Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are usually not diagnosed until they have significant issues at home, at work or at school. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) is used by health care professionals to diagnose mental disorders.
A complete evaluation will include ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standardized behavior rating scales. Health care professionals also inquire about family history and review old school records.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can impact the way a person lives their life regardless of whether at home, school or at work. They can disrupt relationships and work, leading to serious problems with finances or a driver's license, and can even cause emotional distress for the person. It's normal for people to experience difficulties in concentrating or staying organized from time to time. However when the issue gets more severe and affects the daily activities, a healthcare provider may be able diagnose ADHD.
A health professional will need to evaluate the person in two different settings, including at home and at school, or in social and workplace situations. The health care professional has to monitor the patient for a minimum of six months and determine whether the symptoms are affecting their ability to perform. The signs must also be present prior to 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 not able to wait for their turn, and they interrupt or disturb other children.
Children with the inattentive kind of ADHD are not able to sit or stand at a comfortable pace and have difficulty following instructions or staying focused. They are usually distracted by their thoughts, forgetful or easily distracted by their surroundings. They're more prone to being overlooked and miss out on opportunities to learn, particularly 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 difficulty waiting their turn or sitting still. They also have difficulty managing their emotions.
It's an exhilarating experience to receive the diagnosis of ADHD, but it is not always an easy process. It's fine to be embarrassed. But honesty is the best way to go. A diagnosis could be the first time someone realizes that their struggles are ascribed to. This knowledge can allow them to change their perception of themselves, resulting in positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it is about ADHD symptoms are evident at different times for kids and adults. In children, symptoms usually begin in the middle of elementary school. For adults, it is a bit 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 certain cases, the condition may be misdiagnosed as autism or an anxiety disorder or depression.
Speak to your doctor when your child or teen exhibits indications of ADHD. They will perform a physical examination, including audio and vision tests to ensure that there is nothing else wrong. They will ask you and your child to fill out an inventory of the symptoms. They'll be interested in knowing how the symptoms have affected their family and school life. They'll also ask to know about any problems that you have had previously.
Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD by a medical professional competent to do so. They'll use clinical interviews, scales for assessing behavior, or symptom checklists. Psychological tests can be used to evaluate your cognitive abilities, and how you think and process information. They can also conduct brain scans using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA), a tool that measures brain activity in specific brain regions that control your attention and the impulsivity.
They will also examine your medical records to see whether there are any other mental health issues or injuries, for example head trauma or thyroid problems that can cause similar symptoms. They may refer you to a thorough evaluation to psychiatrists or psychologists.
You must have six or more symptoms, that began in childhood or before the age of 12. The symptoms must have been present for at minimum 6 months and be causing significant problems in your daily functioning. Adults need to meet a lower threshold to be diagnosed, however the same criteria apply: You must have a minimum of five or more symptoms, and they must affect your home, work and social life.
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to alleviate symptoms and improve functioning at the workplace, at home and in school. There are a variety of treatment options, such as medication and therapy for behavior. Many people have success through lifestyle changes, such as creating a consistent routine by using a planner notebook and arranging tasks prior to time. Some people might benefit from learning disabilities therapies like metacognitive therapy which assists them in improving their problem-solving skills and organizational abilities 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 evaluate the person's symptoms, and if they are an adult, also their childhood and school experiences. They will use clinical interviews, behavior rating scales and checklists of symptoms to determine if the person has met the the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They may also conduct an examination of a family history of mental health problems and 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 settings (home school, social situations). The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. The symptoms must also be more severe than expected for someone of this age.
A medical checkup is usually performed to make sure that the patient does not have any other health issues. Doctors will examine the person's symptoms and medical and psychiatric background and may recommend an eye exam or hearing test. Some people with ADHD are genetically predisposed to the disorder. If a person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD they are at risk of having a 91% chance of developing the disorder themselves. ADHD is often accompanied by mood or anxiety disorder. These disorders are more difficult to treat than ADHD alone.
The following is a list with preventions.
Many things, such as medical conditions and some types of learning disabilities could cause similar symptoms as those of ADHD. It is therefore important to consult an expert in health care or a mental health professional for an evaluation prior to determining an assessment. The person you see will inquire about your child's issues and how they affect their daily life. They may also use ratings scales or a checklist to decide if your child has ADHD. They may also perform an examination of the body and test for hearing or visual issues. They may also request an EEG brain scan, which measures beta and theta waves to monitor changes in your child’s brain function.
For children to be diagnosed with ADHD they must display numerous symptoms that are significantly more than what is normal for their age or developmental level. The symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity have to cause serious problems at school, at home or at work. The symptoms should also hinder your child's social interactions. If your child exhibits moderate or severe ADHD symptoms and needs treatment, they'll need to be treated with medication to live the normal life.
Children suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to follow directions and remain on task which can result in low self-esteem and poor grades. They may also struggle in social relationships because they are unable to recognize 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 issues with relationships.
People who have mild ADHD have symptoms that are noticeable but do not interfere with their daily life or make it difficult to work or maintain relationships. source web page with moderate or severe ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms, and they are more likely than others to have issues at work, including problems with keeping a job or interacting with colleagues.
If you don't seek treatment, you could face grave consequences, including health issues, financial troubles and legal issues. There are many treatments for ADHD. These include behavioral therapy, psychosocial interventions as well as nutrition and diet exercise, sleep improvement and even medications. NIMH provides more information about these options and how to talk with your family about them.