Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are usually not diagnosed until they have major problems at work, home or school. Health professionals follow the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A thorough evaluation will include ADHD symptoms and standardized behavior ratings scales. Health professionals inquire about the family's history and review old school records.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can impact the way a person lives their life regardless of whether they are at school, home or at work. They can be disruptive to relationships and career, lead to serious problems with finances or driving licenses, and can cause emotional stress for the person. It's normal for people to have difficulty concentrating or being organized from time to the time, but if it becomes an ongoing issue that interferes with everyday functioning, a health care specialist may be able determine ADHD.
A health professional will need to evaluate the individual in two different situations, like at home and in school, or in workplace and social settings. The health care professional has to observe the person for a minimum of six months and determine whether the symptoms are affecting their ability to perform. The signs must also 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 are often unable to wait for their turn, and frequently interfere with others or interrupt them.
Children with the inattentive kind 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 forgetful, and are easily distracted by their surroundings. They're more likely to be ignored and miss out on opportunities for learning, especially in elementary school, which could make them vulnerable to failure later on 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 difficulty sitting or waiting for their turn, blurting out answers before they are completed, and have difficulty controlling their emotions.
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD can be a relief however, it's not always easy to process. It's normal to be embarrassed. However, honesty is the best approach. A diagnosis could be the first time that people realize that their issues are ascribed to. This understanding will help them alter the way they view themselves, which can lead to positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it concerns ADHD symptoms can manifest at different times for children and adults. In children, symptoms usually begin in elementary school. For adults, symptoms begin slightly later. The symptoms could 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 certain cases, the condition may be misdiagnosed as autism or a mood disorder like anxiety or depression.
Speak to your doctor if your child or teenager is showing symptoms of ADHD. They will do physical examinations that includes hearing and vision to ensure there's nothing else going on. They will ask you and your child to complete an inventory of the symptoms. They will also ask how the symptoms have affected their school and home life. They'll also ask to know about any previous problems.
For adults, a healthcare provider who is qualified to diagnose ADHD will conduct the process of conducting clinical interviews, as well as behavior rating scales or symptom checklists to determine whether they meet the criteria for diagnosis. They might also do psychological tests to assess your cognitive abilities and learn how you think and process information. They could also conduct a brain scan using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA), which analyzes the activity of specific parts of your brain that control attention and impulsivity.
In addition, they will look at your medical history to see whether you've suffered from any other mental health conditions or injuries such as head trauma or thyroid issues which can trigger similar symptoms. They may refer you to a thorough evaluation to a psychiatrist or psychologist.
You must show six or more symptoms, that began in childhood or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms must have been present for at minimum 6 months and be causing significant problems with your daily functioning. getting a adhd diagnosis have a lower threshold for diagnosis, however the criteria are the same: You must have at least five symptoms that cause problems with your social, work and personal life.
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to reduce symptoms and restore functioning at home, school and work. There are a myriad of treatment options, including the use of medication and therapy for behavior. Many people have success with lifestyle changes, like creating a consistent routine by using a planner notebook and arranging tasks in advance. Others might benefit from specific learning disability treatments, such as metacognitive therapy that helps them improve their abilities to manage their time and problem solving as well as cognitive behavioral therapy to correct thinking distortions that can lead to negative moods and low self-esteem.
Specially trained health care professionals can provide the most effective treatment program based on a patient's specific situation. They will examine the person's present symptoms and, in the case of an adult, their childhood behaviour and schooling experiences. They will employ clinical interviews, behavior ratings scales and symptom checklists to determine whether the person meets the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They can also look up a family history of mental health problems and physical ailments. They'll ask the person or their parents as well as teachers about their moods and behavior and how they've changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is made based on six or more symptoms which start before the age of 12 and cause problems in at minimum two settings (at school, at home, or in social situations). The symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms must be more severe than is normal for a person of the same age.
There aren't any blood tests or brain scans to diagnose ADHD however a medical checkup usually is carried out to ensure there's no other issue with the individual. Doctors will examine the person's medical and psychiatric history and look over their symptoms. They may also suggest an eye or hearing test. Some people with ADHD are genetically predisposed to develop the condition. If a person has a parent or sibling with ADHD and is a child, they have a 91% chance of developing the disorder for themselves. It's also normal to have a comorbid mood anxiety disorder that is associated with ADHD. These conditions can be more difficult to treat than ADHD by itself.
Prevention
Many things, like certain medical conditions and learning disabilities, can lead to symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. It is important to speak with a mental health professional or health care provider for an assessment prior to making a diagnosis. This person will ask about your child's issues and how they impact their daily life. They can also utilize rating scales or a checklist to decide if your child has ADHD. They can also conduct an examination and test for problems with vision or hearing. They may also request an EEG brain scan, which measures beta and theta waves to monitor changes in your child's brain function.
Children who are diagnosed with ADHD should exhibit symptoms that are significantly more than what is normal for their age and developmental level. Inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity must cause serious problems at home, school, or work. The symptoms should also affect your child's ability to interact with other people. 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 have difficulty following directions and staying on task. This can lead to low grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also have difficulties with social relationships because they have trouble reading social cues and frequently interrupt others or appear violent or aggressive. They are at risk of anxiety, depression as well as substance abuse and issues with relationships.
People who suffer from mild ADHD have symptoms that are apparent but do not interfere with their lives or make it difficult to work or maintain relationships. getting a adhd diagnosis with moderate or severe ADHD will exhibit more symptoms, and are more likely to experience problems at work, such as problems with keeping a job or interacting with colleagues.
People who don't receive treatment could face serious consequences. This could include financial problems as well as health and legal issues. There are a number of treatments for ADHD, including behavioral therapy and psychosocial interventions including diet and nutrition, exercise, medication for sleep, and other treatments. NIMH offers more information on these options and how you can talk with your family members about these options.