Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are often not diagnosed until they experience serious issues at work, home or at school. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) is utilized by health professionals to diagnose mental disorders.
A complete evaluation includes ADHD symptoms and standardized behavior ratings scales. Health professionals inquire about the family's history, and examine old school records.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD can affect the way a person lives at home, school or work. They can cause problems in relationships and careers, financial issues or even a driver's license. They can also lead to emotional stress. It's normal to struggle with concentration or being organized from time to the time, but if it becomes a chronic problem and hinders everyday functioning, a medical professional may be able to identify ADHD.
To be able to diagnose someone with ADHD the health care professional must evaluate the patient in at least two different environments, such as the workplace, school, and social situations. The health professional must be observing the person for a minimum of six months and determine if the symptoms are affecting their ability to function. The symptoms must have started before 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 are often disruptive or interfere with others.
Children with inattentive ADHD are unable to follow instructions and staying focused or sitting down. They're usually daydreaming or forgetful, and are easily distracted by their surroundings. They're more likely to be overlooked and miss out on opportunities to learn, especially in the early years of school, which could cause them to be a failure later on 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 a difficult time waiting for their turn or sitting still. They also have trouble controlling their emotions.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a relief however, it's difficult to comprehend. People might be ashamed, but they have to be honest so they can get the help they deserve. A diagnosis could be the first time that someone has realized their struggles have a name. This understanding can allow them to change the way they view themselves, which can lead to positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it concerns ADHD, symptoms show up at different times for kids and adults. In children, symptoms usually begin in the middle of elementary school. For adults, it's somewhat later. The symptoms may 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 condition can be misdiagnosed as autistic or an anxiety disorder or depression.
If your child or teenager shows symptoms of ADHD, the first step is to talk to your doctor. They will perform an examination that includes audio and vision tests to ensure that there is nothing else wrong. Your child and you will be asked to fill out the list of symptoms. They will ask how the symptoms have affected their school and personal life. They will also want to know about any problems that you have had previously.
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a doctor who is qualified to diagnose it. They'll use clinical interviews, behavior rating scales, or symptoms checklists. They could also conduct psychological tests to assess your cognitive abilities and discover how you process information and think. They can also conduct brain scans using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which is a device that measures brain activity in certain parts of the brain that regulate your attention and the impulsivity.
They will also review your medical records to see whether there are any additional mental health issues or injuries, for example thyroid issues or head trauma that could cause similar symptoms. They might refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for a thorough evaluation.
To be able to receive a diagnosis of ADHD you must exhibit at least six or more signs that began in your childhood or prior to age 12. The symptoms have to be present for at least six months and create significant problems for your daily functioning. Adults need to be able to meet a lower threshold in order to be diagnosed, but the same criteria apply: You must have a minimum of five or more symptoms, and they must affect your work, home and social life.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms and improve functioning at home, school and work. There are many treatment options, including medications and behavior therapy. Some people also have success with lifestyle changes, for example, setting up a routine that is consistent, using a planner or notebook and scheduling tasks ahead of time. Other people may benefit from specific learning disabilities therapies, such as metacognitive training to help them develop their organizational skills and problem-solving abilities as well as cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with cognitive distortions which can lead to low moods and low self-esteem.
Professionals with specialized training in health care can offer the best treatment plan based on the patient's specific situation. They will examine the symptoms of the patient, and in the case of an adult, also their childhood and school experiences. They will conduct clinical interviews, behavior ratings scales and symptoms checklists to determine if the person is in compliance with requirements for diagnosing ADHD. They may also take an examination of a family history of mental health issues and physical illnesses. They will ask the person, their parents and teachers about their moods, behaviors and attitudes and about how they've changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is made by analyzing six or more symptoms which begin before 12 years of age and cause problems in at minimum two settings (at home, school or social situations). adhd diagnosing must be present for at least 6 months. In addition the symptoms should be significantly more difficult than one would expect for a person at that age.
A medical checkup is usually done to ensure that the person doesn't have any other health problems. Doctors will review the patient's medical and psychiatric histories and look over their symptoms. They may also suggest an eye or hearing test. Certain people suffering from ADHD are genetically predisposed to the disorder. 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. ADHD is often accompanied by mood or anxiety disorder. These disorders are more difficult to treat than ADHD by itself.
The following is a list with preventions.
Many things, including some medical conditions and some kinds of learning disabilities can trigger similar symptoms to those of ADHD. Therefore, it's essential to visit an expert in health care or mental health professional for an evaluation before making an assessment. The person you see will ask your child about their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They can also use scoring scales or a checklist to determine if your child suffers from ADHD. They could also perform physical examinations and tests for vision or hearing problems. They may also order an EEG brain scan that evaluates beta and theta wave activity to check on changes in your child's brain function.
Children who are diagnosed with ADHD have symptoms that are significantly greater than normal for their age and developmental level. Inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity can cause significant problems at home, school or at work. The symptoms can also impact your child's ability to interact with others. If your child is suffering from moderate or severe ADHD symptoms and needs treatment, they'll need to be treated with medication in order to live a normal life.
Children suffering from ADHD might have trouble following directions and staying on task. This can result in poor grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also struggle with social relationships, as they are unable to recognize social signals. They frequently interrupt others and can appear violent or intense. They are at risk of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and relationship issues.
People with mild ADHD have symptoms that are apparent but do not affect their lives or make it difficult to work or maintain relationships. Those with moderate to severe ADHD will exhibit more symptoms, and are more likely than other people to have problems at work, including problems with keeping a job or interacting with colleagues.
People who do not receive treatment may face serious consequences. These include financial problems, health issues, and legal issues. There are a number of treatment options for ADHD that include psychosocial and behavioral therapy such as diet and nutrition, exercise, sleep improvements, and medications. NIMH offers more information on these options and how you can discuss the options with your family.