Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are often not diagnosed until they experience significant issues at home, at work or 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 will include ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standardized behavior rating scales. Health care professionals will inquire about the family's history, and look at the school records from the past.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD can affect the lives of a person at school, at home or at work. They can lead to problems in relationships and careers, financial issues or even a driver's license. They can also trigger emotional distress. It's normal for everyone to struggle with concentration or staying organized from time to time however, if it becomes an ongoing problem that interferes with everyday functioning, a medical provider may be able to determine ADHD.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, a healthcare professional must examine the person in at minimum two different settings, which could include the workplace, school, and social settings. They must observe the person in these environments for at least six months, and they must determine that the symptoms are hindering their ability to function. The symptoms should also have started before 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 difficulty waiting for their turn and frequently interrupt or intrude on others.
Children with inattentive ADHD have difficulty following instructions, staying on task or sitting down. They are often distracted or snoozing. They are more likely to be ignored, and miss out on learning opportunities, especially in primary schools which could set 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. They have a difficult time waiting for their turn or staying still. They also have difficulty managing their emotions.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a relief however, it's not always easy to accept. It's fine to be embarrassed. However, honesty is the best approach. A diagnosis may be the first time that people realize that their issues are ascribed to. This understanding can alter the way they see themselves, which could cascade into positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it is about ADHD symptoms are evident at different times for kids and adults. For children, symptoms typically begin in the first grade. For adults, it's slightly later. 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 adhd diagnosis adult , the condition may be misdiagnosed as autism or an anxiety disorder or depression.
Consult your doctor if your child or teenager exhibits signs of ADHD. They will conduct physical examinations, including vision and hearing to ensure there's nothing else going on. They will ask you and your child to complete an inventory of the symptoms. They will inquire about what the effects of their symptoms are on their school and personal life. They'll also want be informed about any past issues they've faced.
For adults, a healthcare professional who is qualified to diagnose ADHD will conduct the process of conducting clinical interviews, as well as behavior rating scales or checklists of symptoms to determine if they meet the criteria for diagnosis. They may also conduct psychological tests to gauge your cognitive abilities as well as learn how you process information and think. They could also conduct an examination of your brain using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which evaluates the activity of specific areas of your brain that control the ability to focus and the ability to be impulsive.
Additionally, they'll look at your medical history to determine whether you've experienced any other mental health issues or injuries, such as thyroid or head trauma that could cause similar symptoms. They may refer you to thorough evaluation by a psychiatrist or psychologist.
To get a diagnosis of ADHD, you must have at least six or more symptoms that started in childhood, or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms must last at least six months and cause significant problems with your daily functioning. Adults need to meet a lower threshold for diagnosis, but the criteria are the same: You must exhibit at minimum five symptoms that interfere with your work, social and family life.
Treatment
Treatment aims to ease symptoms and restore functioning at work, home and at school. There are a variety of treatment options, such as medication and behavioral therapy. Some people find success by making lifestyle changes like using planners, notebooks and scheduling their tasks ahead of time. Some people might benefit from learning disabilities therapies like metacognitive therapy which assists them in improving their problem-solving skills and organizational skills or cognitive behavioral treatment, which addresses thinking distortions which can cause depression and low self-esteem.
Specially trained health care professionals can provide the most effective treatment plan based on the patient's particular situation. They will look at the person's present symptoms and, in the case of an adult, their childhood behavior and school experiences. They will use clinical interviewing, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists in order to determine if the individual is in compliance with ADHD diagnostic criteria. They can also look up the family history of mental health issues and physical illnesses. They will ask about the person's moods, behaviors and how they've changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the presence of six or more signs that start before age 12 and cause difficulties in two or more environments (home school, social situations). The symptoms have to be present for at least six months. The symptoms should also be more severe than expected for someone that age.
A medical checkup is typically performed to make sure that the patient doesn't have any other health problems. Doctors will look over the patient's symptoms and medical and psychiatric history, and may suggest an eye examination or hearing test. Some people who suffer from ADHD are genetically predisposed to develop the condition. If a person has a parent or sibling with ADHD and is a child, they have 91% of the chance of being diagnosed with the disorder. It is also common to have a comorbid mood anxiety disorder in conjunction with ADHD. These conditions can be more difficult to treat than ADHD on its own.
The following is a list of preventions.
Many things, such as medical conditions and certain kinds of learning disabilities can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. It is essential to talk to a mental health professional or health care provider for an assessment prior to making an assessment. This person will ask your child about their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They may also use scoring scales or a checklist to decide if your child has ADHD. They can also conduct a physical examination and test for hearing or vision issues. They may also request an EEG brain scan which evaluates beta and theta wave activity to monitor changes in your child's brain function.
Children diagnosed with ADHD must show symptoms that are more than normal for their age and development level. The symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity must cause significant problems at home, at school or at work. The symptoms should also affect your child's ability to interact with other people. If your child exhibits moderate or severe ADHD symptoms they will require treatment with medication to lead an ordinary life.
Children suffering from ADHD may have difficulty following directions and staying focused. This can result in lower grades and a loss of self-esteem. They may also have issues with social interactions, since they are unable to read social signals. They often interrupt others and can appear aggressive or abrasive. They are at risk for anxiety, depression as well as substance abuse and relationship issues.
Mild ADHD is characterized by symptoms that are evident but do not hinder daily life. They can which makes it difficult to maintain relationships or work. Those with moderate to severe ADHD will exhibit more symptoms, and they are more likely than others to have problems at work, such as difficulties keeping a job or interacting with coworkers.
If they do not seek treatment may suffer serious consequences. This could include financial problems and health issues, as well as legal issues. There are many treatment options for ADHD, including psychosocial therapy and behavioral therapy, diet and nutrition, exercise, sleeping improvements, and medication. NIMH provides more information about these options and how to discuss these options with your family.