ADHD Symptoms Test - How to Get a Diagnosis
Screening tools may help identify possible ADHD symptoms. However the only way to get an assessment is to visit the health professional. These professionals perform a physical exam and behavioral testing.
They might ask for your or your child's performance records and other information. They might also wish to talk with family members or school officials.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can lead to problems at school and at work. The first step in obtaining treatment is to consult a physician evaluate your symptoms. Start by speaking with your primary care provider or seeking referral to a mental health professional. Your doctor will inquire about your family and medical history and also your current symptoms. He or she might also ask about symptoms you had as an infant.
Has trouble following instructions or keeping track of tasks at home and work (e.g. has missed appointments, doesn't complete assignments, or misplaces things like homework). Forgets important tasks such as paying bills and presenting at work. It is easy to forget about homework or household chores. Reading or listening, he often loses his place in the conversation and is unaware of important details. Often loses track of conversations and misses details while reading or listening.
People with the predominantly inattention kind of ADHD are more likely to have difficulty remembering things. Symptoms of this kind are less obvious than the hyperactivity and impulsivity that are seen in other forms of ADHD.
For those who suffer from both kinds of ADHD The most prevalent sign is that they are easily distracted. They are also more likely to be restless or fidgety. The signs of this type typically start in childhood, but before age 12.
Before determining whether you suffer from ADHD, your doctor will ensure that your symptoms aren't more likely to be explained by another condition such as depression or anxiety. The doctor will also examine your health and family history and look for physical issues that could cause ADHD-like symptoms, such as thyroid problems seizures, epilepsy disorders or sleep disorders. Your provider will also want to know about your job and your social life. They may want to ask you for permission to speak with those you know well like coworkers and teachers or request information from your medical or educational records.
Causes
The majority of adults are aware that there are a myriad of things that can trigger symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity like depression, anxiety, poor sleep habits and alcohol and drug use and learning disabilities. ADHD is often co-occurring with these and other mental disorders. It is important that you or your child gets an accurate assessment before you receive an diagnosis of ADHD. This includes a physical exam as well as reviewing school records, talking to caregivers and teachers as well as the use of standardized tests and questionnaires. where can i get tested for adhd is to ensure that the person meets the criterion for ADHD as defined by the American Psychiatric Association.
The symptoms must have been evident for at minimum six months, and must be consistent across a variety of environments (home school, at home and at 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. Additionally, a person should not have a plausible explanation for their symptoms such as an intellectual disability, an intellectual disability, mood disorder, or medical condition such as seizures, thyroid issues or a brain tumor.
You should find a health professional who has 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. A health specialist will review the medical and psychiatric histories of your child or you and look for symptoms of the disorder. This could include an eye examination, blood pressure, and heartbeat.
Other tests for neuropsychology and psychological testing could be administered depending on the person to look for signs of conditions like bipolar disorder or learning difficulties. The Neuropsychiatric Assessment Aid, a standardized test that analyzes 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 functioning at home and at work is to get an assessment of ADHD. It can be difficult to know where to begin or who to consult for suggestions on a specialist to assess your child or you.
There are many different methods to diagnose ADHD however, the majority of professionals adhere to the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will go over all the symptoms that you or your child are experiencing. They will also conduct a thorough interview using one of the standard ADHD rating scales. They will also typically conduct a screening for other co-existing disorders such as mood disorders or even learning disabilities.
They might look over your or your child's medical and family history and may also talk to others who know you well- such as teachers, family members and employers. They'll likely seek out old school records and other tests to find out whether symptoms have been present since the age of a child. They might suggest an examination for physical health or request the blood sample to rule out specific health problems.
Other tests may include a neurological or brain imaging exam, such as an MRI or CT scan. These tests can help to identify other possible causes for the symptoms of your child or you, such as a tumor, thyroid problems, brain inflammation or a brain infection.
A psychiatrist or psychologist may also suggest an EEG to measure the speed of brain activity. People suffering from ADHD often have more rapid 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 at least six months. The symptoms can be evident and disruptive to the person's daily routine. The symptoms affect the person's ability to perform at work, school and in social settings. The symptoms must be present before the age of 12 for children and up to the age of 16 for adults. It should have begun in childhood. The symptoms are not due to another medical condition or mental health disorder, such as anxiety or depression.
Treatment
For children who suffer from ADHD medication is often the first treatment recommended by doctors. These drugs can help improve concentration and decrease the hyperactive and impulsive behavior of children however they are not a cure for ADHD. In addition to taking prescription medication children and their parents require other types of therapy to control their symptoms. Therapy may include family education as well as behavioral training. Parents and children may also benefit from learning to communicate better with teachers and other school staff, who can provide crucial information about the child's progress in class.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), is more focused on diagnosing children than adults. A doctor may ask adults about their health background, mood, as well as their past experiences to determine if the factors are causing 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 also important, as some medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders or seizure disorders can cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. A healthcare professional will also be able to check for head trauma and other neurological issues.
Some experts believe that a comprehensive health history is the best method to determine if someone has ADHD. This includes details about the person's lifestyle and eating habits, any family history of mental illness or substance abuse issues at school or at work and other social issues that could influence behavior. A health care professional will likely be interested in knowing how long the symptoms have existed, what else has been tried and what medicines are being taken.
The majority of people suffering from ADHD are on a combination of medications. The most frequently prescribed medication to treat ADHD is stimulant drugs. However, nonstimulant medicines could be used in place of stimulants, or in conjunction with them to boost their effectiveness. These medicines can interact with some other medications, which is why it is important to inform your doctor about all medicines you or your child is taking. It is common to test several different doses before finding the one that is right for you.