Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are often not diagnosed until they are experiencing serious issues at work, home or school. Health professionals follow the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A full assessment includes ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized behavior rating scales. Health care professionals also ask about family history and review old school records.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can impact a person's daily life regardless of whether at home, school or work. They can cause disruption to relationships and work, leading to serious financial problems or a driver's license and can even cause emotional distress for the person. It's normal for people to have difficulty concentrating or staying organised at times. However, if the problem gets more severe and affects everyday functioning, a medical specialist may be able to identify ADHD.
how to diagnose adhd must assess the individual in two different settings, including at home and at school, or in workplace and social situations. The health care professional has to be observing the person for at least six month and determine whether the symptoms are affecting their ability to function. The symptoms should 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 their turn and often interrupt or disturb others.
Children with inattention ADHD have difficulty following instructions and staying on task, or sat down. They are usually distracted by their thoughts, forgetful or easily distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be missed and omit learning opportunities, particularly in primary schools which could set them for failure 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 difficulty sitting or waiting for their turn, blurting out answers before they are finished and have trouble managing their emotions.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a great relief, but it's difficult to comprehend. It's okay to feel embarrassed. But, honesty is the best policy. A diagnosis could be the first time someone has realized their struggles have a name. This knowledge can help them change the way they view themselves, resulting in positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it comes to ADHD, symptoms show up at different times for kids and adults. In children, symptoms usually begin in elementary school. For adults, it is slightly later. The symptoms can be mild, medium or 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 like anxiety or depression.
If your child or teenager shows indications of ADHD, the first step is to speak with your doctor. They will do physical examinations that includes hearing and vision to make sure there's nothing else going on. Your child and you will be asked to complete an inventory of symptoms. They will ask what the effects of their symptoms are on their school and home life. They'll also want to be informed about any past issues they've faced.
Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD by a healthcare provider who is qualified to diagnose it. They will use clinical interviews, behavior rating scales or symptom checklists. Psychological tests may be used to assess your cognitive abilities, and how you process information and think. 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 regulate your attention and your impulsivity.
They will also look at your medical records to see if there are any other mental conditions or injuries, for example thyroid issues or head trauma that could cause similar symptoms. They might refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for a thorough evaluation.
To get a diagnosis of ADHD it is necessary to have at least six or more symptoms that started in childhood, or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and create significant problems for your daily activities. Adults must meet a lower threshold to be diagnosed, but the same criteria apply: You need to have at least five or more symptoms and these must interfere with your home, work and social life.
Treatment
Treatment is designed to reduce symptoms and restore functioning at work, home and school. There are many treatments available, including treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Some people experience success by making lifestyle changes such as using an organizer, a notebook, and scheduling tasks ahead of time. Certain people might benefit from therapies for learning disabilities like metacognitive therapy which assists them in improving their problem-solving skills and organizational skills, or cognitive behavioral treatment which targets thinking distortions that can lead to low self-esteem and negative moods.
Health care professionals who are specially trained to recognize ADHD can recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for a patient's situation. They will examine the person's symptoms and, in the case of an adult, their childhood and school experiences. They will use clinical interviews, behavior ratings scales and checklists of symptoms to determine if the person is in compliance with the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They might also inquire about the family history of mental illnesses and physical conditions. They'll ask the individual as well as their parents and teachers about their moods and behaviors and how they've changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the presence of more than six symptoms that start before the age of 12 and create difficulties in two or more environments (home school, social situations). The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. The symptoms must be more severe than is normal for a person of the same age.
There aren't any brain scans or blood tests to diagnose ADHD however medical checks are usually carried out to ensure there's nothing else wrong with the individual. Doctors will examine the person's symptoms and medical and psychiatric history and may recommend an eye exam or hearing test. Certain people suffering from ADHD have a genetic predisposition to develop the condition. If the person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD they are at risk of having 91% of the chance of developing the disorder for themselves. It's also normal to have a comorbid mood anxiety disorder in conjunction with ADHD. These conditions can be more difficult to treat than ADHD alone.
Prevention
Many things, including some medical conditions and some types of learning disabilities, can trigger similar symptoms 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 affect their daily lives. They may use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child has ADHD. They could also perform physical examinations and tests for problems with vision or hearing. They may also order an EEG brain scan, which evaluates beta and theta wave activity to determine changes in your child's brain function.
To be considered a child with ADHD, they must have numerous symptoms that are significantly more than what is normal for their age or development level. Inattention, hyperactivity, and/or an impulsive behavior can create serious problems at school, home or at work. The symptoms can also impact your child's ability to interact with others. If your child has moderate or severe ADHD symptoms, they will need treatment with medication to live a normal life.
Children suffering from ADHD may have difficulty following directions and staying focused. This can result in low grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also struggle with social relationships because they have trouble reading social cues and often interrupt others or come off as aggressive or intense. They are at a high risk for anxiety, depression and addiction to drugs.
Mild ADHD is characterized by symptoms that are evident but do not interfere in daily life. They can make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. The people with moderate or severe ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms, and are more likely than others to have problems at work, including difficulty keeping a job, or getting along with colleagues.
People who do not receive treatment may suffer serious consequences. This could include financial problems as well as health and legal issues. There are a number of treatments for ADHD, including psychosocial and behavioral therapy such as diet and nutrition, exercise, sleeping improvements, and medication. NIMH provides more information about these options and ways to discuss the options with your family members.