Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't get diagnosed until their symptoms cause major difficulties at school, at work or home. Health care providers 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 will include ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized behavior rating scales. Health care professionals also inquire about family history and review old school records.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can impact the way a person lives their life regardless of whether at school, home or work. They can cause problems in relationships and careers, financial issues and even a driver's permit. They can also cause emotional anxiety. 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 interferes with everyday functioning, a health specialist may be able determine ADHD.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD A health care professional must evaluate the patient in at least two different settings, including home and school or workplace and social settings. The health care professional has to be observing the person for a minimum of six months and determine whether the symptoms are affecting their ability to perform. 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 are often unable to wait for their turn, and frequently interfere with others or interrupt them.
Children with the inattentive kind of ADHD are not able to sit or stand at a comfortable pace and have difficulty following instructions or staying focused. They are often distracted or snoozing. They are more likely to be overlooked and miss out on opportunities to learn, particularly in elementary school, which could set them up for failure later in life.
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 trouble sitting or waiting for their turn, blurt out answers before questions are completed, and have difficulty controlling their emotions.
It can be an exhilarating experience to receive the diagnosis of ADHD however, it's not always simple. Some people may be ashamed, but they have to be honest so that they can receive the assistance they're entitled to. For many, a diagnosis may be the first time they've realized that their struggles have a name. Having this understanding can change the way they see themselves, which can then be a positive influence.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms manifest at different time points in adults and children. For children, symptoms typically begin in the middle of elementary school. For adults, symptoms begin somewhat later. The signs could 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 is not properly diagnosed. It could be autism or a mood disorder such as depression or anxiety.
If your child or teenager shows indications of ADHD, the first step is to consult your doctor. They will conduct physical examinations that includes hearing and vision to make sure there isn't something other than ADHD. They will ask you and your child to fill out an inventory of the symptoms. They will want to know how the symptoms have affected their family and school life. They'll also want you to share with them any previous problems.
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a healthcare provider competent to do so. They'll utilize clinical interviews, behavior rating scales or symptom checklists. They could also conduct psychological tests to measure your cognitive abilities as well as learn how you process information and think. They might also do a brain scan using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA), which analyzes the activity of specific areas of your brain that regulate the ability to focus and impulsivity.
In addition, they will review your medical history to determine whether you've suffered from any other mental health problems or injuries such as head trauma or thyroid conditions which can trigger similar symptoms. They might refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for a thorough evaluation.
You must be suffering from six or more symptoms that began in your childhood or before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and be causing serious problems with your daily functioning. Adults have an upper threshold for diagnosis, but the criteria are the same: You must exhibit at minimum five symptoms that interfere with your social, work and personal life.
Treatment
Treatment is designed to reduce symptoms and improve functioning at work, home and school. There are many different treatments available, including the use of medication and therapy for behavior. Some people experience satisfaction by making lifestyle changes such as using an organizer, a notebook and arranging tasks ahead of time. Some people may benefit from therapies for learning disabilities like metacognitive therapy which assists them in improving their problem-solving and organizational skills or cognitive behavioral therapy which targets thinking distortions that can lead to depression and low self-esteem.
get diagnosed with adhd who have been specifically trained to diagnose ADHD can suggest the most effective treatment for a person's situation. They will assess the patient's present symptoms and, in the case of an adult, their childhood behavior and school experiences. They will conduct interviews with a psychologist, behavior rating scales and checklists of symptoms to determine if the person meets requirements for diagnosing ADHD. They may also inquire about family history of mental illness and physical ailments. They'll ask the person as well as their parents and teachers about their moods and behaviors and about how they've changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is upon six or more symptoms, which begin before 12 years of age and create issues in at least two different settings (at school, at home, or in social situations). The symptoms are expected to be present for at least six months. In addition, the symptoms must be more severe than what is expected for a person at that age.
A medical checkup is typically carried out to confirm that the patient doesn't have any other health problems. Doctors will look over the patient's medical and psychiatric records and examine their symptoms. They may also suggest an eye or hearing test. Some people who suffer from ADHD are genetically predisposed to the condition. Anyone who has a sibling or parent with ADHD has a 91% chance to develop the disorder. ADHD is often associated with a mood or anxiety disorder. These disorders are more difficult to treat than ADHD by itself.
Prevention
Many things, including some medical conditions and certain types of learning disabilities, can trigger similar symptoms to those of ADHD. It is important to speak with an expert in mental health or a health care professional for an assessment prior to making an assessment. This person will ask about the symptoms of your child and how they affect their daily lives. They can use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child is ADHD. They could also conduct an examination of the body and test for visual or hearing problems. They may also order an EEG brain scan that evaluates beta and theta wave activity to determine changes in your child's brain function.
For children to be diagnosed with ADHD the child must exhibit a number of symptoms that are significantly more than the norm for their age or development level. The signs of inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity must cause significant problems at home, school or at work. The symptoms should also affect your child's ability to interact with other children. If your child has moderate or severe ADHD symptoms they will require treatment with medication in order to live an ordinary life.
Children suffering from ADHD can find it difficult to follow directions and stay on task, which can lead to low self-esteem and grades. They may also struggle with social relationships, as they are unable to recognize social cues. They often interrupt others and appear aggressive or abrasive. They are at risk of depression, anxiety, substance misuse, and issues with relationships.
People who suffer from mild ADHD have symptoms that are evident but do not interfere with their daily lives or make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People who suffer from severe or moderate ADHD are more prone to symptoms and are more likely to have job-related problems, such as having difficulty retaining jobs, interacting with coworkers, or maintaining relationships.
Patients who do not receive treatment can face grave consequences, including health issues, financial problems, and legal issues. There are a variety of treatments for ADHD. These include psychosocial interventions including nutrition and diet, exercise, sleep improvement and medication. NIMH offers more information on these options and how you can talk with your family about these options.