ADHD Symptoms Test - How to Get a Diagnosis
Screening tools can help identify potential ADHD symptoms, but the only way to get an accurate diagnosis is to see an experienced health professional. These professionals typically use a combination of physical exams and behavioral testing.
They might ask for your child's or your own performance records and other information. They may also request an opportunity to meet with your family members and school officials.
Symptoms
The signs of ADHD can create problems in many areas of life including at work and school. The first step in getting treatment is to see a doctor evaluate your symptoms. Begin by talking with your primary healthcare provider or requesting a referral to a mental healthcare professional. Your doctor will ask about your medical history and family history and your current symptoms. He or she might also ask about your symptoms as an infant.
Not able to follow instructions or keeping track of tasks at home and at work (e.g. missed appointments, fails to complete assignments, or misplaces things like homework). Sometimes, they forget important tasks, such as paying the bills or showing up to work. Forgets to keep track of homework or household chores. Often loses the conversation and forgets particulars while reading or listening. Sometimes, one loses focus or is distracted during activities, particularly ones that require focus (e.g. lengthy reading, lectures or play activities).
People suffering from ADHD that is characterized by inattention are more likely to forget things. This kind of ADHD is less apparent than other kinds, which are marked by hyperactivity and impulsivity.
The most prominent characteristic of both types of ADHD is that people are easily distracted. They are also more likely to be irritable or fidgety. These symptoms typically begin in childhood, but before the age of 12.
Before diagnosing ADHD, your doctor will check to see if your symptoms can be explained by another condition such as depression or an anxiety disorder. Our Home Page will also examine your family and health history and look for any physical problems that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD like thyroid issues seizures, thyroid disorders or sleep disorders. Your provider will also want to know about your work and social life. They may also seek your permission to speak with people you are familiar with like teachers and colleagues or request information from medical or school records.
Causes
Adults are aware of the many causes of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, such as anxiety disorders, depression, poor sleeping habits, alcohol and drug abuse, and learning disabilities. ADHD is often associated with these mental disorders and others. Your child or you should undergo a thorough evaluation before receiving the diagnosis of ADHD. This could include a physical examination or reviewing school records, speaking with caretakers and teachers and also taking standardized tests and questionnaires. The aim is to determine if a person meets ADHD criteria as defined by the American Psychiatric Association.
The symptoms must have been present for at minimum six months, and must be consistent across different environments (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, the person should not have a more convincing explanation for their symptoms such as a learning disability, intellectual disability, mood disorder, or medical condition such as seizures, thyroid issues or a brain tumor.
It is important that you seek out a healthcare professional who has experience in 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 your or your child's medical and psychiatric history, and also examine the person for signs of the disorder including an eye examination blood pressure, heart rate.
Depending on the individual depending on the person, additional neuropsychological and psychosocial testing may be done to identify conditions that resemble or coexist with ADHD such as learning disabilities, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, or a brain tumor. A standard test known as the Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid can also be used by people who are 6 and over to assess the brain wave patterns which tend to be more prominent in people suffering from ADHD.
Diagnosis
The first step to manage your symptoms and improving your performance at home and work is to receive an assessment of ADHD. It isn't easy to determine where to begin or who to consult for suggestions for a specialist who can evaluate you or your child.
There are many ways to determine ADHD However, most professionals follow the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will review the current symptoms you or your child is experiencing. They will also do an extensive interview using one of the standard ADHD rating scales. They may also conduct an assessment for other coexisting disorders like mood disorders or learning disabilities.
They might look over your or your child's medical and family histories and may also talk to other people who know you well -like family members, teachers and employers. They can request old school records or other tests to determine whether symptoms were present in childhood. They may suggest an examination for physical health or request an analysis of blood to rule out certain health problems.
Other tests may include a brain imaging examination like MRI or CT scan. These can help identify other possible causes of the symptoms of your child or you like a tumor, thyroid problems, brain inflammation or a brain infection.
A psychiatrist or psychologist can also recommend an EEG to assess the speed of brain electrical activity. People with ADHD tend to have faster brain wave patterns than others, which can be seen on an EEG.
There are symptoms that can be observed in at least two different settings (such as at school, home or at work) for a minimum of six months. The symptoms are disruptive and visible to the individual's daily life. They can affect the way that people function at work, school and social situations. The symptoms have been present since the age of 12 for children ranging from 12 to 16; in adults, they must have symptoms that first manifested in the earliest years of childhood. The symptoms aren't caused by a medical or mental health condition like depression or anxiety.
Treatment
For children suffering from ADHD medications are typically the first option recommended by doctors. These medications can help increase concentration and decrease hyperactive and impulsive behavior, but are not a cure. In addition to taking prescription drugs, many kids and their parents require other forms of therapy to treat their symptoms. Therapy may include training for behavior and family education. Parents and children can benefit from learning how to communicate better with teachers and other staff members, who can provide valuable information about the child's progress at school.
Finding adults suffering from ADHD is a bit more difficult because the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-V) the symptom guide is geared more toward diagnosing children than adults. For adults, a physician might ask about their medical history, current mood and past experiences to see whether these factors can cause symptoms that look like ADHD. They may conduct an interview with a clinician using one of the standardized ADHD rating scales.
A physical exam is also crucial because certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders can trigger symptoms that are similar to symptoms of ADHD. A medical professional will typically also look for head injuries and other neurological problems.
Some experts believe that a complete health history is the most effective method to determine if someone has ADHD. This includes information about the person's life style, eating habits, family history of mental illness, substance abuse and work or school issues. A health care professional could also inquire about the duration of symptoms, as well as other treatments and medications used.
Most people with ADHD use a mix of medications. The stimulant drugs are the most commonly prescribed to treat ADHD however, nonstimulant drugs can be used in place of stimulants, or in conjunction with them to increase effectiveness. These medicines may interact with other medications, so it is essential to inform your doctor about all medicines you or your child is taking. It is common to try various doses before settling on the one that is right for you.