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ADHD Screening Test - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD

If you think that your child or you has ADHD the first step is to schedule an appointment to get an assessment. Only an accurate diagnosis can aid in understanding and treating this condition.

During your exam during an evaluation, your doctor will ask you questions about your health and development prior to early childhood. They might also employ symptoms checklists and behavior rating scales.

Signs and symptoms

The first step in identifying ADHD is to collect as much information about the person as you can. This could involve a physical examination, obtaining health and school records, or speaking with close friends, family members or teachers. It is also essential to rule out any other conditions which may trigger symptoms similar to ADHD such as thyroid problems, seizures and some kinds of anxiety disorders.

The doctor will be interested in knowing how the symptoms affected the patient's life. You could ask whether the person is having difficulty working through tasks or is easily distracted. If they're often late for work or social occasions they might also have problems with time management, or lose things frequently. For children, the doctor may also ask about whether the symptoms started before age 12.


Psychiatrists, psychologists and some doctors are trained to recognize ADHD in children and adults. They will employ established criteria that are standardized as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if the symptoms meet the diagnostic requirements for the diagnosis of ADHD. The DSM-5 defines the main categories of ADHD as inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least six symptoms in each category for at least six month.

It is important to remember that the diagnosis of ADHD is not a reason to be scolding. Many people suffering from ADHD have mild symptoms, and they can learn to manage their symptoms through the use of therapy, medications and healthy lifestyle habits.

The most popular medication used to treat ADHD is a stimulant. It comes in a variety of forms, including tablets and liquids. A health care provider can recommend the appropriate medication and dosage to the patient. They are also competent to offer suggestions on healthy lifestyles that can help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD such as regular exercise and ensuring that a person gets enough sleep. In certain instances, non-stimulant medication like antidepressants may be used to treat ADHD.

Diagnosis

A screening test for ADHD is the first step to making a proper diagnosis. However, the most effective method to determine if you suffer from ADHD is to schedule a medical evaluation with a mental health professional. A psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist can all conduct an ADHD evaluation.

Before determining a diagnosis, your mental health professional 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 if symptoms have been present for at least six months. They will also examine the medical, mental health and family background.

Iam Psychiatry who is being evaluated could be asked for input from other sources, such as a spouse or other family members on their symptoms. This will help the mental health professional create an accurate picture of the person's behavior as well as their experience with ADHD. The doctor will also interview the person and use standard ADHD behavior rating scales.

It is crucial for the mental health professional to be aware that other conditions can be similar to ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they need to rule out other disorders such as thyroid problems or seizures before determining whether the patient has ADHD.

In some instances, an expert in mental health may suggest a physical exam. This is crucial for adults because certain medical conditions can cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.

When a mental health specialist is able to diagnose a problem then they explain that the problem is likely to be caused by neurological issues, for example, hypothalamus overactive or underactive. Genetic predisposition, poor nutrition and environmental factors, like stress, substance abuse and poor eating habits are common causes.

The mental health professional talks about the treatment options. For many choosing the right combination of treatments can help them manage their ADHD symptoms and live their lives to the fullest. 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, that make their lives more manageable.

Treatment

The diagnosis of ADHD symptoms can be the first step in controlling them. They can cause serious problems, whether at work, at school or at home. Therapy and medication are both a essential to the treatment. Therapy can help someone improve their time management skills and devise strategies for improving their organization, such as daily planners or list. A therapist can help teach the skills of social interaction and emotional regulation. If a child is suffering from co-existing disorders, such as depression or anxiety, counseling may help with those too.

The health care professional doing the evaluation may ask a series of questions and complete a psychological or neuropsychological exam. These tests are used to compare the performance of a person with those of people who are typical who are the same age. These tests can tell if a person is suffering from a learning disorder or any other disorders that may be co-existent or have a similar appearance to ADHD. The specialist could ask the person questions and talk to other adults, such as teachers or babysitters, to get a full picture of the person's behavior, issues 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 doctor may also wish to examine the school records of the past to determine whether the patient had issues in childhood. Adults have a difficult time remembering their problems in childhood, however, according to current guidelines for diagnosing disorders the disorder isn't diagnosed if symptoms didn't occur often in more than one setting prior to age 12.

Before beginning any treatment, the doctor may check to see whether any medical conditions could be causing or aggravating the ADHD symptoms. Some of these conditions include seizures or thyroid problems that can 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 discuss their problems at school or work.

Medication

Stimulants - like amphetamine and methylphenidate are among the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They increase the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate attention and movement. When stimulants are taken as prescribed, research has shown that they lower the risk of kids with ADHD abusing drugs and having other problems. It is important to know that stimulants may cause adverse effects. These include a decreased appetite or trouble sleeping, as well as lung or heart problems.

Doctors can prescribe non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. These work more slowly than stimulants and are safer in some people who have certain health issues or are unable to take stimulants due to unpleasant side effects, such as anxiety and ringing in the ear, or changes in vision or heart and lung function. They may also be beneficial 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.

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 studied as extensively as stimulants.

For adults, a combination of behavior therapy, medication and skills training is typically the most effective treatment. Many adults who receive this combination of treatments say that they feel more at control and are able to manage their symptoms.

If you suspect you or someone you know has symptoms of ADHD consider asking your physician or mental health provider for a referral to an expert. You can also contact the hospital of a university, medical school or graduate program for suggestions. Or you can look at the list of specialists on your insurance plan.

You can also take self-assessment tools to determine whether you suffer from ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists' online Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale is a simple checklist that can help you determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD.

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