Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't receive diagnosis until their symptoms cause 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 professionals to diagnose mental disorders.
A full evaluation includes ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized behavior rating scales. Health care professionals also inquire about family history and go through old school records.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can impact the daily routine of a person regardless of whether at school, home or work. They can disrupt relationships and careers, leading to serious financial problems or a driver's license and even create emotional distress for the person. It's normal for people to experience difficulties concentrating or staying organised at times. However when the issue gets more severe and affects everyday functioning, a medical provider may be able diagnose ADHD.
To determine if someone is diagnosed with ADHD, a healthcare professional must examine the patient in at least two different environments, such as at home, school or work and social situations. They need to observe the person in these settings for at least six months, and they must determine that the symptoms are significantly impairing their ability to function. The symptoms should 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 are usually not able to wait for their turn, and they interrupt or intrude upon others.
Children with inattentive ADHD have trouble following directions and staying focused or sitting down. They tend to be distracted or forgetful, and are easily distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be overlooked, and miss out on learning opportunities, especially in the elementary school setting which could set for them to fail 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 a difficult time waiting for their turn or staying still. They also have trouble controlling their emotions.
It's it's a relief to get a diagnosis of ADHD, but it is not always simple. Some people may be embarrassed, but they need to be honest so that they can receive the assistance they deserve. A diagnosis might be the first time that people realize that their issues have a label. This understanding can help them change their perspective of themselves, resulting in positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it concerns ADHD symptoms can manifest at different times for children and adults. For children, symptoms typically begin in the middle of elementary school. For adults, it is a bit later. Symptoms can 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 misdiagnosed. It could be a sign of autism or a mood disorder like depression or anxiety.
Consult your doctor If your child or teenager is showing indications of ADHD. They will perform a physical examination, including audio and vision to make sure that there is no other issue. You and your child will be asked to complete an inventory of symptoms. They'll be interested in knowing how the symptoms have affected their home and school life. They will also want to hear about any past problems they've had.
For adults, a medical professional who is qualified to diagnose ADHD will conduct clinical interviews and behavior rating scales or symptom checklists to determine whether they meet the requirements for diagnosis. Psychological tests can be used to evaluate your cognitive abilities, and how you think and process information. They could also conduct a brain scan with the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) A tool that measures the activity of specific brain regions that control your attention and the impulsivity.
They will also examine your medical records to see if there are any other mental conditions or injuries, like thyroid issues or head trauma that could cause similar symptoms. They may refer you for thorough evaluation by a psychologist or psychiatrist.
You must have at least six symptoms which began in childhood or before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present for at least six months and cause significant difficulties with your daily functioning. Adults must have a lower threshold to be diagnosed, however the same requirements apply: You must have a minimum of five or more symptoms, and they must affect your work, home and social life.
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to reduce symptoms and improve functioning at home, school and work. There are many treatment options including treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Some people find satisfaction by making lifestyle changes, such as using an organizer, a notebook, and scheduling tasks in advance. Other people may benefit from specific learning disability treatments, like metacognitive therapy that helps to improve their organizational skills and problem-solving abilities, or cognitive behavioral therapy to address the distortions in thinking which can lead to low moods and low self-esteem.
Specially trained health care professionals can offer the best treatment program based on a patient's specific situation. They will look at the person's current symptoms and, if an adult, their previous behaviors and school experiences. They will employ interviews with a psychologist, behavior rating scales and checklists of symptoms to determine if the person is in compliance with the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They may also take the family history of mental health issues and physical illnesses. They'll ask the person or their parents as well as teachers about their moods, behaviors and attitudes and about how they've changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is made by analyzing six or more symptoms which start before 12 years of age and create problems in at minimum two settings (at school, at home, or in social situations). The symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months. The symptoms should also be more severe than is normal for a person of the same age.
There are no brain scans or blood tests to diagnose ADHD, but a medical checkup usually is performed to ensure that there's nothing else wrong with the individual. Doctors will examine the person's medical and psychiatric records and review their symptoms. They may also suggest an hearing or eye test. Certain people suffering from ADHD are genetically predisposed to the condition. If a person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD, they have about a 91% chance of developing the disorder themselves. It is also common to have a comorbid mood or anxiety disorder with ADHD. These disorders are more difficult to treat than ADHD alone.
Prevention
Many things, such as certain medical conditions and learning disabilities, can cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. It's important to consult an expert in mental health or a health care professional for an assessment prior to making the diagnosis. The person you see will ask your child about their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They can also use rating scales or a checklist to help determine if your child suffers from ADHD. They could also perform an examination and test for hearing or vision problems. They may also request a brain scan called an EEG that measures theta and beta waves to determine if there are any changes in your child's brain's function.
To be able to diagnose a child with ADHD the child must exhibit numerous symptoms that are significantly more than the norm for their age or development level. Inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity must cause serious problems at school, home, or work. The symptoms should also affect your child's ability to interact with other people. If your child is suffering from moderate or severe ADHD symptoms they will require treatment with medication to live the normal life.
Children suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to follow instructions and stay on task and can result in low self-esteem and poor grades. They may also have difficulties with social interactions as they struggle to discern social cues and often interrupt others or come off as aggressive or intense. They are susceptible to anxiety, depression, substance misuse, and issues with relationships.
Mild ADHD is defined by symptoms that are evident but do not hinder daily life. They can which makes it difficult to maintain relationships or work. Those with moderate or severe ADHD are more prone to symptoms and are more likely to experience issues with their jobs, like having difficulty retaining jobs, interacting with colleagues, or maintaining relationships.
If adhd diagnosed don't seek treatment, you can face serious consequences, including health issues, financial troubles, and legal issues. There are many treatments for ADHD. These include behavioral therapy, psychosocial interventions, nutrition and diet, exercise, sleep improvement, and medication. NIMH provides more details about these options and how you can discuss these options with your family.