Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults aren't diagnosed until their symptoms create major issues at school, work or at 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 assessment includes ADHD symptom lists and standardized behavior ratings scales. Health care professionals will inquire about the family's history and examine old school records.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD can affect the lives of a person at home, school or work. They can cause issues in relationships and careers, financial difficulties, or even a driver's permit. They can also lead to emotional distress. It's normal to have difficulty concentrating or being organized from time to time, but if it becomes a chronic problem and hinders everyday functioning, a health care specialist may be able diagnose ADHD.
To determine if someone is diagnosed with ADHD the health care professional must evaluate the person in at minimum two different environments, such as the workplace, school, and social situations. They should observe the person in these situations for at least six months and must see that the symptoms are impairing their ability to perform. The symptoms 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 in a hurry to finish their work and often interrupt or intrude upon others.
adult adhd diagnosis with inattentive ADHD have trouble following directions, staying on task or sat down. They are usually wandering off or distracted. They're more likely to be left out and miss opportunities to learn, especially in the early years of school, which could cause them to be a 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 sitting or waiting for their turn, blurt out answers before questions are finished and have trouble managing their emotions.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief however, it's not always easy to accept. People might be ashamed, but they have to be honest so that they can get the help they're entitled to. A diagnosis may be the first time someone has realized their struggles are ascribed to. Understanding this can change the way they think about themselves, which could cascade into positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms manifest at different time points in adults and children. In children, symptoms usually begin in the first grade. For adults, it is a bit 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 instances the condition could be misdiagnosed as autistic or a mood disorder such as anxiety or depression.
Speak to your doctor when your child or teen shows indications of ADHD. They will conduct an examination of the body, including vision and hearing, to make sure there isn't something other than ADHD. You and your child will be asked to fill out an inventory of symptoms. They will inquire about what the effects of their symptoms are on their school and family life. They will also want to know about any previous issues.
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a doctor qualified to do so. They'll utilize clinical interviews, behavior rating scales, or symptoms checklists. Psychological tests can be used to evaluate your cognitive abilities, as well as how you process information and think. They may also perform brain scans using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA), a tool that measures brain activity in certain parts of the brain that regulate your attention and the impulsivity.
In addition, they will look at your medical history to see whether you've experienced any other mental health conditions or injuries, such as head trauma or thyroid issues that could cause similar symptoms. They may refer you for a thorough evaluation to psychiatrists or psychologists.
To be able to receive a diagnosis of ADHD it is necessary to have at least six or more symptoms that started in childhood, or before age 12. The symptoms have to be present for at least six months and create significant problems for your daily activities. Adults need to meet a lower threshold to be diagnosed, however the same requirements apply: You must have at least five or more symptoms, and these must interfere with your home, work and social life.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to improve symptoms and improve functioning at school, home and at work. There are many different treatment options, including the use of medication and behavioral therapy. Some people find success by making lifestyle changes, such as using an organizer, a notebook and arranging tasks in advance. Others might benefit from specific learning disabilities therapies, such as metacognitive training to help them develop their ability to organize their lives and solve problems as well as cognitive behavioral therapy to correct the distortions in thinking that can cause negative moods and low self-esteem.
Specially trained health care professionals can provide the most effective treatment program based on a patient's particular situation. They will look at the person's current symptoms and, in the case of an adult, their previous behaviour and schooling experiences. They will employ clinical interviewing, behavior rating scales, and symptom checklists in order to determine if a person has the ADHD diagnostic criteria. They might also inquire about the family history of mental illness and physical illnesses. They will inquire about the person's moods, behavior and how they've changed over time.
More of ADHD is based on six or more signs, which start before the age of 12 and create issues in at minimum two settings (at home, school or social situations). The symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months. The symptoms should also be more severe than is normal for someone that age.
There aren't any brain scans or blood tests to diagnose ADHD, but medical checks are usually performed to ensure that there's no other issue with the person. Doctors will review the patient's medical and psychiatric history and examine their symptoms. They may also recommend an hearing or eye test. Some people with ADHD have a genetic predisposition to develop the condition. A person who has a sibling or parent with ADHD has an 85% chance of develop the disorder. It's also common to suffer from a comorbid mood disorder or anxiety disorder that is associated with ADHD. These disorders are more difficult to treat than ADHD by itself.
The following is a list with preventions.
Many things, including certain medical conditions or learning disabilities, can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. It is therefore important to consult a health care provider or mental health professional for an assessment prior to making an assessment. This person will ask about your child's issues and how they affect their daily lives. They could use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child suffers from ADHD. They can also conduct a physical examination and test for visual or hearing problems. They can also request a brain scan, also known as an EEG, which examines beta and theta waves to check for changes in the brain function of your child.
Children diagnosed with ADHD must show symptoms that are significantly more than what is normal for their age and developmental level. The signs of inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity have to cause serious problems at school, at home 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 need treatment with medication to live a normal life.
Children with ADHD may have difficulty following directions and staying on task. This can lead to poor grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also struggle with social relationships, as they are unable to recognize social cues. They often interrupt others and can appear violent or intense. They are at high risk for anxiety, depression and addiction to drugs.
People who have mild ADHD have symptoms that are evident but do not interfere with their lives or make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. Those with moderate or severe ADHD are more prone to symptoms and are more likely to experience problems with work, for example, difficulties in keeping an occupation, getting along with colleagues, or maintaining relationships.
People who don't receive treatment can face grave consequences, such as financial difficulties, health problems, and legal issues. There are a variety of treatments for ADHD, including behavioral therapy and psychosocial interventions including diet and nutrition, exercise, sleeping improvements, and medication. NIMH offers more information on these options and how you can discuss them with your family members.