Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't get diagnosed until their symptoms cause major issues at school, work or at home. Health professionals 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 full evaluation includes ADHD symptom checklists and standardized behavior rating scales. Health professionals also inquire about family history and look over old school records.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can impact the daily routine of a person regardless of whether at home, school or work. They can cause issues in relationships and careers, financial problems and even a driver's licence. They can also trigger emotional distress. It's normal for people to have difficulty concentrating or being organized from time to the time but if it develops into a chronic problem and interferes with everyday functioning, a medical provider may be able to determine ADHD.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD the health professional must assess the person in at minimum two different settings, including the workplace, school, and social settings. They need to observe the person in these environments for a minimum of six months, and they must determine that the symptoms are significantly hindering their ability to function. The symptoms must have started before 12 years. 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 interfere with others.
Children with the inattentive kind of ADHD are incapable of sitting or waiting quietly and have trouble following instructions or staying focused. They tend to be distracted or snoozing. They are more likely to be overlooked and omit opportunities to learn, particularly in primary schools which could set 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 trouble sitting or waiting for their turn, blurt out answers before questions are finished and have trouble managing their emotions.
It can be an exhilarating experience to receive the diagnosis of ADHD but it's not always an easy process. People might be ashamed, but they have to be honest in order that they can receive the assistance they deserve. For some, it will be the first time they've realised that their issues have a name. This knowledge can allow them to change their perspective of themselves, resulting in positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms manifest at different times in children and adults. For children, they usually begin in the middle of elementary school, however for adults, it's later. The symptoms could 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 instances the condition could be misdiagnosed as autism or an anxiety disorder or depression.
Speak to your doctor if your child or teenager exhibits indications of ADHD. They will perform an examination of the body, including audio and vision to make sure that there is no other issue. Your child and you will be asked to complete an inventory of symptoms. They will ask what the effects of their symptoms are on their school and family life. They'll also want to learn about any previous issues they've faced.
Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD by a healthcare provider who is qualified to diagnose it. They'll conduct clinical interviews, use behavior rating scales or symptoms checklists. Psychological tests may be used to assess your cognitive abilities, as well as how you think and process information. They could also conduct a brain scan with the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which is a device that measures brain activity in certain brain regions that control your attention and impulsivity.
They will also examine your medical records to determine whether there are any additional mental disorders or injuries, such as thyroid issues or head trauma which can trigger similar symptoms. how to diagnosis adhd might refer you for a thorough evaluation to psychiatrists or psychologists.
To get a diagnosis of ADHD, you must have at least six or more signs that began in childhood or prior to age 12. The symptoms should have been present for at least six months and cause significant problems with your daily functioning. Adults must have a lower threshold to be diagnosed, however the same criteria apply: You must have a minimum of five or more symptoms, and they must affect your home, work and social life.
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to alleviate symptoms and improve functioning at home, school and work. There are a myriad of treatments available, including medication and therapy for behavior. Some people also find satisfaction with lifestyle changes, for example, creating a consistent routine by using a planner notebook, and scheduling tasks prior to time. Certain people might benefit from learning disabilities therapies such as metacognitive therapy, which assists them in improving their problem-solving skills and organizational abilities, or cognitive behavioral treatment, which addresses thinking distortions, leading to depression and low self-esteem.
Health care professionals who are specially trained to recognize ADHD can recommend the best treatment for a person's situation. They will examine the symptoms of the patient, and if they are an adult, they will also consider their childhood and school experiences. They will conduct interviews with a psychologist, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists to determine whether the person meets the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They might also inquire about family history of mental illnesses and physical conditions. They will inquire about the person's moods and behaviors and how they have changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the presence of more than six symptoms that begin before age 12 and can cause problems in two or more environments (home school, social situations). The symptoms must be present for at least six months. In addition the symptoms must be more severe than what is expected for a person of that age.
There are no blood tests or brain scans to diagnose ADHD However, medical checks are usually performed to ensure that there's nothing else wrong with the person. Doctors will review the patient's medical and psychiatric records and review their symptoms. They may also suggest an hearing or eye test. Some people with ADHD are genetically predisposed to develop the disorder. If a person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD and is a child, they have 91% chance of being diagnosed with the disorder. It's also common to suffer from a comorbid mood disorder or anxiety disorder with ADHD. 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 trigger similar symptoms to those of ADHD. It's important to consult an expert in mental health or a health professional for an evaluation prior to making the diagnosis. This person will ask about your child's issues and how they affect their daily life. They may use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child is ADHD. They could also conduct an examination of the body and test for visual or hearing problems. They may also request a brain scan called an EEG that examines beta and theta waves to determine if there are any changes in your child's brain function.
Children diagnosed with ADHD should exhibit symptoms that are significantly more than the norm for their age and development level. Inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity can cause significant problems at school, home, or work. The symptoms can also impact your child's ability to interact with others. If your child has moderate or severe ADHD symptoms and needs treatment, they'll need to be treated with medication in order to live the normal life.
Children suffering from ADHD are often unable to follow directions and remain focused which can result in low self-esteem and grades. They may also have difficulty with social interactions because they are unable to read social signals and are often disruptive to others or appear aggressive or intense. They are susceptible to depression, anxiety as well as substance abuse and issues with relationships.
Mild ADHD is defined by symptoms that are visible but do not interfere in daily life. They can make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People with severe or moderate ADHD are more prone to symptoms and are more likely to experience problems with work, for example, having difficulty retaining a job, getting along with coworkers or maintaining relationships.
If they do not seek treatment may suffer serious consequences. These include financial problems, health issues, and legal issues. There are a variety of treatments for ADHD. These include behavioral therapy, psychosocial interventions as well as nutrition and diet exercise, sleep improvement and medications. NIMH provides more information about these options and how to speak with your family about them.