ADHD Symptoms Test - How to Get a Diagnosis
Screening tools can help identify possible ADHD symptoms however the only way to make an accurate diagnosis is to see an experienced health professional. These professionals perform a physical exam and behavioral testing.
They may also wish to talk with family members and school officials. They might also want an opportunity to meet with your family and school officials.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can cause problems at school and at work. The first step to get treatment is to consult a physician evaluate your symptoms. You can start by speaking with your primary care physician or request to be referred to an expert in mental health. Your doctor will ask about your family and medical history, as well as your current symptoms. They may be interested in the symptoms you experienced as a child.
Finding it difficult to follow instructions or keeping track of assignments at home and at work (e.g. Misses appointments, fails to finish assignments, or loses things such as homework). Forgets important tasks such as paying bills and presenting at work. Forgets about schoolwork or chores around the home. Often loses the conversation and forgets particulars while reading or listening. Often loses focus or gets distracted during activities, especially those that require attention (e.g. lengthy reading, lectures or playing activities).
attention deficit disorder online test with the predominantly inattention type of ADHD are more likely to have trouble remembering things. Symptoms of this kind are less apparent than hyperactivity and impulsivity in other forms of ADHD.
The most frequent characteristic of both types of ADHD is that people are easily distracted. They are also more likely to be irritable or fidgety. These symptoms typically begin in childhood, before the age of 12.
Before diagnosing ADHD, your doctor will determine whether your symptoms could be explained by another condition such as depression or anxiety disorder. He or she will also examine your health and family history and check for any physical problems that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD like thyroid issues seizures, thyroid disorders, or sleep disorders. Your doctor will want to learn more about your work and social life. They might request your permission to speak with people you are familiar with such as teachers and coworkers or request details from medical or school records.
Causes
Adults are aware that many factors can lead to inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. These include depression, anxiety disorders, poor sleeping habits, drug and alcohol abuse, and learning disabilities. ADHD also often co-occurs with other mental health disorders. Your child or you should undergo a thorough examination prior to receiving an diagnosis of ADHD. This means a physical exam or reviewing school records, speaking with caretakers and teachers as well as doing regular tests and questionnaires. The aim is to make sure that a person meets the criteria for ADHD as defined by the American Psychiatric Association.
The symptoms must have been present for at minimum six months, and must be consistent across several settings (home, school and 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. In addition, a person cannot have a plausible explanation for the symptoms such as a learning disability, an intellectual disability, a mood disorder or a medical condition like a thyroid problem, seizures or a brain tumor.
You should locate an expert in health care who has expertise 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 specialist will review the medical and psychiatric histories of you or your child 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 individual to check for any conditions, such as learning disabilities or bipolar disorder. A test that is standardized, called the Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid is often used in people aged 6 and over to determine the patterns of brain waves that are more frequent in people with ADHD.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step towards managing your symptoms and achieving better functioning at home and work. It can be overwhelming to know where to start, or even who to ask for recommendations for a specialist to examine you or your child.
There are many different ways to get 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 all of the current symptoms that your child or you are experiencing. attention deficit disorder online test will also conduct an extensive interview using one of the common ADHD rating scales. They will also typically conduct an assessment for other co-existing disorders, such as mood disorders or even learning disabilities.
They may ask about your medical history and your family history, and talk to people who are familiar with you, like your teachers, family members and employers. They can request old school records or other tests to determine if the symptoms have been present since childhood. They may recommend an examination for physical health or request an analysis of blood to rule out specific health problems.
Other tests may include a brain imaging test, such as MRI or CT scan. These tests can help identify other possible causes of the symptoms of your child or yourself such as a tumor or thyroid problem, brain inflammation, or a brain virus.
A psychiatrist or psychologist may also suggest an EEG to assess the speed of brain activity. EEGs reveal that people with ADHD have brain wave patterns that are more rapid than other people.
The symptoms have been present for at minimum six months in two or more settings like home, school or work. Symptoms are noticeable and disrupt the person's life. Symptoms interfere with the person's ability to perform at school, at work and in social situations. The symptoms must be present prior to the age of 12 for children, and until 16 years old; for adults, it must have started in childhood. The symptoms aren't due to any other medical condition or mental health issue, such as 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 the impulsive and hyperactive behavior however they are not a cure. Parents and children often require different types of therapy in addition to prescription medication to manage their symptoms. Therapy may include family education as well as behavioral training. Parents and children may also benefit from learning to communicate with teachers and other school staff members, who can provide crucial information regarding a child's performance in class.
The process of diagnosing adults with ADHD is a bit more difficult 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 physician might ask about their medical history, mood, and past experiences to determine if these triggers could be causing symptoms that look like ADHD. They usually conduct a psychotherapy interview that is based on one of the standard ADHD rating scales.
A physical examination is also crucial, as certain medical conditions like seizure disorders or thyroid disorders can trigger symptoms similar to those that are common to ADHD. A healthcare professional might also look for head trauma and other neurological issues.
Some experts believe a comprehensive health history is the best way of determining whether someone has ADHD. This would include details about the person's life and dietary habits, as well as any family history of addiction or mental illness and school or work-related issues and other social issues that may affect behavior. A health care professional could also ask about the duration of symptoms, as well as other treatments and medications used.
The majority of people suffering from ADHD are on a mix of medications. The most frequently prescribed medication to treat ADHD is stimulant drugs. However, nonstimulant drugs could be used in place of stimulants, or with them for increased effectiveness. These medications 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 try several different doses before finding the best one.