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ADHD Screening Test – The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD The first step to take if you believe that your child might have ADHD is to set up an appointment for a diagnostic evaluation. Only a clear diagnosis can aid in understanding and treating this condition. During your examination the doctor will ask you questions regarding your health and development going back to the early years of childhood. They can also use symptoms checklists and scales for assessing behavior. Signs and symptoms The first step in identifying ADHD is to gather as as much information about the individual as you can. This could include a physical examination as well as obtaining medical and school records, or speaking with close friends, family members, or teachers. It is essential to identify any other medical conditions that could trigger symptoms similar to ADHD like thyroid disorders, seizures and a variety of anxiety disorders. The doctor will also want to know about how the issues have affected the patient's life and relationships. This might involve asking questions like whether they struggle to finish tasks or become easily distracted, especially if they frequently lose things, have difficulty with time management or are always being late for work or social events. For children, the physician might also inquire if the symptoms began before age 12. Psychiatrists, psychologists and some physicians are trained in diagnosing ADHD in both children and adults. They will use standardized diagnostic criteria, laid out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if symptoms meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. The DSM-5 defines the main categories of ADHD as inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. To be diagnosed with ADHD you must exhibit at least six symptoms in each category for at least six month. It is crucial to keep in mind that the fact that you have been diagnosed with ADHD does not mean you are a scourge. Many people with ADHD have mild symptoms, and they can learn how to manage their symptoms with the help of therapy, medications and healthy lifestyle choices. Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment for ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms such as tablets and liquids. A health professional can prescribe the correct dosage and medication for the patient. They can also provide advice on healthy lifestyle habits that will improve symptoms of ADHD like regular exercise or a good night's sleep. In certain instances, non-stimulant drugs like antidepressants could be prescribed to treat ADHD. Diagnosis An ADHD screening test is a first step towards making an accurate diagnosis of the disorder. However, the best method to determine if you are suffering from ADHD is to schedule a medical evaluation with a mental health professional. A psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist can all provide an ADHD evaluation. Before making a diagnoses your mental health professional will review American Psychiatric Association 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 that have persisted for at least six months. They will also look over you or your child's medical, psychiatric and family history. You may ask a spouse or another family member to provide information about the person's symptoms. This helps the mental health professional create an accurate picture of the person's behavior as well as their experience with ADHD. The psychologist will also employ the standard ADHD behavior rating scales and ask the patient about their experiences in the past in school, work and relationships, as well as their hobbies. It is essential that the mental health professional understands that other disorders can resemble ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they need to determine if there are other conditions such as thyroid problems and seizures before determining whether someone has ADHD. In some cases, the mental health professional may suggest a physical examination. This is important for adults because certain medical conditions can cause the same symptoms as ADHD. When a mental health professional determines a diagnosis, he or she will explain that it is likely to be caused by neurological issues, such as hypothalamus overactive or underactive. Genetic predisposition, poor diet and environmental factors, like substance abuse, stress and poor eating habits are common causes. The mental health professional will discuss treatment options. For many people, the correct combination of treatments lets them manage their ADHD symptoms and live their lives to the fullest. Other people are able to get accommodations at work and school, such as being allowed to take tests in a private space or having an extended break between classes. These make their lives more manageable. Treatment Getting a diagnosis is the first step in controlling ADHD symptoms that could cause serious issues at work, school, or at home. online testing for adhd and medication are a essential to the treatment. Therapy can help an individual develop better time management and develop methods for improving their organization, like daily planners or list. A therapist can teach social skills and emotional regulation. If a child has co-existing issues, like depression or anxiety, therapy can help with these too. The health professional who is conducting the test can ask a series questions and then conduct a psychological or neuropsychological exam. These tests are used to compare the performance of a person with those of normal people with similar age. They can reveal if the person suffers from a learning impairment or other disorders that look similar to or coexist with ADHD. The specialist may give the patient a questionnaire, and interview other adults such as teachers or babysitters to get an accurate picture of their behavior, challenges 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 specialist might also examine the school records of a previous student to determine if the person had issues as a kid. Adults often have a difficult time remembering their problems from childhood, but under current diagnostic guidelines the disorder isn't identified if the symptoms didn't manifest frequently in more than one environment prior to age 12. Before starting any treatment, a doctor might check to determine whether there are any medical conditions that could be causing ADHD symptoms or causing them to get worse. These might include thyroid problems or seizures, which sometimes have similar symptoms to ADHD. A medical examination may also include a vision or hearing test. The expert may also interview the person’s parents or other relatives, and talk about their issues at school or work. Medication ADHD is usually treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine. They boost the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that control attention and movements. Studies have shown that stimulants can reduce the chance of addiction and other problems for kids with ADHD, as long as they are taken as directed. It is essential to be aware that stimulants may cause adverse effects. These include a decreased appetite or trouble sleeping as well as lung or heart problems. Doctors can also prescribe nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. They work slower than stimulants and are safer for people with particular health issues or who are unable to use stimulants due to undesirable adverse effects, like anxiety and ringing in the ear or changes in vision or the function of the heart and lungs. 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 utilized to treat ADHD. These drugs are not FDA approved for this purpose and could interact negatively with stimulants. It has been demonstrated that other medications such as those that treat high blood pressure, can also help improve ADHD symptoms. They haven't been studied as thoroughly as stimulants. In adults, a mix of behavior therapy, medication and skills training is typically the most effective treatment. Many people who receive this kind of treatment report they feel more in control and more 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 else you know is suffering from symptoms of ADHD. You can also contact the hospital of a university or medical school to get recommendations or look on your insurance plan's list of specialists according to their specialties. You can also take self-assessment tools to determine whether you suffer from ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists' online Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale is a user-friendly checklist that can help determine whether you are suffering from ADHD.