Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are often not diagnosed until they experience significant issues at work, home or school. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) is used by health care professionals to diagnose mental disorders.
A thorough evaluation will include ADHD symptoms lists and standardized behavior ratings scales. Health professionals inquire about the family history and look at the school records from the past.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD can affect the way a person lives at school, at home or at work. They can cause problems in relationships and careers, financial problems, or even a driver's permit. They can also cause emotional anxiety. It's normal for people to experience difficulties concentrating or staying organised at times. However, if the problem is persistent and affects daily functioning, a healthcare specialist may be able to identify ADHD.
A health professional will need to evaluate the person in two distinct situations, like at home and in school, or in social and workplace situations. The health professional must monitor the patient for at least six month and determine whether the symptoms are impacting their ability to function. The symptoms must be present prior to the age of 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 often interrupt or interfere with others.
Children with inattentive ADHD have trouble following directions and staying focused or sat down. They're usually daydreaming or distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be ignored and miss out on learning opportunities, particularly in elementary schools which could prepare 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 are unable to sit or waiting for their turn, blurting out answers before the questions are complete, and have trouble controlling their emotions.
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD can be a relief but it's also not always easy to process. People might be embarrassed, but they must to be honest in order that they receive the help they deserve. For some, a diagnosis will be the first time they've realized their struggles have a name. Having this understanding can change the way they view themselves, which could cascade into positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms manifest at different times in both adults and children. For kids, they typically begin in elementary school, but for adults, it's later. 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 could be misdiagnosed as autism, or a mood disorder such as anxiety or depression.
If your child or teenager shows symptoms of ADHD The first step is to talk to your doctor. They will conduct an examination that includes audio and vision tests to ensure that there is nothing else wrong. They will ask you and your child to complete an inventory of the symptoms. They will want to know how the symptoms have affected their family and school lives. adhd in adults diagnosis 'll also ask you to share with them any previous problems.
For adults, a healthcare provider who is certified to diagnose ADHD will conduct clinical interviews and behavior rating scales or checklists for symptoms to determine if they meet the criteria for diagnosis. Psychological tests can be used to evaluate your cognitive abilities, as well as how you process information and think. They may also perform a brain scan with the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which is a device that measures the activity of specific brain regions that regulate your attention and impulsivity.
In addition, they will review your medical history to determine if you've had any other mental health problems or injuries like head trauma or thyroid issues which can trigger similar symptoms. They may refer you to an extensive evaluation with a psychiatrist or psychologist.
To be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to have a minimum of six or more signs that began in your childhood or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and be causing significant difficulties in your daily life. Adults need to be able to meet a lower threshold in order to be diagnosed, however the same criteria apply: You must have at least five or more symptoms, and these should affect your home, work and social life.
Treatment
Treatment is designed to reduce symptoms and restore function at home, work and school. There are a variety of treatment options, such as medication and therapy for behavior. Some people also have success through lifestyle changes, like creating a consistent routine by using a planner notebook, and scheduling tasks prior to time. Some people may benefit from treatments for learning disabilities such as metacognitive therapy, which assists them in improving their problem-solving and organizational abilities or cognitive behavioral therapy that addresses the distortions in thinking which can cause low self-esteem and negative moods.
Health care professionals who are specifically trained to diagnose ADHD can recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for a person's situation. They will assess the patient's present symptoms and, in the case of an adult, their previous behavior and school experiences. They will use clinical interviewing, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists in order to determine if a person has the ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also inquire about the family history of mental illness and physical illnesses. They will ask about the person's moods, behavior and how they've changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the presence of more than six symptoms that start before the age of 12 and can cause problems in two or more settings (home, school and social situations). The symptoms must have been present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms should also be more severe than is normal for someone of this age.
There are no brain scans or blood tests to diagnose ADHD however an exam for medical reasons is usually done to make sure there's no other issue with the person. Doctors will examine the person's symptoms and medical and psychiatric history, and may suggest an eye exam or a hearing test. Some people who suffer from ADHD are genetically predisposed to develop the disorder. Someone who has a parent or sibling with ADHD has an 85% chance of develop the disorder. It's also common to have a comorbid mood or anxiety disorder that is associated with ADHD. These disorders are more difficult to treat than ADHD on its own.
The following is a list of preventatives.
Many things, such as certain medical conditions and learning disabilities, can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. So it's important to see your health care provider or a mental health professional for an evaluation before making the diagnosis. The person you see will ask your child about their symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They can also use ratings scales or a checklist to decide if your child has ADHD. They can also conduct physical examinations and tests for vision or hearing problems. They may also request an examination of the brain, known as an EEG, which examines beta and theta waves to determine if there are any changes in your child's brain's function.
Children who are diagnosed with ADHD have symptoms that are more than normal for their age and developmental level. The signs of inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity should cause a significant problem at home, at school or at work. The symptoms should also affect your child's ability to interact with other children. If your child is suffering from moderate or severe ADHD they will require medication to lead a normal life.
Children suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to follow instructions and remain on task, which can lead to low self-esteem and grades. They may also struggle with social interactions, since they are unable to recognize social signals. They frequently interrupt others and can appear aggressive or abrasive. They are at risk for depression, anxiety, and alcohol abuse.
Mild ADHD is defined by symptoms that are evident but do not affect daily life, which makes it difficult to maintain relationships or work. The people with moderate or severe ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms, and they are more likely to have issues at work, including problems with keeping a job or getting along with colleagues.
People who don't receive treatment may face serious consequences. This could include financial problems as well as health and legal issues. There are a variety of treatments for ADHD. These include behavioral therapy, psychosocial interventions, nutrition and diet, exercise, sleep improvement, and medication. NIMH offers more information on these options and how to talk with your family members about them.