Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't get diagnosed until their symptoms create major problems at work, school or 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 full assessment includes ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standardized behavior rating scales. Health professionals inquire about the family's history and review old school records.
Symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD can affect the lives of a person at school, home, or at work. They can lead to problems in relationships and careers, financial problems or even a driver's license. They can also cause emotional anxiety. It's common for people to have difficulty concentrating or staying organised from time to time. However, if the problem gets more severe and affects daily functioning, a healthcare provider may be able diagnose ADHD.
A health professional must assess the individual in two different environments, such as at home and in school, or in social and workplace situations. 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 signs must also have begun before 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 usually unable to wait their turn and often interrupt or interfere with others.
Children who suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD are not able to sit or stand quietly and have trouble following instructions or staying on task. They are usually distracted by their thoughts or forgetful, and are easily distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be ignored, and miss out on learning opportunities, particularly in elementary schools, which can set up 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 are unable to wait their turn or sitting still. They also have difficulty controlling their emotions.
It can be a relief to receive a diagnosis of ADHD however, it's not always easy. It's normal to be embarrassed. But, honesty is the best way to go. For some, it will be the first time they've realised that their struggles have a name. Having this understanding can change the way they see themselves, which may cascade into positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms appear at different times in both adults and children. In children, the symptoms usually begin in the middle of elementary school. For adhd diagnosis adults , it is slightly later. The symptoms can 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 not properly diagnosed. It could be autism or a mood disorder like depression or anxiety.
If your child or teen is showing indications of ADHD The first step is to speak with your doctor. They will conduct an examination of the body, including audio and vision to make sure that there is nothing else wrong. They will ask you and your child to complete an inventory of their symptoms. They'll want to know how their symptoms have affected their family and school life. They'll also want to hear about any past problems they've had.
For adults, a healthcare provider who's qualified to diagnose ADHD will conduct clinical interviews and behavior rating scales or checklists of symptoms to determine if they meet the criteria for diagnosis. They may also conduct psychological tests to gauge your cognitive abilities as well as learn how you think and process information. They could also conduct an examination of your brain using the Neuropsychiatric EEG Assessment Aid (NEBA) that is FDA-approved. (NEBA), which evaluates the activity of specific parts of your brain that regulate attention and the ability to be impulsive.
Additionally, they'll review your medical history to determine whether you've suffered from any other mental health issues or injuries, such as thyroid or head trauma that could cause similar symptoms. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct a thorough assessment.
You must have six or more symptoms, which started in your childhood or before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present for at least six months and cause significant problems with your daily activities. Adults have an upper threshold for diagnosis, however the criteria are the same: You must have at minimum five symptoms that interfere with your work, social and home life.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to improve symptoms and restore functioning at home, school and work. There are a variety of treatment options, including treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Some people also find success with lifestyle changes, such as creating a consistent routine, using a planner or notebook and scheduling tasks in advance. Others may benefit from specific learning disabilities treatments, such as metacognitive training to help them develop their ability to organize their lives and solve problems, or cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with the distortions in thinking that can lead to negative moods and low self-esteem.
Health care professionals who are specially trained in diagnosing ADHD can recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for a person's situation. They will look at the person's current symptoms, and in the case of an adult, their previous behaviour and schooling experiences. They will employ interviews with a psychologist, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists to determine whether the person is in compliance with requirements for diagnosing ADHD. They might also inquire about family history of mental illness and physical conditions. They'll ask the individual, their parents and teachers about their moods and behaviors and how they've changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the presence of six or more signs that start before age 12 and cause difficulties in two or more settings (home school, at home and social situations). The symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months. The symptoms should also be more severe than expected for someone that age.
A medical exam is usually done to ensure that the patient isn't suffering from any other health problems. Doctors will review the patient's medical and psychiatric records and examine their symptoms. They may also recommend an hearing or eye test. Some people who suffer from ADHD have a genetic predisposition to develop the disorder. If a person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD and is a child, they have 91% chance of developing the disorder themselves. It is also common to suffer from a comorbid mood disorder 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, including medical conditions and certain types of learning disabilities could cause similar symptoms as those of ADHD. So it's important to see a health care provider or a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation prior to determining an assessment. The doctor will inquire about your child's symptoms and how they affect their daily life. They can also use ratings scales or a checklist to help decide if your child has ADHD. They could also perform physical examinations and tests for hearing or vision problems. They can also request a brain scan, also known as an EEG that analyzes beta and theta waves to determine if there are any changes in the brain function of your child.
To be able to diagnose a child with ADHD, they must have several symptoms that are noticeably greater than the norm for their age or development level. Inattention, hyperactivity, or an impulsive behavior can create serious problems at school, home, or work. The symptoms should also affect your child's ability to interact with other people. If your child is suffering from moderate or severe ADHD they will require medication to live an ordinary life.
Children suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to follow instructions and stay on task which can result in low self-esteem and grades. They may also have difficulty with social interactions because they struggle to discern social cues and often interrupt others or come off as violent or aggressive. They are at a high risk of developing depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
People who suffer from mild ADHD have symptoms that are evident but do not interfere with their lives or make it difficult to work or maintain relationships. People with severe or moderate ADHD are more prone to symptoms and are more likely to have issues with their jobs, like difficulty keeping a job, getting along with colleagues, or maintaining relationships.
People who do not receive treatment may suffer serious consequences. This could include financial problems as well as health and legal issues. There are a myriad of treatments available for ADHD. These include behavioral therapy, psychosocial interventions as well as nutrition and diet exercise, sleep improvement, and medication. NIMH provides more information about these options and how to talk with your family members about these options.