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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 evaluation. Getting an accurate diagnosis is the only way to fully understand and treat the condition. During your evaluation the doctor will ask you questions about your health and development going back to the early years of childhood. They can also use the symptom checklist and scales for assessing behavior. Symptoms To diagnose ADHD, you need to collect as much information as you can about the person. This could involve undergoing a physical exam, gathering medical and school records, or interviewing family members as well as teachers, coworkers, and other close friends. It is crucial to identify any other medical conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD, such as seizures, thyroid disorders, and a variety of anxiety disorders. The doctor may be interested in knowing how the issues have affected the patient's life and relationships. This might involve asking questions like whether they have trouble finishing tasks or become easily distracted, especially if they frequently lose things, have difficulty with managing their time or are always running late for social or work events. For children, the doctor might also inquire if the symptoms began before age 12 years old. Psychologists and psychiatrists are trained to recognize ADHD in adults and in children. They will employ standard criteria, as laid out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if the symptoms are in line with the diagnostic criteria needed for a diagnosis of ADHD. The DSM-5 defines the main categories of ADHD as inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. To be diagnosed with ADHD the person must exhibit at least six or more symptoms within one of the categories for a minimum of six months. It is important to remember that a diagnosis of ADHD is not a reason to be scolding. Many people with ADHD have mild symptoms, and they can learn to manage their symptoms with the help of therapy, medication and healthy lifestyle practices. Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment for ADHD. It comes in a variety forms including tablets, chewable pills, and liquids. A doctor can prescribe the right dosage and medication to the patient. They are also able to give advice on healthier lifestyle habits which can reduce the symptoms of ADHD like regular exercise and ensuring that a person gets 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 in obtaining a correct diagnosis. The best way to determine whether you suffer from ADHD is by scheduling an evaluation with a clinician. A psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist can all provide an ADHD evaluation. Before making a diagnosis, your mental health professional will review the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines for the disorder found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They will talk to you or your child regarding symptoms persisting for at minimum six months. They will also examine your or your child's family medical and psychiatric histories. You may ask a spouse or another family member to provide details regarding the person's behavior. This will help the mental health professional create a complete picture of the person's behavior as well as their experience with ADHD. The psychologist will also employ standardized ADHD behavior rating scales as well as interview the person about their past experiences with school, work, relationships and hobbies. It is essential for a mental health professional to be aware that other disorders may cause ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they should be able to rule out other conditions that may be related to seizures and thyroid disorders before determining if a person has ADHD. In some cases, the mental health specialist may suggest a physical exam. This is particularly important for adults as certain medical conditions can trigger the same symptoms as ADHD. When a mental health specialist is able to diagnose a problem and confirms the diagnosis, they will explain that the condition is likely caused by neurological issues, like an overactive or underactive hypothalamus. Genetic predisposition, poor diet and environmental factors, such as stress, substance abuse and poor eating habits are common causes. The mental health professional talks about treatment options. The right combination of treatments can help many people manage their ADHD symptoms, and live an active and fulfilling life. Others are able to find accommodations at school and at work, such as being allowed to take tests in a private space or to have an extended break between classes. These makes their lives easier. Treatment Getting a diagnosis is the first step to taking control of ADHD symptoms that can lead to serious problems at work, school or home. Medication and therapy are an integral part of treatment. Therapy can help a person develop better time management and develop methods for improving their organization, such as daily planners or list. Therapists can help teach social skills and emotional regulation. If adhd test online free is suffering from co-existing issues, like depression or anxiety, counseling may help with those too. The health professional who is conducting the test will ask a series questions and will conduct a neuropsychological psychological test. These tests compare the performance of a person to those with similar ages. These tests can reveal whether a person suffers from a learning disorder or any other disorder that could be related to or resemble ADHD. The specialist might provide the person with questionnaires and talk to other adults, like babysitters or teachers, to get a more complete picture of the person's behavior, problems 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 a person had issues as a kid. Adults often have a difficult time remembering their problems in childhood, however, according to current guidelines for diagnosing the disorder cannot be identified if the symptoms didn't manifest regularly in more than one environment before the age of 12. Before starting any treatment, your doctor may check to see whether any medical issues might be causing or worsening the ADHD symptoms. Certain of these conditions can cause seizures or thyroid issues that may have symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A medical exam could include a hearing or vision test. The expert may also interview the person’s parents or other relatives, and talk about their issues at school or work. Medication Stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD. They increase the levels of chemical in the brain known as neurotransmitters that regulate attention and movement. If stimulants are prescribed, studies have shown that they lower the risk of children suffering from ADHD taking drugs and developing other problems. However, it is crucial to be aware of the potential adverse effects, which could include the loss of appetite, difficulties sleeping, and heart or lung problems in a few children. Doctors may also prescribe nonstimulant medicines, such as atomoxetine or guanfacine. These drugs perform slower than stimulants and are more suitable for people with certain health conditions or who are unable to take stimulants due to unpleasant side effects such as anxiety, ringing in the ears, or changes to the heart, vision, and lung function. They also can help treat disorders of the tic, like Tourette Syndrome. Some antidepressants such as bupropion and SSRIs can also be used to treat ADHD. These drugs are not FDA approved for this purpose, and could interfere negatively with stimulants. It has been demonstrated that other kinds of medication, including those that treat high blood pressure, can also improve ADHD symptoms. However, they have not been studied as extensively as stimulants. In adults, a mix of behavior therapy, medication and training in skills is usually the most effective treatment. Adults who undergo this combination treatment report feeling more in control of their symptoms and are able to manage their symptoms. If you think you or someone you know has symptoms of ADHD consider asking your personal physician or mental health professional for an appointment with an expert. You can also reach out to a university hospital or medical school program for recommendations. You can also take a look at the list specialists that are covered by your insurance plan. If you're an adult, you can try a self-assessment survey to see if you might have ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists' online Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale is a simple checklist that can help determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD.