ADHD Symptoms Test - How to Get a Diagnosis
Screening tools can help identify possible ADHD symptoms. However, the only way to receive a diagnosis is by visiting an expert in health care. They typically employ a combination of physical exams and behavioral testing.
They might also want to talk with family members and school officials. They might also want to speak with family members or school officials.
Symptoms
The signs of ADHD can cause problems in a variety of areas including at school and work. The first step in obtaining treatment is to have a doctor evaluate your symptoms. Start by speaking to your primary care physician or asking to be referred to a mental health professional. Your doctor will ask about your medical and family history and also your current symptoms. He or she might also ask about symptoms you experienced as an infant.
Has a difficult time following instructions or keeping track of tasks at home and work (e.g. has missed appointments, fails to complete assignments, or loses things like homework). Inattention to important tasks, such as paying bills and arriving at work. Forgets about chores at school or around the house. When reading or listening frequently, he loses track of the conversation and is unaware of important details. It is common for people to lose focus or get side-tracked during activities, especially ones that require focus (e.g. lectures, lengthy reading, or playing activities).
People with the predominantly inattentional kind of ADHD are more likely to have trouble remembering things. The symptoms of this type are not as obvious as hyperactivity and impulsivity seen in other forms of ADHD.
The most common symptom of both types of ADHD is that people are easily distracted. They are more likely to be fidgety and restless. These symptoms typically begin in childhood before the age of 12 years old.
Before diagnosing ADHD, your doctor will check to see whether your symptoms could be explained by another illness such as depression or anxiety disorder. They will also examine both your family and health histories and check for any physical problems that could trigger ADHD-like symptoms such as thyroid disorders, seizure disorders, or sleep disorders. Your provider will also be interested in knowing about your work schedule and social life. They may also request your permission to speak with people who know you well, such as teachers and co-workers or obtain information from your medical or school records.
Causes
Many adults are aware that there are a myriad of things that can cause symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity such as anxiety, depression and poor sleep habits, alcohol and drug abuse and learning disabilities. ADHD is often co-occurring with these mental disorders and others. Your child or you must undergo a thorough evaluation before receiving an diagnosis of ADHD. This may include a physical examination as well as reviewing school records, speaking to caregivers and teachers and also the use of standardized tests and questionnaires. The goal is to determine if someone meets the ADHD criteria as defined by the American Psychiatric Association.
The symptoms must have been evident for at minimum six months, and must be consistent across several situations (home, school and work). People up to age 16 need to consistently demonstrate at least six symptoms in either of the two main categories -- inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity -- and the symptoms must clearly interfere with functioning in at least two major life areas. In addition, a person must not have a better explanation for their symptoms such as an intellectual disability, an intellectual disability, mood disorder or medical condition like a thyroid problem, seizures or a brain tumor.
You should seek out a healthcare professional with experience with ADHD evaluations. Your child's school may have someone on staff, but you can also ask for referrals from family doctors or pediatricians with special training in developmental-behavioral pediatrics, a psychologist or psychiatrist, or a neurologist. The health care professional will review the medical and psychiatric histories of your child or yourself, as well as look for indications of the disorder. This may include an eye examination, blood pressure, and heartbeat.
Additional neuropsychological and psychological tests can be conducted based on the individual to check for signs of conditions like bipolar disorder or learning difficulties. The Neuropsychiatric Assessment Aid, a test that is standardized that examines brain wave patterns is often administered to people older than six years old to determine if they are suffering from ADHD.
Diagnosis
The first step in managing your symptoms and improving your performance at home and work is to get an assessment of ADHD. It can be a challenge to determine where to start or who to contact for suggestions on a specialist to evaluate you or your child.
There are many ways to diagnose ADHD however, the majority of professionals use the American Psychiatric Society's clinical guidelines that are contained in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fiveth Edition (DSM-V). They will review the symptoms your child or you are experiencing. They will also conduct a thorough interview that is based on one of the common ADHD rating scales. They will also usually perform an examination for co-existing disorders, such as mood disorders or even learning disabilities.
They might examine your or your child's medical history and family history and may also talk to others who know you well- such as family members, teachers and employers. They will likely request old school records and other tests to determine whether symptoms have been present since the age of a child. They might recommend an examination for physical health or request the blood sample to rule out health problems.
Other tests could include a brain imaging examination such as MRI or CT scan. These tests can help determine other possible causes of your or your child’s symptoms, including a tumor or thyroid problem, brain inflammation, or a brain virus.
Additionally psychiatrists or psychologists might suggest an EEG that measures the speed of brain's electrical activity. People suffering from ADHD often have more rapid brain wave patterns than other people, and this can be seen on an EEG.
The symptoms have been present for at least six months in two or more places like home, work or school. The symptoms can be evident and disruptive to the person's daily routine. They can affect the way that people function at work, school and social settings. The symptoms must have been present prior to the age of 12 for children, and until 16 years old; for adults, it must have begun in childhood. The symptoms aren't caused by another mental or medical condition, such as anxiety or depression.
Treatment
For children suffering from ADHD medications are typically the first option recommended by doctors. These medications can aid in improving concentration and reduce the hyperactive and impulsive behavior of children however they are not a cure for ADHD. Parents and children often require different types of therapy in addition to prescription medication to treat their symptoms. Therapy can include behavioral training and family education. Parents and children may also benefit from learning to communicate better with teachers and other school staff, who can provide vital information about a child's progress in class.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) is geared towards diagnosing children than adults. For adults, a doctor may ask about their health background, current mood, and previous experiences to determine if these factors can cause symptoms that look like ADHD. They typically conduct a medical interview that is based on one of the most common ADHD rating scales.
A physical examination is important, as some medical conditions such as seizure disorders or thyroid disorders can cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. free test for adhd may also check for head trauma and other neurological problems.
Some experts believe a comprehensive health record is the best method of determining whether someone has ADHD. This includes details about the person's life and dietary habits, as well as any family history of mental illness or substance abuse and school or work-related issues and other social issues that may affect behavior. A health care provider will probably also want to know the length of time the symptoms have been present for and what other treatments have been attempted and what medications are being taken.
The majority of people with ADHD are on a combination of medications. The stimulant drugs are the most frequently prescribed to treat ADHD but nonstimulant medicines can be used in lieu of stimulants or in combination with them to boost their effectiveness. These medications may interact with other medications, and it is essential to inform your doctor about all the medications you or your child is taking. It is common to test several different doses before finding the right one.