ADHD Symptoms Test - How to Get a Diagnosis
Screening tools can help detect potential ADHD symptoms however the only way to get an accurate diagnosis is to see an experienced health professional. These professionals perform a physical exam and behavioral testing.
They may ask to see your child's or yours's performance records as well as other data. They may also want to talk with family members or school officials.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can cause problems at work and at school. The first step in obtaining treatment is to see a doctor evaluate your symptoms. Begin by talking with your primary healthcare provider or requesting the referral of an expert in mental health. Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and family history, as well as your current symptoms. They may also ask about symptoms you experienced as when you were a child.
Finding it difficult to follow instructions or keeping track of assignments at home and at work (e.g. Misses appointments, fails to complete assignments, or loses things like homework). It is easy to forget important tasks like paying bills and presenting at work. Doesn't remember schoolwork or chores around the home. Often loses track of conversations and misses specifics when reading or listening. Sometimes, one loses track of conversations and misses details while reading or listening.
People with ADHD that is characterized by inattention are more likely to forget things. The signs of this type are less apparent than hyperactivity and impulsivity in other types of ADHD.
For people who have both types of ADHD The most frequent sign is that they are easily distracted. They are more likely to be fidgety and restless. These symptoms usually start in childhood before the age of 12 years old.
Before diagnosing ADHD, your doctor will examine if your symptoms can be explained by another condition such as depression or anxiety disorder. free adhd test will look at your health and family history and check for any 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 job and your social life. He or she may request your permission to speak with people you are familiar with like teachers and coworkers or request details from medical or school records.
Causes
Adults are aware of the many factors can lead to inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, such as depression, anxiety disorders, poor sleeping habits, alcohol and drug abuse and learning disabilities. ADHD can also be associated with other mental health disorders. It is important that you or your child receive an accurate assessment before you are given a diagnosis of ADHD. This could include a physical examination or reviewing school records, speaking with caretakers and teachers as well as doing regular tests and questionnaires. The aim is to determine that a person meets the criterion for ADHD 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 person's symptoms should not be explained by a learning disability or mental illness or disorder or medical condition such as thyroid issues or brain tumor.
You should seek out a healthcare professional with 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 mental history and check for signs of the disorder including an eye examination blood pressure, heart rate.
Based on the individual, additional psychological and neuropsychological tests may be conducted to check for conditions that are similar to or are co-occurring with ADHD such as depression, learning disabilities or bipolar disorder, anxiety, or brain tumors. The Neuropsychiatric Assessment Aid, a standardized test that examines brain wave patterns is often administered to people older than six years old to determine if they are suffering from ADHD.
Diagnosis
Finding a diagnosis for ADHD is the first step to managing your symptoms and getting greater efficiency at work and home. However, it can be difficult to know where to begin or even whom to ask for a professional to assess you or your child.
There are many ways to be diagnosed with ADHD however, the majority of professionals adhere to the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for clinical care in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will review the current symptoms your child or you are experiencing. They will also conduct an extensive interview that is based on one of the standard ADHD rating scales. They will also usually perform a screening for other co-existing disorders such as mood disorders, or even learning disabilities.
They might inquire about your medical history and your family history and speak to people who are familiar with you, such as your family, teachers and employers. They may request old school records or other tests to determine if symptoms were present in childhood. They might recommend a physical exam or request the blood sample to rule out health issues.
Other testing may include a neurological or brain imaging examination, such as an MRI or CT scan. These tests can help determine other possible causes for your or your child's symptoms, such as a tumor, thyroid problems, inflammation of the brain or a brain infection.
A psychiatrist or psychologist may also suggest an EEG to assess the speed of brain electrical activity. EEGs indicate that those who suffer from ADHD have brain wave patterns that are faster than other people.
Symptoms that have been present for at least six months in two or more settings like home, work or school. The symptoms can be disruptive and noticeable to the individual's daily life. They affect daily life at work, school and social situations. They have been a problem since before age 12, for children as young as 16; in adults, they must have symptoms that started in the earliest years of childhood. The symptoms are not due to any other medical condition or mental health disorder like anxiety or depression.
Treatment
For children who suffer from ADHD medications are often the first treatment recommended by doctors. These medications can help improve concentration and reduce hyperactive and impulsive behavior however they are not the only solution. Parents and children often require other types of therapy in addition to prescription drugs to treat their symptoms. Therapy may include family education as well as behavioral training. Parents and children alike can benefit from learning to communicate more effectively with teachers and other staff members, who can provide valuable information regarding the child's performance at school.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) is more geared toward diagnosing children than adults. A doctor can inquire about their health background, mood, and their past experiences to determine if these factors are causing symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They will often perform a clinical interview using one of the standardized ADHD rating scales.
A physical exam is also vital because certain medical conditions, such as seizures or thyroid issues may cause symptoms that resemble those of ADHD. A health care provider might also look for head trauma and other neurological issues.
Some experts believe that a complete health history is the best way to determine whether someone has ADHD. This will include information on the person's life style, eating habits, family history of mental illness, substance abuse and issues with school or work. A health professional will probably also be interested in knowing how long the symptoms have been present for, what else has been tried and what medicines are being used.
The majority of people with ADHD use a mix of medications. The most frequently prescribed medication to treat ADHD is stimulant drugs. However, nonstimulant medications could be used in place of stimulants, or in combination with them for increased effectiveness. These drugs can interact with other medications. It is essential to inform your doctor about the medications you and your child are taking. It is common to test several different doses before finding the right one.