Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are usually not diagnosed until they experience significant issues at home, work or at school. Health care professionals adhere to 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 will include ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standardized behavior rating scales. Health care professionals also inquire about family history and go through old school records.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD can impact the way a person lives at school, at home or at work. They can disrupt relationships and career, lead to serious problems with finances or a driver's license and can cause emotional stress for the person. It is common for people to struggle in concentrating or staying organized at times. However when the issue becomes chronic and interferes with the daily activities, a healthcare specialist may be able to identify ADHD.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD the health professional must assess the person in at least two different environments, such as the workplace, school, and social settings. They must observe the person in these environments for at least six months and must see that the symptoms are hindering their ability to perform. The signs must also have started before 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 often unable to wait for their turn and often interrupt or intrude on others.
Children with inattention ADHD are unable to follow instructions, staying on task or sitting down. They tend to be distracted, forgetful or easily distracted by their surroundings. They're more prone to being left out and miss opportunities to learn, especially in elementary school, which can make them vulnerable to 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. undiagnosed adhd in adults have difficulty waiting their turn or settling down. They also have trouble managing their emotions.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a relief but it's also not always easy to accept. It's okay to feel embarrassed. However honesty is the best way to go. For some, a diagnosis will be the first time they've realized that their issues have a name. This understanding can help them change their perspective of themselves, leading to positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it comes to ADHD, symptoms show up at different times for kids and adults. For children, symptoms typically begin in the first grade. For adults, it's a bit later. The symptoms 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 certain cases, the condition may be misdiagnosed as autistic or a mood disorder such as anxiety or depression.
Speak to your doctor when your child or teen is showing signs of ADHD. They will perform an examination that includes audio and vision to make sure that there is no other issue. They will ask you and your child to fill out a checklist of their symptoms. They'll be interested in knowing how the symptoms have affected their family and school lives. They'll also ask you to tell them about any previous issues.
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a medical professional competent to do so. They may utilize clinical interviews, behavior rating scales or symptom checklists. They could also conduct psychological tests to gauge your cognitive abilities and learn how you think and process information. They can 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 impulsivity.
They will also examine your medical records to see whether there are any other mental health issues or injuries, for example thyroid issues or head trauma which can trigger similar symptoms. They may refer you to thorough evaluation by psychiatrists or psychologists.
To be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to have a minimum of six or more symptoms that began in your childhood or prior to age 12. The symptoms must be present for at least six months and cause significant difficulties with your daily functioning. Adults need to meet an upper threshold for diagnosis, however the criteria are the same: You must exhibit at least five symptoms that interfere with your work, social and family life.
Treatment
Treatment aims to ease symptoms and restore functioning at work, home and school. There are a myriad of treatment options, including the use of medication and therapy for behavior. Some people have success through lifestyle changes such as using planners, notebooks and scheduling their tasks ahead of time. Other people may benefit from specific learning disability treatments, such as metacognitive training that helps them develop their ability to organize their lives and solve problems or cognitive behavioral therapy to correct cognitive distortions that can cause negative moods and low self-esteem.
Professionals with specialized training in health care will provide the best treatment program based on a patient's particular situation. They will evaluate the symptoms of the patient, and if they are an adult, they will also consider their school and childhood experiences. They will use clinical interviewing, scales for assessing behavior, and symptom checklists in order to determine if the person has the ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also inquire about family history of mental illness and physical conditions. They'll ask the person as well as their parents and teachers about their moods and behavior and how they've changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the presence of six or more symptoms that start before the age of 12 and create difficulties in two or more environments (home school, social situations). The symptoms have to be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must be more severe than expected for someone of this age.
There are no blood tests or brain scans to determine ADHD however medical checks are usually carried out to ensure there's no other issue with the individual. Doctors will look over the patient's medical and psychiatric records and look over their symptoms. They may also suggest an hearing or eye test. Some people who suffer from ADHD are genetically predisposed to develop the condition. If the person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD they are at risk of having 91% of the chance of developing the disorder for themselves. It is also common to suffer from a comorbid mood disorder or anxiety disorder in conjunction with ADHD. These disorders are more difficult to treat than ADHD alone.
The following is a list of preventatives.
Many things, including some medical conditions and some types of learning disabilities, can trigger similar symptoms to those of ADHD. It is essential to talk to a mental health professional or health care provider for an assessment prior to determining an assessment. This person will ask about your child's symptoms and how they impact their daily life. They can use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child is ADHD. They may also perform an examination and test for visual or hearing problems. They may also order an examination of the brain, known as an EEG that analyzes beta and theta waves to determine if there are any changes in your child's brain's function.
Children who are diagnosed with ADHD should exhibit symptoms that are significantly greater than what is normal for their age and developmental level. Inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity can cause significant problems at home, school, or work. The symptoms must also affect your child's ability to interact with other children. If your child suffers from severe or moderate ADHD they will require medication in order to lead an ordinary life.
Children with ADHD may have difficulty following directions and staying on task. This can lead to low grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also struggle with social relationships because they have trouble reading social signals and are often disruptive to others or appear aggressive or abrasive. They are at risk for anxiety, depression and alcohol abuse.
Mild ADHD is manifests itself in symptoms that are evident but do not hinder daily life. They can make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. Those with moderate to severe ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms, and are more likely to have problems at work, like problems with keeping a job or getting along with colleagues.
People who don't receive treatment could face serious consequences. This could include financial problems, health issues, and legal issues. There are many treatments for ADHD. These include psychosocial interventions including nutrition and diet, exercise, sleep improvement, and medication. NIMH offers more information on these options and how to discuss the options with your family members.