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 a health care professional. They typically employ the combination of physical examinations and behavioral tests.
They may also wish to meet with family members and school officials. They may also want a chance to speak with your family and school officials.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can cause issues at work and in school. The first step to get treatment is to have a doctor evaluate your symptoms. Begin by talking with your primary health care provider or requesting the referral of a mental healthcare professional. Your doctor will want to know about your family and medical history, as well as your current symptoms. The doctor might also ask about your symptoms when you were in your early years.
It is difficult to follow instructions, or keeping track of tasks both at home and at work (e.g. is late for appointments, does not complete assignments, or misplaces things like homework). Frequently forgets important tasks, like paying bills or showing up to work. It is easy to forget about schoolwork or household chores. Reading or listening frequently, he loses his place in the conversation and overlooks crucial details. Sometimes, one loses the conversation and loses details when listening or reading.
People who have the most inattention kind of ADHD are more likely to have difficulty remembering things. The signs of this type are not as obvious as hyperactivity and impulsivity seen in other types of ADHD.
The most common characteristic 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.
Before determining ADHD, your doctor will determine if your symptoms can be explained by a different condition such as depression or anxiety disorder. They will also examine your health and family history and look for any physical problems that can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD, such as thyroid problems, seizure disorders, or sleep disorders. Your provider will want to learn more about your job and social life. He or she may seek your permission to speak with people who are familiar with you like teachers and colleagues or obtain information from medical or school records.
Causes
Many adults are aware that there are a myriad of things that can trigger symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity such as anxiety, depression and poor sleep habits and alcohol and drug use 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 includes a physical exam, reviewing school records and talking to teachers and caregivers and completing standardized tests and questionnaires. The aim is to determine that a person is in compliance with the criterion for ADHD as defined by the American Psychiatric Association.
The symptoms must have been evident 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. In addition, a person must not have a better explanation for the symptoms such as a learning disability, intellectual disability, mood disorder or medical condition like seizures, thyroid issues or a brain tumor.
You should locate an expert in health care 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 professional will review your child's medical and mental history as well as examine the person for signs of the disorder including an eye exam blood pressure, heart rate.
Additional neuropsychological and psychological tests can be conducted based on the individual's needs to determine for signs of conditions like bipolar disorder or learning disabilities. The Neuropsychiatric Assessment Aid, a standardized test that analyzes brain wave patterns, is often administered to people older than 6 years to determine if they suffer from ADHD.
Diagnosis
The first step in addressing your symptoms and improving your performance at work and home is to receive an assessment of ADHD. But it can feel overwhelming to know where to start or even who to ask for recommendations for a specialist to examine you or your child.
There are a variety of ways to be diagnosed with ADHD However, most professionals follow the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will review all the symptoms that you or your child are experiencing. They will also conduct a thorough interview using one of the standardized ADHD rating scales. They may also conduct an assessment for other coexisting disorders like mood disorders, or even learning disabilities.
They might look over your or your child's medical and family history, and may talk with others who know you personally- such as teachers, family members and employers. They can request old school records or other tests to determine if symptoms were present in childhood. They may suggest a physical examination or request a blood test to rule out certain health issues.
Other tests may include a brain imaging exam, such as MRI or CT scan. These tests can help determine other possible causes for the symptoms of your child or you like thyroid problems, tumors, inflammation of the brain or a head injury.
Additionally a psychiatrist or psychologist might suggest an EEG that measures the speed of brain's electrical activity. People suffering from ADHD often 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 home, school or at work) for a minimum of six months. The symptoms can be disruptive and visible to the person's everyday life. The symptoms affect the person's ability to perform at work, school and in social settings. The symptoms must have been present before the age of 12 for children and up to the age of 16; for adults, it must have started in childhood. The symptoms are not due to another medical condition or mental health disorder such as anxiety or depression.
Treatment
Medicines are often the first thing doctors recommend to children with ADHD. These medications can help increase concentration and decrease hyperactive and impulsive behavior but they aren't a cure. In addition to taking prescription medications children and their parents require different types of therapy to control their symptoms. Therapy may include training for behavior and family education. Parents and children alike 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.
click through the next page with ADHD is trickier, because the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-V) the symptom guide is more geared towards diagnosing children than adults. A doctor might ask adults about their medical history, mood, and previous experiences to determine if any of these factors can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD. They usually conduct an interview in a clinical setting using one of the standardized ADHD rating scales.
A physical exam is vital because certain medical conditions, like seizures or thyroid issues may cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. A medical professional will typically also look for head injuries and other neurological problems.
Some experts believe that a complete health record is the most effective method to determine whether a person suffers from ADHD. This would include information on the person's life style, eating habits as well as family history of mental illness or substance abuse, as well as work or school issues. A health care provider may also inquire about the duration of symptoms, any other treatments and medications taken.
The majority of people with ADHD are prescribed a mixture of medications. Stimulant medications are the most commonly prescribed for treating ADHD however, nonstimulant drugs are a good alternative to of stimulants, or in conjunction with them to increase effectiveness. These medicines can interact with some other medications, so it's important to tell your doctor about all medications you or your child are taking. It is common to test various doses before you find the right one.