ADHD Symptoms Test - How to Get a Diagnosis
Screening tools can help determine if you have ADHD symptoms. However, the only way to get a diagnosis is by visiting the health professional. They will use a combination of physical exam and behavioral testing.
They might ask for your child's or yours's performance records and other information. They may also request an opportunity to talk with your family and school officials.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can cause problems at school and at work. The first step in obtaining treatment is to see a doctor evaluate your symptoms. You can start by speaking with your primary care doctor or asking to be referred to an expert in mental health. Your doctor will want to inquire about your family history and medical history and about your current symptoms. They might also inquire about your symptoms when you were in your early years.
It is difficult to follow instructions or managing tasks both at home and at work (e.g. misses appointments, fails to complete assignments, or is unable to locate things like homework). Frequently forgets important tasks, like paying bills or showing up for work. Forgets to keep track of homework or chores at home. Often loses track of conversations and misses specifics when reading or listening. Often loses focus or gets side-tracked during activities, especially ones that require focus (e.g. lectures, lengthy reading, or play activities).
People with ADHD that is characterized by inattention are more likely forget things. This type of ADHD is less apparent than other kinds, which are marked by impulsivity and hyperactivity.
The most common symptom of both types of ADHD is that people are easily distracted. They are also more likely to be irritable or fidgety. Symptoms of this kind usually begin in childhood, and usually before age 12.
Before determining whether you suffer from ADHD, your health care provider will ensure that your symptoms aren't more easily explained by another illness such as anxiety or depression. He or she will also examine both your health and family history and look for physical conditions that may cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, like thyroid disorders, seizure disorders or sleep disorders. Your doctor will also be interested in knowing about your work and social life. He or she may seek your permission to speak with people who are familiar with you like teachers and coworkers or request information from your medical or school records.
Causes
Adults are aware that a variety of factors can lead to hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. These include depression, anxiety disorders and poor sleeping habits, alcohol and drug abuse and learning disabilities. ADHD is often a co-occurring disorder with these mental disorders and others. online test for adhd adults or you should undergo a thorough evaluation before receiving an diagnosis of ADHD. This includes a physical examination as well as reviewing school records, talking with caregivers and teachers and standard tests and questionnaires. The goal is to ensure that the person meets the criteria for ADHD 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 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. The symptoms of a person must not be attributed to an mental illness or disorder, or by a medical condition like a thyroid problem or brain tumor.
You should seek out 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. The health professional will review the medical and psychiatric histories of your child or yourself and will also look for indications of the disorder. This may include an eye exam, blood pressure and heartbeat.
Other tests for neuropsychology and psychological testing could be administered depending on the individual's needs to determine for signs of conditions like bipolar disorder or learning disabilities. A standardized test called the Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid is also sometimes used by people who are 6 and over to determine brain wave patterns that are more frequent in people suffering from ADHD.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step to managing your symptoms and getting better functioning at home and work. But it can feel overwhelming to know where to begin or even whom to ask for a specialist to evaluate you or your child.
There are a variety of ways to determine ADHD however, the majority of professionals follow the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines that are contained in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fiveth Edition (DSM-V). They will discuss all the symptoms that you or your child is experiencing. They will also conduct an extensive interview that is based on one of the standard ADHD rating scales. They will usually also perform a screening test for other coexisting conditions like mood disorders or learning disabilities too.
They might examine your or your child's medical and family histories, and may talk with others who know you well -- such as family members, teachers and employers. They'll likely request old school records and other tests to find out whether there have been any symptoms since childhood. They might suggest a physical examination or request a blood test to rule out certain health issues.
Other tests could include a brain imaging exam, such as MRI or CT scan. These can help identify other possible causes for your or your child's symptoms, such as thyroid issues, a tumor, brain inflammation or a head injury.
A psychiatrist or psychologist can also recommend an EEG to assess the speed of brain activity. People with ADHD tend to have more rapid brain wave patterns than other people, and this can be observed on an EEG.
Symptoms that have been present for at least six months in two or more settings including home, school or work. The symptoms are disruptive and noticeable to the person's daily routine. These symptoms can affect a person's ability to function at school, at work and in social settings. The symptoms must be present prior to the age of 12 for children and until 16 years old for adults. It should have begun in childhood. The symptoms are not due to any other medical condition or mental health disorder, like anxiety or depression.
Treatment
Medications are often the first thing doctors recommend for children suffering from ADHD. These drugs can help improve concentration and reduce hyperactive and impulsive behavior however, they aren't the only solution for ADHD. Many children and parents require different types of therapy in addition to prescription medications to manage their symptoms. Therapy can include family education and behavior training. Parents and children can benefit from learning how to communicate more effectively with teachers and other staff members who can provide important information regarding the child's performance at school.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) is more geared toward diagnosing children rather than adults. For adults, a physician might inquire about their health history, current mood and past experiences to determine if these triggers could be causing symptoms that resemble ADHD. They may conduct an interview with a clinician using one of the standard ADHD rating scales.
A physical exam is crucial because certain medical conditions, such as seizure disorders or thyroid problems may cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. A doctor will typically also look for head injuries and other neurological problems.
Many experts believe that a comprehensive health record is the best method of determining whether a person suffers from ADHD. This includes information about the person's lifestyle, diet habits as well as family history of mental illness, substance abuse and work or school issues. A health professional may inquire about the duration of symptoms, other treatments and medications taken.
The majority of people with ADHD are prescribed a mixture of medications. Stimulant medications are the most commonly prescribed to treat ADHD but nonstimulant medicines can be used in lieu of stimulants or with them to increase effectiveness. These drugs may interact with other medications. It's important that you tell your doctor what medicines you and your child are taking. Different dosages of medication are frequently tried before the right one is found.