Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are often not diagnosed until they experience major problems at home, work or at school. Health professionals follow the diagnostic criteria set out in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A complete evaluation includes ADHD symptoms and standardized behavior ratings scales. Health professionals inquire about the family's history, and look at old school records.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD can impact a person's life at home, school or work. They can be disruptive to relationships and careers, leading to financial issues or a driver's license, and even create emotional distress for the person. It's normal for people to experience difficulties keeping their attention or staying organized from time to time. However when the issue becomes chronic and interferes with the daily activities, a healthcare professional may be able to 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 situations. They should observe the person in these environments for at least six months and must see that the symptoms are hindering their ability to perform. The symptoms must also have started before 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 have a difficult time waiting for their turn, and frequently interrupt or intrude on others.
Children with inattention ADHD have trouble following directions and staying on task, or sitting down. They are often distracted or snoozing. They are more likely to be ignored and miss out on opportunities to learn, especially in elementary school, which could set them up for failure later on 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 difficulty waiting their turn or settling down. They also have difficulty managing their emotions.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief however, it's difficult to comprehend. People may feel embarrassed, but they need to be honest so they can receive the assistance they deserve. For some, a diagnosis will be the first time they've realized that their problems have a. This understanding can help them change their perspective of themselves, which can lead to positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it concerns ADHD, symptoms show up at different times for children and adults. In children, symptoms usually begin in the first grade. For adults, symptoms begin slightly later. The signs 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 some cases the condition can be misdiagnosed as autism or a mood disorder such as anxiety or depression.
Talk to your doctor if your child or teenager shows symptoms of ADHD. They will perform an examination that includes audio and vision to make sure that there is no other issue. You and your child will be asked to fill out an inventory of symptoms. They will ask what the effects of their symptoms are on their school and home life. They'll also ask you to share with them any previous problems.
For adults, a medical professional who's qualified to diagnose ADHD will use behavioral interviews and clinical scales or symptom checklists to determine whether they meet the requirements for diagnosis. They might also do psychological tests to gauge your cognitive abilities as well as learn how you think and process information. They might also do a brain scan using the Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid, which is FDA-approved (NEBA) which evaluates the activity of specific areas of your brain that regulate the ability to focus and impulsivity.
They will also look at your medical records to see whether there are any other mental disorders or injuries, like thyroid or head trauma which can trigger similar symptoms. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for a thorough examination.
To be able to receive a diagnosis of ADHD it is necessary to have at least six or more symptoms that began in childhood or before age 12. The symptoms must last at least six months, and cause significant difficulties with your daily activities. Adults must meet a lower threshold to be diagnosed, however the same requirements apply: You must have a minimum of five or more symptoms and these should affect your work, home and social life.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms and improve functioning at school, home and at work. There are a myriad of treatment options, including the use of medication and therapy for behavior. Some people find satisfaction by making lifestyle changes, such as using planners, notebooks and arranging tasks in advance. Certain people might benefit from therapies for learning disabilities like metacognitive therapy which aids them in improving their problem-solving and organizational skills or cognitive behavioral treatment, which addresses thinking distortions that can lead to low self-esteem and mood swings.
Health professionals who are specially trained in diagnosing ADHD can recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for a patient's situation. They will examine the person's current symptoms, and if an adult, their previous behaviour and schooling experiences. They will use clinical interviewing, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists to determine if the person meets ADHD diagnostic criteria. They can also look up a family history of mental health issues and physical ailments. They will inquire about the person's moods, behavior and changes over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is made upon six or more symptoms that begin before 12 years of age and cause problems in at least two different settings (at school, at home, or in social situations). The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months. Additionally the symptoms must be significantly more troublesome than one would expect for a person who is that old.
There aren't any blood tests or brain scans to determine ADHD however a medical checkup usually is done to make sure there's nothing else wrong with the individual. Doctors will look over the patient's medical and psychiatric records and look over their symptoms. They may also recommend an hearing or eye test. Some people who suffer from ADHD are genetically predisposed to develop the disorder. If a person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD and is a child, they have a 91% chance of developing the disorder for themselves. It's also common to have a comorbid mood or anxiety disorder that is associated with ADHD. These disorders are more difficult to manage than ADHD on its own.
Prevention
Many things, including some medical conditions and some types of learning disabilities, could cause similar symptoms as those of ADHD. It is therefore important to consult your health care provider or a mental health professional for an assessment prior to making a diagnosis. The person you see will inquire about your child's symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They can also use ratings scales or a checklist to decide if your child has ADHD. They could also conduct an examination of the body and test for hearing or visual issues. They may also request an EEG brain scan which evaluates beta and theta wave activity to determine changes in your child's brain function.
Children who are diagnosed with ADHD should exhibit symptoms that are significantly greater than normal for their age and development level. Hyperactivity, inattention, and/or impulsivity must cause serious issues at home, school, or work. The symptoms can also impact your child's ability to interact with others. If your child is suffering from moderate or severe ADHD symptoms and needs treatment, they'll need to be treated with medication to live a normal life.
Children with ADHD may have difficulty following instructions and staying on track. This can result in poor grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also have difficulty with social interactions, since they aren't able to discern social signals. They are often disruptive to others and can appear violent or intense. They are at high risk for anxiety, depression and alcohol abuse.
read here who suffer from mild ADHD have symptoms that are evident but they do not hinder their daily lives or make it difficult to work or maintain relationships. The people with moderate or severe ADHD will exhibit more symptoms, and they are more likely than others to have issues at work, like difficulty keeping a job, or interacting with coworkers.
People who don't receive treatment can have grave consequences, including financial difficulties, health problems and legal issues. There are a variety of treatments for ADHD which include psychosocial and behavioral therapy including diet and nutrition, exercise medication for sleep, and other treatments. NIMH provides more details about these options and how you can discuss them with your family.