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ADHD Symptoms Test - How to Get a Diagnosis
Screening tools can help detect possible ADHD symptoms however the only way to confirm a diagnosis is to visit an experienced health professional. They typically employ a combination of physical exams and behavioral tests.
They may request to see your child's or your own performance records as well as other data. They may also want to speak with family members and school officials.
Symptoms
The signs of ADHD can cause issues in a variety of areas including at school and work. Examining your symptoms is the first step in receiving treatment and gaining control over your life. Begin by talking to your primary care physician or request to be referred to a mental health professional. Your doctor will inquire about your family history and medical history and about your current symptoms. The doctor may also ask about your symptoms as an infant.
Has trouble following instructions, or managing tasks both at home and at work (e.g. is late for appointments, doesn't complete assignments, or is unable to locate things like homework). Many times, people forget important tasks such as paying bills or showing up at work. It is easy to forget about chores at school or around the house. Sometimes, they lose the conversation and forgets specifics when reading or listening. Sometimes, one loses track of conversations and is unable to recall details when reading or listening.
People suffering from ADHD that is marked by inattention are more likely to forget things. Symptoms of this kind are less obvious than the hyperactivity and impulsivity that are seen in other forms of ADHD.
The most frequent symptom of both types of ADHD is that people are easily distracted. They tend to be restless and fidgety. These symptoms usually start in childhood before the age of 12.
Before diagnosing ADHD, your doctor will determine whether your symptoms can be explained by a different condition such as depression or anxiety disorder. They will also examine your family and health history and check for any physical problems that can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD, such as thyroid problems seizures, epilepsy disorders, or sleep disorders. Your provider will also want to know about your work schedule and social life. They might request your permission to speak with people you are familiar with, such as teachers and co-workers or request details from medical or school records.
Causes
The majority of adults are aware that there are a variety of factors that can trigger symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity like depression, anxiety and sleep issues, alcohol and drug abuse and learning disabilities. ADHD is often co-occurring with these and other mental disorders. It is important that you or your child gets an accurate assessment before you get a diagnosis of ADHD. This includes a physical examination, reviewing school records, speaking to teachers and caregivers and also standardized tests and questionnaires. The aim is to make sure that the person meets the criterion for ADHD as defined by the American Psychiatric Association.
The symptoms must have been present in multiple settings (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. A person's symptoms must also not be attributed to a learning disability or mental illness or disorder, or by a medical condition such as thyroid issues or brain tumor.
It is important that you find a health care 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 care specialist will review the medical and mental health histories of your child or you, as well as examine them for indications of the disorder. This may include an eye exam, blood pressure and heartbeat.
private testing for adhd and psychological tests may be performed depending on the individual to check for any conditions, such as bipolar disorder or learning difficulties. The Neuropsychiatric Assessment Aid, a standardized test that analyzes brain wave patterns, is sometimes administered to those older than 6 years to determine if they are suffering from ADHD.
Diagnosis
Finding a diagnosis for ADHD is the first step to managing your symptoms and achieving more efficient functioning at home and work. It can be overwhelming to know where to start or even who to ask for a professional to assess you or your child.
There are many ways to get diagnosed with ADHD however, the majority of professionals adhere to the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will go over all the symptoms you or your child is experiencing. They will also do an exhaustive interview using one of the standardized ADHD rating scales. They will usually also perform an examination for other co-existing disorders like mood disorders or learning disabilities, too.
They may ask about your medical history and your family history and speak to people who are familiar with you, including your parents, teachers, and employers. They will likely request old school records and other tests to determine whether any health issues have been present since childhood. They may recommend the need for a physical exam or request an analysis of blood to rule out specific health problems.
Other testing may include a brain or neurological imaging exam, such as an MRI or CT scan. private testing for adhd can help determine other possible causes of your or your child’s symptoms such as a tumor or thyroid problem, brain inflammation or a virus in the brain.
A psychiatrist or psychologist can also recommend an EEG to determine the rate of brain activity. EEGs indicate that those who suffer from ADHD have brain wave patterns that are faster than the average person.
There are symptoms that have been present for at least six months in two or more places, such as home and work or school. The symptoms can be disruptive and visible to the individual's daily life. Symptoms interfere with the person's ability to function at work, school and in social situations. The symptoms must be present prior to the age of 12 for children and up to the age of 16; for adults, it must have begun in childhood. The symptoms aren't caused by a mental or medical condition such as depression or anxiety.
Treatment
For children who suffer from ADHD medications are typically the first option recommended by doctors. These drugs can help improve concentration and reduce impulsive and hyperactive behavior however they are not the only solution for ADHD. In addition to taking prescription medication children and their parents need other forms of therapy to treat their symptoms. Therapy may include family education and behavioral training. Parents and kids can also benefit from learning to better communicate with teachers and other school staff, who can provide important information about the child's progress in class.
Finding adults suffering from ADHD is a bit more difficult because the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-V) symptoms guide is geared more toward diagnosing children than adults. A doctor might ask adults about their medical background, mood, and past experiences in order to determine if any of these causes can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They may conduct a clinical interview using one of the standardized ADHD rating scales.
A physical exam is also important because some medical conditions, like thyroid problems or seizure disorders, can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. A health care provider will also be able to check for head trauma and other neurological issues.
Some experts believe a comprehensive health history is the best way of determining whether a person suffers from ADHD. This includes information about the person's lifestyle, diet habits and family history of mental illness addiction, substance abuse, and issues at school or at work. A health professional will likely want to know how long the symptoms have been present, what else has been attempted and what medications are being taken.
The majority of people with ADHD are on a mix of medications. Stimulant medications are the most commonly prescribed for treating ADHD however, nonstimulant drugs can be used in lieu of stimulants or with them to increase effectiveness. These drugs may interact with other medications. It is essential to inform your doctor about the medications you and your child are taking. It is normal to test several different doses before finding the right one.