Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are typically not diagnosed until they are experiencing major problems at work, home or at school. Health care providers follow the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A complete evaluation includes ADHD symptoms lists and standardized behavior ratings scales. Health care professionals also inquire about family history and go through old school records.
Symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD can impact the way a person lives at school, home, or at work. They can be disruptive to relationships and careers, leading to serious problems with finances or a driver's license and can even cause emotional distress for the person. It is common for people to experience difficulties concentrating or staying organised from time to time. However when the issue becomes chronic and interferes with the daily activities, a healthcare provider may be able diagnose ADHD.
To determine if someone is diagnosed with ADHD, a health professional must assess the patient in at least two different environments, such as home and school or workplace and social situations. The health professional must observe the person for a minimum of six months and determine whether the symptoms are impacting their ability to perform. The symptoms must have begun before the age 12 years. Children who meet diagnostic criteria for hyperactivity/impulsivity or inattentive type of ADHD usually are fidgety, talkative and have excess energy that keeps them from sitting still. They have a difficult time waiting for their turn and often interrupt or intrude on others.
Children with the inattentive kind of ADHD are unable to sit or wait in silence and are unable to follow instructions or staying on task. They are usually wandering off or distracted. They are more likely to be missed, and miss out on learning opportunities, especially in primary schools which could prepare for them to fail later in their lives.
The hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD is most common in children and involves the presence of at least six symptoms that include extreme restlessness, trouble with paying attention, constant movement or "on the go" behavior, excess energy and talkativeness. read here are unable to sit or waiting for their turn, blurt out answers before they are completed, and have difficulty controlling their emotions.
It's a relief to receive an diagnosis of ADHD however, it's not always easy. It's normal to be embarrassed. But, honesty is the best approach. A diagnosis might be the first time that someone realizes that their struggles have a name. Understanding this can change the way they see themselves, which could be a positive influence.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms can manifest at different time points in adults and children. For children, symptoms typically begin in the middle of elementary school, however for adults, it's a bit later. The signs can be mild, medium or even severe. diagnosing adhd can also be a combination of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity or more focused on one or the other. In some instances the condition can be misdiagnosed as autistic or an anxiety disorder or depression.
If your child or teen shows symptoms of ADHD the first step is to speak with your doctor. They will perform a physical examination, including vision and audio to ensure that there is no other issue. You and your child will be asked to write an inventory of symptoms. They will want to know how the symptoms have affected their home and school lives. They will also want to learn about any previous issues they've had.
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a doctor who is qualified to diagnose it. They'll use clinical interviews, scales for assessing behavior, or symptom checklists. Psychological tests may be used to assess your cognitive abilities and how you process information and think. They could also conduct a brain scan using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA), which measures the activity of certain areas of your brain that control the ability to focus and impulsivity.
They will also look at your medical records to determine if there are any other mental disorders or injuries, for example thyroid or head trauma that can cause similar symptoms. They may refer you for an extensive evaluation with psychiatrists or psychologists.
To be diagnosed with ADHD you must exhibit a minimum of six or more signs that began in childhood or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms should have been present for at least 6 months and be causing significant problems in your daily functioning. Adults must have a lower threshold to be diagnosed, but the same criteria apply: You must have a minimum of five or more symptoms and these should affect your work, home and social life.
Treatment
Treatment aims to ease symptoms and restore functioning at work, home and at school. There are a myriad of treatments available, including treatment with medication and therapy for behavior. Some people experience success through lifestyle changes, such as using a planner, a notebook, and scheduling tasks in advance. Other people may benefit from specific learning disabilities therapies, such as metacognitive training to help them improve their ability to organize their lives and solve problems or cognitive behavioral therapy to address cognitive distortions which can lead to low moods and low self-esteem.
Professionals with specialized training in health care will provide the best treatment plan based on a person's particular situation. They will look at the person's current symptoms and, when they are an adult, their previous behaviors and school experiences. They will use clinical interviewing, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists to determine if the person meets ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also take an examination of a family history of mental health problems and physical illnesses. They will ask the person, their parents and teachers about their moods and behavior and how they've changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the presence of six or more signs that start before age 12 and create difficulties in two or more environments (home school, social situations). The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months. In addition, the symptoms must be significantly more difficult than what is expected for a person of that age.
There aren't any blood tests or brain scans to determine ADHD However, medical checks are usually performed to ensure that there's nothing else wrong with the individual. Doctors will examine the person's medical and psychiatric histories and review their symptoms. They may also recommend an hearing or eye test. Some people who suffer from ADHD are genetically predisposed to the disorder. If the person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD, they have about 91% chance of being diagnosed with the disorder. ADHD is often accompanied by mood or anxiety disorder. These disorders are more difficult to manage than ADHD on its own.
The following is a list of preventions.
Many things, like certain medical conditions and learning disabilities, can trigger symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. It is therefore important to consult an expert in health care or mental health professional for an evaluation before making the diagnosis. This person will ask about the symptoms of your child and how they impact their daily life. They can use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child has ADHD. They may also do physical examinations and tests for problems with vision or hearing. They may also order an EEG brain scan that analyzes beta and theta waves to determine changes in your child's brain function.
Children diagnosed with ADHD have symptoms that are significantly more than what is normal for their age and developmental level. The signs of inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity must cause significant problems at home, at school or work. The symptoms should also affect your child's ability to interact with others. If your child is suffering from moderate or severe ADHD symptoms and needs treatment, they'll need to be treated with medication to live an ordinary life.
Children suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to follow instructions and remain on task and can result in poor grades and low self-esteem. They may also have difficulty with social relationships because they are unable to read social signals and are often disruptive to others or appear aggressive or abrasive. They are at a high risk for depression, anxiety and addiction to drugs.
People with mild ADHD have symptoms that are evident but do not interfere with their lives or make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People with severe or moderate ADHD are more prone to symptoms and are more likely to experience issues with their jobs, like having difficulty retaining jobs, interacting with colleagues or maintaining relationships.
People who don't receive treatment may suffer serious consequences. These include financial problems, health issues, and legal issues. There are many treatments available for ADHD that include psychosocial and behavioral therapy including diet and nutrition, exercise medication for sleep, and other treatments. NIMH provides more information about these options and how to discuss these options with your family.