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Is There a Medical Test For ADHD? There is no medical test available for adults with ADHD. However, it can be diagnosed by a qualified mental health doctor or a medical professional who collects information about the person's symptoms from a variety of sources. The expert may ask questions about the person's past. The specialist may also interview people who are familiar with the person. For example, a spouse or sibling for an adult; as well as coaches, teachers, and nannies for children. Signs and symptoms The signs of ADHD can make it hard to stay on top of deadlines, remain focused at school or at work, and follow a regular schedule. If you or someone you know has these symptoms, a diagnosis may help you manage these issues more efficiently. It can also give you an uplifting feeling of relief, because you'll realize it wasn't just laziness or inexperience that slowed the path of success, but an underlying condition that could be treated by medication and other treatments. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) provides forth guidelines professionals use to diagnose ADHD. The first step in getting a diagnosis is for a health care provider to evaluate your symptoms. The doctor will look at the length of time since symptoms have been present, whether they appear in multiple situations, and how they impact your daily activities. Your provider will interview both you as well as, if necessary, any family members or caregivers. He or she might also inquire about your medical history and social background. This includes information on your birth and development, your family background, and educational background. Your doctor might order blood testing to determine if there are any medical issues which could cause your symptoms. Children who suffer from ADHD tend to be more active and indecisive. They may be fidgety or incapable of sitting still. They might interrupt others, fidget and find it difficult to wait their turn. They may not finish tasks or play games. They might have a hard organizing their lives or keeping personal belongings in order. Adults with ADHD might have issues in their careers and suffer from low self-esteem as a result of history of incomplete projects or not meeting expectations. They also have difficulty managing their finances due to ineffective time management, forgetfulness and impulsive purchases. ADHD-related behavioral issues can lead to depression, anxiety sleep disorders, and substance abuse. Ask your insurance company to recommend someone who is able to conduct an ADHD assessment on adults if you are a member of an insurance plan which covers mental health expenses. You can contact a local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD for the names of specialists in your region. Many people who suffer from ADHD are members of support groups, and they can provide valuable advice. Evaluation A trained health professional will assess people of all ages in order to determine if they suffer from ADHD. The symptoms should be present in multiple environments, such as school as well as at home, and must last for at least six months. They must also be severe enough to affect negatively with everyday life whether at home in the workplace, at home or at school. The symptoms must be present before a person is 12 years old and cannot be caused by any other disorder, such as anxiety or depression. Doctors begin by performing a general physical exam, which includes a vision and hearing test to ensure there aren't any other issues that are causing symptoms. They'll then talk to you and your children about the current events in your lives. They'll ask you about your family's history and lifestyle, how the symptoms began and what happens when you're feeling anxious or stressed. They'll also request reports, homework samples and other documents that will help them assess the development of your child, or yourself at school and at work. Some experts use ratings scales to help them determine the symptoms of your child or you. Other experts conduct interviews with your family teachers, friends, teachers and other caregivers. If necessary, they might also interview the coach or religious leader of your child. It is essential to select the right expert. You should seek recommendations from those you trust, and ask how long they've been practicing. Find out if they are certified and what their credentials are. The evaluation process could take several weeks or even months and it's crucial to be honest with the professional you select. Symptoms of ADHD may range from mild to severe, and a lot of sufferers diagnosed with the condition struggle to make it school or at work. It's difficult to admit you have trouble paying attention or completing tasks. It can be a relief knowing that your problems aren't just due to laziness or a lack of parenting. It's reassuring to know that there are a variety of ways to manage symptoms and even medication. It's important to remember that an ADHD diagnosis should not be a stigma and shouldn't hinder you from pursuing your goals. Diagnosis For teens and adults who have been struggling with symptoms for a long period of time the diagnosis can stir an array of emotions. The diagnosis can bring up mixed emotions for adults and teens who have been struggling with symptoms for a long time. When evaluating someone for ADHD, an expert in mental health will examine a variety of factors to determine whether they suffer from the disorder. This may include a thorough discussion and the administration psychological tests to determine how well the person is able to perform tasks such as paying attention and remembering things. The evaluator also reviews the school records and questionnaires completed by caregivers, teachers, and family members. It is essential that you are honest and honest when talking to the professional who will conduct your evaluation. The results of the evaluation will determine the way in which your child or you receives treatment. You should also let the evaluator know of any major issues you or your child might be experiencing at home, school or at work. This information will assist the evaluator to decide what other steps to follow in the diagnosis process. During the interview, the evaluator will likely inquire about your difficulties in organizing, learning and planning tasks, and completing them. They will also inquire about your family's history and social background to determine whether any patterns of conduct are present. If your child is always losing books and getting in trouble at school, they may want to interview their school counselor or teacher to get more information. The evaluator might also inquire if you have a family history of ADHD, as it's highly hereditary. In addition, they will assess how many of the six criteria for inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive type ADHD are present to make a diagnosis. It is important to remember that for a person's symptoms to be severe enough to cause distress and hinder their daily functioning the symptoms must be severe. In addition, the examiner must rule out any other conditions that share similar symptoms. Treatment If the person's ADHD symptoms are extreme, a health care specialist might recommend treatment with medications in addition to behavioral therapies. The dosage and type of medication used depends on the severity of the symptoms and their impact on a person's daily functioning. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD. Because they can reduce appetite, these medications should only be used with the permission of a doctor. The stimulants can also trigger side effects, like sleepiness, drowsiness dry mouth, dizziness, headache, stomachaches and changes in appetite or sexual drive. Psychiatrists who treat adult with ADHD generally recommend that they seek counseling or self-help groups to improve their coping skills and management. diagnose adhd in adults may also recommend a cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) program, which helps patients and their families learn a range of strategies to control their symptoms. CBT helps with skills such as time management, organization strategies, impulse control and emotional self regulation. Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often experience a great deal of frustration and shame about the ways in which their problems with hyperactivity, attention, and impulsivity have impacted their lives. They may regret missed chances, school failures, and relationship conflicts caused by their symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD could give them the clarity they require to begin reclaiming their life. Therapists can teach the person suffering from ADHD how to manage their symptoms and minimize the impact they have on their daily activities by teaching them strategies for coping. They can teach patients to create plans and utilize tools for organization, such as calendars and planners. They can help individuals overcome mental distortions like the tendency to draw negative conclusions or only see negative aspects of situations and develop a realistic self-image. Parents of children who suffer from ADHD might find that teachers and school staff can be helpful in providing information about the disorder and suggesting appropriate educational interventions. However school staff can't diagnose a child or make a decision about treatment and cannot force students to take prescription medications. Teachers and other school personnel can help students manage their symptoms by providing support in the classroom, or by making adjustments that are needed to allow the student to perform at a satisfactory level.