ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a learning and behavioral disorder characterized by a persistent pattern of hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity. Search for ADHD testing near me to find a doctor that can analyze your symptoms and evaluate your diagnosis. The symptoms of ADHD tend to interfere with the routine activities of the patient and affect their development or daily functioning.
ADHD is typically diagnosed in children, but is increasingly diagnosed in adults as well. It can become evident when someone experiences difficulties at school or work due to their hyperactive behaviors or lack of ability to focus. ADHD diagnosed in children also tends to persist during adulthood.
With proper diagnosis and treatment, most patients are able to live very functionally with ADHD. Here is a brief discussion about the DSM-V criteria recommended for the diagnosis of ADHD.
ADHD Testing Near Me: DSM-V Criteria for the Diagnosis
Doctors at a ADHD testing facility near you will ask questions to ascertain the presence of symptoms that could be linked to inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsiveness. Common signs and symptoms of ADHD that confer to DSM-V criteria (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) can be seen through different parts of the ADHD testing so doctors can make an accurate evaluation of their patients.
ADHD DSM-V Criteria:
1) Inattention
A patient may have these signs of inattention if they have ADHD:
- Experiences difficulty in holding attention on any task or activity
- Difficulty paying attention to fine details and makes careless mistakes
- Does not follow instructions or fails to finish chores, schoolwork, or responsibilities at the workplace
- Seem to be not listening while being spoken to directly
- Avoids or dislikes tasks that require focus or mental efforts over a long period of time
- Has trouble organizing a task or activity
- Tends to lose things that are necessary for activities and tasks
- Is forgetful in daily activities
- Is easily distracted
The presence of 6 or more of these symptoms indicating lack of attention in children up to the age of 16 can help diagnose ADHD. If there is presence of 5 or more of these symptoms in adolescents and adults 17 years of age and older then this may also result in a diagnosis of ADHD.
The symptoms of inattention should be present for at least six months to accurately confirm the diagnosis. If you’ve noticed yourself or a loved one experiencing a few of these symptoms of inattention, make an appointment with a psychiatrist for an ADHD test.
2) Impulsivity and Hyperactivity
The symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity in patients with ADHD can include:
- Leaves their seat when remaining seated is expected
- Tendency to squirm in the seat or fidget with hands or feet
- Inability to take part in leisure activities or play quietly
- Climbs or runs around in situations where it’s inappropriate
- Always “on the go” with actions that seem like he/she is being “driven by an engine”
- Intrudes or interrupts others or has a tendency to butt into conversations
- Blurts out answers before the questions are completed or before their turn
- Talks excessively
- Has difficulty in waiting for his/her turn
The presence of 6 or more of these symptoms indicating hyperactivity and impulsivity in children up to the age of 16 may result in an a diagnosis of ADHD. If there is a presence of 5 or more of the impulsivity and hyperactivity symptoms in adolescents and adults 17 years of age and older, then that can help in the diagnosis of ADHD as well.
These symptoms should be present for at least six months and severe to the extent they are inappropriate and disruptive for the person’s functioning to confirm the diagnosis.
Your doctor will be able to arrive at the diagnosis of ADHD based on the signs of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity included in the DSM-V criteria or using other criteria and questionnaires that they may use or send home to parents/teachers. The diagnosis is based on the frequency and intensity of these symptoms as well as how they affect the routine activities of the person.
Dr. Sean Paul has the ability to run ADHD testing virtually and in person. Make an appointment today to get an evaluation.
