, whether at work, school or at home. Treatment includes medication and therapy. Therapy can help people develop better time management techniques and devise methods to improve their organizational skills by using daily planners or lists. A therapist can teach the skills of social interaction and emotional regulation. If a child is suffering from co-existing disorders, such as depression or anxiety, counseling could help with those as well. The health care professional doing the examination may ask a series of questions and take the neuropsychological or psychological exam. These tests assess the performance of an individual to that of people of a similar age. These tests can help determine whether a person suffers from a learning disorder or other disorders that might be related to or resemble ADHD. The specialist may give the patient a questionnaire and interview other adults like teachers or babysitters to get more information about their behavior, issues 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 the school records of a previous student to determine if the individual was a victim of problems as a child. Adults often have a difficult time remembering their problems in childhood, however, according to current guidelines for diagnosing, the disorder can't be diagnosed if symptoms did not occur regularly in more than one setting before age 12. Before beginning any treatment, your doctor might check to see whether any medical conditions could be causing or aggravating the ADHD symptoms. Some of these ailments include seizures or thyroid issues which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. A medical examination could include a hearing or vision test. The doctor may also speak with the patient's parents or other relatives, and discuss the issues they face at school or at work. Medication Stimulants – such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD. They increase the levels of chemical in the brain known as neurotransmitters that regulate the flow of attention and movement. As long as stimulants are used as prescribed, studies show that they decrease the chance of kids with ADHD using drugs and causing other issues. However, it's important to be aware of possible side effects, such as an increased appetite, difficulty sleeping, and heart or lung problems in some children. Doctors may also prescribe nonstimulant medicines, such as atomoxetine or guanfacine. These work more slowly than stimulants and are more secure for people with particular health issues or who are unable to take stimulants because of unpleasant side effects, such as anxiety, ringing in the ears, or changes in vision or heart and lung function. They also can help treat disorders that cause tics, such as Tourette Syndrome. Certain antidepressants like bupropion and SSRIs are used to treat ADHD. These medications are not FDA approved for this purpose and may interfere negatively with stimulants. Other types of medication -such as those used to treat high blood pressure — also have been shown to help alleviate symptoms of ADHD. They haven't been studied as extensively as stimulants. Adults generally respond well to a combination of medications as well as behavior therapy and techniques training. Many people who have this type of treatment say that they feel more in control and more able to manage their symptoms. If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from symptoms of ADHD consider asking your physician or mental health provider for an appointment with a specialist. You can also contact an institution of higher education or medical school program to get recommendations. Or you can look at the list of specialists that are covered by your insurance plan. If you're an adult, you may also try a self-assessment questionnaire to determine if you have ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists' online Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale is a simple checklist that can help determine whether you are suffering from ADHD.