Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are usually not diagnosed until they experience major problems at work, home or at school. Health care professionals adhere to the diagnostic criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A thorough evaluation will include ADHD symptom lists and standardized scales for assessing behavior. Health care professionals ask about the family history and examine old school records.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can impact a person's daily life regardless of whether they are at school, home or at work. They can be disruptive to relationships and work, leading to financial issues or driving licenses, and can even cause emotional distress for the person. It's common for people to struggle concentrating or staying organised from time to time. However when the issue becomes chronic and interferes with the daily activities, a healthcare professional may be able to diagnose ADHD.
To be able to diagnose someone with ADHD A healthcare professional must examine the person in at least two different environments, such as at home, school or work and social settings. The health care professional has to observe the person for at least six months and determine whether the symptoms are impacting their ability to function. The symptoms must also 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 unable to wait their turn, and they interrupt or disturb others.
Children with inattentive ADHD are unable to follow instructions, staying on task or sitting down. They are usually distracted by their thoughts, forgetful or easily distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be left out and miss opportunities to learn, particularly in elementary school, which can set them up for failure later on 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 are unable to sit or waiting for their turn, blurting out answers before the questions are complete, and have trouble controlling their emotions.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief but it's also not always easy to process. People may feel ashamed, but they have to be honest so that they receive the help they need. A diagnosis may be the first time people realize that their issues have a name. This understanding will help them alter their perception of themselves, which can lead to positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms appear at different times in children and adults. For children, they usually begin in elementary school, but for adults, it's later. The symptoms 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 is not properly diagnosed. It could be autism or a mood disorder like depression or anxiety.
If your child or teen is showing symptoms of ADHD, the first step is to consult your doctor. They will do an examination of the body that includes hearing and vision to ensure there isn't something else going on. Your child and you will be asked to complete the list of symptoms. They'll be interested in knowing how the symptoms have impacted their home and school lives. They'll also want to know about any problems that you have had previously.
Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD by a medical professional qualified to do so. They may conduct clinical interviews, use behavior rating scales or symptoms checklists. They could also conduct psychological tests to assess your cognitive abilities and learn how you think and process information. They may also perform a brain scan with the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) A tool that measures brain activity in certain parts of the brain that regulate your attention and your impulsivity.
Additionally, they'll look at your medical history to determine whether you've suffered from any other mental health conditions or injuries, such as head trauma or thyroid conditions that could cause similar symptoms. They may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for a thorough evaluation.
You must be suffering from at least six symptoms which began in your childhood or before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and be causing serious 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 a minimum of five or more symptoms, and they must affect your work, home and social life.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and restore functioning at home, school and work. There are many treatment options including medication and behavior therapy. Some people find success through lifestyle changes like using an organizer, a notebook, and scheduling tasks in advance. Others may benefit from specific learning disabilities treatments, like metacognitive training to help to improve their organizational skills and problem-solving abilities as well as cognitive behavioral therapy to correct cognitive distortions that can cause negative moods and low self-esteem.
Health professionals who are specially trained will provide the best treatment plan based on the patient's specific situation. They will assess the patient's current symptoms, and when they are an adult, their previous behaviors and school experiences. They will employ clinical interviewing, behavior rating scales, and symptom checklists in order to determine if the person meets ADHD diagnostic criteria. diagnosis for adhd in adults can also look up a family history of mental health problems and physical ailments. They'll ask the individual as well as their parents and teachers about their moods and behavior and how they've changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is made by analyzing six or more symptoms which start before the age of 12 and cause problems in at minimum two settings (at home, school or social situations). The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. The symptoms must be more severe than expected for a person of the same age.
A medical checkup is typically performed to make sure that the patient isn't suffering from any other health issues. Doctors will review the person's symptoms and medical and mental history and may recommend an eye exam or a hearing test. Certain people suffering from ADHD are genetically predisposed to the condition. Someone who has a parent or sibling with ADHD has a 91% chance to develop the disorder. ADHD is often associated with a anxiety or mood disorder. These disorders are more difficult to treat than ADHD on its own.
Prevention
Many things, including some medical conditions and some kinds of learning disabilities could cause similar symptoms as those of ADHD. Therefore, it's essential to visit a health care provider or a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation before making the diagnosis. The professional will inquire with your child about their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They can also utilize rating scales or a checklist to decide if your child has ADHD. They could also conduct an examination and test for hearing or visual problems. They may also order an EEG brain scan, which analyzes beta and theta waves to check on changes in your child's brain function.
Children who are diagnosed with ADHD have symptoms that are significantly more than the norm for their age and developmental level. Hyperactivity, inattention, and/or impulsivity can cause significant issues at home, school or at work. The symptoms should also hinder your child's social interactions. If your child exhibits moderate or severe ADHD symptoms, they will need treatment with medication in order to live a normal life.
Children suffering from ADHD are often unable to follow directions and stay on task and can result in low self-esteem and grades. They may also have difficulty in social relationships because they are unable to recognize social cues. They frequently interrupt others and can appear aggressive or intense. They are at a high risk for depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
Mild ADHD is characterized by symptoms that are evident but do not interfere in everyday life. It can which makes it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People with moderate to severe ADHD will have more symptoms, and are more likely than others to have problems at work, including difficulty keeping a job, or getting along with colleagues.
If they do not seek treatment may suffer serious consequences. These include financial problems and health issues, as well as legal issues. There are many treatments for ADHD. These include psychosocial interventions as well as nutrition and diet exercise, sleep improvement and even medications. NIMH provides more information about these options and how you can talk with your family members about them.