Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't receive diagnosis until their symptoms cause major issues at school, work or home. 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 thorough evaluation will include ADHD symptoms and standardized behavior ratings scales. Health professionals also inquire about family history and review old school records.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can affect the daily routine of a person, whether it is at school, home or at work. They can cause issues in relationships and careers, financial issues, or even a driver's license. They can also cause emotional stress. It's common for people to struggle keeping their attention or staying organized from time to time. However when the issue becomes chronic and interferes with daily functioning, a healthcare specialist may be able to identify ADHD.
In adhd in adults diagnosis to be diagnosed with ADHD the health professional must assess the person in at least two different environments, such as home and school or workplace and social settings. 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 function. The signs must also be present prior to the age of 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 are often unable to wait for their turn, and frequently interfere with others or interrupt them.
Children with inattention ADHD have trouble following directions and staying on task, or sitting still. They tend to be distracted, forgetful or easily distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be left out and miss opportunities to learn, particularly in the early years of school, which could 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 are unable to sit or waiting for their turn, blurt out answers before the questions are complete, and have trouble controlling their emotions.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a great relief, but it's not always easy to accept. It's okay to feel embarrassed. However honesty is the best policy. For many, a diagnosis may be the first time they've realized their issues have a name. This knowledge can allow them to change their perspective of themselves, which can lead to positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms manifest at different time points in adults and children. For kids, they typically begin in elementary school, but for adults, it's later. The symptoms could be mild, moderate or even 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 may be misdiagnosed as autism or an anxiety disorder or depression.
If your child or teen shows indications of ADHD The first step is to speak with your doctor. They will conduct an examination of the body, including audio and vision tests to ensure that there is nothing else wrong. They will ask you and your child to fill out a checklist of their symptoms. They will ask how the symptoms have affected their school and personal life. They'll also ask you to share with them any problems that you have had previously.
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a healthcare provider qualified to do so. They'll use clinical interviews, behavior rating scales, or symptoms checklists. Psychological tests can be used to evaluate your cognitive abilities, as well as how you think and process information. They may also perform an examination of your brain using the Neuropsychiatric EEG Assessment Aid (NEBA) that is FDA-approved. (NEBA), which analyzes the activity of specific parts of your brain that control the ability to focus and the ability to be impulsive.
Additionally, they'll review your medical history to determine if you've had any other mental health problems or injuries like thyroid or head trauma that can cause 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 a minimum of six or more signs that began in your childhood or prior to age 12. The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and be causing serious problems with your daily functioning. Adults have an upper threshold for diagnosis, however the criteria are the same: You must have at minimum five symptoms that interfere with your work, social and home life.
Treatment
Treatment aims to ease symptoms and restore function at work, home and at school. There are a variety of treatments available, including medication and behavior therapy. Some people also find success with lifestyle changes, such as establishing consistent routines by using a planner or notebook and scheduling tasks ahead of time. Some people may benefit from treatments for learning disabilities like metacognitive therapy which assists them in improving their problem-solving skills and organizational abilities or cognitive behavioral treatment that addresses the distortions in thinking, leading to depression and low self-esteem.
Health care professionals who are specially trained to recognize ADHD can recommend the most appropriate treatment for a person's situation. They will look at the person's current symptoms, and if an adult, their childhood behaviors and school experiences. They will employ clinical interviewing, scales for assessing behavior, and symptom checklists in order to determine if the person has the ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also inquire about family history of mental illnesses and physical ailments. They will ask the person, their parents and teachers about their moods and behavior and how they've changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is made based on six or more symptoms which begin before 12 years of age and cause difficulties in at minimum two settings (at school, at home or in social situations). The symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months. Additionally, the symptoms must be significantly more difficult than expected for someone who is that old.
There aren't any blood tests or brain scans to diagnose ADHD However, an exam for medical reasons is usually carried out to ensure there's nothing else wrong with the person. Doctors will look over the patient's symptoms and medical and mental history, and may suggest an eye exam or hearing test. Some people who suffer from ADHD are genetically predisposed to develop the disorder. Anyone who has a sibling or parent with ADHD has a 91% chance to develop the disorder. ADHD is often associated with a anxiety or mood disorder. These disorders are more difficult to manage than ADHD by itself.
The following is a list with preventions.
Many things, such as certain medical conditions and learning disabilities, can lead to symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. It's important to consult an expert in mental health or a health care professional for an assessment prior to determining a diagnosis. The person you see will ask your child about their symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They may use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child is ADHD. They can also conduct a physical exam and test for problems with vision or hearing. They may also request a brain scan called an EEG, which analyzes beta and theta waves to determine if there are any changes in the brain function of your child.
To be able to diagnose a child with ADHD, they must have a number of symptoms that are noticeably greater than normal for their age or development level. Inattention, hyperactivity, and/or an impulsive behavior can create serious problems at home, school, or work. The symptoms also need to interfere with your child's social interactions. If your child is suffering from moderate or severe ADHD symptoms they will require treatment with medication to lead a normal life.
Children with ADHD may find it difficult to follow directions and remain focused, which can lead to low self-esteem and poor grades. They may also have issues with social interactions, since they aren't able to discern social cues. They are often disruptive to others and come across as violent or intense. They are susceptible to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and issues with relationships.
People who suffer from mild ADHD have symptoms that are evident but they do not hinder their daily life or make it difficult to work or maintain relationships. Those with moderate to severe ADHD will have more symptoms, and they are more likely to have problems at work, such as problems with keeping a job or interacting with colleagues.
People who do not receive treatment may face serious consequences. These include financial problems as well as health and legal issues. There are a number of treatments for ADHD which include behavioral therapy and psychosocial interventions such as diet and nutrition, exercise, medication for sleep, and other treatments. NIMH provides more information about these options and how you can discuss these options with your family.