Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are usually not diagnosed until they experience significant issues at work, home or school. Health professionals follow the diagnostic criteria set out in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A thorough assessment includes ADHD symptom lists and standardized scales for assessing behavior. Health care professionals will inquire about the family's history, and review old school records.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can impact a person's daily life, whether it is at school, home or work. They can lead to problems in relationships and careers, financial difficulties and even a driver's license. They can also cause emotional anxiety. It is common for people to struggle in concentrating or staying organized at times. However, if the problem is persistent and affects daily functioning, a healthcare specialist may be able to identify ADHD.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD the healthcare professional must examine the patient in at least two different settings, which could include the workplace, school, and social situations. The health care professional has to be observing the person for at least six month and determine whether the symptoms are impacting their ability to function. The symptoms also must be present prior to the age of 12. 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 frequently interfere with others or interrupt them.
Children who suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD are not able to sit or stand quietly and have trouble following instructions or staying on task. They tend to be distracted, forgetful or easily distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be missed, and miss out on learning opportunities, especially in primary schools which could set 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 questions are complete, and have trouble controlling their emotions.
It's it's a relief to get a diagnosis of ADHD but it's not always an easy process. People might be embarrassed, but they must to be honest so they can get the help they deserve. A diagnosis might be the first time that someone has realized their struggles have a label. Understanding this can change the way they think about themselves, which can then cascade into positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms appear at different times in both adults and children. For children, they usually begin in the middle of elementary school, however for adults, it's later. The signs can be mild, medium 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 can be misdiagnosed as autism, or a mood disorder like anxiety or depression.
Speak to your doctor If your child or teenager shows signs of ADHD. They will conduct a physical examination, including audio and vision to make sure that there is nothing else wrong. They will ask you and your child to fill out a checklist of their symptoms. They will want to know how the symptoms have affected their home and school lives. They will also want to be informed about any past issues they've had.
For adults, a healthcare provider who is certified to diagnose ADHD will use the process of conducting clinical interviews, as well as behavior rating scales or checklists for symptoms to determine if they meet the criteria for diagnosis. Psychological tests can be used to determine your cognitive abilities and how you think and process information. They could also conduct brain scans using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which is a device that measures the activity of certain brain regions that control your attention and impulsivity.
They will also review 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 might refer you for thorough evaluation by a psychiatrist or psychologist.
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 the age of 12. The symptoms must be present for at minimum 6 months and be causing significant problems in your daily functioning. Adults need to be able to meet a lower threshold in order to be diagnosed, however the same criteria apply: You need to have a minimum of 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 home, work and school. There are a variety of treatment options, including treatment with medication and therapy for behavior. Some people have satisfaction by making lifestyle changes such as using an organizer, a notebook and scheduling their tasks in advance. Other people may benefit from specific learning disability treatments, like metacognitive training to help them develop their abilities to manage their time and problem solving as well as cognitive behavioral therapy to address the distortions in thinking that can lead to negative moods and low self-esteem.
Health professionals who are specifically trained to diagnose ADHD can suggest the most effective treatment plan for a patient's situation. They will look at the symptoms of the patient, and when they are an adult, also their childhood and school experiences. They will use clinical interviews, behavior rating scales and checklists of symptoms to determine if the person has met the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They may also conduct the family history of mental health problems as well as physical illnesses. They will ask about the person's moods, behavior and changes over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is upon six or more signs, which start before 12 years of age and can cause problems in at least two settings (at school, at home or in social situations). The symptoms are expected to be present for at least six months. adhd diagnosis in adult should also be more severe than is normal for someone that age.
There aren't any blood tests or brain scans to determine ADHD however an exam for medical reasons is usually carried out to ensure there's nothing else wrong 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 a hearing test. Certain people suffering from ADHD are genetically predisposed to the condition. If the person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD and is a child, they have a 91% chance of developing the disorder for themselves. ADHD is often accompanied by anxiety or mood disorder. These disorders can be harder to treat than ADHD alone.
The following is a list with preventions.
Many things, like certain medical conditions or learning disabilities, can trigger symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. It is important to speak with an expert in mental health or health care provider for an assessment prior to making an assessment. This person will ask your child about their symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They could use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child has ADHD. They can also conduct a physical exam and test for hearing or vision problems. They may also order a brain scan, also known as an EEG, which examines beta and theta waves to detect changes in your child's brain's function.
To be considered a child with ADHD they must display several symptoms that are significantly more than the norm for their age or developmental level. The signs of inattention, impulsivity 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 is suffering from moderate or severe ADHD symptoms and needs treatment, they'll need to be treated with medication in order to live a normal life.
Children suffering from ADHD are often unable to follow directions and remain on task and can result in low self-esteem and poor grades. They may also have issues in social relationships because they are unable to read social signals. They frequently interrupt others and can appear aggressive or abrasive. They are at risk of depression, anxiety, substance misuse, and relationship issues.
Mild ADHD is defined by symptoms that are evident but do not interfere in daily life, making it difficult to maintain relationships or work. The people with moderate or severe ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms, and are more likely than others to have problems at work, such as difficulty keeping a job, or getting along with colleagues.
People who do not receive treatment could face serious consequences. This could include financial problems, health issues, and legal issues. There are a number of treatments available for ADHD, including psychosocial therapy and behavioral therapy including diet and nutrition, exercise sleeping improvements, and medication. NIMH provides more information about these options and how you can talk with your family members about these options.