ADHD Symptoms Test - How to Get a Diagnosis
Screening tools can help detect possible ADHD symptoms. However the only way to get an accurate diagnosis is to visit a health care provider. They usually use a combination of physical exams and behavioral testing.
They may also wish to talk with family members and school officials. They may also request a chance to speak with your family and school officials.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can lead to problems at school and at work. The first step to get treatment is to see a doctor evaluate your symptoms. Begin by talking to your primary care provider or seeking referral to a mental health professional. Your doctor will ask about your family and medical history and also your current symptoms. They 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. Misses appointments, fails to finish assignments, or loses items like homework). Frequently forgets important tasks, such as paying the bills or showing up at work. Forgets to keep track of schoolwork or chores at home. Reading or listening frequently, he loses track of the conversation and misses important details. Often loses focus or gets side-tracked during activities, especially ones that require focus (e.g., long reading sessions, lectures, or playing activities).
People suffering from ADHD that is characterised by inattention are more likely to forget things. Symptoms of this kind are less obvious than the hyperactivity and impulsivity in other types of ADHD.
The most common sign of both kinds of ADHD is that people are easily distracted. They tend to be fidgety and restless. Symptoms of this kind usually begin in childhood, and usually before age 12.
Before diagnosing you with ADHD, your health care provider will ensure that your symptoms are not more easily explained by another illness, such as depression or anxiety. They will also look at your health and family history and look for physical conditions that may cause ADHD-like symptoms such as thyroid disorders, seizure disorders or sleep disorders. Your doctor will also want to know about your work schedule and social life. They might seek your permission to speak with people who are familiar with you, such as teachers and co-workers, or get information from medical or school records.
Causes
Adults are aware of the many causes of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, such as anxiety disorders, depression and poor sleeping habits, drug and alcohol abuse and learning disabilities. ADHD also often co-occurs with other mental health issues. Your child or you should undergo a thorough evaluation before receiving a diagnosis of ADHD. This could include a physical examination as well as reviewing school records and talking with teachers and caretakers and also taking standard tests and questionnaires. The aim is to determine if someone meets the ADHD criteria as defined by the American Psychiatric Association.
The symptoms must have been present in multiple environments (home at work, school and home) for at least six months. 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. The symptoms of a person must not be attributed to a learning disability or intellectual disability or mood disorder or medical condition like thyroid problems or brain tumor.
It is important that you locate a medical 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. A health care professional will review your or your child's medical and mental history as well as examine the person for signs of the disorder including an eye examination blood pressure, heart rate.
Additional psychological and neuropsychological tests may be performed depending on the individual to check for any conditions, such as bipolar disorder or learning difficulties. The Neuropsychiatric Assessment Aid, a test that is standardized that analyzes brain wave patterns, is often administered to people older than six years old to determine if they suffer from ADHD.
Diagnosis
The first step in managing your symptoms and improving your performance at home and at work is to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD. It can be a challenge to determine where to start or who to consult for suggestions on a specialist to evaluate your child or yourself.
There are many ways to determine ADHD However, most specialists use the American Psychiatric Society's clinical guidelines that are contained in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will discuss all the symptoms that you or your child is experiencing. They will also do a thorough interview using one of the standard ADHD rating scales. They will usually also perform a screening test for co-existing conditions such as mood disorders or learning disabilities as well.
They may look at your or your child's medical history and family history and also speak to others who know you well -like family members, teachers and employers. They can request old school records or other tests to determine if symptoms were present in childhood. They may suggest the need for a physical exam or request a blood test to rule out certain health problems.
Other tests may include a brain imaging examination like MRI or CT scan. These tests can help to determine other possible causes of your child's or your child's symptoms, including a tumor or thyroid issue, inflammation in the brain or a brain virus.
A psychologist or psychiatrist can also suggest an EEG to assess the speed of brain electrical activity. People suffering from ADHD typically have higher brainwave patterns than others, which can be seen on an EEG.
The symptoms have been present for at minimum six months in two or more settings including home, work or school. The symptoms are obvious and disruptive to the person's daily life. Symptoms interfere with the person's ability to perform at school, work and in social settings. Symptoms have been present since the age of 12 for children up to age 16; in adults, they must have symptoms that first manifested in the early years of childhood. The symptoms are not caused by another medical or mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety.
Treatment
The first thing doctors recommend to children suffering from ADHD. These drugs can increase concentration and decrease hyperactive and impulsive behavior but they aren't an effective cure. In addition to taking prescription medication children and their parents need other types of therapy to treat their symptoms. Therapy can include behavioral training and family education. Parents and children alike can benefit from learning to communicate more effectively with teachers and other staff members who can provide valuable information about the child's progress at school.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), is geared towards diagnosing children, rather than adults. For adults, a physician might ask about their medical history, current mood, and past experiences to see whether these factors could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. private adhd testing conduct an interview in a clinical setting using one of the standardized ADHD rating scales.
A physical examination is crucial, as certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders or seizure disorders can trigger symptoms similar to those that are common to ADHD. A health care provider will typically also look for head injuries and other neurological problems.
Some experts believe that a complete health record is the best method of determining if a person has ADHD. This includes details about the person's life and eating habits, any family history of substance abuse or mental illness and school or work-related issues and other social issues that could influence behavior. A health care professional will probably also want to know the length of time the symptoms have existed and what other treatments have been attempted and what medications are being prescribed.
The majority of people suffering from ADHD use a mix of medications. The most commonly prescribed medication to treat ADHD is stimulant drugs. However, nonstimulant medications can be used in lieu of stimulants, or with them to boost their effectiveness. These medications can interact with other medications. It's important that you tell your doctor what medicines you and your child are taking. It is common to try various doses before settling on the one that is right for you.