Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are typically not diagnosed until they are experiencing significant issues at home, at work or at school. 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 complete evaluation will include ADHD symptom checklists and standardized behavior rating scales. Health professionals also inquire about family history and go through old school records.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can impact the daily routine of a person regardless of whether they are at school, home or work. They can cause issues in relationships and careers, financial difficulties and even a driver's license. They can also cause emotional distress. It's normal for people to experience difficulties keeping their attention or staying organized occasionally. However when the issue gets more severe and affects the daily activities, a healthcare specialist may be able to identify ADHD.
A health care professional must assess the person in two distinct situations, like at home and at school, or in workplace and social settings. They should observe the person in these settings for at least six months, and they must determine that the symptoms are impairing their ability to function. The symptoms also must have started before the age of 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 are often unable to wait for their turn and frequently interrupt or intrude on 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 wandering off or distracted. They're more likely to be left out and miss opportunities to learn, particularly in elementary school, which can cause them to be a failure later 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 have trouble sitting or waiting for their turn, blurt out answers before questions are completed, and have difficulty managing their emotions.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief however, it's not always easy to process. People might be ashamed, but they have to be honest in order that they can get the help they need. A diagnosis might be the first time that someone realizes that their struggles have a name. Having this understanding can change the way they think about themselves, which can then cascade into positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it comes to ADHD symptoms can manifest at different times for kids and adults. For children, symptoms typically begin in elementary school, but for adults it's a little later. The signs could 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 could be misdiagnosed as autism, or an anxiety disorder or depression.
Speak to your doctor when your child or teen shows symptoms of ADHD. They will perform a physical examination, including audio and vision to make sure that there is nothing else wrong. They will ask you and your child to complete an inventory of their symptoms. They'll be interested in knowing how the symptoms have affected their home and school life. They'll also want learn about any previous issues they've had.
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a healthcare provider who is qualified to diagnose it. They may use clinical interviews, behavior rating scales or symptoms checklists. They could also conduct psychological tests to gauge your cognitive abilities as well as learn how you process information and think. They could also conduct a brain scan with the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) A tool that measures the activity in specific brain regions that control your attention and impulsivity.
They will also examine your medical records to determine whether there are any other mental health issues or injuries, like head trauma or thyroid problems that could cause similar symptoms. They may refer you for an extensive evaluation with psychiatrists or psychologists.
You must show at least six symptoms which began in childhood or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms must be present for at least six months and create significant problems for your daily activities. Adults must be able to meet a lower threshold in order to be diagnosed, however the same criteria apply: You need to have at least five or more symptoms and these must interfere with your work, home and social life.
Treatment
Treatment aims to ease symptoms and restore functioning at work, home and at school. There are many different treatments available, including medication and behavioral therapy. Some people have satisfaction by making lifestyle changes like using an organizer, a notebook and arranging tasks in advance. adult diagnosis of adhd might benefit from specific learning disability treatments, such as metacognitive therapy that helps to improve their abilities to manage their time and problem solving as well as cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with the distortions in thinking which can lead to low moods and low self-esteem.
Health care professionals who are specially trained in diagnosing ADHD can suggest the most effective treatment plan for a person's situation. They will assess the patient's present symptoms and, when they are an adult, their childhood behaviors and school experiences. They will employ clinical interviewing, scales for assessing behavior and symptom checklists in order to determine if the individual is in compliance with ADHD diagnostic criteria. They might also inquire about family history of mental illnesses and physical conditions. They will inquire about the person's moods, behaviors and changes over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is based on six or more symptoms, which begin before 12 years of age and can cause issues in at least two settings (at school, at home, or in social situations). The symptoms must be present for at least six months. The symptoms must be more severe than what is normal for someone of this age.
There are no brain scans or blood tests to determine ADHD, but medical checks are usually performed to ensure that there's no other issue with the person. Doctors will examine the person's symptoms, as well as their medical and psychiatric history, and may suggest an eye exam or hearing test. Some people who suffer from ADHD are genetically predisposed to the disorder. If a person has a parent or sibling with ADHD, they have about a 91% chance of being diagnosed with the disorder. It's also common to suffer from a comorbid mood disorder or anxiety disorder that is associated with ADHD. These disorders are more difficult to manage than ADHD on its own.
The following is a list with preventions.
Many things, such as medical conditions and some types of learning disabilities can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. So it's important to see an expert in health care or a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation before making an assessment. This person will ask about your child's issues and how they affect their daily life. They can use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child suffers from ADHD. They may also perform an examination and test for visual or hearing issues. They may also request an examination of the brain, known as an EEG that analyzes beta and theta waves to detect changes in your child's brain function.
To be able to diagnose a child with ADHD, they must have a number of symptoms that are noticeably greater than what is normal for their age or development level. Inattention, hyperactivity, and/or an impulsive behavior can create serious issues at home, school or at work. The symptoms should also affect your child's ability to interact with other children. If your child exhibits moderate or severe ADHD symptoms they will require treatment with medication to live the normal life.
Children suffering from ADHD might have trouble following directions and staying on task. This can lead to lower grades and a loss of self-esteem. They may also struggle in social relationships because they are unable to recognize social cues. They often interrupt others and come across as aggressive or abrasive. They are at risk for depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and relationship issues.
People who suffer from mild ADHD have symptoms that are apparent but do not interfere with their daily life or make it difficult to work or maintain relationships. People with moderate to severe ADHD will exhibit more symptoms, and are more likely than others to experience problems at work, such as difficulties keeping a job or getting along with colleagues.
Patients who do not receive treatment can face serious consequences, including health issues, financial troubles, and legal issues. There are many treatment options for ADHD which include psychosocial therapy and behavioral therapy including diet and nutrition, exercise medication for sleep, and other treatments. NIMH provides more information about these options and ways to discuss them with your family.