ADHD Symptoms Test - How to Get a Diagnosis
Screening tools can help detect possible ADHD symptoms. However the only way to obtain an accurate diagnosis is to visit the health professional. These professionals typically use the combination of physical examinations and behavioral tests.
They might ask for your child's or yours's performance records and other information. They may also want to talk with family members and school officials.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can lead to problems at school and at work. Click That Link in obtaining treatment is to have a doctor evaluate your symptoms. Start by speaking to your primary health care provider or asking for an appointment with a mental healthcare professional. Your doctor will want to inquire about your family history and medical history, as well as your current symptoms. They might also ask about your symptoms as in your early years.
It is difficult to follow instructions, or keeping track of tasks at home and at work (e.g. is late for appointments, does not complete assignments, or is unable to locate things like homework). Forgets important tasks such as paying bills and presenting at work. Forgets to keep track of schoolwork or chores at home. Often loses the conversation and forgets specifics when reading or listening. Often loses focus or gets distracted during activities, especially those that require attention (e.g. long reading sessions, lectures or play activities).
People suffering from ADHD that is characterised by inattention are more likely to forget things. This kind of ADHD is less apparent than other types, which are characterized by hyperactivity and impulsivity.
For those with both types of ADHD, the most common sign is that they are easily distracted. They are also more likely to be unfocused or fidgety. Symptoms of this kind usually start in childhood, but before age 12.
Before determining whether you suffer from ADHD Your healthcare provider will make sure that your symptoms are not more likely to be explained by another condition such as anxiety or depression. He or she will also look at your family and health histories and look for any physical issues that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, like thyroid disorders, seizure disorders, or sleep disorders. Your doctor will also want to know about your work and social life. They may also request your permission to speak with people you are familiar with, such as teachers and colleagues or request information from medical or school records.
Causes
Adults are aware of the many causes of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity, such as depression, anxiety disorders and poor sleeping habits, alcohol and drug abuse and learning disabilities. ADHD is often co-occurring with these and other mental disorders. Your child or you should undergo a thorough evaluation before receiving a diagnosis of ADHD. This could include a physical examination as well as reviewing school records and talking to teachers and caregivers and also taking regular tests and questionnaires. The goal is to determine if a person meets ADHD criteria 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, work and home). 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 attributed to a learning disability or intellectual disability or mood disorder or medical condition such as thyroid issues or brain tumor.
You should find 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. A health professional will go over the medical and psychiatric histories of you or your child and will also examine them for indications of the disorder. This may include an eye examination, blood pressure, and heartbeat.
Based on the individual, additional psychological and neuropsychological testing may be done to check for conditions that look like or are co-occurring with ADHD like learning disabilities, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, or a brain tumor. A standardized test called the Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid can also be employed in those who are and over to determine the brain wave patterns which tend to be more prominent in people suffering from ADHD.
Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD is the first step towards managing your symptoms and getting greater efficiency at work and home. But it can feel overwhelming to know where to begin, or even whom to ask for a specialist to examine you or your child.
There are many ways to determine ADHD however, the majority of professionals follow the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fiveth Edition (DSM-V). They will discuss all the symptoms you or your child is experiencing. They will also do a thorough interview using one of the standardized ADHD rating scales. They may also take an examination for other co-existing disorders like mood disorders or learning disabilities, as well.
They might inquire about your medical history as well as your family history. They may also talk to those who are familiar with you, such as your family, teachers, and employers. They'll likely seek out old school records and other tests to find out whether any health issues have been present since the age of a child. They may recommend the need for a physical exam or request an analysis of blood to rule out certain health problems.
Other tests could 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 thyroid problems, tumors, brain inflammation or a neurological infection.
A psychologist or psychiatrist can also recommend an EEG to assess the speed of brain electrical activity. People suffering from ADHD tend to have faster brain wave patterns than other people, and this can be seen on an EEG.
The symptoms are present in at least two different settings (such as at home, school or work) for at least six months. The symptoms can be evident and disruptive to the person's daily routine. They affect daily life at work, school and social situations. The symptoms have been present since before age 12, for children ranging from 12 to 16; for adults, they have to show symptoms that first manifested in the early years of childhood. The symptoms aren't caused by a mental or medical condition, such as anxiety or depression.
Treatment
For children with ADHD medications are typically the first option recommended by doctors. These drugs can help improve concentration and decrease impulsive and hyperactive behavior, but they are not the only solution for ADHD. In addition to taking prescription medication, many kids and their parents require other types of therapy to treat their symptoms. Therapy may include training for behavior and family education. Parents and kids can also benefit from learning how to communicate with teachers and other school staff, who can provide crucial information regarding a child's performance in class.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) is geared towards diagnosing children rather than adults. For adults, a physician might inquire about their health history, current mood, and past experiences to see whether these factors could cause symptoms that look like ADHD. They usually conduct an interview in a clinical setting using one of the standard ADHD rating scales.
A physical exam is also important, as some medical conditions like thyroid disorders or seizure disorders can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. A medical professional will typically also look for head injuries as well as other neurological problems.
Some experts believe that a complete health history is the best way of determining whether a person suffers from ADHD. This would include information on the person's lifestyle, dietary habits and family history of mental illness or substance abuse, as well as work or school issues. A health care professional is likely to want to know how long the symptoms have been present for and what other treatments have been attempted and what medications are being taken.
The majority of people with ADHD take a combination of medications. The most commonly prescribed medication to treat ADHD is stimulant drugs. However, nonstimulant drugs may be used instead of stimulants, or with them to boost their effectiveness. These medicines may interact with other medications, which is why it's important to tell your doctor about all the medications you or your child is taking. Different dosages of medication are usually tried before the right one is found.