Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are typically not diagnosed until they have serious issues at home, work 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 providers to diagnose mental disorders.
A complete evaluation will include ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized behavior rating scales. Health professionals also inquire about family history and look over old school records.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can have a negative impact on the way a person lives their life, whether it is at home, school or at work. They can lead to problems in relationships and careers, financial issues, or even a driver's permit. They can also trigger emotional stress. It's normal to have trouble concentrating or staying organized from time moment however, if it becomes a chronic problem and interferes with everyday functioning, a health care professional may be able to determine ADHD.
To be able to diagnose someone with ADHD, a healthcare professional must examine the patient in at least two different settings, which could include home and school or workplace and social settings. The health professional must observe the person for a minimum of six months and determine whether the symptoms are impacting their ability to perform. The symptoms should also have started before 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 have a difficult time waiting for their turn, and frequently interrupt or interfere with others.
Children with inattention ADHD are unable to follow instructions and staying focused or sat down. They are usually wandering off or distracted. They are more likely to be overlooked and omit learning opportunities, especially in primary schools which could set 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 have difficulty waiting their turn or sitting still. They also have difficulty controlling their emotions.
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD can be a great relief however, it's not always easy to process. Some people may be embarrassed, but they must to be honest so that they can get the help they're entitled to. A diagnosis could be the first time that someone has realized their struggles are ascribed to. Having this understanding can change the way they view themselves, which can then cascade into positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it concerns ADHD symptoms can manifest at different times in children and adults. For children, they usually begin in the middle of elementary school, however for adults, it's 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 some cases the condition is misdiagnosed. It could be related to autism or a mood disorder like anxiety or depression.
If your child or teen is showing indications of ADHD The first step is to talk to your doctor. They will do an examination of the body that includes hearing and vision, to make sure there's nothing else going on. You and your child will be asked to write an inventory of symptoms. They'll want to know how their symptoms have impacted their home and school life. They will also want to know about any previous issues.
For adults, a medical professional who is certified to diagnose ADHD will conduct behavioral interviews and clinical scales or symptom checklists to determine whether they meet the criteria for diagnosis. They might also do psychological tests to measure your cognitive abilities as well as learn how you process information and think. They may also perform 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 your impulsivity.
They will also look at your medical records to determine whether there are any additional mental disorders or injuries, such as thyroid or head trauma which can trigger similar symptoms. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for a thorough examination.
You must be suffering from six or more symptoms which started in your childhood or before the age of 12. The symptoms have to be present for at minimum six months and create significant problems for your daily functioning. Adults have the 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
The aim of treatment is to improve symptoms and restore functioning at home, school and work. There are a range of treatment options, including treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Some people find satisfaction by making lifestyle changes such as using a planner, a notebook, and scheduling tasks ahead of time. Other people may benefit from specific learning disability treatments, like metacognitive training that helps them improve their abilities to manage their time and problem solving as well as cognitive behavioral therapy to address cognitive distortions which can lead to low moods and low self-esteem.
Health professionals who are specially trained can provide the most effective treatment program based on a patient's particular situation. They will evaluate the symptoms of the patient, and if they are an adult, also their childhood and school experiences. They will employ interviews with a psychologist, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists to determine whether the person has met the the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They may also conduct an examination of a family history of mental health problems and physical ailments. They will ask about the person's moods and behaviors and how they have changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the presence of six or more signs that begin before age 12 and can cause problems in two or more environments (home school, social situations). The symptoms must have been present for at least six months. In addition the symptoms should be significantly more difficult than what is expected for a person at that age.
There are no blood tests or brain scans to diagnose ADHD however a medical checkup usually is performed to ensure that there's no other issue with the person. Doctors will examine the person's symptoms and medical and psychiatric background and may recommend an eye examination or hearing test. Certain people suffering from ADHD are genetically predisposed to this condition. If the person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD and is a child, they have 91% chance of developing the disorder for themselves. It's also common to have a comorbid mood or anxiety disorder that is associated with ADHD. These conditions can be more difficult to treat than ADHD alone.
The following is a list of preventatives.
Many things, such as certain medical conditions, as well as learning disabilities, can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. adhd adults diagnosis is important to speak with a mental health professional or a health professional for an assessment prior to making a diagnosis. The person you see will inquire about your child's issues and how they impact their daily life. adhd adults diagnosis may use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child suffers from ADHD. They may also do physical examinations and tests for hearing or vision problems. They may also order an examination of the brain, known as an EEG, which examines beta and theta waves to check for changes in your child's brain function.
Children diagnosed with ADHD must show symptoms that are more than normal for their age and developmental level. Inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity must cause serious problems at school, home, or work. The symptoms must also affect your child's ability to interact with other people. If your child suffers from moderate or severe ADHD, they will require medication to lead an ordinary life.
Children with ADHD might have trouble following directions and staying focused. This can result in poor grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also have difficulty with social interactions as they have trouble reading social cues and often interrupt others or appear violent or aggressive. They are at risk for depression, anxiety as well as substance abuse and relationship issues.
People with mild ADHD have symptoms that are evident but do not interfere with their daily life or make 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, like difficulties keeping a job or interacting with colleagues.
If you don't seek treatment, you can face grave consequences, such as health issues, financial troubles, 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 even medications. NIMH offers more information on these options and how you can talk with your family about them.