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ADHD Screening Test – The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD The first step to take if believe that your child might be suffering from ADHD is to set up an appointment for a diagnostic assessment. A clear diagnosis will aid in understanding and treating this condition. During the examination, your doctor will ask you questions regarding your health and growth going back to early childhood. They may also use behavior rating scales as well as symptom checklists. Signs and symptoms The first step in diagnosing ADHD is to collect as as much information about the individual as you can. This could include a physical exam, gathering health and school records or speaking with family members teachers, coworkers, or other close friends. It is also essential to rule out other conditions which may trigger symptoms similar to ADHD like thyroid problems, seizures and some kinds of anxiety disorders. The doctor will be interested in knowing how the symptoms have affected the patient's daily life. This might involve asking questions like whether they struggle to finish tasks or become easily distracted, especially if they frequently lose things, have difficulty with time management or are always getting late for social or work events. For children, the physician might also inquire about whether the symptoms began before 12. see here , psychologists and some doctors are trained to diagnose ADHD in both children and adults. They will use 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 for a 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 signs in each category for at least six months. It is important to note that the diagnosis of ADHD is not a condemnation. Many people suffering from ADHD have mild symptoms, and they can learn how to manage their symptoms with the help of therapy, medications and healthy lifestyle habits. The most common medication used to treat ADHD is a stimulant. It is available in a variety of forms, including tablets and liquids. A doctor can prescribe the right dosage and medication to the patient. They can also give tips on healthy lifestyles that will improve symptoms of ADHD like regular exercise or getting enough sleep. In some cases antidepressants and nonstimulant medications can be employed to treat ADHD. Diagnosis A screening test for ADHD is the first step to an accurate diagnosis. The best method to find out if you have ADHD is to arrange an evaluation with a clinician. A psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist could all offer an ADHD evaluation. Before making a diagnosis your mental health professional will review the American Psychiatric Society'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 symptoms have been present for at least six months. They will also look at the family history of your child or you, medical and psychiatric history. You can ask your spouse or other family member to share details about the person's symptoms. This helps the mental healthcare professional to gain a complete picture of the person's behavior and ADHD experience. The doctor will also use the standard ADHD behavior rating scales as well as ask the person to talk about their previous experiences in school, work, relationships and hobbies. It is important that the mental health professional understands that other conditions can mimic 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 certain instances, a mental health professional might suggest a physical exam. This is especially crucial for adults, because some medical conditions can cause the same symptoms as ADHD. When a mental health specialist is able to diagnose a problem, he or she will explain that the condition is likely to be caused by neurological issues, such as 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 will then discuss the options for treatment. For many people the best combination of treatments lets them manage their ADHD symptoms and live their lives to the maximum. Some people can find accommodations at work and school for example, being able to take tests in a private room or having an extended break between classes. These help them live their lives more comfortably. Treatment Recognizing ADHD symptoms can be the first step to control the symptoms. They can cause serious problems, whether at school, at work or at home. Treatment includes medication and therapy. Therapy can help someone learn better time management techniques and devise methods to improve their organizational skills like daily planners or lists. Therapists can help teach the skills of social interaction and emotional regulation. Counseling may also help if a child is suffering from co-existing illnesses such as anxiety or depression. The health professional who is conducting the test may ask a series of questions and complete a psychological or neuropsychological exam. These tests evaluate the performance of an individual to that of typical people with the same age. They can reveal if the person is suffering from a learning disability or other disorders that look like or coexist with ADHD. The specialist could provide the person with questionnaires and interview other adults, like teachers or babysitters, to get a full picture of the person's 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 specialist may also review the school records of a previous student to determine if a person had issues as a kid. Adults often have a hard recalling their issues in childhood, however, according to current guidelines for diagnosing, the disorder can't be identified if the symptoms didn't manifest often in more than one environment before the age of 12. Before starting any treatment, your doctor might check to see whether any medical conditions could be causing or aggravated the ADHD symptoms. Certain of these conditions can cause thyroid issues or seizures that may have symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A medical examination could include a vision or hearing test. The specialist may also talk to the person's parents or other relatives, and talk about the issues they face at school or at work. Medication Stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. They boost the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that control attention and movements. When stimulants are taken as prescribed, studies have shown that they lower the risk of children suffering from ADHD taking drugs and developing other issues. It is essential to know that stimulants can cause side effects. They can cause a decrease in appetite or trouble sleeping and heart or lung problems. Doctors may prescribe non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and Guanfacine. These work more slowly than stimulants, and are less harmful in some people who have certain health problems or cannot take stimulants because of unpleasant side effects, such as anxiety or ringing in the ears, 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 shown that other medications such as those that treat high blood pressure, can also improve ADHD symptoms. However, they have not been as thoroughly studied as stimulants. Adults generally respond well to a combination of medication, behavior therapy, and training in skills. Many people who receive this combination of treatments say that they feel more at control and able to manage their symptoms. If you think you or someone you know suffers from symptoms of ADHD consider asking your physician or mental health professional for a referral to an expert. You can also contact an institution of higher education like a hospital or medical or graduate school for recommendations or look on your insurance plan's list of specialists according to their specialties. If you are an adult, you can try a self-assessment survey to determine if you have ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists' online Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale is an easy-to-use checklist that will help you determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD.