Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults aren't diagnosed until their symptoms cause serious problems at work, school or home. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) is utilized by health professionals to diagnose mental disorders.
A full assessment includes ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized behavior rating scales. Health care professionals also ask about family history and review old school records.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can affect a person's daily life regardless of whether they are at home, school or at work. They can cause issues in relationships and careers, financial difficulties or even a driver's permit. They can also trigger emotional distress. It's normal to struggle with concentration or being organized from time to the time, but if it becomes an ongoing issue that interferes with everyday functioning, a health provider may be able to determine ADHD.
A health professional will need to evaluate the person in two different situations, like at home and at school, or in social and workplace situations. The health care professional has to be observing the person for at least six months and determine whether the symptoms are impacting their ability to perform. The symptoms must also have begun before the age 12 years old. 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 interfere with others.
Children with the inattentive type of ADHD are incapable of sitting or waiting quietly and have trouble following instructions or staying focused. They are usually daydreaming or easily distracted. They are more likely to be overlooked and omit learning opportunities, especially in elementary schools, which can set up them for failure 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. They are unable to sit or waiting for their turn, blurt out answers before the questions are finished and have trouble controlling their emotions.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief, but it's not always easy to process. It's okay to feel embarrassed. However honesty is the best approach. A diagnosis could be the first time someone realizes that their struggles are ascribed to. This knowledge will help them alter their perception of themselves, resulting in positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it concerns ADHD, symptoms show up at different times for children and adults. For children, symptoms typically begin in the first grade. For adults, it is a bit later. The symptoms may 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 instances the condition can be misdiagnosed as autism or a mood disorder such as anxiety or depression.
Consult your doctor If your child or teenager is showing symptoms of ADHD. They will perform an examination of the body, including audio and vision to make sure that there is no other issue. Your child and you will be asked to fill out an inventory of symptoms. They will ask how the symptoms have affected their school and personal life. They'll also want you to tell them about any previous problems.
For adults, a healthcare professional who is qualified to diagnose ADHD will use behavioral interviews and clinical scales or checklists of symptoms to determine if they meet the criteria for diagnosis. They could also conduct psychological tests to assess your cognitive abilities and discover how you process information and think. They could also conduct an examination of your brain using the Neuropsychiatric EEG Assessment Aid (NEBA) that is FDA-approved. (NEBA) which measures the activity of certain parts of your brain that control the ability to focus and impulsivity.
In addition, they will examine your medical history to see whether you've suffered from any other mental health problems or injuries like thyroid or head trauma which can trigger similar symptoms. They might refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for a thorough evaluation.
To get a diagnosis of ADHD you must exhibit at least six or more signs that began in your childhood or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms must be present for at least six months and cause significant difficulties with your daily activities. Adults must meet an upper threshold for diagnosis, however the criteria are the same: You must be suffering from at minimum five symptoms that interfere with your social, work and home life.
Treatment
Treatment is designed to reduce symptoms and restore function at home, work and at school. There are a variety of treatments available, including medication and behavioral therapy. Some people find satisfaction by making lifestyle changes such as using a planner, a notebook and arranging tasks in advance. Some people may benefit from therapies for learning disabilities such as metacognitive therapy, which helps them improve their problem-solving and organizational skills or cognitive behavioral treatment which targets thinking distortions, leading to depression and low self-esteem.
Health professionals who are specially trained in diagnosing ADHD can recommend the best treatment plan for a patient's situation. They will examine the person's present symptoms and, when they are an adult, their childhood behaviors and school experiences. They will use clinical interviewing, scales for assessing behavior, and symptom checklists in order to determine if a person is in compliance with ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also take an examination of a family history of mental health issues and physical illnesses. They'll ask the person as well as their parents and teachers about their moods and behaviors and about how they've changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is based on six or more signs, that begin before 12 years of age and cause issues in at least two settings (at school, at home, or in social situations). The symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months. In addition the symptoms must be significantly more difficult than expected for someone who is that old.
There are no brain scans or blood tests to diagnose ADHD, but a medical checkup usually is carried out to ensure there's no other issue with the person. Doctors will look over the patient's symptoms and medical and mental history and may recommend an eye exam or hearing test. Certain people suffering from ADHD are genetically predisposed to this condition. If the person has a parent or sibling with ADHD and is a child, they have a 91% chance of developing the disorder for themselves. It is also common to have a comorbid mood or anxiety disorder with ADHD. These conditions can be more difficult to treat than ADHD alone.
Prevention
Many things, such as certain medical conditions and learning disabilities, can lead to symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. So it's important to see an expert in health care or a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation prior to determining an assessment. The person you see will inquire about the symptoms of your child and how they affect their daily life. They may also utilize rating scales or a checklist to determine if your child suffers from ADHD. They can also conduct an examination and test for hearing or visual problems. They may also request a brain scan called an EEG, which measures theta and beta waves to determine if there are any changes in the brain function of your child.
adhd adults diagnosis diagnosed with ADHD have symptoms that are significantly greater than what is normal for their age and developmental level. The signs of inattention, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity should cause a significant problem at school, at home or work. The symptoms must also affect your child's ability to interact with other people. If your child has moderate or severe ADHD symptoms they will require treatment with medication to lead the normal life.
Children suffering from ADHD might have trouble following directions and staying focused. This can result in lower grades and a loss of self-esteem. They may also struggle in social relationships because they aren't able to discern social signals. They frequently interrupt others and come across as violent or intense. They are at a high risk for depression, anxiety and substance abuse.
Mild ADHD is characterized by symptoms that are evident but do not hinder daily life, which makes 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 difficulty keeping a job, getting along with colleagues, or maintaining relationships.
People who don't receive treatment could face serious consequences. These include financial problems as well as health and legal issues. There are many treatments for ADHD that include psychosocial therapy and behavioral therapy including diet and nutrition, exercise, sleeping improvements, and medication. NIMH provides more information about these options and how to discuss the options with your family members.