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 complete evaluation includes ADHD symptoms lists and standardized scales for assessing behavior. Health professionals inquire about the family history and look at the school records from the past.
Symptoms
The signs of ADHD can affect the lives of a person at school, home, or at work. They can cause issues in relationships and careers, financial problems or even a driver's permit. They can also cause emotional distress. It's normal for people to have trouble concentrating or staying organized from time to time but if it develops into a chronic problem and hinders everyday functioning, a health professional may be able to determine ADHD.
A health professional must assess the individual in two different situations, like at home and at school, or in workplace and social situations. They should observe the person in these settings for a minimum of six months, and they must determine that the symptoms are hindering their ability to function. The signs must also be present prior to the age of 12. 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 often are in a hurry to finish their work, and they interrupt or intrude upon other children.
Children with inattention ADHD are unable to follow instructions and staying focused or sitting still. They tend to be distracted, forgetful or easily distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be overlooked and omit learning opportunities, particularly in the elementary school setting, which can set up 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, blurt out answers before they are completed, and have difficulty controlling their emotions.
It's it's a relief to get a diagnosis of ADHD but it's not always simple. It's okay to feel embarrassed. But, honesty is the best approach. A diagnosis might be the first time that someone has realized their struggles are ascribed to. This understanding will help them alter their perception of themselves, leading to 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 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 is not properly diagnosed. adhd diagnosis for adults could be a sign of autism or a mood disorders like anxiety or depression.
If your child or teen shows indications of ADHD The first step is to talk to your doctor. They will conduct a physical examination, including audio and vision to make sure that there is nothing else wrong. They will ask you and your child to fill out an inventory of the symptoms. They will be interested in knowing how the symptoms have affected their home and school lives. They'll also ask to know about any previous problems.
For adults, a healthcare provider who's qualified to diagnose ADHD will use the process of conducting clinical interviews, as well as behavior rating scales or checklists for symptoms to determine if they meet the criteria for diagnosis. They could also conduct psychological tests to measure your cognitive abilities and discover 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 your impulsivity.
In addition, they will examine your medical history to determine if you've had any other mental health problems or injuries like thyroid or head trauma which can trigger similar symptoms. They might refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct a thorough assessment.
To get a diagnosis of ADHD it is necessary to have a minimum of six or more signs that began in your childhood or prior to age 12. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and create significant problems for your daily functioning. Adults must be able to meet a lower threshold in order to be diagnosed, however the same criteria apply: You need to have a minimum of five or more symptoms and these must interfere with your work, home and social life.
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to alleviate symptoms and restore functioning at school, home and at work. There are a range of treatment options including treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Many people have success with lifestyle changes, such as creating a consistent routine, using a planner or notebook and arranging tasks in advance. Some people may benefit from learning disabilities therapies such as metacognitive therapy, which helps them improve their problem-solving abilities and organizational skills, or cognitive behavioral treatment, which addresses thinking distortions which can cause low self-esteem and mood swings.
Health professionals who are specifically trained to diagnose ADHD can recommend the best treatment plan for a person's situation. They will look at the person's current symptoms and, in the case of an adult, their childhood behavior and school experiences. They will employ clinical interviews, behavior ratings scales and symptoms checklists to determine if the person is in compliance with the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They may also take the family history of mental health problems and physical ailments. They'll ask the individual as well as their parents and teachers about their moods and behavior and about how they've changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is by analyzing six or more signs, which begin before the age of 12 and create difficulties in at least two settings (at home, school or social situations). The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months. Additionally, the symptoms must be more severe than one would expect for a person who is that old.
There are no brain scans or blood tests to determine ADHD However, an exam for medical reasons is usually done to make sure there's no other issue with the person. Doctors will review the person's symptoms and medical and mental history and may recommend an eye exam or a hearing test. Certain people suffering from ADHD are genetically predisposed to develop the condition. A person who has a parent or sibling with ADHD has a 91% chance of develop the disorder. It's also common to suffer from a comorbid mood disorder or anxiety disorder with ADHD. These disorders are more difficult to treat than ADHD alone.
The following is a list of preventions.
Many things, including certain medical conditions or learning disabilities, can lead to symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. It is important to speak with a mental health professional or health care provider for an evaluation prior to making the diagnosis. The person you see will ask your child about their symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They may use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child suffers from ADHD. They can also conduct a physical exam and test for vision or hearing problems. They can also request an EEG brain scan, which evaluates beta and theta wave activity to monitor changes in your child’s brain function.
Children who are diagnosed with ADHD must show symptoms that are more than normal for their age and development level. Hyperactivity, inattention, and/or impulsivity can cause significant problems at home, school, or 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 to live a normal life.
Children with ADHD might have trouble following directions and staying on task. This can lead to low grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also have difficulties with social relationships because they are unable to read social cues and often interrupt others or appear aggressive or abrasive. They are susceptible to depression, anxiety as well as substance abuse and relationship issues.
People who have mild ADHD have symptoms that are noticeable but they do not hinder their daily life or make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. The people with moderate or severe ADHD will exhibit more symptoms, and are more likely to experience problems at work, including problems with keeping a job or interacting with coworkers.
If they do not seek treatment may face serious consequences. This could include financial problems, health issues, and legal issues. There are a number of treatment options for ADHD, including psychosocial and behavioral therapy, diet and nutrition, exercise, sleeping improvements, and medication. NIMH offers more information on these options and how to talk with your family members about these options.