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ADHD Screening Test – The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD The first step to take if you think your child or you might be suffering from ADHD is to make an appointment for a diagnostic assessment. Only an accurate diagnosis can help you understand and treat this condition. During the exam during the exam, your doctor might ask you questions regarding the way your health has improved from your childhood. They might also employ behavior rating scales as well as symptom checklists. Symptoms The first step in diagnosing ADHD is to gather as much information about the person as is possible. This might include getting an exam for physical examination, collecting health and school records or speaking with family members as well as teachers, coworkers, and other close friends. It is crucial to rule out any other conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD like thyroid disorders, seizures and certain types of anxiety disorders. The doctor will want to know how symptoms have affected the patient's daily life. It is possible to inquire if the person has trouble completing tasks or gets easily distracted. If they are often late for work or social occasions They may also have issues with time management, or lose things often. The doctor could inquire if the symptoms began before the age of 12. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and a few doctors are trained to recognize ADHD in both children and adults. They use standard diagnostic criteria, as laid out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if the 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 one must exhibit at least six symptoms in one of the categories for a minimum of six months. It is essential to keep in mind that a diagnosis for ADHD does not mean you are a scourge. Many people with ADHD have mild symptoms and they can learn to manage their symptoms through the use of medications, therapy and healthy lifestyle practices. Stimulants are the most common medication to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety of different forms including tablets, chewable pills, and liquids. A doctor can recommend the appropriate dosage and medication for the patient. They can also provide advice on healthy lifestyle habits that will improve 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 a correct diagnosis. The best way to find out if you have ADHD is by scheduling a clinical evaluation. A psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist could all offer an ADHD evaluation. Before making a diagnosis your mental health professional will review the American Psychiatric Association's 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 if they have had symptoms present for at least six month. They will also look at the family history of your child or you medical and psychiatric histories. The person who is being evaluated could be asked for input from outside sources like a spouse or other family members about their symptoms. This helps the mental health professional to build an accurate picture of the person's behaviour and experiences with ADHD. The doctor will also use standard ADHD behavior rating scales as well as interview the person about their past experiences in school, work and relationships, as well as their hobbies. It is crucial for the mental health professional to recognize that other disorders may be similar to ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they need to determine if there are other conditions such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders before determining that one suffers from ADHD. In some cases, mental health professionals may recommend a physical examination. This is particularly important for adults, because some medical conditions can cause the same symptoms as ADHD. After the mental health specialist has established an assessment and explained the reason, they will then explain why it could be caused by neurological issues like an underactive or overactive hypothalamus or genetic predisposition, as well as environmental factors like inadequate diet, addiction to substances and stress. The mental health professional then talks about the treatment options. For a lot of people the best combination of treatments lets them manage their ADHD symptoms and live their lives to the fullest. Certain people can find accommodations in their workplaces and schools, like the ability to take tests in private or take a break during class. This makes life easier. Treatment Getting a diagnosis is the first step in getting control of ADHD symptoms that can cause serious issues at school, work or home. Medication and therapy are an integral part of treatment. Therapy can help someone improve their time management skills and learn methods to improve their organization, like daily planners or lists. Therapists can also teach social skills and emotional regulation. Counseling can also be helpful children suffering from co-existing disorders such as anxiety or depression. The health professional who is conducting the test might ask a series of questions and complete a psychological or neuropsychological exam. These tests compare the performance of a person to that of people of a similar age. They can show whether the person suffers from a learning impairment or other conditions that look like or are co-occurring with ADHD. The specialist might give the person questionnaires and also interview other adults, such as babysitters or teachers, in order to obtain a complete picture of the person's 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 want to look over the school records of the past to find out whether the patient was troubled in the early years of their life. Adults can have trouble remembering their childhood problems. However, under www.iampsychiatry.com cannot be diagnosed when symptoms didn't occur often more than once before age 12. Before beginning any treatment, your doctor might check to see if any medical issues could be causing or aggravating the ADHD symptoms. Some of these ailments include seizures or thyroid problems that may have symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A medical examination could involve a hearing and vision test. The expert may also interview 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 commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They boost levels of chemicals in the brain, known as neurotransmitters that regulate the flow of attention and movement. When stimulants are taken as prescribed, studies have shown that they reduce the risk of kids with ADHD using drugs and causing other problems. However, it is important to be aware of potential side effects, including an increased appetite, difficulty sleeping and heart or lung problems in a few children. Doctors may also prescribe nonstimulant drugs, such as atomoxetine or guanfacine. They are slower to work than stimulants, and are less harmful in some people who have certain health problems or cannot use stimulants due to undesirable side effects, like anxiety and ringing in the ear, or changes in vision or heart and lung function. They can also help treat tic disorders such as Tourette Syndrome. Some antidepressants such as SSRIs and bupropion are also used to treat ADHD. These medications aren't FDA approved for this purpose, and could be incompatible with stimulants. It has been proven that other types of medications that are used to treat high-blood pressure, can also improve ADHD symptoms. However, they haven't been as thoroughly studied as stimulants. In adults, a mix of behavior therapy, medication and skills training is often the most effective treatment. Many adults who receive this kind of treatment report they feel more in control and more able to manage their symptoms. If you think you or someone you know is suffering from symptoms of ADHD you should ask your personal physician or mental health provider for a referral to a specialist. You can also contact a university-based hospital or medical or graduate school for recommendations, or look on your insurance plan's list of specialists according to their specialties. If you're an adult, you may also try a self-assessment questionnaire to see if you might be suffering from ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists Adult ADHD Self Report Scale is an easy checklist that can be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms.