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Is There a Medical Test For ADHD? There is no medical test available for adults suffering from ADHD. However, it can be diagnosed by a qualified mental health care doctor or a medical professional who collects details about the person's symptoms from a variety of sources. The specialist may ask questions about the person's past. The specialist could also interview people who know the person. You can ask your spouse, sibling, or nanny for children or, if you're an adult your teacher, coach or coach. Symptoms ADHD symptoms can make it difficult to follow the schedule, concentrate on school or work and to manage deadlines. A diagnosis can help you manage these symptoms when you or someone you love suffers from these symptoms. A diagnosis can bring relief when you realize that it wasn't just laziness or a lack of IQ that was holding you back and causing the problem, but a underlying condition which can be treated by medication and other interventions. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) sets the guidelines that professionals use to diagnose ADHD. The first step to get an assessment is for a health care provider to evaluate your symptoms. He or she will consider how long the symptoms have lasted, whether they occur in more than one place, and how much they impact your daily life. The doctor will interview you and, if possible family members or caregivers. They may also inquire about your medical and social history. This includes information about your birth and development, family background, and education. Your doctor may also order blood tests to rule out medical conditions which could be the cause of your symptoms. Children who suffer from ADHD typically show more obvious hyperactivity and impulsivity. They may fidget or be unable sit still. They may be disruptive, fidget, or have trouble waiting their turn. They may not be able to complete their tasks or engage in games. They may have a difficult time staying organized or keeping personal possessions in place. Adults suffering from ADHD typically have difficulty in their work and suffer from an unflattering self-esteem as a result of an unfinished project history or failure to meet their expectations. They also have difficulty managing their finances due to ineffective time management, apathy and impulsive spending. The behavioral issues associated with ADHD can lead to depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and drug abuse. Ask your insurance company for a recommendation of a professional who is qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment of adults if you are a member of an insurance plan which covers mental health expenses. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (or CHADD) for a list professionals in your region. Many people with ADHD are members of support groups and can provide valuable advice. Evaluation All people of all ages suffering from ADHD are diagnosed following a thorough assessment by a trained health professional. They must meet several criteria to get the diagnosis symptoms manifest in multiple settings such as school and home they last for at least six months and the symptoms are serious enough to affect the daily routine at home, at work or at school. The symptoms must first be noticed before the age of 12 and can't be caused by a different disorder, like anxiety or depression. Doctors begin by giving a general physical exam that includes hearing and vision check to make sure there are no other factors that are causing symptoms. They then interview you and your child about what's going on in your life. They'll ask you about your family's history and lifestyle, how the symptoms began and what you do when you're feeling stressed or anxious. They'll also request reports, sample of homework, and other documents that will help them evaluate the progress of your child or you in school and at work. Some experts use an assessment scale to help them evaluate the symptoms of your child or you. Other experts conduct interviews with your family teachers, friends, and other caregivers. They may also interview your child's religious coach or leader as needed. It is important to choose the right person. You should ask for recommendations from people you trust, and inquire how long they've been practicing. You should also find out if the expert is certified and what qualifications they have. The evaluation process could take several weeks or even months and it's essential to be honest with the professional you select. The symptoms of ADHD can range from mild to severe. Many people who suffer from ADHD struggle to be accepted at school or at work. It can be difficult to admit that you're having trouble paying attention or accomplishing tasks. It is a relief to know that your problems aren't just due to laziness or bad parenting. It's reassuring that there are a variety of ways to treat your symptoms, including medications. It's important to remember that an ADHD diagnosis shouldn't be a stigma and shouldn't stop you from working towards your goals. Diagnosis A diagnosis can trigger a mixture of emotions for adults and teenagers who've been afflicted by symptoms for a long time. They may feel relief to finally have a concrete explanation for their struggles however, it could also be followed by feelings of grief for the missed opportunities and anger in the past when their ADHD was not treated. When evaluating someone for ADHD, a mental health professional will look at several factors to determine whether they suffer from the disorder. This will include a detailed conversation and the administration psychological tests to assess how well the person performs tasks such as paying attention and retaining information. The evaluator also reviews school records and questionnaires completed by teachers, caretakers and family members. It is important to be open and honest when speaking with the specialist who will be conducting your evaluation. The results of the assessment will determine how your child or you receive treatment. diagnosis of adhd should also let the evaluator be aware of any major issues you or your child may be experiencing at home, school or at work. This information will allow the evaluator to decide which steps to take to determine the cause of the problem. During the interview the assessor will ask you about issues with learning, organizing and planning tasks, and completing them. They will also ask you about your family's history and social background to determine if any patterns of behavior occur. If your child keeps losing books and is in trouble at school, they may want to interview their school counselor or teacher to gain more insight. The evaluator will also need to know if there is a history of ADHD in your family, as it is highly genetically inherited. 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 keep in mind that in order to be identified as having ADHD, their symptoms must be severe enough to interfere with their daily functioning and create distress. The evaluator should also look for other conditions that have similar symptoms. Treatment If the ADHD symptoms of an individual are severe, a healthcare professional may recommend medication in addition to behavioral therapy. The dosage and kind of medication prescribed will depend on the severity of the symptoms and their impact on a person's daily life. Stimulants and other stimulants are frequently prescribed for ADHD. They should only be taken with a physician's approval because they can reduce appetite. Stimulants can also cause side effects, like trouble sleeping, drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, stomachaches, headaches and changes in appetite, or sexual drive. Psychologists who treat adults with ADHD typically recommend that patients take part in a self-help group or therapy to improve their coping and management skills. They might also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which teaches families and patients various strategies to control symptoms. CBT provides skills such as time management and organizing strategies as well as emotional self-regulation, and impulse control. Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often experience a great amount of guilt and anger over the ways their problems with attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity have impacted their lives. They may be disappointed by missed opportunities in school, failures at school, and conflicts in relationships caused by their symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD can give them the clarity they need to reclaim their lives. A therapy therapist can assist a person with ADHD learn to manage their symptoms by teaching them strategies to cope to lessen the impact of their symptoms on daily functioning. They can assist patients to make plans and use tools to organize their lives, such as planners and calendars. They can help people to overcome cognitive distortions, for example the tendency to jump to conclusions or focus on the negative aspects of situations and help them develop an image of themselves that is more realistic. Parents of children who suffer from ADHD may find that their teachers and school staff can be helpful in providing information on the disorder and recommending appropriate educational interventions. The school staff cannot diagnose a child, or make treatment decisions or make students take medication. Teachers and other school staff can assist their students to overcome their ailments by providing support in the classroom, or by making adjustments that are required for the student to function at a satisfactory level.