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ADHD Screening Test – The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD If you think that your child is suffering from ADHD the first step is to make an appointment to get a diagnosis. Only an accurate diagnosis can help you understand and treat this condition. During the exam, your doctor may ask you questions about how your health has changed since your early childhood. They could also use behavior rating scales as well as symptom checklists. Symptoms The first step in identifying ADHD is to gather as much information about the person as possible. This could involve undergoing an examination for physical health, obtaining medical and school records, or talking to family members as well as teachers, coworkers, and other close friends. It is also important to rule out other conditions which may trigger symptoms that mimic ADHD like thyroid problems as well as seizures and various types of anxiety disorders. The doctor will want to know how symptoms affected the patient's life. You could ask if the person has trouble working through tasks or is easily distracted. If they are often late for work or social events, they may also struggle with time management, or lose items frequently. The doctor could ask if the symptoms began before the age of 12. Psychologists, psychiatrists and some doctors are trained to recognize ADHD in both children and adults. They use standard diagnostic criteria, defined 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 months. It is important to remember that a diagnosis of ADHD is not a reason to be scolding. Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from mild symptoms and they can learn how to manage their symptoms through the use of medications, therapy and healthy lifestyle choices. The most popular medication used to treat ADHD is stimulant. It comes in many different forms that include liquids and tablets. A doctor can prescribe the correct medication and dosage to the patient. They can also provide suggestions on healthy lifestyles which can improve the symptoms of ADHD, such as regular exercise or a good night's sleep. In some cases, nonstimulant medications such as antidepressants can be used to treat ADHD. Diagnosis A screening test for ADHD is the first step towards an accurate diagnosis. The best method to determine whether you suffer from ADHD is to schedule an evaluation with a clinician. A psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist or neurologist can all be certified to provide an ADHD assessment. Before making a diagnoses your mental health professional will go over American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines for the disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They will talk to you or your child regarding symptoms that have persisted for at least six months. They will also examine your child's or your own family medical and psychiatric history. You can ask your spouse or another family member to share details about the person's symptoms. This will help the mental health professional to build an accurate picture of the person's behavior and experience with ADHD. The psychologist will also talk to the person and use standardized ADHD behavior rating scales. It is essential that the mental health professional knows that other conditions can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they need to rule out other disorders such as thyroid problems or seizures before determining whether the patient has ADHD. In certain instances, a mental health professional might suggest a physical exam. This is especially important in adults, because some medical conditions can cause the similar symptoms as ADHD. When a mental health specialist makes a diagnosis then they explain that the condition is likely to be caused by neurological issues, like hypothalamus overactive or underactive. Genetic predisposition, poor nutrition and environmental factors like stress, substance abuse and poor nutrition are common causes. The mental health professional will discuss the options for treatment. For a lot of people choosing the right combination of treatments can help them manage their ADHD symptoms and live their lives to the maximum. 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, that help them live their lives more comfortably. Treatment Recognizing ADHD symptoms can be the first step to control the symptoms. They can cause serious problems, whether at school, at work or at home. Click That Link and medication are a essential to the treatment. Therapy can help a person develop better time management techniques and devise strategies to improve their organization by using daily planners or lists. Therapists can help teach the skills of social interaction and emotional regulation. If a child is suffering from co-existing issues, like depression or anxiety, therapy can help with these too. The health care professional doing the evaluation may ask a series of questions and then conduct a psychological or neuropsychological exam. These tests compare a person's performance to those of normal people who are similar age. These tests can help determine if a person is suffering from a learning disorder or other disorders that might coexist or look similar to ADHD. The specialist may give the patient a questionnaire and also interview other adults, such as teachers or babysitters to get a better 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 old school records to determine if a person had issues as a kid. Adults have a difficult time remembering their problems from their childhood, but according to current guidelines for diagnosing the disorder cannot be identified if the symptoms didn't manifest frequently in more than one environment before age 12. Before beginning any treatment, your doctor might check to see whether any medical conditions could be causing or aggravated the ADHD symptoms. This could be thyroid issues or seizures, which may exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD. A medical examination may also include a vision or hearing test. The doctor may also conduct an emotional or psychological history, talk to the person's parents or other family members, and discuss the person's issues at school or at work. Medication Stimulants, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are among the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They boost the levels of neurotransmitters that regulate attention and movement. Studies show that stimulants reduce the chance of addiction and other problems for children with ADHD, as long as they are taken as directed. However, it's important to be aware of potential side effects, including the loss of appetite, difficulties sleeping and lung or heart problems in some children. Doctors may also prescribe nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. They work slower than stimulants and are more secure for those with particular health issues or who are unable to take stimulants because of unpleasant adverse effects, like anxiety, ringing in the ears or changes in vision or lung and heart function. They can also be helpful in treating tic disorders like Tourette syndrome. Certain antidepressants like bupropion and SSRIs can also be used to treat ADHD. However, they haven't been specifically approved by the FDA for this purpose and may interact with stimulants. Other kinds of medications -such as those used to treat high blood pressure -are also proven to help alleviate symptoms of ADHD. They haven't been examined as in depth as stimulants. Adults typically respond better to a combination of medication or behavior therapy, as well as skills training. Many people who have this kind of treatment report that they feel more at control and are able to manage their symptoms. If you suspect you or someone you know suffers from symptoms of ADHD, ask your doctor or mental health professional for an appointment with a specialist. You can also ask the hospital of a university or medical school program for recommendations. Or you can take a look at the list specialists on your insurance plan. If you're an adult, you can try a self-assessment survey to determine if you be suffering from ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists Adult ADHD Self Report Scale is a simple test that can be used to determine whether you suffer from ADHD symptoms.