ADHD Symptoms Test - How to Get a Diagnosis
Screening tools can help spot potential ADHD symptoms however the only way to get a diagnosis is to visit a health care professional. They usually use the combination of physical examinations and behavioral tests.
They may request to see your or your child's performance records as well as other data. They might also want an opportunity to talk with your family members and school officials.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can cause issues at work and in school. The first step in obtaining treatment is to see a doctor examine your symptoms. You can start by speaking with your primary care physician or request to be referred to a mental health professional. Your doctor will inquire about your medical and family history and your current symptoms. He or she might be interested in the symptoms you had as an infant.
Has trouble following instructions or keeping track of tasks both at home and work (e.g. is late for appointments, does not complete assignments, or misplaces things like homework). Frequently forgets important tasks, such as paying bills or showing up at work. It is easy to forget about homework or chores at home. Sometimes, they lose track of conversations and misses particulars while reading or listening. Often loses read here and loses details when listening or reading.
People suffering from ADHD that is characterised by inattention are more likely to forget things. This type of ADHD is not as noticeable as other kinds, which are marked by impulsivity and hyperactivity.
For those with both kinds of ADHD The most prevalent sign is that they are easily distracted. They are more likely to be restless and fidgety. The signs of this type typically begin in childhood, and usually before age 12.
Before determining ADHD Your doctor will determine whether your symptoms could be explained by a different condition such as depression or anxiety disorder. They will also review your health and family history and look for any physical issues that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD like thyroid issues, seizure disorders, or sleep disorders. Your doctor will also be interested in knowing about your work schedule and social life. They may ask for your permission to talk to 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 cause symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, such as depression, anxiety and poor sleep habits, alcohol and drug abuse and learning disabilities. ADHD is often co-occurring with these and other mental disorders. It is crucial that you or your child undergo an entire evaluation before you receive an diagnosis of ADHD. This includes a physical exam, reviewing school records and speaking with caretakers and teachers and also taking standard tests and questionnaires. The aim is to determine if a person is in compliance with ADHD criteria as defined by the American Psychiatric Association.
The symptoms must have occurred 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. A person's symptoms must also not be attributed to an mental illness or disorder or a medical condition like thyroid problems or brain tumor.
You should find 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 professional will review your child's medical and mental history as well as examine the person for signs of the disorder including an eye examination, blood pressure and heart rate.
Additional psychological and neuropsychological tests can be conducted based on the individual's needs to determine for any conditions, such as bipolar disorder or learning disabilities. The Neuropsychiatric Assessment Aid, a test that is standardized that measures brain wave patterns, is sometimes administered to those older than six years old to determine if they are suffering from ADHD.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step towards managing your symptoms and achieving greater efficiency at home and work. It can be difficult to know where to begin or who to contact for suggestions for a specialist who can evaluate your child or you.
There are a variety of ways to diagnose ADHD, but most specialists use the American Psychiatric Association’s clinical guidelines found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fiveth Edition (DSM-V). They will review all of the current symptoms you or your child is experiencing. They will also conduct a thorough interview that is based on one of the common 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 look over your or your child's medical and family history and also speak to others who know you welllike family members, teachers and employers. They will likely request old school records as well as other tests to find out whether any health issues have been present since the time of your child's birth. They may suggest a physical examination or request a blood test to rule out specific health problems.
Other testing may include a neurological or brain imaging test, like an MRI or CT scan. These tests can help to identify other possible causes of your or your child's symptoms, such as thyroid issues, a tumor, brain inflammation or a neurological infection.
In addition, a psychologist or psychiatrist may recommend an EEG, which measures the speed of brain's electrical activity. People suffering from ADHD often have faster brain wave patterns than others, which can be observed on an EEG.
There are symptoms that have been present for at least six months in two or more locations, such as home and work or school. The symptoms are evident and disruptive to the person's life. They affect daily life at school, work and social situations. Symptoms have been present since before age 12, for children up to age 16; in adults, they have to show symptoms that first manifested in the early years of childhood. The symptoms aren't due to another medical condition or mental health issue, such as anxiety or depression.
Treatment
Medications are often the first thing doctors recommend to children with ADHD. These medications can help increase concentration and decrease the intensity and impulsive behavior of children however they are not the only solution. In addition to taking prescription medications, many kids and their parents need different types of therapy to treat their symptoms. Therapy can include behavioral training and family education. Parents and children may also benefit from learning to communicate better with teachers and other school staff, who can provide crucial information regarding a child's progress in class.
Diagnosing adults with ADHD is trickier, because the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (DSM-V) symptoms guide is more geared towards diagnosing children rather than adults. For adults, a doctor might ask about their medical history, current mood and past experiences to see whether these factors can cause symptoms that look like ADHD. They usually conduct a clinical interview using one of the standard ADHD rating scales.
A physical exam is also crucial, as certain medical conditions like thyroid disorders or seizure disorders can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. A doctor will often also check for head injuries and other neurological problems.
Many experts believe that a comprehensive health record is the best method of determining whether someone has ADHD. This will include details about the person's lifestyle and dietary habits, as well as any family history of substance abuse or mental illness issues at school or at work and other social issues that may influence behavior. A health care provider will likely want to know how long the symptoms have been present for and what other treatments have been tried and what medicines are being prescribed.
Most people with ADHD are on a combination of medications. The most common medication prescribed to treat ADHD is stimulant drugs. However, nonstimulant medicines can be used in lieu of stimulants, or in combination with them to increase their effectiveness. These drugs may interact with other medications. It is crucial to inform your doctor about the medications you and your child are taking. It is common to try several different doses before finding the right one.