Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't receive diagnosis until their symptoms create major problems at work, school or at home. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) is utilized by health professionals to diagnose mental disorders.
A thorough assessment includes ADHD symptoms lists and standardized behavior ratings scales. Health care professionals will inquire about the family history and review the school records from the past.
Symptoms
The signs of ADHD can affect a person's life at school, home, or at work. They can lead to problems in relationships and careers, financial issues or even a driver's license. They can also cause emotional distress. It's normal for people to have difficulty in concentrating or staying organized from time to time. However when the issue becomes chronic and interferes with the daily activities, a healthcare professional may be able to diagnose ADHD.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD A health care professional must evaluate the patient in at least two different environments, such as at home, school or work and social settings. The health care professional must be observing the person for at least six month and determine if the symptoms are affecting their ability to perform. The symptoms should also 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 have difficulty waiting 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 ignored and miss out on opportunities for learning, especially in the early years of school, which could set them up for 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 are unable to sit or waiting for their turn, blurt out answers before questions are finished and have trouble controlling their emotions.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a great relief but it's also not always easy to accept. It's fine to be embarrassed. However, honesty is the best way to go. For some, a diagnosis will be the first time they've realized that their issues have a name. This understanding can alter the way they see themselves, which may be a positive influence.
Diagnosis
When it is about ADHD symptoms can manifest at different times for children and adults. In children, the symptoms usually begin in elementary school. For adults, it's slightly later. The signs may 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 certain cases the condition could be misdiagnosed as autism or a mood disorder such as anxiety or depression.
If your child or teenager shows signs of ADHD the first step is to speak with your doctor. They will conduct a physical examination, including audio and vision to make sure that there is no other issue. They will ask you and your child to fill out an inventory of their symptoms. They will want to know how their symptoms have impacted their home and school lives. They will also want you to tell them about any problems that you have had previously.
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a healthcare provider who is qualified to diagnose it. They may utilize clinical interviews, scales for assessing behavior or symptoms checklists. They may also conduct psychological tests to measure your cognitive abilities and discover how you process information and think. They could also conduct a brain scan using the Neuropsychiatric EEG Assessment Aid (NEBA) that is FDA-approved. (NEBA) which analyzes the activity of specific areas of your brain that control attention and the ability to be impulsive.
They will also review your medical records to determine whether there are any additional mental health issues or injuries, for example thyroid or head trauma that could cause similar symptoms. They may refer you for a thorough evaluation to a psychologist or psychiatrist.
You must have at least six symptoms that began in childhood or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and be causing serious problems in your daily functioning. Adults must meet a lower threshold for diagnosis, but the criteria are the same: You must have at least five symptoms that cause problems with your social, work and family life.
Treatment
Treatment aims to improve symptoms and restore functioning at home, work and school. There are a myriad of treatment options, including the use of medication and behavioral therapy. Some people also find success through lifestyle changes, such as establishing consistent routines by using a planner or notebook, and scheduling tasks prior to time. Other people may benefit from specific learning disability therapies, such as metacognitive training to help to improve their organizational skills and problem-solving abilities or cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with the distortions in thinking that can cause negative moods and low self-esteem.
Health professionals who have been specifically trained to diagnose ADHD can recommend the best treatment plan for a patient's situation. They will examine the person's symptoms and, if they are an adult, their childhood and school experiences. They will use clinical interviewing, scales for assessing behavior, and symptom checklists to determine if a person has the ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also take an examination of a family history of mental health problems as well as physical illnesses. They will ask about the person's moods, behaviors and changes over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the presence of six or more signs that start before the age of 12 and create difficulties in two or more environments (home school, at home and social situations). The symptoms must have been present for at least six months. In addition the symptoms must be significantly more troublesome than what is expected for a person at that age.
A medical exam is usually performed to make sure that the patient doesn't have any other health issues. Doctors will review the person's symptoms, as well as their medical and psychiatric background and may recommend an eye exam or a hearing test. adults diagnosed with adhd with ADHD are genetically predisposed to the disorder. Someone who has a sibling or parent with ADHD has a 91% chance to develop the disorder. It is also common to have a comorbid mood anxiety disorder that is associated with ADHD. These conditions can be more difficult to treat than ADHD by itself.
The following is a list of preventatives.
Many things, including some medical conditions and some types of learning disabilities, can trigger similar symptoms 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. The professional will inquire with your child about their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They can also utilize scoring scales or a checklist to determine if your child is suffering from ADHD. They may also perform a physical examination and test for hearing or visual issues. They may also request an examination of the brain, known as an EEG, which measures theta and beta waves to check for changes in your child's brain's function.
Children who are diagnosed with ADHD must show symptoms that are more than what is normal for their age and developmental level. The signs of inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity should cause a significant problem at school, at home or at work. The symptoms can also impact your child's ability to interact with others. If your child suffers from moderate or severe ADHD they will require medication in order to lead an ordinary life.
Children suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to follow directions and remain on task which can result in poor grades and low self-esteem. They may also have issues with social interactions, since they are unable to read social cues. They frequently interrupt others and come across as violent or intense. They are at risk for depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and issues with relationships.
Mild ADHD is characterized by symptoms that are visible but do not interfere in daily life, make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People with severe or moderate ADHD have more symptoms and are more likely to experience job-related problems, such as difficulty keeping an occupation, getting along with coworkers, or maintaining relationships.
People who do not receive treatment may suffer serious consequences. These include financial problems as well as health and legal issues. There are many treatments for ADHD. These include behavioral therapy, psychosocial interventions as well as nutrition and diet exercise, sleep improvement, and medications. NIMH provides more information about these options and how to speak with your family about these options.