ADHD Symptoms Test - How to Get a Diagnosis
Screening tools can help identify potential ADHD symptoms but the only way to get a diagnosis is to visit an experienced health professional. These professionals typically use an array of physical exams and behavioral testing.
They may request to see your child's or your own performance records and other information. They might also wish to talk with family members and school officials.
Signs and symptoms
The signs of ADHD can cause problems in many areas of life including at work and school. Having a doctor evaluate your symptoms is the first step towards receiving treatment and gaining control over your life. You can start by talking to your primary care physician or asking to be referred to a mental health professional. Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and family history, as well as your current symptoms. They may also ask about symptoms you had as a child.
Has trouble following instructions, or keeping track of tasks at home and at work (e.g. has missed appointments, fails to complete assignments, or is unable to locate things like homework). Frequently forgets free adhd test for adults , such as paying the bills or showing up at work. It is easy to forget about schoolwork or chores around the home. Reading or listening frequently, he loses his place in the conversation and overlooks crucial details. Sometimes, one loses focus or is distracted during activities, particularly ones that require close attention (e.g. long reading sessions, lectures, or play activities).
People suffering from ADHD that is characterized by inattention are more likely forget things. Symptoms of this kind are not as obvious as hyperactivity and impulsivity that are seen in other forms of ADHD.
The most prominent characteristic of both types of ADHD is that people are easily distracted. They are also more likely to be unfocused or fidgety. Symptoms of this kind usually start in childhood, but before the age of 12.
Before diagnosing ADHD, your doctor will examine if your symptoms can be explained by a different condition such as depression or an anxiety disorder. The doctor will look at your health and family histories and look for any physical issues that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD, such as thyroid disorders, seizure disorders, or sleep disorders. Your provider will want to know more about your work and social life. He or she may ask your permission to talk with people who are familiar with you, such as teachers and colleagues or request details from medical or school records.
Causes
Most adults know that there are many things that can trigger symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity such as depression, anxiety and sleep issues, alcohol and drug abuse and learning disabilities. ADHD also often co-occurs with other mental health issues. Your child or you must undergo a thorough assessment prior to receiving an diagnosis of ADHD. This includes a physical exam as well as reviewing school records, talking to teachers and caregivers as well as standard tests and questionnaires. The aim is to determine if a person meets ADHD criteria as defined by the American Psychiatric Association.
The symptoms must have occurred in multiple environments (home as well as at work and school) for at least six month. 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, the person cannot have a better explanation for the symptoms, such as a learning disability, intellectual disability, a mood disorder, or medical condition such as seizures, thyroid problems or a brain tumor.
You should seek out an expert in health care 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 care specialist will review your or your child's medical and mental history as well as look for indications of the disorder such as an eye exam, blood pressure and heart rate.
Other tests for neuropsychology and psychological testing could be administered depending on the person to look for any conditions, such as bipolar disorder or learning difficulties. The Neuropsychiatric Assessment Aid, a test that is standardized that analyzes brain wave patterns, is sometimes administered to those older than six years old to determine if they have ADHD.
Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD is the first step towards managing your symptoms and getting better functioning at home and work. But it can feel overwhelming to know where to start, or even who to ask for a specialist to examine you or your child.
There are many ways to be diagnosed with ADHD, but 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 may be experiencing. They will also conduct an exhaustive interview using one of the standard ADHD rating scales. They usually will also conduct an examination for other co-existing disorders like mood disorders or learning disabilities too.
They might look over your or your child's medical and family history and may also talk to other people who know you well- such as teachers, family members and employers. They may request old school records or other tests to determine if the symptoms have been present since childhood. They may recommend the need for a physical exam or request a blood test to rule out specific health issues.
Other tests may include a brain imaging test like MRI or CT scan. These tests can help determine other possible causes of your or your child's symptoms such as thyroid problems, tumors, inflammation of the brain or a brain infection.
A psychiatrist or psychologist may also suggest an EEG to measure the speed of brain electrical activity. EEGs indicate that those with ADHD have brain wave patterns that are faster than those of other people.
There are symptoms that can be observed in at least two settings (such as at home, school or at work) for a minimum of six months. The symptoms can be disruptive and noticeable to the person's everyday life. They affect daily life at work, school, and social settings. The symptoms must have been present prior to the age of 12 for children and until 16 years old; for adults, it should have begun in the early years of childhood. The symptoms aren't caused by a mental or medical health issue, such as depression or anxiety.
Treatment
For children who suffer from ADHD medication is often the first treatment recommended by doctors. These drugs can help improve concentration and reduce hyperactive and impulsive behavior however they are not an effective treatment for ADHD. Parents and children often require different types of therapy in addition to prescription medication to treat their symptoms. Therapy may include training for behavior and family education. Children and parents can benefit from learning how to communicate more effectively with teachers and other staff members, who can provide valuable information about the child's performance at school.
Finding adults suffering from ADHD is trickier, because the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-V) symptom guide is more geared towards diagnosing children rather than adults. A doctor can inquire about their medical background, mood, and past experiences in order to determine if the factors can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD. They may conduct an interview in a clinical setting using one of the standardized ADHD rating scales.
A physical exam is also vital, since certain medical conditions like thyroid disorders or seizure disorders can trigger symptoms similar to those that are common to ADHD. A health care provider might also look for head trauma and other neurological issues.
Some experts believe that a thorough health history is the most effective way to determine whether someone has ADHD. This will include information on the person's lifestyle, diet habits and family history of mental illness, substance abuse and issues with school or work. A health care provider may also inquire about the duration of symptoms, any other treatments and medications used.
The majority of people suffering from ADHD use a mix of medications. The most commonly prescribed medication to treat ADHD is stimulant drugs. However, nonstimulant medications may be used instead of stimulants, or in conjunction with them to boost their effectiveness. These medications may interact with other medications. It is crucial to inform your doctor of the medications you and your child are taking. It is normal to test various doses before settling on the right one.