Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are often not diagnosed until they are experiencing major problems at home, work or at school. Health care providers follow the diagnostic criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A thorough assessment includes ADHD symptom lists and standardized scales for assessing behavior. Health care professionals also ask about family history and go through old school records.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can have a negative impact on the daily routine of a person, whether it is at school, home or work. They can cause problems in relationships and careers, financial issues or even a driver's permit. They can also lead to emotional stress. It's common for people to experience difficulties in concentrating or staying organized from time to time. However when the issue becomes chronic and interferes with daily functioning, a healthcare professional may be able to diagnose ADHD.
A health care professional must assess the person in two different settings, including at home and in school, or in workplace and social situations. They should observe the person in these environments for at least six months and must see that the symptoms are impairing their ability to perform. The symptoms must also be present prior to the age of 12 years old. 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 often are unable to wait their turn and often interrupt or interfere with other children.
Children with the inattentive type of ADHD are incapable of sitting or waiting at a comfortable pace and have difficulty following instructions or staying on task. They are usually distracted by their thoughts, forgetful or easily distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be ignored, and miss out on learning opportunities, particularly in the elementary school setting, which can set up 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 have a difficult time waiting for their turn or staying still. They also have difficulty controlling their emotions.
It is it's a relief to get an diagnosis of ADHD but it's not always an easy process. People might be embarrassed, but they need to be honest so that they can receive the assistance they deserve. A diagnosis could be the first time that people realize that their issues have a label. This understanding will help them alter the way they view themselves, which can lead to positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it comes to ADHD, symptoms show up at different times for children and adults. In children, symptoms usually begin in the middle of elementary school. For adults, it's slightly later. The 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 some cases the condition is not properly diagnosed. It could be autism or a mood disorders like anxiety or depression.
If your child or teenager shows signs of ADHD The first step is to consult your doctor. They will perform a physical examination, including vision and audio to ensure that there is nothing else wrong. They will ask you and your child to complete a checklist of their symptoms. They will inquire about how the symptoms have affected their school and personal life. They'll also want you to tell them about any previous issues.
diagnosis for adhd can be diagnosed with ADHD by a doctor qualified to do so. They will conduct clinical interviews, use scales for assessing behavior or symptom checklists. They could also conduct psychological tests to assess your cognitive abilities and learn how you process information and think. They might also do an examination of your brain using the Neuropsychiatric EEG Assessment Aid (NEBA) that is FDA-approved. (NEBA) which analyzes the activity of specific areas of your brain that regulate the ability to focus and impulsivity.
They will also examine your medical records to determine whether there are any other mental health issues or injuries, like thyroid or head trauma that can cause similar symptoms. They may refer you for a thorough evaluation to psychiatrists or psychologists.
You must have at least six symptoms which began in childhood or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms should have been present for at least 6 months and be causing significant problems with your daily functioning. Adults must have a lower threshold to be diagnosed, however the same criteria apply: You must have at least five or more symptoms and these must interfere with your work, home and social life.
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to reduce symptoms and restore functioning at home, school and work. There are many different treatment options, such as medication and behavioral therapy. Some people also have satisfaction with lifestyle changes, for example, establishing consistent routines by using a planner notebook, and scheduling tasks ahead of time. Others may benefit from specific learning disability treatments, such as metacognitive therapy that helps them improve their organizational skills and problem-solving abilities, or cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with cognitive distortions which can lead to low moods and low self-esteem.
Health professionals who are specially trained will provide the best treatment plan based on a person's specific situation. They will assess the patient's current symptoms and, in the case of an adult, their previous behaviors and school experiences. They will employ clinical interviews, behavior ratings scales and symptoms checklists to determine if the person has met the the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They can also look up an examination of a family history of mental health issues and physical illnesses. They will inquire about the person's moods, behavior and how they have changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the presence of six or more signs that begin before age 12 and cause difficulties in two or more settings (home, school and social situations). The symptoms have to be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must be more severe than what is normal for someone that age.
There are no blood tests or brain scans to determine ADHD However, a medical checkup usually is carried out to ensure there's nothing else wrong with the person. Doctors will examine the person's medical and psychiatric history and look over their symptoms. They may also suggest an hearing or eye test. Some people who suffer from ADHD have a genetic predisposition to develop the disorder. A person who has a parent or sibling with ADHD has an 85% chance of develop the disorder. ADHD is often associated with a mood or anxiety disorder. These disorders can be more difficult to manage than ADHD alone.
Prevention
Many things, including some medical conditions, as well as certain types of learning disabilities can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. It is important to speak with a mental health professional or a health professional for an assessment prior to 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 suffers from ADHD. They can also conduct physical examinations and tests for hearing or vision problems. They can also request an EEG brain scan which analyzes beta and theta waves to monitor changes in your child’s brain function.
Children who are diagnosed with ADHD have symptoms that are significantly greater than the norm for their age and development level. The signs of inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity have to cause serious problems at school, at home or work. The symptoms must also affect your child's ability to interact with other people. If your child is suffering from moderate or severe ADHD symptoms and needs treatment, they'll need to be treated with medication to lead the normal life.
Children with ADHD are often unable to follow directions and remain on task, which can lead to poor grades and low self-esteem. They may also have difficulty with social relationships, as they aren't able to discern social signals. They are often disruptive to others and come across as aggressive or abrasive. They are at a high risk of developing anxiety, depression and alcohol abuse.
People who have mild ADHD have symptoms that are noticeable but do not interfere with their daily life or make it difficult to work or maintain relationships. The people with moderate or severe ADHD will have more symptoms, and they are more likely than others to experience problems at work, such as difficulty keeping a job, or interacting with coworkers.
If they do not seek treatment may face serious consequences. These include financial problems as well as health and legal issues. There are many treatments available for ADHD, including psychosocial therapy and behavioral therapy such as diet and nutrition, exercise sleeping improvements, and medication. NIMH provides more information about these options and how to speak with your family about them.