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ADHD Screening Test – The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD The first step to take if you suspect you or your child might have ADHD is to set up an appointment for a diagnostic assessment. A clear diagnosis will help you understand and treat this condition. During the examination, your doctor may ask you questions about 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 identifying ADHD is to collect as many details about the individual as you can. This could involve a physical examination as well as obtaining medical and school records, or interviewing family members, close friends, or teachers. It is also crucial to rule out other ailments that may cause symptoms that resemble ADHD such as thyroid problems seizures, seizures, and other types of anxiety disorders. The doctor will be interested in knowing how the symptoms have affected the patient's daily life. This could include asking questions such as whether they struggle to finish tasks or are easily distracted, if they often lose things, have difficulty with managing their time or are always running late for social or work events. The doctor may ask if the symptoms began before the age of 12. Psychiatrists, psychologists and some doctors 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 meet the diagnostic criteria 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, a person must have at least six symptoms in one of the categories for at least six months. It is important to note that the diagnosis of ADHD is not a reason to be scolding. Many people with ADHD have mild symptoms and they can learn how to manage their symptoms with the help of medications, therapy and healthy lifestyle choices. The most common medication used to treat ADHD is a stimulant. It is available in a variety of different forms like chewable tablets, chewable pills, and liquids. A health care provider can determine the best medication and dosage for the patient. They are also in a position to provide suggestions on healthy lifestyles that can help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD such as regular exercise and ensuring that the patient gets enough sleep. In certain instances antidepressants and nonstimulant medications can be used to treat ADHD. Diagnosis A screening test for ADHD is the first step towards making a proper diagnosis. The best way to determine if you have ADHD is by scheduling an appointment for a clinical assessment. A psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist could all offer an ADHD evaluation. Before making a diagnoses your mental health professional will go over American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines for the disorder that are found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They will interview you or your child regarding symptoms that have persisted for at minimum six months. They will also examine the family history of your child or you, medical and psychiatric history. You may ask a spouse or other family member to provide 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 person and use standard ADHD behavior rating scales. It is important for the mental health professional to recognize that other conditions can be similar to ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they must also exclude other conditions such as thyroid problems or seizures before determining if one suffers from ADHD. In some cases, the mental health specialist may recommend a physical examination. This is crucial for adults as certain medical conditions can produce the same symptoms as ADHD. Once the mental health professional has determined an assessment, they will explain how it could be caused by neurological disorders such as an underactive or overactive hypothalamus, genetic predisposition and environmental factors like poor diet, alcohol abuse and stress. The mental health professional discusses treatment options. For many people, the correct combination of treatments can help them manage their ADHD symptoms and live their lives to the maximum. Some people are able find accommodations at their workplaces and schools, for example, the ability to take tests in private or take a longer break during class. This makes life easier. Treatment The diagnosis of ADHD symptoms can be the first step to control these symptoms. They can create serious problems, whether at work, at school or at home. Therapy and medication are a part of the treatment. Therapy can help a person learn better time management and develop methods for improving their organization, including daily planners or lists. A therapist can teach social skills and emotional regulation. Counseling can also help if a child is suffering from co-existing disorders such as anxiety or depression. The health care professional performing the examination will ask a series of questions and perform a neuropsychological or psychological exam. These tests assess the performance of an individual to those of a similar age. They can reveal if a person has a learning disability or other conditions that look like or coexist with ADHD. The specialist may give the person a questionnaire and also interview other adults, such as 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 doctor may also wish to review the school records of the past to find out if the person had trouble in childhood. Adults often have a hard remembering their difficulties in childhood, however, according to current guidelines for diagnosing disorders, the disorder can't be diagnosed if symptoms did not occur often in more than one environment prior to age 12. Before starting any treatment, a physician might check to determine if there are any medical issues that could be causing ADHD symptoms or causing them to get worse. These might include thyroid problems or seizures, which can have similar symptoms to ADHD. A medical examination may also include a hearing or vision test. The doctor may also conduct an emotional or psychological background, interview the patient's parents or other family members and discuss the person's problems at school or at work. Medication Stimulants – such as methylphenidate or amphetamine – are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They increase the amount of neurotransmitters that control attention and movements. As long as stimulants are taken as prescribed, research has shown that they decrease the chance of children with ADHD using drugs and causing other issues. However, it is crucial to be aware of possible side effects, such as an increased appetite, difficulty sleeping and heart or lung issues in a few children. Doctors may also prescribe non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine or guanfacine. These drugs perform slower than stimulants, and are safe for patients with certain health issues or who are unable to use stimulants due a negative adverse effects like anxiety, ringing in the ears, or changes to vision, heart, and lung function. They can also be helpful in treating tic disorders like Tourette syndrome. Certain antidepressants like bupropion and SSRIs are used to treat ADHD. However, these have not been specifically approved by the FDA for this use and may interact with stimulants. private adhd test of medication- including some that are used to treat high blood pressure -also have been proven to reduce symptoms of ADHD. However, they have not been as thoroughly studied as stimulants. In adults, a combination of therapy, medication and skills training is often the most effective treatment. Adults who receive this combination treatment feel more at ease with their symptoms and are able to manage them. If you think you or someone you know has symptoms of ADHD, ask your personal physician or mental health provider for the recommendation of a specialist. You can also ask the hospital of a university or medical school, or graduate program for recommendations. You can also check out the list of specialists that are covered by your insurance plan. You can also perform an assessment of your own to determine if you have ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists' online Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale is a user-friendly checklist that can help determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD.