Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't receive diagnosis until their symptoms cause major issues at school, work or at home. Health care providers follow the diagnostic criteria set out in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A complete evaluation includes ADHD symptoms and standardized behavior ratings scales. Health professionals inquire about the family's history and examine old school records.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can affect a person's daily life, whether it is at school, home or work. They can disrupt relationships and career, lead to serious problems with finances or driving licenses, and can even cause emotional distress for the person. It's normal for people to struggle with concentration or staying organized from time to the time but if it develops into an ongoing problem that affects daily functioning, a health care professional may be able to determine ADHD.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD A healthcare professional must examine the person in at minimum two different environments, such as home and school or workplace and social settings. adhd diagnosed must observe the person in these settings for at least six months and must see that the symptoms are impairing their ability to perform. The symptoms must have started before 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 have difficulty waiting for their turn and often interfere with others or interrupt them.
Children who suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD are incapable of sitting or waiting at a comfortable pace and have difficulty following instructions or staying focused. They're usually daydreaming, forgetful or easily distracted by their surroundings. They're more prone to being overlooked and miss out on opportunities for learning, especially in the early years of 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 wait their turn or sitting still. They also have trouble controlling their emotions.
It's it's a relief to get a diagnosis of ADHD but it's not always an easy process. People may feel embarrassed, but they must to be honest so that they can get the help they need. A diagnosis may be the first time that someone realizes that their struggles have a label. This knowledge can help them change their perception of themselves, resulting in positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms appear at different times in both adults and children. In children, the symptoms usually begin in the first grade. For adults, it's slightly 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 not properly diagnosed. It could be related to autism or a mood disorder such as depression or anxiety.
If your child or teen is showing indications of ADHD The first step is to talk to 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 complete an inventory of their symptoms. They will ask how the symptoms have affected their school and home life. They'll also want learn about any previous issues they've had.
Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD by a doctor qualified to do so. They may conduct clinical interviews, use behavior rating scales or symptoms checklists. They could also conduct psychological tests to measure your cognitive abilities and learn how you process information and think. They can also conduct an examination of the brain using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which is a device that measures the activity in specific brain regions that regulate your attention and your impulsivity.
In addition, they will examine your medical history to determine whether you've suffered from any other mental health issues or injuries, such as head trauma or thyroid issues that could cause similar symptoms. They might refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct a thorough assessment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD you must exhibit a minimum of six or more symptoms that began in childhood or before age 12. The symptoms have to 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 criteria apply: You must have at least five or more symptoms, and these should affect your work, home and social life.
Treatment
Treatment aims to ease symptoms and restore function at home, work and at school. There are a range of treatment options, including medications and behavior therapy. Some people also have satisfaction with lifestyle changes, for example, setting up a routine that is consistent, using a planner or notebook, and scheduling tasks prior to time. Others might benefit from specific learning disabilities treatments, like metacognitive therapy that helps them improve their ability to organize their lives and solve problems or cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with cognitive distortions that can lead to negative moods and low self-esteem.
Professionals with specialized training in health care can offer the best treatment plan based on a person's specific situation. They will look at the symptoms of the patient, and in the case of an adult, they will also consider their childhood and school experiences. They will employ clinical interviewing, behavior rating scales, and symptom checklists to determine if a person has the ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also conduct a family history of mental health problems and physical illnesses. They'll ask the person as well as their parents and teachers about their moods, behaviors and attitudes and about how they've changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is based on six or more signs, that begin before 12 years of age and create problems in at least two settings (at school, at home or in social situations). The symptoms must be present for at least six months. The symptoms must also be more severe than is normal for someone that age.
A medical exam is usually carried out to confirm that the person does not have any other health issues. Doctors will review the person's symptoms, as well as their medical and psychiatric history, and may suggest an eye exam or hearing test. Some people who suffer from ADHD are genetically predisposed to develop the disorder. If a person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD they are at risk of having 91% of the chance of developing the disorder themselves. It's also normal to have a comorbid mood anxiety disorder in conjunction with ADHD. These disorders are more difficult to treat than ADHD on its own.
The following is a list of preventions.
Many things, including medical conditions and some kinds of learning disabilities can trigger similar symptoms to those of ADHD. It is therefore important to consult a health care provider or a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation prior to determining an assessment. This person will ask your child about their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They may use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child is ADHD. They could also perform a physical exam and test for problems with vision or hearing. They may also request an EEG brain scan, which evaluates beta and theta wave activity to determine changes in your child’s brain function.
To be able to diagnose a child with ADHD, they must have several symptoms that are more prominent than normal for their age or developmental level. The symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity should cause a significant problem at home, school or work. The symptoms should also affect your child's social interactions. If your child exhibits moderate or severe ADHD symptoms they will require treatment with medication in order to live the normal life.
Children with ADHD may have difficulty following directions and staying on task. This can result in low grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also have difficulty with social interactions, since they aren't able to discern social signals. They are often disruptive to others and appear violent or intense. They are at risk of developing anxiety, depression and addiction to drugs.
Mild ADHD is defined by symptoms that are evident but do not affect everyday life. It can make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. The people with moderate or severe ADHD will exhibit more symptoms, and they are more likely than others to have issues at work, like problems with keeping a job or getting along with colleagues.
If you don't seek treatment, you can face grave consequences, including health issues, financial problems, and legal issues. There are a variety of treatments for ADHD. These include psychosocial interventions as well as nutrition and diet exercise, sleep improvement and medications. NIMH provides more details about these options and how you can discuss them with your family members.