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ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD

The first step to take if think your child or you might be suffering from ADHD is to make an appointment for a diagnostic evaluation. Only an accurate diagnosis can aid in understanding and treating this condition.

During the examination the doctor will ask you questions about your health and development going back to early childhood. They could also use behavior rating scales as well as symptom checklists.

Symptoms

To diagnose ADHD, you need to collect as much information as you can about the person. This could involve undergoing an exam for physical examination, collecting health and school records or talking to family members as well as teachers, coworkers, and other close friends. It is important to rule out any other conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD like seizures, thyroid disorders 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 could ask whether the patient has difficulty working through tasks or is easily distracted. If they're often late for work or social occasions, they may also struggle with time management, or lose items frequently. For children, the physician might also inquire if the symptoms started before age 12 years old.

Psychologists and psychiatrists are trained to recognize ADHD in adults and children. They will use standardized criteria as set forth by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if the symptoms match the diagnostic criteria for the 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 show at least six or more symptoms within one of the categories for a minimum of six months.

It is important to keep in mind that a diagnosis for ADHD does not mean that you are a scourge. Many people suffering from ADHD have mild symptoms. They are able to manage their symptoms by using medication, therapy and a healthy lifestyle.

Stimulants are the most common medication to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms such as tablets and liquids. A health care provider can prescribe the right dosage and medication for the patient. They are also able to give suggestions on healthy lifestyles that can help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD such as regular exercise and making sure that a person gets enough sleep. In some cases the use of antidepressants as well as nonstimulant medications are used to treat ADHD.

Diagnosis

An ADHD screening test is a first step to make an accurate diagnosis of the disorder. However, the most effective 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 assessment.

Before making  adhd test for adults online  will review American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines for the disorder that are found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They will ask you or your child about the symptoms persisting for at minimum six months. They will also examine you or your child's medical, mental health and family history.

You can ask your spouse or other family member to share information about the person's symptoms. This can help the mental health professional build a complete picture of the person's behavior and experiences with ADHD. The doctor will also interview the patient and use standardized ADHD behavior rating scales.

It is crucial that the mental health professional understands that other conditions can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they must also exclude other conditions such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders before determining that one suffers from ADHD.

In some cases, the mental health specialist may suggest a physical exam. This is essential for adults because certain medical conditions can produce the similar symptoms as ADHD.

After the mental health specialist has established an assessment, they will explain how it could be caused by neurological issues such as hypothalamus hyperactive or inactive and genetic predisposition as well as environmental factors such as inadequate diet, addiction to substances and stress.

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. Some people can find accommodations at work and school for example, being able to take tests in a private room or to take a longer break between classes. These help them live their lives more comfortably.

Treatment

Finding out the diagnosis is the first step in taking control of ADHD symptoms that could cause serious problems at work, school or at home. Treatment includes medication and therapy. Therapy can help an individual improve their time management skills and devise strategies for improving their organization, like daily planners or list. Therapists can help teach social skills and emotional regulation. Counseling may also help when a child suffers from co-existing illnesses, such as anxiety or depression.

The health care professional doing the evaluation can ask a series questions and complete a psychological or neuropsychological exam. These tests compare a person's performance to those of people who are typical of similar age. They can reveal if the person is suffering from a learning disability or other conditions that look like or coexist with ADHD. The specialist could give the person a questionnaire and also interview other adults like teachers or babysitters to get a better picture of their behavior, problems 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 wish to review the school records of the past to determine if the person had trouble in the early years of their life. Adults often have a hard recalling their issues in childhood, however, according to current guidelines for diagnosing, the disorder can't be diagnosed if symptoms did not occur regularly in more than one setting before age 12.

Before beginning any treatment, a doctor might check to determine whether there are any medical issues that could be causing ADHD symptoms or causing them to get worse. Certain of these conditions can cause thyroid issues or seizures that may have symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A medical examination may also include a hearing or vision test. The expert may also interview the patient's parents or other relatives, and discuss their problems at school or work.

Medication

Stimulants - such as methylphenidate or amphetamine - are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD. They increase the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate attention and movement. Studies have shown that stimulants can reduce the risk of relapse to drugs and other problems for children with ADHD in the event that they are used as directed. However, it's important to be aware of potential adverse effects, which could include the loss of appetite, difficulties sleeping and heart or lung problems in some children.

Doctors also may prescribe nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine and Guanfacine. These drugs perform slower than stimulants and are safer for some people suffering from certain health issues or who are unable to take stimulants due to unpleasant adverse effects like anxiety, ringing of the ears, or changes to vision, heart, or lung 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. These medications aren't FDA approved for this purpose and may interact negatively with stimulants.

Other kinds of medications -such as those used to treat high blood pressure -- also have been shown to improve symptoms of ADHD. However, they haven't been examined as thoroughly as stimulants.

In adults, a mix of medication, behavior therapy and skills training is often the most effective treatment. Adults who undergo this combination treatment feel more in control of their symptoms and are able to manage them.

If you suspect you or someone you know is suffering from symptoms of ADHD you should ask your physician or mental health professional for a referral to an expert. You can also reach out to an institution of higher education or medical school, or graduate program for suggestions. You can also look at the list of specialists on your insurance plan.

You can also perform a self-assessment to determine if you have ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists Adult ADHD Self Report Scale is an easy checklist that can be used to determine whether you suffer from ADHD symptoms.