ADHD Symptoms Test - How to Get a Diagnosis


Screening tools can help identify possible ADHD symptoms. However the only way to obtain a diagnosis is by visiting a health care provider. These professionals perform a physical exam and behavioral testing.

They may ask to see your or your child's performance records as well as other data. They may also want an opportunity to meet with your family and school officials.

Signs and symptoms

ADHD symptoms can lead to problems at work and in school. The first step to get treatment is to see a doctor evaluate your symptoms. Begin by talking to your primary care provider or asking to be referred to an expert in mental health. Your doctor will ask about your medical history and family history and also your current symptoms. The doctor may be interested in the symptoms you had as an infant.

Finding it difficult to follow instructions or keeping track of assignments at home and at work (e.g. missed appointments, fails to finish assignments, or misplaces things such as homework). Frequently forgets important tasks, like paying bills or showing up to work. It is easy to forget about chores at school or around the house. When reading or listening, he often loses the flow of conversation and misses important details. Sometimes, one loses focus or is side-tracked during activities, especially those that require focus (e.g. long reading sessions, lectures or playing activities).

People with the predominantly inattentive kind of ADHD are more likely to have trouble remembering things. This kind of ADHD is less apparent than other types, which are characterized by impulsivity and hyperactivity.

For those who suffer from both types of ADHD The most frequent sign is that they are easily distracted. They tend to be fidgety and restless. Symptoms of this kind usually begin in childhood, before age 12.

Before diagnosing ADHD Your doctor will examine if your symptoms can be explained by a different condition like depression or an anxiety disorder. The doctor will also review your family history and health and look for any physical conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD, such as thyroid problems seizures, epilepsy disorders, or sleep disorders. Your provider will also be interested in knowing about your job and your social life. They might request your permission to talk to people you know well such as teachers and colleagues, or obtain information from medical or educational records.

Causes

Adults are aware that a variety of factors can cause inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Our Home Page include anxiety disorders, depression and poor sleeping habits, alcohol and drug abuse and learning disabilities. ADHD can also be associated with other mental health disorders. Your child or you must undergo a thorough examination prior to receiving the diagnosis of ADHD. This may include a physical examination and a review of school records, talking with caregivers and teachers and standardized tests and questionnaires. The goal is to determine if a person meets ADHD criteria as defined by the American Psychiatric Association.

Symptoms must have been present for at least six months and must be consistent across different environments (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 symptoms of a person must not be attributed to an mental illness or disorder, or by a medical condition such as thyroid problems or brain tumor.

You should find 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 care professional will review your or your child's medical and psychiatric history, and also check for indications of the disorder such as an eye exam, blood pressure and heart rate.

Additional neuropsychological and psychological tests may be performed depending on the individual to check for conditions such as bipolar disorder or learning difficulties. The Neuropsychiatric Assessment Aid, a standardized test that measures brain wave patterns, is often administered to people older than six years old to determine if they have ADHD.

Diagnosis

The first step in addressing your symptoms and improving your functioning at home and work is to obtain an assessment of ADHD. It isn't easy to determine where to start or who to contact for suggestions for a specialist who can examine you or your child.

There are a variety of ways to determine ADHD however, the majority of professionals use the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines, which are found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fiveth Edition (DSM-V). They will review all the symptoms you or your child may be experiencing. They will also conduct an extensive interview using one of the standard ADHD rating scales. They will usually also perform tests to screen for other co-existing disorders like mood disorders or learning disabilities, too.

They might examine your or your child's medical history and family history, and may talk with other people who know you personallylike family members, teachers and employers. They may request old school records or other tests to determine whether symptoms have been present since childhood. They may recommend a physical exam or ask for the blood sample to rule out health problems.

Other tests could include a neurological or brain imaging test, like an MRI or CT scan. These can help identify other possible causes of the symptoms of your child or you, such as thyroid problems, tumors, brain inflammation or a head injury.

In addition psychiatrists or psychologists might suggest an EEG that measures the speed of brain's electrical activity. People suffering from ADHD typically have higher brainwave patterns than other people, and this can be observed on an EEG.

There are symptoms that have been present for at least six months in two or more locations, such as home and school or work. The symptoms are obvious and can disrupt a person's daily life. These symptoms can affect a person's ability to perform at school, work and in social settings. The symptoms must have been present before the age of 12 for children, and up to the age of 16; for adults, it must have started in childhood. The symptoms are not related to a medical condition or mental health issue, such as depression or anxiety.

Treatment

For children with ADHD medications are typically the first option recommended by doctors. These medications can help improve concentration and reduce the impulsive and hyperactive behavior, but are not a cure. In addition to taking prescription medication children and their parents require other forms of therapy to treat their symptoms. Therapy can include behavioral training and family education. Parents and kids can also benefit from learning how to better communicate with teachers and other school staff, who can provide important information regarding a child's performance in school.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) is more focused on diagnosing children rather than adults. For adults, a physician might ask about their medical history, mood, and previous experiences to see whether these factors could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD. They usually conduct a clinical interview using one of the standard ADHD rating scales.

A physical exam is vital because certain medical conditions, such as seizures or thyroid issues may cause symptoms that resemble symptoms of ADHD. A medical professional will often also check for head injuries and other neurological problems.

Some experts believe that a complete health record is the most effective method of determining whether someone has ADHD. This would include information on the person's lifestyle, dietary habits, family history of mental illness addiction, substance abuse, and issues with school or work. A health care provider is likely to be interested in knowing how long the symptoms have been present and what other treatments have been tried and what medicines are being used.

The majority of people suffering from ADHD are on a combination of medications. The most frequently prescribed medication to treat ADHD is stimulant drugs. However, nonstimulant medicines could be used in place of stimulants, or in conjunction with them for increased effectiveness. These medications can interact with some other medications, which is why it's important to tell your doctor about all medications you or your child is taking. It is normal to test various doses before settling on the right one.