Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults aren't diagnosed until their symptoms cause serious problems at work, school or at home. Health care providers follow the diagnostic criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A complete evaluation will include ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standardized behavior rating scales. Health care professionals will inquire about the family's history, and look at old school records.
Symptoms
The signs of ADHD can affect a person's life at school, at home or at work. They can disrupt relationships and work, leading to serious problems with finances or a driver's license, and even create emotional distress for the person. It's normal for people to have trouble concentrating or staying organized from time moment however, if it becomes an ongoing problem that affects daily functioning, a health provider may be able to determine ADHD.
A health professional must evaluate the individual in two different environments, such as at home and in school, as well as in social and workplace situations. The health care professional must be observing the person for at least six months and determine whether the symptoms are affecting their ability to function. The symptoms also must 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 unable to wait their turn and are often disruptive or interfere with others.
Children with inattentive ADHD are unable to follow instructions, staying on task or sitting still. They are usually distracted by their thoughts or forgetful, and are easily distracted by their surroundings. They're more likely to be left out and miss opportunities to learn, especially in the early years of school, which can make them vulnerable to 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 have a difficult time waiting for their turn or sitting still. They also have difficulty managing their emotions.
It's it's a relief to get an diagnosis of ADHD, but it is not always simple. It's okay to feel embarrassed. But, honesty is the best approach. For some, it will be the first time they've realized their issues have a name. This understanding can help them change the way they view themselves, resulting in positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms can manifest at different times in both adults and children. For kids, they typically begin in elementary school, but for adults, it's later. Symptoms 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 some cases the condition can be misdiagnosed as autism or a mood disorder like anxiety or depression.
Speak to your doctor If your child or teenager is showing indications of ADHD. They will do an examination of the body, including vision and hearing to make sure there isn't something other than ADHD. They will ask you and your child to fill out a checklist of their symptoms. They will inquire about how the symptoms have affected their school and personal life. They will also want to learn about any previous issues they've had.
For adults, a healthcare professional who's qualified to diagnose ADHD will conduct the process of conducting clinical interviews, as well as behavior rating scales or symptom checklists to determine whether they meet the criteria for diagnosis. Psychological tests may be used to assess your cognitive abilities, and how you process information and think. They may also perform an examination of your brain using the Neuropsychiatric EEG Assessment Aid (NEBA) that is FDA-approved. (NEBA), which measures the activity of certain areas of your brain that regulate the ability to focus and impulsivity.
They will also examine your medical records to determine whether there are any other mental disorders or injuries, for example thyroid issues or head trauma which can trigger similar symptoms. They might refer you for a thorough evaluation to psychiatrists or psychologists.
To get a diagnosis of ADHD it is necessary to have a minimum of six or more symptoms that began in your childhood or before age 12. The symptoms have to be present for at least six months, and cause significant difficulties with your daily functioning. Adults need to meet a lower threshold to be diagnosed, however the same criteria apply: You must have at least five or more symptoms, and they must affect your home, work and social life.
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to reduce symptoms and restore functioning at home, school and work. There are a myriad of treatment options, including the use of medication and therapy for behavior. Many people have success with lifestyle changes, such as creating a consistent routine by using a planner notebook, and scheduling tasks prior to time. Some people may benefit from learning disabilities therapies like metacognitive therapy which assists them in improving their problem-solving abilities and organizational skills, or cognitive behavioral treatment which targets thinking distortions which can cause depression and low self-esteem.
Health professionals who have been specially trained in diagnosing ADHD can suggest the most effective treatment plan for a patient's situation. They will examine the person's present symptoms and, if an adult, their previous behaviors and school experiences. They will use clinical interviewing, scales for assessing behavior and symptom checklists in order to determine if the person has the ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also take an examination of a family history of mental health issues as well as physical illnesses. They will inquire about the person's moods and behaviors and changes over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the presence of more than six symptoms that begin before age 12 and create difficulties in two or more environments (home, school and social situations). The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. The symptoms must be more severe than is normal for someone of this age.
A medical exam is usually done to ensure that the patient doesn't have any other health problems. Doctors will look over the patient's symptoms and medical and mental background and may recommend an eye examination or hearing test. Certain people suffering from ADHD are genetically predisposed to the condition. If a person has a parent or sibling with ADHD they are at risk of having 91% chance of being diagnosed with the disorder. ADHD is often accompanied by a mood or anxiety disorder. These disorders can be harder to manage than ADHD on its own.
Prevention
Many things, like certain medical conditions or learning disabilities, can lead to symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. It is essential to talk to a mental health professional or health care provider for an assessment prior to making an assessment. This person will ask about your child's symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They can use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child has ADHD. They may also do an examination and test for hearing or vision problems. They may also request an EEG brain scan which measures beta and theta waves to check on changes in your child's brain function.
For children to be diagnosed with ADHD, they must have numerous symptoms that are more prominent than normal for their age or development level. Inattention, hyperactivity, and/or an impulsive behavior can create serious problems at school, home, or work. diagnosed with adhd must also affect your child's ability to interact with other people. If your child is suffering from moderate or severe ADHD symptoms they will require treatment with medication in order to live an ordinary life.
Children with ADHD are often unable to follow instructions and remain on task and can result in low self-esteem and poor grades. They may also have issues with social relationships, as they are unable to read social cues. They are often disruptive to others and appear violent or intense. They are at risk of depression, anxiety as well as substance abuse and relationship issues.
People who suffer from mild ADHD have symptoms that are evident but do not affect their lives or make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People with moderate to severe ADHD will exhibit more symptoms, and they are more likely than others to have problems at work, including difficulty keeping a job, or getting along with colleagues.
People who don't receive treatment can have serious consequences, including health issues, financial troubles, and legal issues. There are a variety of treatments for ADHD. These include psychosocial interventions as well as nutrition and diet exercise, sleep improvement and even medications. NIMH offers more information on these options and how you can discuss these options with your family members.