Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are often not diagnosed until they have major problems at home, work or school. 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 complete evaluation will include ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standardized behavior rating scales. Health care professionals will inquire about the family history and examine old school records.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can have a negative impact on a person's daily life, whether it is at school, home or at work. They can cause problems in relationships and careers, financial issues and even a driver's license. They can also cause emotional anxiety. It's normal for people to have difficulty concentrating or staying organised occasionally. However, if the problem is persistent and affects everyday functioning, a medical professional may be able to diagnose ADHD.
A health care professional must evaluate the individual in two different settings, including at home and at school, or in workplace and social settings. They must observe the person in these situations for at least six months and must see that the symptoms are significantly hindering 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 often are not able to wait for their turn and often interrupt or interfere with other children.
Children who suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD are incapable of sitting or waiting at a comfortable pace and have difficulty following instructions or staying on track. They're usually daydreaming or distracted by their surroundings. They're more likely to be overlooked and miss out on opportunities to learn, especially in elementary school, which can make them vulnerable to 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 have trouble sitting or waiting for their turn, blurt out answers before questions are finished and have trouble managing their emotions.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief but it's also not always easy to process. People might be embarrassed, but they need to be honest in order that they can receive the assistance they deserve. A diagnosis may be the first time that people realize that their issues are ascribed to. Understanding this can change the way they view themselves, which could result in positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms can manifest at different times in children and adults. For adhd diagnosed , symptoms typically begin in the middle of elementary school, however for adults, it's a bit later. 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 some cases, the condition is misdiagnosed. It could be a sign of autism or a mood disorder like depression or anxiety.
If your child or teenager shows signs of ADHD, the first step is to consult your doctor. They will perform 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 an inventory of the symptoms. They will ask how the symptoms have affected their school and home life. They'll also want to hear about any past problems they've faced.
For adults, a medical professional who is certified to diagnose ADHD will use the process of conducting clinical interviews, as well as behavior rating scales or checklists of symptoms to determine if they meet the criteria for diagnosis. Psychological tests may be used to evaluate your cognitive abilities and how you think and process information. They may also perform an examination of your brain using the Neuropsychiatric EEG Assessment Aid (NEBA) that is FDA-approved. (NEBA) which analyzes the activity of specific areas of your brain that control the ability to focus and impulsivity.
They will also review your medical records to determine if there are any other mental health issues or injuries, such as thyroid issues or head trauma which can trigger similar symptoms. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for a thorough examination.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least six or more signs that began in your childhood or before age 12. The symptoms must have been present for at minimum 6 months and be causing significant problems with your daily functioning. Adults must meet a lower threshold to be diagnosed, but 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 is designed to reduce symptoms and improve functioning at work, home and school. There are a variety of treatment options, including the use of medication and therapy for behavior. Some people also find success with lifestyle changes, such as setting up a routine that is consistent by using a planner or notebook and scheduling tasks ahead of time. Others might benefit from specific learning disability treatments, like metacognitive training that helps to improve their abilities to manage their time and problem solving as well as cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with thinking distortions which can lead to low moods and low self-esteem.
Specially trained health care professionals can provide the most effective treatment program based on a patient's particular situation. They will look at the person's symptoms and, in the case of an adult, they will also consider their childhood and school experiences. They will use clinical interviews, behavior rating scales and symptoms checklists to determine if the person is in compliance with diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They might also inquire about family history of mental illness and physical illnesses. They will inquire about the person's moods and behaviors and how they've changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the presence of six or more symptoms that start before the age of 12 and cause difficulties in two or more environments (home school, at home and social situations). The symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months. Additionally, the symptoms must be more severe than expected for someone who is that old.
A medical checkup is usually performed to make sure 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. Certain people suffering from ADHD have a genetic predisposition to develop the condition. If a person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD they are at risk of having 91% chance of developing the disorder for themselves. It is also common to have a comorbid mood or anxiety disorder with ADHD. These disorders can be harder to manage than ADHD by itself.
The following is a list of preventions.
Many things, including some medical conditions and certain types of learning disabilities, can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. It is therefore important to consult a health care provider or mental health professional for an evaluation prior to determining the diagnosis. This person will ask about the symptoms of your child and how they affect their daily lives. They may also utilize rating scales or a checklist to help determine if your child suffers from ADHD. They could also conduct a physical examination and test for hearing or vision problems. They may also order an EEG brain scan, which evaluates beta and theta wave activity to monitor changes in your child's brain function.
Children diagnosed with ADHD must show symptoms that are more than normal for their age and development level. Hyperactivity, inattention, and/or impulsivity can cause significant problems at home, school or at work. The symptoms also need to affect your child's social interactions. If your child suffers from moderate or severe ADHD, they will require medication to lead a normal life.
Children with ADHD might have trouble following directions and staying focused. This can lead to poor grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also have difficulties with social relationships because they are unable to read social signals and are often disruptive to others or appear violent or aggressive. They are at risk of anxiety, depression as well as substance abuse and issues with relationships.
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. People with severe or moderate ADHD are more prone to symptoms and are more likely to suffer issues with their jobs, like difficulties in keeping jobs, interacting with coworkers or maintaining relationships.
Patients who do not receive treatment can have serious consequences, including financial difficulties, health problems and legal issues. There are a number of treatments available for ADHD that include psychosocial therapy and behavioral therapy, diet and nutrition, exercise medication for sleep, and other treatments. NIMH offers more information on these options and how to discuss the options with your family.