Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are often not diagnosed until they experience serious issues at home, work or school. Health care professionals adhere to the diagnostic criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A thorough evaluation will include ADHD symptoms lists and standardized behavior ratings scales. Health care professionals ask about the family's history and look at old school records.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD can affect the way a person lives at school, at home or at work. They can cause problems in relationships and careers, financial difficulties or even a driver's permit. They can also cause emotional distress. It's common for people to experience difficulties concentrating or staying organised at times. However, if the problem is persistent and affects the daily activities, a healthcare provider may be able diagnose ADHD.
To determine if someone is diagnosed with ADHD, a healthcare professional must examine the person in at least two different settings, including the workplace, school, and social settings. The health care professional has to be observing the person for at least six months and determine whether the symptoms are affecting their ability to perform. The symptoms must be present prior to the age of 12 years. 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 unable to wait their turn and are often disruptive or interfere with other children.
Children with the inattentive type of ADHD are not able to sit or stand in silence and are unable to follow instructions or staying focused. They tend to be distracted or distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be overlooked and omit learning opportunities, particularly in the elementary school setting which could set for them to fail later in their lives.
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 settling down. They also have trouble controlling their emotions.
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD can be a great relief, but it's not always easy to accept. People might be ashamed, but they have to be honest so that they can receive the assistance they deserve. For many, a diagnosis may be the first time they've realized their struggles have a name. Understanding this can change the way they view themselves, which could be a positive influence.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms appear at different times in children and adults. For children, symptoms typically begin in elementary school, but for adults, it's later. Symptoms can 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 disorder is misdiagnosed. It could be a sign of autism or a mood disorder such as depression or anxiety.
Talk to your doctor if your child or teenager is showing signs of ADHD. They will conduct a physical examination, including vision and audio to ensure that there is no other issue. They will ask you and your child to complete an inventory of their symptoms. They will also ask what the effects of their symptoms are on their school and home life. They will also want to know about any previous problems.
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a doctor competent to do so. They will use clinical interviews, scales for assessing behavior, or symptom checklists. Psychological tests may be used to evaluate your cognitive abilities, and how you process information and think. adhd diagnosis in adults might also do 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 attention and impulsivity.
In addition, they will review your medical history to see whether you've suffered from any other mental health conditions or injuries like head trauma or thyroid conditions that could cause similar symptoms. They might refer you for a thorough evaluation to a psychiatrist or psychologist.
To get a diagnosis of ADHD, you must have at least six or more signs that began in childhood or before age 12. The symptoms must be present for at minimum 6 months and be causing serious 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 these should affect your work, home and social life.
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to alleviate symptoms and improve functioning at home, school and work. There are a variety of treatment options, including medications and behavior therapy. Some people experience success through lifestyle changes, such as using planners, notebooks and scheduling their tasks ahead of time. Others may benefit from specific learning disabilities therapies, such as metacognitive training that helps them improve their ability to organize their lives and solve problems as well as cognitive behavioral therapy to address cognitive distortions which can lead to low moods and low self-esteem.
Specially trained health care professionals can offer the best treatment program based on a patient's particular situation. They will look at the person's present symptoms and, if an adult, their previous behavior and school experiences. They will use clinical interviewing, scales for assessing behavior, and symptom checklists to determine if a person has the ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also conduct an examination of a family history of mental health problems and physical illnesses. They'll ask the person as well as their parents and teachers about their moods and behaviors and about how they've changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is made upon six or more symptoms that begin before 12 years of age and can cause issues in at least two different settings (at home, school or social situations). The symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months. Additionally, the symptoms must be significantly more difficult than one would expect for a person at that age.
There aren't any blood tests or brain scans to diagnose ADHD However, a medical checkup usually is carried out to ensure there's no other issue with the person. Doctors will look over the patient's symptoms and medical and mental background and may recommend an eye examination or hearing 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 is also common to suffer from a comorbid mood disorder or anxiety disorder with ADHD. These disorders are more difficult to treat than ADHD by itself.
Prevention
Many things, such as medical conditions, as well as certain kinds of learning disabilities can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. It is essential to talk to an expert in mental health or a health professional for an assessment prior to making an assessment. The doctor will inquire about your child's issues 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 an examination and test for hearing or vision problems. They may also order an EEG brain scan which analyzes 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 what is normal for their age or development level. The symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity should cause a significant problem at school, at home or at work. The symptoms also need to interfere with your child's social interactions. If your child is suffering from severe or moderate ADHD, they will require medication to live an ordinary life.
Children with ADHD may have trouble following directions and staying on task. This can lead to lower grades and a loss of self-esteem. They may also have difficulty with social interactions because they are unable to read social cues and frequently interrupt others or come off as violent or aggressive. They are at risk for anxiety, depression, substance misuse, and issues with relationships.
Mild ADHD is characterized by symptoms that are visible but do not affect daily life. They can which makes it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People with moderate to severe ADHD will exhibit more symptoms, and they are more likely to experience problems at work, like difficulties keeping a job or getting along with colleagues.
People who do not receive treatment could face serious consequences. These include financial problems and health issues, as well as legal issues. There are a number of treatment options for ADHD, including psychosocial therapy and behavioral therapy, diet and nutrition, exercise, sleeping improvements, and medication. NIMH provides more information about these options and ways to discuss these options with your family.