Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't get diagnosed until their symptoms cause major difficulties at school, at work or at home. 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 care professionals also inquire about family history and look over old school records.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can impact a person's daily life regardless of whether at school, home or work. They can lead to problems in relationships and careers, financial problems or even a driver's licence. They can also trigger emotional anxiety. It's normal for everyone to struggle with concentration or being organized from time to time however, if it becomes an ongoing issue that hinders everyday functioning, a health provider may be able to determine ADHD.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, a healthcare professional must examine the person in at least two different settings, which could include at home, school or work and social situations. They should observe the person in these settings for at least six months and determine that the symptoms are impairing their ability to function. The signs must also have started before 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 are often unable to wait for their turn and frequently interrupt or interfere with others.
Children with inattention ADHD have difficulty following instructions and staying on task, or sat down. They tend to be distracted or distracted by their surroundings. They're more prone to being ignored and miss out on opportunities to learn, 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, blurting out answers before they are completed, and have difficulty managing their emotions.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a great relief however, it's not always easy to process. People may feel embarrassed, but they need to be honest in order that they receive the help they need. A diagnosis could be the first time people realize that their issues have a label. This understanding can help them change their perception of themselves, resulting in positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms manifest at different time points in adults and children. In children, the symptoms usually begin in elementary school. For adults, it is slightly later. The signs 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 can be misdiagnosed as autism, or a mood disorder like anxiety or depression.
Consult your doctor If your child or teenager is showing signs of ADHD. They will perform an examination of the body, including audio and vision tests to ensure that there is nothing else wrong. You and your child will be asked to write the list of symptoms. They'll be interested in knowing how the symptoms have affected their family and school life. They'll also ask you to tell them about any previous problems.
Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD by a doctor competent to do so. They may conduct clinical interviews, use scales for assessing behavior, or symptoms checklists. Psychological tests may be used to evaluate your cognitive abilities, as well as how you think and process information. They may also perform an examination of the brain using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which is a device that measures brain activity in certain brain regions that regulate your attention and impulsivity.
They will also look at your medical records to see if there are any other mental disorders or injuries, like thyroid or head trauma that could cause similar symptoms. They may refer you to an extensive evaluation with a psychologist or psychiatrist.
You must have six or more symptoms which began in childhood or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms should have been present for at minimum 6 months and cause significant problems with your daily functioning. Adults must meet a lower threshold for diagnosis, but the criteria are the same: You must exhibit at least five symptoms that interfere with your social, work and personal life.
Treatment
Treatment aims to improve symptoms and restore functioning at home, work and school. There are many different treatment options, including the use of medication and behavioral therapy. Some people find success through lifestyle changes such as using planners, notebooks and scheduling their tasks in advance. Other people may benefit from specific learning disabilities therapies, such as metacognitive therapy that helps to improve their abilities to manage their time and problem solving or cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with cognitive distortions that can lead to negative moods and low self-esteem.
Health care professionals who are specially trained to recognize ADHD can recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for a patient's situation. They will assess the patient's present symptoms and, in the case of an adult, their childhood behaviors and school experiences. They will conduct clinical interviews, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists to determine whether the person meets requirements for diagnosing ADHD. They may also conduct the family history of mental health problems and physical ailments. They will ask the person or their parents as well as teachers about their moods, behaviors and attitudes and about how they've changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the presence of six or more signs that begin before age 12 and cause difficulties in two or more settings (home school, social situations). The symptoms must have been present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms must be more severe than is normal for a person of the same age.
A medical exam is usually performed to make sure that the person doesn't have any other health issues. Doctors will look over the patient's symptoms and medical and psychiatric history, and may suggest an eye exam or hearing test. Some people who suffer from ADHD are genetically predisposed to the condition. If the person has a parent or sibling with ADHD they are at risk of having a 91% chance of being diagnosed with the disorder. It is also common to suffer from a comorbid mood disorder or anxiety disorder that is associated with ADHD. adhd diagnosed can be harder to treat than ADHD by itself.
Prevention
Many things, including certain medical conditions, as well as learning disabilities, can cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. It is important to speak with a mental health professional or health care provider for an evaluation prior to making the diagnosis. The professional will inquire with your child about their symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They can also utilize rating scales or a checklist to determine if your child is suffering from ADHD. They can also conduct a physical exam and test for problems with vision or hearing. They can also request a brain scan called an EEG, which analyzes beta and theta waves to determine if there are any changes in the brain function of your child.
Children who are diagnosed with ADHD should exhibit symptoms that are more than what is normal for their age and development level. Inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity must cause serious issues at home, school or at work. The symptoms also need to hinder your child's social interactions. If your child exhibits moderate or severe ADHD symptoms, they will need treatment with medication to lead the normal life.
Children suffering from ADHD may have difficulty following instructions and staying on track. This can lead to lower grades and a loss of self-esteem. They may also have difficulty with social interactions because they have trouble reading social cues and often interrupt others or come off as violent or aggressive. They are at high risk of developing depression, anxiety and addiction to drugs.
Mild ADHD is manifests itself in 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 will exhibit more symptoms, and they are more likely than other people to have issues at work, like difficulty keeping a job, or interacting with coworkers.
People who do not receive treatment may suffer serious consequences. These include financial problems, health issues, and legal issues. There are a variety of treatments for ADHD. These include behavioral therapy, psychosocial interventions as well as nutrition and diet exercise, sleep improvement, and medication. NIMH offers more information on these options and how to discuss these options with your family members.