Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't receive diagnosis until their symptoms cause serious issues at school, work or at home. Health care professionals adhere to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A thorough assessment includes ADHD symptoms lists and standardized scales for assessing behavior. Health care professionals ask about the family's history and look at the school records from the past.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can have a negative impact on a person's daily life regardless of whether they are at school, home or at work. They can lead to problems in relationships and careers, financial difficulties, or even a driver's license. They can also trigger emotional stress. It's normal for people to have difficulty concentrating or being organized from time to moment however, if it becomes a chronic problem and affects daily functioning, a health provider may be able to determine ADHD.
To be able to diagnose someone with ADHD, a healthcare professional must examine the person in at least two different settings, including at home, school or work and social situations. The health care professional must be observing the person for at least six months and determine whether the symptoms are impacting their ability to perform. The symptoms also must have started before 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 often are unable to wait their turn and often interrupt or disturb other children.
Children who suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD are unable to sit or wait at a comfortable pace and have difficulty following instructions or staying on track. They're usually daydreaming, forgetful or easily distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be ignored and miss out on opportunities to learn, particularly in primary schools which could set them for failure 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 trouble sitting or waiting for their turn, blurting out answers before questions are complete, and have trouble controlling their emotions.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief however, it's not always easy to process. People may feel embarrassed, but they need 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 will help them alter their perspective of themselves, resulting in positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it is about ADHD symptoms can manifest at different times in children and adults. In children, symptoms usually begin in elementary school. For adults, it's slightly later. The symptoms may 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 disorders like depression or anxiety.
If your child or teen shows indications of ADHD the first step is to speak with your doctor. They will conduct an examination of the body that includes hearing and vision to make sure there isn't something other than ADHD. You and your child will be asked to complete a list of symptoms. They will also ask what the effects of their symptoms are on their school and home life. They'll also ask you to tell them about any problems that you have had previously.
Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD by a medical professional who is qualified to diagnose it. They may utilize clinical interviews, behavior rating scales or symptoms checklists. They could also conduct psychological tests to measure your cognitive abilities and discover how you think and process information. They may also perform an examination of your brain using the Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid, which is FDA-approved (NEBA), which measures the activity of certain areas of your brain that regulate the ability to focus and the ability to be impulsive.
They will also examine your medical records to determine whether there are any additional mental conditions or injuries, such as thyroid issues or head trauma which can trigger similar symptoms. They might refer you for an extensive evaluation with psychiatrists or psychologists.
To be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to have at least six or more signs that started in childhood, or before age 12. More must last at least six months and create significant problems for your daily functioning. Adults have the lower threshold for diagnosis, however the criteria are the same: You must exhibit at least five symptoms that interfere with your social, work and home life.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to improve symptoms and restore functioning at school, home and at work. There are a variety of treatment options, including the use of medication and behavioral therapy. Some people have success through lifestyle changes such as using a planner, a notebook, and scheduling tasks in advance. Certain people might benefit from therapies for learning disabilities such as metacognitive therapy, which aids them in improving their problem-solving abilities and organizational skills or cognitive behavioral therapy that addresses the distortions in thinking which can cause depression and low self-esteem.
Health professionals who are specially trained can provide the most effective treatment plan based on the patient's specific situation. They will look at the person's current symptoms, and when they are an adult, their childhood behaviour and schooling experiences. They will conduct clinical interviews, behavior rating scales and symptoms checklists to determine if the person is in compliance with requirements for diagnosing ADHD. They may also conduct a family history of mental health issues and physical ailments. They will ask the person or their parents as well as teachers about their moods and behaviors and about how they've changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is made based on six or more symptoms, that begin before the age of 12 and can cause issues in at least two different settings (at school, at home, or in social situations). The symptoms must have been present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms must be more severe than what is normal for a person of the same age.
A medical checkup is typically carried out to confirm that the person isn't suffering from any other health problems. Doctors will look over the patient's medical and psychiatric records and review their symptoms. They may also suggest an eye or hearing test. Certain people suffering from ADHD are genetically predisposed to this condition. Someone who has a parent or sibling with ADHD has a 91% chance to develop the disorder. ADHD is often accompanied by a mood or anxiety disorder. These conditions can be more difficult to treat than ADHD on its own.
The following is a list with preventions.
Many things, such as medical conditions, as well as certain types of learning disabilities could cause similar symptoms as those of ADHD. It is important to speak with an expert in mental health or health care provider for an evaluation prior to making a diagnosis. The person you see will inquire about the symptoms of your child and how they affect their daily life. They may use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child suffers from ADHD. They may also perform a physical examination and test for visual or hearing issues. They may also order an EEG brain scan which measures beta and theta waves to check on changes in your child's brain function.
To be able to diagnose a child with ADHD they must display a number of symptoms that are significantly more than the norm for their age or development level. Inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity can cause significant problems at school, home, or work. The symptoms also need to 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 an ordinary life.
Children with ADHD can find it difficult to follow instructions and remain focused and can result in low self-esteem and grades. They may also have difficulties with social interactions because they have trouble reading social cues and often interrupt others or appear aggressive or abrasive. They are at high risk of developing anxiety, depression and substance abuse.
People who have mild ADHD have symptoms that are apparent but do not affect their lives or make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People with moderate to severe ADHD will exhibit more symptoms, and are more likely than others to have issues at work, such as problems with keeping a job or getting along with colleagues.
People who do not receive treatment could face serious consequences. These include financial problems, health issues, and legal issues. There are many treatments for ADHD. These include behavioral therapy, psychosocial interventions including nutrition and diet, exercise, sleep improvement and even medications. NIMH provides more details about these options and ways to discuss them with your family.