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ADHD Screening Test – The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD If you suspect that your child is suffering from ADHD the first step is to schedule an appointment for an assessment. Making sure you have a clear diagnosis is the only way to understand and treat the condition. During the examination, your doctor may ask you questions regarding how your health has developed from your childhood. They could also use behavior rating scales and symptom checklists. 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 exam or obtaining health and school records, or talking to family members, close friends or teachers. It is crucial to rule out any other conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD, such as thyroid disorders, seizures and certain types of anxiety disorders. The doctor will also want to know about how the symptoms have affected the individual's life and relationships. You might ask if the person has trouble completing tasks or gets easily distracted. If they're frequently late to work or social occasions, they may also struggle with time management or lose things frequently. In children, the doctor may also ask about whether the symptoms began before age 12 years old. Psychiatrists and psychologists are trained to diagnose ADHD in adults as well as children. 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 satisfy the criteria needed 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 a minimum of six month. It is important to remember that a diagnosis for ADHD does not mean you are deserving of punishment. Many people who suffer from 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 commonly used medication to treat ADHD is a stimulant. It comes in a variety of forms that include liquids and tablets. A health care provider can prescribe the appropriate dosage and medication for the patient. They can also provide suggestions on healthy lifestyles that can help improve symptoms of ADHD such as regular exercise and getting enough sleep. In some instances, non-stimulant drugs like antidepressants could be used to treat ADHD. Diagnosis A screening test for ADHD is the first step to a correct diagnosis. However, the most effective method to determine if you are suffering from ADHD is to schedule a clinical evaluation with an expert in mental health. A psychotherapist, psychiatrist, psychologist or neurologist are all qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment. Before determining a diagnosis, your mental health professional will go over 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 month. They will also examine the medical, psychiatric and family medical history. You may ask a spouse or other family member to share details regarding the person's behavior. This helps the mental health professional build an accurate picture of the person's behaviour and experience with ADHD. The clinician will also use the standard ADHD behavior scales and ask the patient about their experiences in the past with school, work relationships, hobbies and other activities. It is crucial that the mental health professional understands that other disorders may resemble ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they should rule out other disorders like thyroid disorders and seizure disorders before determining if someone has ADHD. In some instances, an expert in mental health may recommend a physical exam. This is essential for adults since certain medical conditions can cause the same symptoms as ADHD. After a mental health professional is able to diagnose a problem, he or she will explain that it is likely caused by neurological issues, for example, hypothalamus overactive or underactive. Genetic predisposition, poor diet and environmental factors, such as stress, alcohol abuse, and poor eating habits are common causes. 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 accommodations at work and school, such as being allowed to take tests in a private room or to take a longer break between classes, which help them live their lives more comfortably. Treatment Getting a diagnosis is the first step to taking control of ADHD symptoms that can cause serious issues at school, work or home. Treatment options include medication and therapy. Therapy can help someone develop better time management skills and develop methods to improve their organizational skills like daily planners or lists. Therapists can also teach emotional regulation and social skills. If www.iampsychiatry.com is suffering from coexisting conditions such as anxiety or depression, counseling can help with these too. The health care professional performing the test will ask a series questions and perform a neuropsychological or psychological examination. These tests evaluate the performance of a person with those of normal people with the same age. They can reveal if a person has a learning disability or any other disorder that appears like or are co-occurring with ADHD. The specialist could ask the person questions and interview other adults, like babysitters or teachers, in order to obtain a complete picture of the person's 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 want to examine the school records of the past to determine whether the patient had issues in their childhood. Adults may struggle to remember their childhood problems. However, under current guidelines for diagnosing disorders, the disorder is not able to be diagnosed in the event that symptoms did not manifest regularly more than once before age 12. Before beginning any treatment, a doctor may check to see if there are any medical conditions that could be causing the ADHD symptoms or causing them to worsen. Some of these conditions include seizures or thyroid issues which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. A medical examination may also include a vision or hearing test. The expert might also conduct an emotional or psychological history, talk to the person's parents or other family members, and discuss the person's concerns at work or school. Medication Stimulants, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are among the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They increase the levels of neurotransmitters that control attention and movements. Studies have shown that stimulants can reduce the risk of relapse to drugs and other problems for kids with ADHD when they are used as directed. It is important to be aware that stimulants can cause side effects. These include a decreased appetite or trouble sleeping as well as lung or heart problems. Doctors may also prescribe nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. These drugs work slower than stimulants, and are safe for patients with certain health issues or who cannot take stimulants due a negative side effects such as anxiety, ringing in the ears, or changes to the heart, vision, and lung function. They can also help treat disorders of the tic, like Tourette Syndrome. Certain antidepressants, including SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and bupropion, are also used to treat ADHD. These drugs are not FDA approved for this purpose and could be incompatible with stimulants. It has been shown that other types of medications such as those used to treat high blood pressure, may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. They haven't been examined as in depth as stimulants. In adults, a combination of therapy, medication and training in skills is usually the most effective treatment. Adults who receive this type of treatment feel more in control of their symptoms and able manage their symptoms. Ask your doctor or mental health provider to refer you to a specialist if you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from symptoms of ADHD. You can also contact the hospital of a university, medical or graduate school to get recommendations or look on your insurance plan's list of specialists according to their specialties. You can also use self-assessment tools to determine if you suffer from ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists Adult ADHD Self Report Scale is a simple test that can be used to determine if you have ADHD symptoms.