Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are typically not diagnosed until they have serious issues at home, work or 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 thorough evaluation will include ADHD symptom lists and standardized scales for assessing behavior. Health care professionals also ask about family history and look over old school records.
Symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD can impact the way a person lives at school, at home or at work. They can disrupt relationships and career, lead to serious financial problems or a driver's license and can even cause emotional distress for the person. It's normal to have trouble concentrating or being organized from time to moment, but if it becomes a chronic problem and affects daily functioning, a health care professional may be able to identify ADHD.
A health professional must evaluate the individual in two different situations, like at home and at school, or in social and workplace situations. They should observe the person in these situations for a minimum of six months, and they must determine that the symptoms are impairing their ability to perform. The symptoms must 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 are often in a hurry to finish their work, and they interrupt or disturb other children.
Children who suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD are incapable of sitting or waiting at a comfortable pace and have difficulty following instructions or staying focused. They are usually distracted by their thoughts or forgetful, and are easily distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be ignored, and miss out on opportunities to learn, particularly in the elementary school setting which could prepare 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 are unable to sit or waiting for their turn, blurt out answers before questions are finished and have trouble managing their emotions.
It can be an exhilarating experience to receive an diagnosis of ADHD but it's not always simple. Some people may be embarrassed, but they need to be honest in order that they can get the help they're entitled to. A diagnosis may be the first time that someone realizes that their struggles have a label. This understanding can alter the way they view themselves, which may be a positive influence.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms manifest at different times in children and adults. In children, the symptoms usually begin in elementary school. For adults, it is somewhat later. The symptoms can be mild, medium or even 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. It could be related to autism or a mood disorder such as depression or anxiety.
Speak to your doctor when your child or teen exhibits symptoms of ADHD. They will perform an examination that includes audio and vision to make sure that there is no other issue. They will ask you and your child to fill out an inventory of their symptoms. They'll want to know how the symptoms have impacted their home and school lives. They'll also want you to tell them about any previous issues.
For adults, a healthcare provider who's qualified to diagnose ADHD will conduct the process of conducting clinical interviews, as well as behavior rating scales or checklists of symptoms to determine if they meet the criteria for diagnosis. Psychological tests may be used to determine your cognitive abilities and how you think and process information. They might also do a brain scan using the Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid, which is FDA-approved (NEBA) which evaluates the activity of specific parts of your brain that regulate attention and impulsivity.
Additionally, they'll look at your medical history to determine if you've had any other mental health conditions or injuries such as head trauma or thyroid issues that could cause similar symptoms. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct a thorough assessment.
You must show six or more symptoms, that began in your childhood or before the age of 12. The symptoms should have been present for at least 6 months and cause significant problems with your daily functioning. Adults must meet an upper threshold for diagnosis, however the criteria are the same: You must be suffering from at minimum five symptoms that interfere with your social, work and personal life.
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to reduce symptoms and improve functioning at home, school and work. There are a variety of treatment options, including medications and behavior therapy. Some people also find satisfaction with lifestyle changes, such as creating a consistent routine by using a planner notebook and scheduling tasks prior to time. Other people may benefit from specific learning disability therapies, such as metacognitive training that helps them improve their ability to organize their lives and solve problems or cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with the distortions in thinking which can lead to low moods and low self-esteem.
Specially trained health care professionals will provide the best treatment program based on a patient's specific situation. They will examine the symptoms of the patient, and if they are an adult, they will also consider their childhood and school experiences. They will use clinical interviewing, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists to determine if the individual has the ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also conduct an examination of a family history of mental health problems as well as physical illnesses. They'll 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 upon six or more signs, which start before the age of 12 and can cause issues in at least two settings (at school, at home or in social situations). The symptoms must have been present for at least six months. Additionally the symptoms should be significantly more difficult than expected for someone of that age.
There aren't any blood tests or brain scans to determine ADHD however medical checks are usually done to make sure there's no other issue with the person. Doctors will look over the patient's symptoms and medical and psychiatric history and may recommend an eye examination or hearing test. Certain people suffering from ADHD are genetically predisposed to the disorder. If a person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD, they have about 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 can be more difficult to treat than ADHD by itself.
Prevention
Many things, including certain medical conditions and learning disabilities, can cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. It's important to consult a mental health professional or health care provider for an assessment prior to determining an assessment. This person will ask your child about their symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They could use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child has ADHD. They could also perform physical examinations and tests for hearing or vision problems. They may also order an EEG brain scan which measures beta and theta waves to determine changes in your child's brain function.
For children to be diagnosed with ADHD they must display numerous symptoms that are noticeably greater than what is normal for their age or developmental level. Inattention, hyperactivity, and/or an impulsive behavior can create serious issues at home, school, or work. The symptoms must also affect your child's ability to interact with other children. If your child exhibits moderate or severe ADHD symptoms, they will need treatment with medication to lead an ordinary life.
Children suffering from ADHD may have difficulty following directions and staying focused. This can lead to lower grades and a loss of self-esteem. They may also struggle with social relationships because they are unable to read social cues and often interrupt others or appear aggressive or abrasive. They are at risk for anxiety, depression, substance misuse, and relationship issues.
Mild ADHD is manifests itself in symptoms that are evident but do not affect daily life, which makes it difficult to maintain relationships or work. Those with moderate to severe ADHD will exhibit more symptoms, and are more likely than others to experience problems at work, including difficulty keeping a job, or interacting with colleagues.
People who do not receive treatment may suffer serious consequences. adhd adults diagnosis include financial problems as well as health and legal issues. There are a myriad of treatments available for ADHD. These include behavioral therapy, psychosocial interventions as well as nutrition and diet exercise, sleep improvement and medications. NIMH provides more information about these options and how you can discuss these options with your family.