Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't receive diagnosis until their symptoms cause major issues at school, work or home. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) is used by health care providers to diagnose mental disorders.
A full evaluation includes ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized behavior rating scales. Health professionals also inquire about family history and review old school records.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD can impact a person's life at school, home, or at work. They can cause problems in relationships and careers, financial problems or even a driver's licence. They can also cause emotional anxiety. It is common for people to experience difficulties concentrating or staying organised from time to time. However when the issue is persistent and affects everyday functioning, a medical provider may be able diagnose ADHD.
To determine if someone is diagnosed with ADHD, a healthcare professional must examine the person in at least two different settings, which could include at home, school or work and social situations. They should observe the person in these settings for at least six months and must see that the symptoms are significantly hindering their ability to perform. The symptoms must also 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 interfere with others or interrupt them.
Children with inattention ADHD are unable to follow instructions and staying focused or sat down. They are usually distracted by their thoughts, forgetful or easily distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be left out and miss opportunities to learn, particularly in elementary school, which can cause them to be a failure later on in life.
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. They are unable to sit or waiting for their turn, blurt out answers before questions are completed, and have difficulty controlling their emotions.
It can be an exhilarating experience to receive the diagnosis of ADHD but it's not always simple. People might be embarrassed, but they need to be honest so that they can get the help they're entitled to. A diagnosis could be the first time people realize that their issues are ascribed to. This knowledge will help them alter their perspective of themselves, which can lead to positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it concerns ADHD, symptoms show up at different times in children and adults. For kids, they typically begin in the middle of elementary school, however for adults, it's later. Symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe. They can also be a combination of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity or more focused on one or the other. In some cases the condition is not properly diagnosed. It could be a sign of autism or a mood disorder like depression or anxiety.
Consult your doctor if your child or teenager exhibits indications of ADHD. They will conduct a physical examination, including vision and audio to ensure that there is no other issue. They will ask you and your child to complete a checklist of their symptoms. They will ask what the effects of their symptoms are on their school and home life. They'll also want you to share with them any problems that you have had previously.
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a medical professional who is qualified to diagnose it. They may conduct clinical interviews, use scales for assessing behavior, or symptom checklists. They could also conduct psychological tests to assess your cognitive abilities and learn how you think and process information. They may also perform brain scans using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA), a tool that measures the activity of specific brain regions that control your attention and your impulsivity.
In addition, they will review your medical history to see whether you've experienced any other mental health issues or injuries such as head trauma or thyroid conditions that could cause similar symptoms. They may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for a thorough examination.
You must be suffering from at least six symptoms which started 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 requirements apply: You must have a minimum of five or more symptoms and these should affect your work, home and social life.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and improve functioning at home, school and work. There are a variety of treatment options, such as medication and behavioral therapy. Some people find success through lifestyle changes, such as using planners, notebooks and arranging tasks ahead of time. Other people may benefit from specific learning disability treatments, such as metacognitive therapy that helps them improve their ability to organize their lives and solve problems or cognitive behavioral therapy to address thinking distortions that can cause negative moods and low self-esteem.
Health professionals who have been specially trained in diagnosing ADHD can recommend the most appropriate treatment for a person's situation. They will evaluate the person's symptoms and, if they are an adult, their school and childhood experiences. They will use clinical interviewing, scales for assessing behavior, and symptom checklists to determine if the person is in compliance with ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also inquire about the family history of mental illnesses and physical illnesses. They will ask the person, their parents and teachers about their moods and behavior and about how they've changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is upon six or more signs, that begin before the age of 12 and cause problems in at minimum two settings (at home, school or social situations). The symptoms must have been present for at least six months. Additionally, the symptoms must be significantly more troublesome than what is expected for a person of that age.
There aren't any brain scans or blood tests to determine ADHD however an exam for medical reasons is usually done to make sure there's no other issue with the person. adhd diagnosis in adult will look over the patient's medical and psychiatric histories and look over their symptoms. They may also recommend an hearing or eye test. Some people who suffer from ADHD are genetically predisposed to this condition. If a person has a parent or sibling with ADHD and is a child, they have a 91% chance of developing the disorder for themselves. It's also common to have a comorbid mood anxiety disorder with ADHD. These conditions can be more difficult to manage than ADHD by itself.
Prevention
Many things, including some medical conditions, as well as certain kinds of learning disabilities could cause similar symptoms as those of ADHD. It's important to consult an expert in mental health or a health professional for an assessment prior to making an assessment. The person you see will ask your child about their symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They can use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child is ADHD. They may also do a physical exam and test for vision or hearing problems. They can also request a brain scan, also known as an EEG, which measures theta and beta waves to detect changes in your child's brain function.
For children to be diagnosed with ADHD, they must have a number of symptoms that are significantly more than the norm for their age or developmental level. The symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity must cause significant problems at home, at school or work. The symptoms also need to hinder your child's social interactions. If your child is suffering from moderate or severe ADHD, they will require medication to lead an ordinary life.
Children suffering from ADHD may have difficulty following directions and staying on task. This can result in poor grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also have difficulty with social interactions because they struggle to discern social cues and often interrupt others or come off as violent or aggressive. They are susceptible to anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and relationship issues.
Mild ADHD is characterized by symptoms that are evident but do not hinder everyday life. It can which makes it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People with severe or moderate ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms and are more likely to suffer issues with their jobs, like having difficulty retaining an occupation, getting along with colleagues or maintaining relationships.
Patients who do not receive treatment can have serious consequences, including health issues, financial troubles, and legal issues. There are many treatments available for ADHD that include psychosocial and behavioral therapy such as diet and nutrition, exercise sleep improvements, and medications. NIMH provides more information about these options and how to discuss the options with your family members.