Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults aren't diagnosed until their symptoms create major problems at work, school or home. Health care providers follow the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A thorough evaluation will include ADHD symptoms and standardized scales for assessing behavior. Health care professionals will inquire about the family's history and review the school records from the past.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can have a negative impact on the way a person lives their life, whether it is at school, home or at work. They can cause disruption to relationships and work, leading to financial issues or a driver's license and even create emotional distress for the person. It's common for people to struggle concentrating or staying organised occasionally. However when the issue is persistent and affects the daily activities, a healthcare provider may be able diagnose ADHD.
To determine if someone is diagnosed with ADHD, a health professional must assess the person in at least two different settings, including the workplace, school, and social settings. The health care professional has to be observing the person for at least six month and determine whether the symptoms are affecting their ability to perform. The symptoms must also be present prior to the age of 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 are usually not able to wait for their turn, and they interrupt or interfere with others.
Children with inattention ADHD have difficulty following instructions, staying on task or sitting still. They are usually distracted or snoozing. They are more likely to be ignored 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 trouble sitting or waiting for their turn, blurting out answers before questions are complete, and have trouble controlling their emotions.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief but it's also not always easy to accept. It's fine to be embarrassed. But, honesty is the best approach. For many, a diagnosis may be the first time they've realized that their struggles have a name. This understanding will help them alter their perspective of themselves, which can lead to positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it concerns ADHD symptoms are evident at different times for children and adults. In children, symptoms usually begin in the middle of elementary school. For adults, symptoms begin slightly later. The signs can be mild, medium 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 disorder is misdiagnosed. It could be related to autism or a mood disorder like anxiety or depression.
If your child or teenager shows indications of ADHD The first step is to speak with your doctor. They will perform an examination of the body, including vision and audio to ensure that there is no other issue. They will ask you and your child to complete an inventory of their symptoms. They'll want to know how their symptoms have impacted their home and school life. adhd diagnosis adults will also want you to share with them any problems that you have had previously.
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a doctor competent to do so. They may use clinical interviews, scales for assessing behavior or symptoms checklists. They might also do psychological tests to measure your cognitive abilities and learn how you think and process information. They may also perform a brain scan using the Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid, which is FDA-approved (NEBA) which measures the activity of certain parts of your brain that regulate attention and the ability to be impulsive.
They will also look at your medical records to determine whether there are any other mental health issues or injuries, for example thyroid issues or head trauma which can trigger similar symptoms. They might refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for a thorough evaluation.
You must be suffering from at least six symptoms that began in childhood or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms have to be present for at least six months and cause significant difficulties with your daily activities. Adults need to have a lower threshold to be diagnosed, but the same requirements apply: You must have at least five or more symptoms, and these should affect your work, home and social life.
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to improve symptoms and improve functioning at home, school and work. There are a variety of treatment options, including treatment with medication and therapy for behavior. Some people also find success with lifestyle changes, for example, creating a consistent routine by using a planner notebook and scheduling tasks prior to time. Some people might benefit from therapies for learning disabilities such as metacognitive therapy, which helps them improve their problem-solving skills and organizational skills or cognitive behavioral therapy that addresses the distortions in thinking which can cause depression and low self-esteem.
Health professionals who are specially trained can offer the best treatment plan based on a person's specific situation. They will examine the person's current symptoms and, if 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 has met the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They might also inquire about the family history of mental illnesses and physical conditions. They will inquire about the person's moods and behaviors and how they've changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is upon six or more signs, which begin before 12 years of age and cause difficulties in at least two different settings (at school, at home, or in social situations). The symptoms must be present for at least six months. Additionally, the symptoms must be more severe than what is expected for a person of that age.
There are no brain scans or blood tests to diagnose ADHD however an exam for medical reasons is usually carried out to ensure there's no other issue with the person. Doctors will look over the patient's medical and psychiatric history and examine their symptoms. They may also suggest an hearing or eye test. Some people who suffer from ADHD are genetically predisposed to the condition. Someone who has a sibling or parent with ADHD has a 91% chance to develop the disorder. It's also common to have a comorbid mood or anxiety disorder with ADHD. These conditions can be more difficult to treat than ADHD alone.
The following is a list of preventions.
Many things, such as medical conditions, as well as certain kinds of learning disabilities can trigger similar symptoms to those of ADHD. It's important to consult an expert in mental health or health care provider for an assessment prior to making a diagnosis. The professional will inquire with your child about their symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They may also utilize rating scales or a checklist to help decide if your child has ADHD. They can also conduct physical examinations and tests for problems with vision or hearing. They can also request an EEG brain scan that evaluates beta and theta wave activity to check on changes in your child’s brain function.
Children who are diagnosed with ADHD must show symptoms that are significantly greater than the norm for their age and developmental level. The signs of inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity should cause a significant problem at school, at home or work. The symptoms should also interfere with your child's social interactions. If your child is suffering from moderate or severe ADHD they will require medication in order to lead a normal life.
Children with ADHD might have trouble 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 susceptible to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and issues with relationships.
Mild ADHD is characterized by symptoms that are apparent but do not affect daily life. They can make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People who suffer from severe or moderate ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms and are more likely to have issues with their jobs, like having difficulty retaining an occupation, getting along with coworkers or maintaining relationships.
People who do not receive treatment could face serious consequences. These include financial problems and health issues, as well as legal issues. There are a variety of treatments for ADHD. These include psychosocial interventions including nutrition and diet, exercise, sleep improvement, and even medications. NIMH offers more information on these options and how you can discuss the options with your family members.