Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't receive diagnosis until their symptoms cause major problems at work, school or at home. Health care professionals adhere to the diagnostic criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A full assessment includes ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized behavior rating scales. Health professionals inquire about the family's history, and look at old school records.
Symptoms
The signs of ADHD can affect the lives of a person at school, at home or at work. They can cause disruption to relationships and career, lead to serious problems with finances or driving licenses, and can even cause emotional distress for the person. It's common for people to struggle in concentrating or staying organized from time to time. However when the issue gets more severe and affects daily functioning, a healthcare provider may be able diagnose ADHD.
To determine if someone is diagnosed with ADHD the health care professional must evaluate the patient in at least two different environments, such as the workplace, school, and social settings. The health care professional has to be observing the person for at least six month and determine if the symptoms are affecting their ability to function. 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 often are in a hurry to finish their work, and they interrupt or interfere with others.
Children with inattention ADHD are unable to follow instructions and staying focused or sat down. They are often distracted or snoozing. They are more likely to be overlooked and miss out on learning opportunities, especially in the elementary school setting which could prepare 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 sitting or waiting for their turn, blurting out answers before questions are complete, and have trouble controlling their emotions.
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD can be a great relief but it's also not always easy to process. It's okay to feel embarrassed. However honesty is the best policy. A diagnosis might be the first time someone realizes that their struggles are ascribed to. This understanding can alter the way they think about themselves, which can then be a positive influence.
Diagnosis
When it concerns ADHD symptoms can manifest at different times for kids and adults. For children, symptoms typically begin in the first grade. For adults, symptoms begin slightly later. The symptoms may 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.
If your child or teen is showing symptoms of ADHD The first step is to consult your doctor. They will do a physical exam that includes hearing and vision to make sure there's nothing other than ADHD. They will ask you and your child to complete a checklist of their symptoms. They will also ask how the symptoms have affected their school and family life. They'll also ask to know about any previous issues.
For adults, a healthcare professional who is qualified to diagnose ADHD will use 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 measure your cognitive abilities as well as learn how you think and process information. They could also conduct a brain scan with the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which is a device that measures brain activity in certain parts of the brain that regulate your attention and the impulsivity.
Additionally, they'll look at your medical history to see if you've had any other mental health conditions or injuries, such as head trauma or thyroid issues that can cause similar symptoms. They may refer you to thorough evaluation by psychiatrists or psychologists.
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 be present for at least six months and cause significant difficulties with your daily activities. Adults have an upper threshold for diagnosis, however the criteria are the same: You must exhibit at least five symptoms that interfere with your social, work and home life.
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to improve symptoms and improve functioning at the workplace, at home and in school. There are a variety of treatments available, including medications and behavior therapy. Some people also find success through lifestyle changes, such as creating a consistent routine by using a planner or notebook, and scheduling tasks prior to time. Certain people might benefit from learning disabilities therapies such as metacognitive therapy, which helps them improve their problem-solving skills and organizational skills or cognitive behavioral treatment that addresses the distortions in thinking which can cause depression and low self-esteem.
Health professionals who are specially trained to recognize ADHD can suggest the most effective treatment plan for a patient's situation. They will examine the person's current symptoms and, if an adult, their childhood behavior and school experiences. They will employ clinical interviewing, scales for assessing behavior, and symptom checklists to determine if the individual has the ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also conduct a family history of mental health issues as well as physical illnesses. diagnosis adhd will ask the person, their parents and teachers about their moods and behavior and about how they've changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the presence of six or more signs that start 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. Additionally the symptoms should be significantly more troublesome than one would expect for a person who is that old.
A medical checkup is typically done to ensure that the person doesn't have any other health issues. Doctors will examine the person's medical and psychiatric records and look over their symptoms. They may also recommend an hearing or eye test. diagnosis adhd with ADHD are genetically predisposed to this condition. A person who has a parent or sibling with ADHD has a 91% chance to develop the disorder. It's also normal to have a comorbid mood anxiety disorder in conjunction with ADHD. These disorders can be harder to manage than ADHD on its own.
Prevention
Many things, including some medical conditions, as well as certain kinds of learning disabilities can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. It is therefore important to consult your health care provider or a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation prior to determining the diagnosis. adult adhd diagnosis will ask your child about their symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They could use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child has ADHD. They may also perform an examination and test for visual or hearing problems. They may also order a brain scan, also known as an EEG, which measures theta and beta waves to check for changes in your child's brain function.
To be able to diagnose a child with ADHD the child must exhibit numerous symptoms that are noticeably greater than normal for their age or developmental level. The symptoms of inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity have to cause serious problems at school, at home or work. The symptoms also need to hinder your child's social interactions. If your child is suffering from moderate or severe ADHD they will require medication to lead a normal life.
Children with ADHD are often unable to follow instructions and remain focused, which can lead to poor grades and low self-esteem. They may also struggle with social relationships, as they aren't able to discern social signals. They are often disruptive to others and come across as aggressive or abrasive. They are at risk for depression, anxiety as well as substance abuse and relationship issues.
Mild ADHD is defined by symptoms that are apparent but do not hinder daily life. They can making it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People who suffer from severe or moderate ADHD have more symptoms and are more likely to experience job-related problems, such as difficulty keeping a job, getting along with coworkers or maintaining relationships.
Patients who do not receive treatment could face serious consequences, including financial difficulties, health problems and legal issues. There are many treatments available for ADHD, including psychosocial and behavioral therapy including diet and nutrition, exercise sleeping improvements, and medication. NIMH provides more information about these options and how you can talk with your family about them.