Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't receive diagnosis until their symptoms cause major problems at work, school or at home. Health care professionals adhere to 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 lists and standardized behavior ratings scales. Health care professionals will inquire about the family's history, and look at old school records.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can affect the daily routine of a person, whether it is at home, school or work. They can be disruptive to relationships and career, lead to financial issues or driving licenses, and even create emotional distress for the person. It's common for people to have difficulty in concentrating or staying organized from time to time. However, if the problem gets more severe and affects everyday functioning, a medical provider may be able diagnose ADHD.
A health professional must assess the person in two distinct environments, such as at home and in school, as well as in social and workplace situations. The health care professional must observe the person for at least six months and determine whether the symptoms are impacting their ability to perform. 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 have a difficult time waiting for their turn, and frequently interrupt or intrude on others.
Children with inattention ADHD have trouble following directions and staying focused or sat down. They are often wandering off or distracted. They are more likely to be missed, and miss out on learning opportunities, particularly in elementary schools which could set 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 the questions are completed, and have difficulty managing their emotions.
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD can be a great relief but it's also not always easy to accept. People might be embarrassed, but they must to be honest so they receive the help they need. A diagnosis may be the first time that someone realizes that their struggles are ascribed to. This knowledge can allow them to change the way they view themselves, leading to positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it concerns ADHD symptoms can manifest at different times in children and adults. For children, they usually begin in the middle of elementary school, however for adults it's a little later. The signs may be mild, moderate 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 can be misdiagnosed as autism or an anxiety disorder or depression.
Speak to your doctor when your child or teen shows symptoms of ADHD. They will perform an examination of the body, including vision and audio to ensure that there is no other issue. They will ask you and your child to fill out an inventory of their symptoms. They'll be interested in knowing how the symptoms have affected their family and school lives. They'll also ask you to share with them any problems that you have had previously.
For adults, a medical professional who is qualified to diagnose ADHD will use behavioral interviews and clinical scales or symptom checklists to determine whether they meet the criteria for diagnosis. Psychological tests may be used to evaluate your cognitive abilities and how you process information and think. They may also perform an examination of your brain using the Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid, which is FDA-approved (NEBA) which measures the activity of certain areas of your brain that control attention and the ability to be impulsive.
They will also review your medical records to determine whether there are any other mental health issues or injuries, such as thyroid or head trauma that can cause similar symptoms. They may refer you for an extensive evaluation with a psychologist or psychiatrist.
To be able to receive a diagnosis of ADHD it is necessary to have a minimum of six or more signs that started in childhood, or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms must last at minimum six months and cause significant problems with your daily functioning. Adults need to meet the lower threshold for diagnosis, but the criteria are the same: You must have at least five symptoms that interfere with your work, social and family life.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to improve symptoms and improve functioning at home, school and work. There are a range of treatments available, including treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Some people have satisfaction by making lifestyle changes such as using planners, notebooks, and scheduling tasks in advance. Others may benefit from specific learning disability treatments, such as metacognitive training that helps them improve their abilities to manage their time and problem solving, or cognitive behavioral therapy to correct thinking distortions that can cause negative moods and low self-esteem.
Health care professionals who are specifically trained to diagnose ADHD can suggest the most effective treatment plan for a patient's situation. They will assess the patient's current symptoms, and in the case of an adult, their childhood behaviors and school experiences. They will use interviews with a psychologist, behavior rating scales and checklists of symptoms to determine if the person meets diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They may also take a family history of mental health issues as well as physical illnesses. They will inquire about the person's moods and behaviors and how they've changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the presence of more than six symptoms that start before age 12 and can cause problems in two or more environments (home school, at home and social situations). The symptoms must be present for at least six months. The symptoms must be more severe than expected for a person of the same age.
A medical exam is usually done to ensure that the person isn't suffering from any other health issues. Doctors will look over the patient's medical and psychiatric history and review their symptoms. They may also recommend an eye or hearing test. Certain people suffering from ADHD are genetically predisposed to this condition. If the person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD they are at risk of having 91% chance of developing the disorder themselves. ADHD is often accompanied by anxiety or mood disorder. These disorders are more difficult to treat than ADHD alone.
The following is a list of preventatives.
Many things, like certain medical conditions or learning disabilities, can trigger symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. Therefore, it's essential to visit your health care provider or mental health professional for an evaluation before making an assessment. The professional will inquire with your child about their symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They may also utilize rating scales or a checklist to help decide if your child has ADHD. They may also perform an examination of the body and test for visual or hearing issues. They can also request a brain scan called an EEG, which analyzes beta and theta waves to check for changes in the brain function of your child.
For children to be diagnosed with ADHD, they must have numerous symptoms that are more prominent than the norm for their age or development level. The symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity should cause a significant problem at home, at school or at work. The symptoms must also affect your child's ability to interact with other people. If your child has moderate or severe ADHD symptoms and needs treatment, they'll need to be treated with medication to live a normal life.
click hyperlink suffering from ADHD may have trouble following directions and staying on task. This can lead to low grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also struggle with social interactions because they struggle to discern social cues and frequently interrupt others or appear aggressive or intense. They are susceptible to anxiety, depression as well as substance abuse and issues with relationships.
People who have mild ADHD have symptoms that are evident but they do not hinder their lives or make it difficult to work or maintain relationships. The people with moderate or severe ADHD will have more symptoms, and are more likely than other people to have issues at work, including difficulties keeping a job or getting along with colleagues.
Patients who do not receive treatment can face grave consequences, including financial difficulties, health problems and legal issues. There are a variety of treatments available for ADHD, including psychosocial and behavioral therapy including diet and nutrition, exercise, medication for sleep, and other treatments. NIMH has more information on these options and how you can talk with your family members about them.