Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't get diagnosed until their symptoms create major difficulties at school, at work or at home. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) is used by health care providers to diagnose mental disorders.
A complete evaluation will include ADHD symptom checklists and standardized behavior rating scales. Health professionals inquire about the family history and examine the school records from the past.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD can impact the way a person lives at school, home, or at work. They can cause issues in relationships and careers, financial issues and even a driver's licence. They can also trigger emotional distress. It's normal for people to struggle with concentration or staying organized from time moment but if it develops into an ongoing issue that interferes with everyday functioning, a health care specialist may be able identify ADHD.
To determine if someone is diagnosed with ADHD the health professional must assess the person in at minimum two different settings, including at home, school or work and social settings. The health professional must be observing the person for at least six months and determine if the symptoms are affecting 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 are often unable to wait for their turn, and frequently interrupt or intrude on others.
Children with the inattentive type of ADHD are not able to sit or stand quietly and have trouble following instructions or staying on track. They tend to be distracted or snoozing. They're more prone to being left out and miss 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 are unable to sit or waiting for their turn, blurting out answers before questions are complete, and have trouble controlling their emotions.
It can be a relief to receive the diagnosis of ADHD however, it's not always an easy process. It's okay to feel embarrassed. But honesty is the best approach. For many, a diagnosis may be the first time they've realized their struggles have a name. This knowledge will help them alter the way they view themselves, which can lead to positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms can manifest at different time points in adults and children. For children, symptoms typically begin in the first grade. For adults, it's a bit later. The signs can be mild, medium 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.
Talk to your doctor when your child or teen is showing indications of ADHD. They will conduct a physical examination, including vision and audio to ensure that there is nothing else wrong. You and your child will be asked to complete the list of symptoms. They'll want to know how the symptoms have affected their home and school lives. They will also want to know about any problems that you have had previously.
For adults, a healthcare professional who is qualified to diagnose ADHD will use clinical interviews and behavior rating scales or checklists of symptoms to determine if they meet the criteria for diagnosis. They may also conduct psychological tests to gauge your cognitive abilities and learn how you process information and think. They can also conduct a brain scan with the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) A tool that measures the activity in specific brain regions that regulate your attention and your impulsivity.
They will also review your medical records to determine whether there are any other mental health issues or injuries, for example thyroid issues or head trauma that can cause similar symptoms. adhd diagnostic may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct a thorough assessment.
To get a diagnosis of ADHD, you must have a minimum of six or more symptoms 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 must have a lower threshold to be diagnosed, but the same criteria apply: You must have a minimum of five or more symptoms and these must interfere with your work, home and social life.
Treatment
Treatment is designed to reduce symptoms and improve functioning at work, home and school. There are a myriad of treatments available, including medication and therapy for behavior. Some people experience satisfaction by making lifestyle changes like using an organizer, a notebook and scheduling their tasks ahead of time. Others might benefit from specific learning disabilities therapies, such as metacognitive therapy that helps them develop their organizational skills and problem-solving abilities or cognitive behavioral therapy to correct the distortions in thinking that can cause negative moods and low self-esteem.
Health professionals who have been specially trained in diagnosing ADHD can recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for a patient's situation. They will look at the person's current symptoms and, when they are an adult, their previous behaviour and schooling experiences. They will employ clinical interviews, behavior ratings scales and symptoms checklists to determine if the person is in compliance with the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They may also ask about the family history of mental illness and physical illnesses. They'll ask the person or their parents as well as teachers about their moods and behavior and how they've changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is made upon six or more symptoms, which begin before 12 years of age and cause difficulties in at minimum two settings (at home, school or social situations). The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. The symptoms must also be more severe than is normal for someone of this age.
There aren't any brain scans or blood tests to diagnose ADHD however medical checks are usually carried out to ensure there's nothing else wrong with the person. Doctors will examine the person's medical and psychiatric history and examine their symptoms. They may also recommend an hearing or eye test. Some people with ADHD have a genetic predisposition to develop the condition. If a person has a parent or sibling with ADHD, they have about 91% chance of developing the disorder for themselves. It is also common to suffer from a comorbid mood disorder or anxiety disorder with ADHD. These disorders are more difficult to treat than ADHD by itself.
The following is a list of preventions.
Many things, including medical conditions and some types of learning disabilities could cause similar symptoms as those of ADHD. It is essential to talk to an expert in mental health or a health care professional for an assessment prior to determining an assessment. The person you see will inquire about your child's issues and how they impact their daily life. They can also utilize ratings scales or a checklist to help determine if your child suffers from ADHD. They could also conduct an examination of the body and test for hearing or vision issues. They may also request a brain scan, also known as an EEG, which measures theta and beta waves to check for changes in the brain function of your child.
Children diagnosed with ADHD must show symptoms that are significantly greater than normal for their age and development level. The symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity must cause significant problems at school, at home or at work. The symptoms also need to affect your child's social interactions. If your child suffers from severe or moderate ADHD they will require medication to live a normal life.
Children suffering from ADHD may have trouble following directions and staying focused. This can result in poor grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also have difficulty with social interactions as they struggle to discern social cues and often interrupt others or appear aggressive or intense. adhd diagnostic are at a high risk for depression, anxiety and alcohol abuse.
People who suffer from mild ADHD have symptoms that are noticeable but do not affect 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 problems with work, for example, having difficulty retaining a job, getting along with colleagues or maintaining relationships.
People who don't receive treatment can face serious consequences, including health issues, financial problems and legal issues. There are many treatments for ADHD, including psychosocial therapy and behavioral therapy such as diet and nutrition, exercise sleeping improvements, and medication. NIMH provides more details about these options and ways to discuss them with your family members.