Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are often not diagnosed until they experience major problems at home, work or at 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 thorough assessment includes ADHD symptoms and standardized behavior ratings scales. Health care professionals also inquire about family history and review old school records.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can affect a person's daily life, whether it is at home, school or work. They can disrupt relationships and career, lead to serious financial problems or a driver's license and can cause emotional stress for the person. It is common for people to have difficulty in concentrating or staying organized from time to time. However when the issue gets more severe and affects daily functioning, a healthcare specialist may be able to identify ADHD.
A health care professional must evaluate the person in two different settings, including at home and at school, as well as in social and workplace situations. They should observe the person in these settings for a minimum of six months and must see that the symptoms are hindering their ability to function. The symptoms must also have started before 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 have a difficult time waiting for their turn, and frequently interfere with others or interrupt them.
Children with inattention ADHD have difficulty following instructions and staying on task, or sat down. They are usually distracted or snoozing. They are more likely to be ignored and miss out on opportunities for learning, especially in elementary school, which can 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 trouble sitting or waiting for their turn, blurting out answers before they are completed, and have difficulty managing their emotions.
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD can be a relief but it's also not always easy to process. It's fine to be embarrassed. But, honesty is the best policy. For some, a diagnosis will be the first time they've realized their problems have a. Understanding this can change the way they think about themselves, which could cascade into positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it concerns ADHD, symptoms show up at different times in children and adults. For children, they usually begin in the middle of elementary school, however for adults, it's 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 certain cases, the condition may be misdiagnosed as autism, 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 perform an examination of the body, including audio and vision to make sure that there is nothing else wrong. They will ask you and your child to fill out a checklist of their symptoms. They will want to know how the symptoms have affected their home and school life. They will also want you to tell them about any previous problems.
Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD by a doctor who is qualified to diagnose it. They'll use clinical interviews, scales for assessing behavior, or symptom checklists. They may also conduct psychological tests to measure your cognitive abilities and learn how you process information and think. They might also do a brain scan using the Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid, which is FDA-approved (NEBA) which measures the activity of certain parts of your brain that regulate the ability to focus and the ability to be impulsive.
Additionally, they'll review your medical history to determine whether you've experienced any other mental health problems or injuries, such as head trauma or thyroid conditions that can cause similar symptoms. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for a thorough evaluation.
You must show six or more symptoms which began in childhood or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months and be causing significant difficulties in your daily life. Adults must have a lower threshold to be diagnosed, but the same requirements apply: You must have a minimum of five or more symptoms, and these must interfere with your work, home and social life.
recommended site of treatment is to improve symptoms and improve functioning at school, home and at work. There are a variety of treatment options, such as the use of medication and behavioral therapy. Some people also have success through lifestyle changes, such as creating a consistent routine by using a planner or notebook and arranging tasks in advance. Some people might benefit from therapies for learning disabilities like metacognitive therapy which helps them improve their problem-solving skills and organizational abilities, or cognitive behavioral treatment that addresses the distortions in thinking that can lead to depression and low self-esteem.
Health professionals who are specially trained will provide the best treatment plan based on the patient's specific situation. They will look at the person's current symptoms and, in the case of an adult, their childhood behaviour and schooling experiences. They will conduct clinical interviews, behavior rating scales and symptoms checklists to determine if the person is in compliance with requirements for diagnosing ADHD. They may also ask about the family history of mental illness and physical ailments. They will inquire about the person's moods, behaviors and changes over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is based on six or more symptoms that begin before 12 years of age and can cause issues in at minimum two settings (at school, at home or in social situations). The symptoms are expected to be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must be more severe than expected for someone that age.
A medical checkup is usually performed to make sure that the person does not have any other health problems. Doctors will examine the person's medical and psychiatric records and examine their symptoms. They may also recommend an hearing or eye test. Some people who suffer from ADHD have a genetic predisposition to develop the disorder. If the person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD they are at risk of having 91% chance of developing the disorder for themselves. ADHD is often accompanied by mood or anxiety disorder. These conditions can be more difficult to manage than ADHD alone.
Prevention
Many things, including certain medical conditions and learning disabilities, can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Therefore, it's essential to visit an expert in health care or a mental health professional to conduct an assessment prior to making the diagnosis. The professional will inquire with your child about their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They can use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child suffers from ADHD. They can also conduct physical examinations and tests for vision or hearing problems. They can also request a brain scan called an EEG that measures theta and beta waves to determine if there are any changes in your child's brain's function.
For children to be diagnosed with ADHD they must display a number of symptoms that are more prominent than what is normal for their age or development level. Hyperactivity, inattention, and/or impulsivity can cause significant problems at home, school, or work. The symptoms must also affect your child's ability to interact with other children. 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 an ordinary life.
Children with ADHD can find it difficult to follow directions and stay on task and can result in low self-esteem and grades. They may also have difficulty with social relationships because they have trouble reading social signals and are often disruptive to others or appear aggressive or abrasive. They are at high risk of developing depression, anxiety and addiction to drugs.
People who suffer from mild ADHD have symptoms that are apparent but do not affect their daily lives or make it difficult to work or maintain relationships. Those with moderate to severe ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms, and are more likely than others to experience problems at work, including difficulties keeping a job or getting along with colleagues.
People who don't receive treatment may suffer serious consequences. These include financial problems as well as health and legal issues. There are a number of treatments available for ADHD, including psychosocial and behavioral therapy such as diet and nutrition, exercise medication for sleep, and other treatments. NIMH offers more information on these options and how to talk with your family members about these options.
