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ADHD Screening Test – The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD If you suspect that your child has ADHD, the first step is to schedule an appointment for an assessment. Only an accurate diagnosis can help you understand and treat this condition. During the evaluation during the exam, your doctor might ask you questions regarding how your health has developed from your childhood. They might also employ symptom checklists and behavior rating scales. Signs and symptoms The first step in diagnosing ADHD is to gather as many details about the individual as is possible. This might include getting a physical exam, gathering health and school records or interviewing family members, teachers, coworkers or other close friends. It is important to rule out any other illnesses that could 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 symptoms have affected the individual's life and relationships. This may include asking questions such as whether they struggle to finish tasks or get easily distracted, if they often lose things, have difficulty with managing their time or are always getting late for social or work events. The doctor may inquire if the symptoms began before the age of 12. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and a few doctors are trained to recognize ADHD in children and adults. They use the 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 match the diagnostic criteria needed 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 a minimum of six month. It is crucial to keep in mind that having a diagnosis for ADHD doesn't mean you are condemned. Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from mild symptoms and they can learn how to manage their symptoms with the help of therapy, medications and healthy lifestyle practices. The most commonly used medication to treat ADHD is stimulant. It comes in a variety of forms including tablets, chewable pills, and liquids. A health care provider can prescribe the appropriate dosage and medication for the patient. They can also offer advice on healthy lifestyle habits that can help improve symptoms of ADHD, such as regular exercise or getting enough sleep. In certain instances, antidepressants and nonstimulant medication are employed to treat ADHD. Diagnosis A screening test for ADHD is the first step towards making a proper diagnosis. The best method to determine if you have ADHD is to arrange an appointment for a clinical assessment. A psychotherapist, psychiatrist, psychologist or neurologist can all be certified to provide an ADHD assessment. Before making a diagnosis your mental health professional will review the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for clinical care for the disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They will talk to you or your child regarding symptoms that have remained for at least six months. They will also examine your child's or your own family, medical and psychiatric history. You can ask your spouse or another family member to share details regarding the person's behavior. This helps the mental health professional build an accurate picture of the person's behavior as well as their experience with ADHD. The clinician will also use the standard ADHD behavior rating scales as well as interview the person about their past experiences in work, school, relationships and hobbies. It is crucial that the mental health professional is aware that other disorders can resemble ADHD symptoms. Therefore, they must also exclude other conditions such as thyroid problems or seizures before determining if the patient has ADHD. In some cases, mental health professionals may recommend a physical exam. This is essential for adults because certain medical conditions can cause the same symptoms as ADHD. When a mental health professional is able to diagnose a problem and confirms the diagnosis, they will explain that it is likely caused by neurological issues, for example, an overactive or underactive hypothalamus. Genetic predisposition, poor nutrition and environmental factors, such as stress, substance abuse and poor diet are also common causes. The mental health professional then discusses treatment options. The best combination of treatments can help people manage their ADHD symptoms, and live an active and fulfilling life. Certain people can find accommodations in their workplaces and schools, like the ability to take tests privately or take a longer break during classes. This can make life easier. Treatment Finding out the diagnosis is the first step towards taking control of ADHD symptoms that can lead to serious problems at work, school or home. Therapy and medication are a an integral part of treatment. Therapy can help people improve their time management skills and also develop methods to improve their organizational skills by using daily planners or lists. Therapists can also help teach emotional regulation and social skills. Counseling may also help when a child suffers from coexisting conditions, such as depression or anxiety. The health care professional performing the evaluation will ask a series of questions and will conduct a neuropsychological psychological examination. These tests compare the performance of a person with those of people who are typical of similar age. They can determine if the person has a learning disability or any other disorder that appears similar to or coexist with ADHD. The specialist could give the patient a questionnaire, and also interview other adults, such as teachers or babysitters to gain more information about their behavior, issues, 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 old school records in order to determine if a person had issues as a kid. Adults often have a hard time remembering their problems from their childhood, but according to current guidelines for diagnosing disorders the disorder cannot be identified if the symptoms didn't manifest frequently in more than one environment prior to age 12. Before starting any treatment, a doctor will determine whether there are any medical issues that could be causing ADHD symptoms or making them worse. These might include thyroid problems or seizures, which sometimes exhibit similar symptoms as ADHD. A medical examination could include a hearing or vision test. The specialist may also conduct an emotional or psychological history, talk to the person's parents or other family members, and discuss the person's issues at school or at work. Medication ADHD is treated most often with stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate. They increase the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that control attention and movements. Studies have proven that stimulants lower the risk of relapse to drugs and other problems for kids with ADHD in the event that they are taken as directed. However, love it is crucial to be aware of the potential adverse effects, which could include a decreased appetite, trouble sleeping, and heart or lung issues in some children. Doctors may prescribe nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. They work slower than stimulants, and are less harmful for people with certain health issues or are unable to use stimulants due to undesirable adverse effects, like anxiety and ringing in the ear or changes in vision or heart and lung function. They can also help treat disorders of the tic, like Tourette Syndrome. Some antidepressants such as bupropion and SSRIs can also be used to treat ADHD. These medications are not FDA approved for this purpose, and could interfere negatively with stimulants. It has been proven that other kinds of medication, including those used to treat high-blood pressure, may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. However, they have not been as thoroughly studied as stimulants. In adults, a mix of therapy, medication and skills training is often the most effective treatment. Adults who receive this combination treatment report feeling more at ease with their symptoms and able manage them. Ask your doctor or mental health provider to recommend an expert if you believe that you or someone else you know suffers from symptoms of ADHD. You can also contact a university-based hospital or medical school to get recommendations or consult your insurance company's list of specialists by specialty. You can also perform a self-assessment to determine whether you suffer from ADHD. The American College of Psychiatrists Adult ADHD Self Report Scale is a simple test that can be used to determine whether you suffer from ADHD symptoms.