Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't get 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 used by health care providers to diagnose mental disorders.
A complete evaluation will include ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standardized behavior rating scales. Health care professionals also inquire about family history and go through old school records.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can affect the daily routine of a person regardless of whether they are at school, home or work. They can cause disruption to relationships and work, leading to serious financial problems or a driver's license and can even cause emotional distress for the person. It is common for people to struggle keeping their attention or staying organized from time to time. However when the issue is persistent and affects daily functioning, a healthcare specialist may be able to identify ADHD.
A health professional must evaluate the individual in two different situations, like at home and in school, or in social and workplace situations. The health professional must be observing the person for at least six months and determine whether the symptoms are affecting their ability to function. The symptoms must be present prior to the age of 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 are often unable to wait for their turn and frequently interrupt or interfere with others.
Children with the inattentive type of ADHD are not able to sit or stand at a comfortable pace and have difficulty following instructions or staying on task. They are usually distracted by their thoughts or distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be ignored, and miss out on opportunities to learn, particularly in elementary schools, which can set up 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 are unable to sit or waiting for their turn, blurting out answers before questions are completed, and have difficulty managing their emotions.
It is a relief to receive the diagnosis of ADHD however, it's not always easy. It's okay to feel embarrassed. But, honesty is the best approach. For some, a diagnosis will be the first time they've realized that their problems have a. Having adults diagnosed with adhd can change the way they view themselves, which may result in positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it is about ADHD, symptoms show up at different times for children and adults. For children, they usually begin in the middle of elementary school, however for adults, it's later. The signs 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 like depression or anxiety.
Talk to your doctor if your child or teenager is showing indications of ADHD. They will do a physical exam, including vision and hearing, to make sure there isn't something else going on. They will ask you and your child to complete an inventory of their symptoms. They will ask what the effects of their symptoms are on their school and personal life. They'll also ask you to tell them about any previous problems.
For adults, a healthcare professional who's qualified to diagnose ADHD will conduct clinical interviews and behavior rating scales or checklists for symptoms to determine if they meet the criteria for diagnosis. They could also conduct psychological tests to gauge your cognitive abilities and learn how you process information and think. They may also perform a brain scan using the Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid, which is FDA-approved (NEBA) which measures the activity of certain parts of your brain that control the ability to focus and the ability to be impulsive.
In addition, they will review your medical history to see whether you've experienced any other mental health issues or injuries like head trauma or thyroid conditions that could cause similar symptoms. They may refer you to thorough evaluation by psychiatrists or psychologists.
To be able to receive a diagnosis of ADHD it is necessary to have at least six or more signs that started in childhood, or prior to age 12. The symptoms should have been present for at least 6 months and be causing significant problems in your daily functioning. Adults must meet a lower threshold to be diagnosed, however the same criteria apply: You must have at least five or more symptoms, and these must interfere with your work, home and social life.
Treatment
Treatment aims to improve symptoms and restore function at work, home and at school. There are a myriad of treatment options, including the use of medication and behavioral therapy. Some people experience satisfaction by making lifestyle changes, such as using planners, notebooks and scheduling their tasks ahead of time. Others might benefit from specific learning disability therapies, such as metacognitive therapy that helps to improve their abilities to manage their time and problem solving or cognitive behavioral therapy to correct thinking distortions that can cause negative moods and low self-esteem.
Health professionals who are specifically trained to diagnose ADHD can recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for a patient's situation. They will look at the person's current symptoms, and in the case of an adult, their childhood behavior and school experiences. They will conduct interviews with a psychologist, behavior rating scales and symptoms checklists to determine if the person meets requirements for diagnosing ADHD. They can also look up an examination of a family history of mental health problems and physical ailments. They will inquire about the person's moods, behaviors and changes over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the presence of six or more symptoms that start before the age of 12 and cause difficulties in two or more settings (home school, social situations). The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms should also be more severe than expected for someone that age.
A medical checkup is usually carried out to confirm that the person isn't suffering from any other health issues. Doctors will look over the patient's symptoms and medical and mental background and may recommend an eye exam or hearing test. Some people who suffer from ADHD have a genetic predisposition to develop the disorder. If a person has a parent or sibling with ADHD and is a child, they have 91% of the chance of developing the disorder themselves. It is also common to have a comorbid mood anxiety disorder that is associated with ADHD. These disorders can be more difficult to manage than ADHD by itself.
Prevention
Many things, such as certain medical conditions and learning disabilities, can lead to symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. It is essential to talk to a mental health professional or a health professional for an assessment prior to making the diagnosis. This person will ask your child about their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They may also use ratings scales or a checklist to determine if your child is suffering from ADHD. They can also conduct an examination and test for visual or hearing issues. They can also request an EEG brain scan which evaluates beta and theta wave activity to monitor changes in your child's brain function.
For children to be diagnosed with ADHD the child must exhibit numerous symptoms that are more prominent than normal for their age or development level. Inattention, hyperactivity, and/or an impulsive behavior can create serious problems at home, school, or work. The symptoms must also interfere with your child's social interactions. If your child is suffering from moderate or severe ADHD, they will require medication to lead a normal life.
Children with ADHD may have trouble following instructions and staying on track. This can lead to lower grades and a loss of self-esteem. They may also struggle with social interactions, since they are unable to recognize social signals. They are often disruptive to others and appear violent or intense. They are at a high risk for depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
People with mild ADHD have symptoms that are noticeable but they do not hinder their daily lives or make it difficult to work or maintain relationships. People with moderate to severe ADHD will exhibit more symptoms, and they are more likely than others to experience problems at work, including problems with keeping a job or interacting with coworkers.
Patients who do not receive treatment can have grave consequences, including financial difficulties, health problems, and legal issues. There are a variety of treatments available for ADHD, including psychosocial therapy and behavioral therapy such as diet and nutrition, exercise, sleep improvements, and medications. NIMH provides more information about these options and ways to discuss the options with your family members.