Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't receive diagnosis until their symptoms cause serious 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 providers to diagnose mental disorders.
A full evaluation includes ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standardized behavior rating scales. Health care professionals also inquire about family history and look over old school records.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD can impact the way a person lives at school, at home or at work. They can cause disruption to relationships and careers, leading to serious problems with finances or a driver's license, and can cause emotional stress for the person. It's common for people to have difficulty in concentrating or staying organized at times. However when the issue is persistent and affects daily functioning, a healthcare professional may be able to diagnose ADHD.
A health care professional will need to evaluate the person in two different settings, including at home and in school, or in social and workplace situations. They should observe the person in these settings for a minimum of six months, and they must determine that the symptoms are significantly hindering their ability to function. 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 usually unable to wait their turn and often interrupt or interfere with other children.
Children with the inattentive type of ADHD are unable to sit or wait in silence and are unable to follow instructions or staying on task. They tend to be distracted or distracted by their surroundings. They're more prone to being overlooked and miss out on opportunities to learn, especially in elementary school, which can cause them to be a 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 have difficulty sitting or waiting for their turn, blurt out answers before the questions are finished and have trouble controlling their emotions.
It's it's a relief to get an diagnosis of ADHD but it's not always an easy process. adhd diagnosed to be embarrassed. However honesty is the best way to go. A diagnosis may be the first time that someone has realized their struggles are ascribed to. This understanding can allow them to change the way they view themselves, leading to positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms can manifest at different times in children and adults. In children, the symptoms usually begin in the first grade. For adults, it's somewhat later. 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 certain cases the condition could be misdiagnosed as autistic or a mood disorder like anxiety or depression.
If your child or teen shows indications of ADHD, the first step is to talk to your doctor. They will conduct an examination of the body, including audio and vision to make sure that there is nothing else wrong. They will ask you and your child to complete an inventory of the symptoms. They will want to know how their symptoms have affected their family and school lives. They'll also ask to know about any previous problems.
For adults, a healthcare provider who is certified to diagnose ADHD will conduct the process of conducting clinical interviews, as well as behavior rating scales or checklists of symptoms to determine if they meet the criteria for diagnosis. They may also conduct psychological tests to measure your cognitive abilities and learn how you think and process information. They might also do an examination of your brain using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA), which analyzes the activity of specific parts of your brain that control the ability to focus and impulsivity.
They will also review your medical records to see whether there are any additional mental health issues or injuries, like head trauma or thyroid problems which can trigger similar symptoms. They might refer you for thorough evaluation by a psychologist or psychiatrist.
You must be suffering from six or more symptoms which started in childhood or before the age of 12. The symptoms must have been present for at minimum 6 months and be causing significant problems with your daily functioning. Adults must meet a lower threshold to be diagnosed, but the same criteria apply: You need to have at least five or more symptoms, and these should affect your home, work and social life.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and restore functioning at the workplace, at home and in school. There are many different treatment options, such as the use of medication and therapy for behavior. Some people also find satisfaction with lifestyle changes, for example, setting up a routine that is consistent by using a planner or notebook and arranging tasks prior to time. Others 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 cognitive distortions which can lead to low moods and low self-esteem.
Health professionals who are specially trained will provide the best treatment program based on a patient's specific situation. They will look at the person's current symptoms and, in the case of an adult, their previous behavior and school experiences. They will employ clinical interviewing, behavior rating scales, and symptom checklists to determine if a person meets ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also inquire about family history of mental illness and physical illnesses. They will ask about the person's moods, behavior and how they've changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is by analyzing six or more signs, which begin before 12 years of age and can cause difficulties in at least two different settings (at school, at home, or in social situations). The symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms must be more severe than expected for a person of the same age.
A medical checkup is typically performed to make sure that the person isn't suffering from any other health issues. Doctors will review the person's symptoms and medical and mental history, and may suggest an eye examination or hearing test. Some people who suffer from ADHD have a genetic predisposition to develop the disorder. Someone who has a sibling or parent with ADHD has a 91% chance of develop the disorder. It is also common to have a comorbid mood or anxiety disorder in conjunction with ADHD. These disorders can be more difficult to manage than ADHD alone.
The following is a list with preventions.
Many things, such as medical conditions and some 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 assessment prior to determining an assessment. The doctor will inquire about your child's symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They may use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child has ADHD. They may also perform an examination and test for visual or hearing problems. They can also request an EEG brain scan that measures beta and theta waves to determine changes in your child’s brain function.
Children diagnosed with ADHD must show symptoms that are significantly more than what is normal for their age and development level. The signs of inattention, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity should cause a significant problem at home, school or at work. The symptoms should also affect your child's ability to interact with other people. If your child suffers from severe or moderate ADHD, they will require medication to live an ordinary life.
Children with ADHD may have difficulty following instructions and staying on track. This can lead to poor grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also have issues with social relationships, as they are unable to recognize social signals. They frequently interrupt others and appear violent or intense. They are at risk for depression, anxiety as well as substance abuse and issues with relationships.
People with mild ADHD have symptoms that are evident but they do not hinder their lives or make it difficult to work or maintain relationships. People with severe or moderate ADHD have more symptoms and are more likely to have problems with work, for example, difficulty keeping a job, getting along with colleagues or maintaining relationships.
If you don't seek treatment, you could face grave consequences, such as health issues, financial troubles and legal issues. There are many treatments available for ADHD that include psychosocial and behavioral therapy including diet and nutrition, exercise sleeping improvements, and medication. NIMH has more information on these options and how to talk with your family members about these options.