Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't receive diagnosis until their symptoms cause serious issues at school, work or at home. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) is used by health care providers to diagnose mental disorders.
A thorough assessment includes ADHD symptoms and standardized scales for assessing behavior. Health care professionals ask about the family history and look at old school records.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can have a negative impact on a person's daily life regardless of whether at home, school or work. They can be disruptive to relationships and work, leading to serious problems with finances or a driver's license, and can even cause emotional distress for the person. It's normal to struggle with concentration or being organized from time to the time, but if it becomes an ongoing issue that affects daily functioning, a health professional may be able to determine ADHD.
To be able to diagnose someone with ADHD A health care professional must evaluate the person in at least two different environments, such as the workplace, school, and social situations. The health care professional must observe the person for at least six month and determine if the symptoms are affecting their ability to function. The symptoms also must 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 have a difficult time waiting for their turn and frequently interrupt or intrude on others.
Children with the inattentive type of ADHD are incapable of sitting or waiting quietly and have trouble following instructions or staying on task. They tend to be distracted or snoozing. They are more likely to be missed and omit opportunities to learn, particularly in elementary schools which could prepare for failure later on 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 wait their turn or sitting still. They also have trouble controlling their emotions.
It's a relief to receive a diagnosis of ADHD but it's not always an easy process. People might be embarrassed, but they need to be honest in order that they can get the help they're entitled to. For many, a diagnosis may be the first time they've realised that their struggles have a name. This understanding will help them alter their perspective of themselves, leading to positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms can manifest at different times in children and adults. For kids, they typically begin in elementary school, but for adults it's a little later. The signs could 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 an anxiety disorder or depression.
If your child or teen is showing symptoms of ADHD, the first step is to speak with your doctor. They will do physical examinations, including vision and hearing, to make sure there's nothing other than ADHD. They will ask you and your child to complete an inventory of their symptoms. They will also ask what the effects of their symptoms are on their school and home life. They'll also want you to tell them about any problems that you have had previously.
For adults, a healthcare provider who is qualified to diagnose ADHD will use behavioral interviews and clinical scales or symptom checklists to determine whether they meet the requirements for diagnosis. They may 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 specific brain regions that regulate your attention and your impulsivity.
They will also examine your medical records to determine if there are any other mental disorders or injuries, like thyroid or head trauma that can cause similar symptoms. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for a thorough evaluation.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have a minimum of six or more signs that began in childhood or prior to age 12. The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and be causing serious difficulties in your daily life. Adults must meet an upper threshold for diagnosis, but the criteria are the same: You must be suffering from at least five symptoms that interfere with your work, social and family life.
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to improve symptoms and restore functioning at school, home and at work. There are many treatments available, including medications and behavior therapy. Some people find success by making lifestyle changes like using an organizer, a notebook and scheduling their tasks in advance. Some people may benefit from treatments for learning disabilities such as metacognitive therapy, which aids them in improving their problem-solving abilities and organizational skills or cognitive behavioral treatment which targets thinking distortions which can cause depression and low self-esteem.
Specially trained health care professionals will provide the best treatment plan based on the patient's particular situation. They will examine the person's symptoms, and when they are an adult, also their school and childhood experiences. They will use clinical interviews, behavior ratings scales and symptoms checklists to determine if the person meets the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They may also inquire about the family history of mental illnesses and physical conditions. They will inquire about the person's moods, behavior and changes over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the presence of six or more signs that start before age 12 and can cause problems in two or more environments (home, school and social situations). The symptoms are expected to be present for at least six months. In addition the symptoms must be more severe than one would expect for a person at that age.
A medical exam is usually carried out to confirm that the person doesn't have any other health issues. Doctors will examine the person's symptoms and medical and mental background and may recommend an eye exam or hearing test. Certain people suffering from ADHD are genetically predisposed to develop the condition. If the person has a parent or sibling with ADHD, they have about a 91% chance of developing the disorder for themselves. It is also common to have a comorbid mood anxiety disorder in conjunction with ADHD. These disorders are more difficult to treat than ADHD by itself.
adhd diagnosis in adult is a list of preventions.
Many things, including certain medical conditions, as well as learning disabilities, can trigger symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. It is therefore important to consult a health care provider or mental health professional for an evaluation before making an assessment. The doctor will inquire about your child's issues and how they impact their daily life. They could use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child has ADHD. They can also conduct an examination of the body and test for hearing or vision problems. They may also request an EEG brain scan which analyzes beta and theta waves to check on changes in your child’s brain function.
To be able to diagnose a child with ADHD the child must exhibit several symptoms that are significantly more than the norm for their age or development level. The signs of inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity have to cause serious problems at home, at school or work. The symptoms should also hinder your child's social interactions. If your child exhibits moderate or severe ADHD symptoms they will require treatment with medication to live an ordinary life.
Children suffering from ADHD can find it difficult to follow directions and remain on task and can result in poor grades and low self-esteem. They may also have issues in social relationships because they are unable to read social signals. They frequently interrupt others and appear aggressive or abrasive. They are susceptible to depression, anxiety as well as substance abuse and relationship issues.
Mild ADHD is characterized by symptoms that are apparent but do not interfere in daily life. They can make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. Those with moderate to severe ADHD will exhibit more symptoms, and they are more likely than others to have problems at work, including problems with keeping a job or interacting with coworkers.
Patients who do not receive treatment can face grave consequences, such as health issues, financial problems and legal issues. There are a variety of treatments for ADHD. These include behavioral therapy, psychosocial interventions including nutrition and diet, exercise, sleep improvement, and even medications. NIMH offers more information on these options and how you can talk with your family members about them.