Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are often not diagnosed until they have major problems at work, home 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 professionals to diagnose mental disorders.
A complete evaluation will include ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standardized behavior rating scales. Health professionals inquire about the family history and examine old school records.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD can affect the lives of a person at school, home, or at work. They can cause disruption to relationships and career, lead to serious financial problems or a driver's license and can even cause emotional distress for the person. It's normal to struggle with concentration or being organized from time to the time, but if it becomes a chronic problem and interferes with everyday functioning, a medical professional may be able to identify ADHD.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD A health professional must assess the person in at least two different settings, including the workplace, school, and social settings. They must observe the person in these environments for a minimum of six months, and they must determine that the symptoms are impairing their ability to function. The symptoms must be present prior to 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 usually in a hurry to finish their work, and they interrupt or interfere with other children.
Children who suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD are incapable of sitting or waiting quietly and have trouble following instructions or staying on task. They are usually distracted by their thoughts, forgetful or easily distracted by their surroundings. They're more prone to being ignored and miss out on opportunities to learn, especially in elementary school, which could make them vulnerable to 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 a difficult time waiting for their turn or sitting still. They also have difficulty managing their emotions.
It's it's a relief to get a diagnosis of ADHD but it's not always easy. It's okay to feel embarrassed. But honesty is the best approach. A diagnosis may be the first time that people realize that their issues have a label. This knowledge can help them change their perception of themselves, leading to positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it concerns ADHD symptoms are evident at different times for kids and adults. For kids, they typically begin in the middle of elementary school, however for adults it's a little later. The symptoms could be mild, moderate or even 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 misdiagnosed. It could be a sign of autism or a mood disorder such as anxiety or depression.
If your child or teen is showing indications of ADHD, the first step is to speak with your doctor. They will perform a physical examination, including audio and vision tests to ensure that there is nothing else wrong. They will ask you and your child to fill out an inventory of their symptoms. They will want to know how the symptoms have affected their family and school lives. They'll also want you to tell them about any problems that you have had previously.
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a doctor who is qualified to diagnose it. They'll utilize clinical interviews, behavior rating scales or symptoms checklists. Psychological tests can be used to evaluate your cognitive abilities and how you process information and think. They could also conduct an examination of the brain using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which is a device that measures the activity in specific brain regions that control your attention and the impulsivity.
Additionally, they'll review your medical history to determine whether you've experienced any other mental health issues or injuries like head trauma or thyroid issues that could cause similar symptoms. They might refer you for an extensive evaluation with a psychologist or psychiatrist.
To be able to receive a diagnosis of ADHD it is necessary to have a minimum of six or more symptoms that started in 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 functioning. Adults need to meet a lower threshold to be diagnosed, but the same requirements apply: You must have at least five or more symptoms and they must affect your home, work and social life.
Treatment
Treatment is designed to reduce symptoms and restore function at work, home and school. There are a variety of treatments available, including the use of medication and behavioral therapy. Some people also have satisfaction with lifestyle changes, for example, establishing consistent routines by using a planner notebook and scheduling tasks in advance. Other people may benefit from specific learning disabilities treatments, like metacognitive therapy that helps to improve their ability to organize their lives and solve problems as well as cognitive behavioral therapy to correct thinking distortions that can cause negative moods and low self-esteem.
Health care professionals who are specially trained to recognize 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 childhood and school experiences. They will conduct clinical interviews, behavior rating scales and symptoms checklists to determine if the person has met the requirements for diagnosing ADHD. They may also ask about family history of mental illness and physical conditions. They'll ask the person, their parents and teachers about their moods and behavior and how they've changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the presence of more than six symptoms that start before age 12 and can cause problems in two or more settings (home school, at home and social situations). The symptoms must have been present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms must be more severe than expected for someone that age.
A medical checkup is typically carried out to confirm that the patient isn't suffering from any other health problems. Doctors will review the patient's medical and psychiatric records and review their symptoms. They may also suggest an hearing or eye test. adhd undiagnosed in adults with ADHD are genetically predisposed to this condition. If a person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD and is a child, they have 91% chance of developing the disorder themselves. ADHD is often associated with a mood or anxiety disorder. These disorders can be harder to manage than ADHD by itself.
The following is a list with preventions.
Many things, like certain medical conditions and learning disabilities, can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. It is therefore important to consult a health care provider or a mental health professional to conduct an assessment prior to making a diagnosis. The person you see will ask your child about their symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They can also utilize rating scales or a checklist to help decide if your child has ADHD. They can also conduct a physical examination and test for hearing or vision problems. They may also order a brain scan called an EEG, which examines beta and theta waves to determine if there are any changes in your child's brain function.
For children to be diagnosed with ADHD the child must exhibit several symptoms that are more prominent than the norm for their age or development level. Inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity can cause significant problems at home, school or at work. The symptoms should also affect your child's ability to interact with others. If your child suffers from severe or moderate ADHD, they will require medication in order to lead a normal life.
Children suffering from ADHD may have difficulty following directions and staying on task. This can result in low grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also struggle in social relationships because they are unable to read social signals. They often interrupt others and can appear aggressive or intense. They are susceptible to depression, anxiety as well as substance abuse and relationship issues.
Mild ADHD is manifests itself in symptoms that are visible but do not hinder daily life. They can make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People with moderate to severe ADHD will have more symptoms, and they are more likely than other people to have problems at work, such as problems with keeping a job or getting along with colleagues.
People who do not receive treatment could face serious consequences. These include financial problems and health issues, as well as legal issues. There are a myriad of treatments available for ADHD. These include psychosocial interventions as well as nutrition and diet exercise, sleep improvement and medications. NIMH offers more information on these options and how to talk with your family about these options.