Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are usually not diagnosed until they have major problems at home, work or at school. 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 complete evaluation includes ADHD symptoms lists and standardized scales for assessing behavior. Health care professionals will inquire about the family's history, and examine the school records from the past.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can impact a person's daily life regardless of whether at school, home or work. They can disrupt relationships and careers, leading to serious financial problems or a driver's license and can cause emotional stress for the person. It is common for people to struggle concentrating or staying organised at times. However when the issue is persistent and affects daily functioning, a healthcare specialist may be able to identify ADHD.
A health care professional must assess the person in two different situations, like at home and at school, or in workplace and social situations. The health care professional must be observing the person for at least six months and determine if the symptoms are affecting their ability to function. The symptoms must also have begun before the age 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 in a hurry to finish their work and often interrupt or disturb other children.
Children who suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD are incapable of sitting or waiting quietly and have trouble following instructions or staying focused. They tend to be distracted, forgetful or easily distracted by their surroundings. They're more prone to being overlooked and miss out on opportunities to learn, especially in elementary school, which could 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, blurting out answers before questions are complete, and have trouble managing their emotions.
It can be a relief to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, but it is not always simple. Some people may be embarrassed, but they need to be honest in order that they can receive the assistance they deserve. For some, a diagnosis will be the first time they've realized that their issues have a name. Having this understanding can change the way they see themselves, which could result in positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms can manifest at different time points in adults and children. In children, the symptoms usually begin in the first grade. For adults, symptoms begin somewhat later. The signs 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 not properly diagnosed. It could be a sign of autism or a mood disorder such as depression or anxiety.
If your child or teen shows symptoms of ADHD The first step is to talk to your doctor. They will conduct an examination that includes vision and audio to ensure that there is nothing else wrong. They will ask you and your child to fill out an inventory of the symptoms. They'll be interested in knowing how the symptoms have impacted their home and school life. They'll also want to be informed about any past issues they've experienced.
Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD by a healthcare provider competent to do so. They'll utilize clinical interviews, scales for assessing behavior, or symptom checklists. They may also conduct psychological tests to assess your cognitive abilities and learn how you process information and think. They may also perform an examination of your brain using the Neuropsychiatric EEG Assessment Aid (NEBA) that is FDA-approved. (NEBA) which analyzes the activity of specific areas of your brain that regulate the ability to focus and impulsivity.
In addition, they will look at your medical history to see if you've had any other mental health issues or injuries, such as thyroid or head trauma that can cause similar symptoms. They may refer you for thorough evaluation by a psychologist or psychiatrist.
You must show at least six symptoms which started in childhood or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms must have been present for at minimum 6 months and be causing serious difficulties in your daily life. Adults must meet the lower threshold for diagnosis, but the criteria are the same: You must be suffering from at least five symptoms that cause problems with your work, social and family life.
Treatment
Treatment aims to improve symptoms and restore functioning at work, home and at school. There are a variety of treatment options, such as treatment with medication and therapy for behavior. Many people have success with lifestyle changes, for example, setting up a routine that is consistent, using a planner or notebook and scheduling tasks in advance. Others may benefit from specific learning disabilities treatments, like metacognitive training that helps to improve their abilities to manage their time and problem solving as well as cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with cognitive distortions which can lead to low moods and low self-esteem.
Professionals with specialized training in health care will provide the best treatment plan based on a person's particular situation. adhd diagnosing will look at the person's present symptoms and, if an adult, their previous behaviour and schooling experiences. They will employ clinical interviews, behavior ratings scales and checklists of symptoms to determine if the person has met the the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They may also ask about family history of mental illnesses and physical ailments. They will inquire about the person's moods, behaviors and changes over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is based on six or more signs, which begin before the age of 12 and can cause problems in at least two settings (at home, school or social situations). The symptoms are expected to be present for at least six months. In addition the symptoms must be significantly more troublesome than expected for someone at that age.
A medical exam is usually carried out to confirm that the patient does not have any other health problems. Doctors will examine the person's symptoms and medical and mental history, and may suggest an eye examination or hearing test. Certain people suffering from ADHD are genetically predisposed to the condition. Anyone who has a sibling or parent with ADHD has an 85% chance of develop the disorder. ADHD is often accompanied by a mood or anxiety disorder. These disorders are more difficult to treat than ADHD alone.
Prevention
Many things, such as medical conditions and some types of learning disabilities, can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. It is essential to talk to a mental health professional or a health care professional for an assessment prior to making a diagnosis. The person you see will inquire about your child's issues and how they affect their daily life. They can use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child suffers from ADHD. They could also perform a physical exam and test for problems with vision or hearing. They may also request a brain scan called an EEG that examines beta and theta waves to check for changes in your child's brain function.
Children who are diagnosed with ADHD must show symptoms that are significantly greater than what is normal for their age and development level. Inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity can cause significant problems at school, home, or work. The symptoms also need to interfere with your child's social interactions. If your child suffers from severe or moderate ADHD, they will require medication to lead an ordinary life.
Children with ADHD can find it difficult to follow instructions and remain on task and can result in poor grades and low self-esteem. They may also have issues with social relationships, as they are unable to read social signals. They frequently interrupt others and can appear aggressive or intense. They are at high risk for depression, anxiety and substance abuse.
People who suffer from mild ADHD have symptoms that are evident but do not affect their lives or make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. Those with moderate to severe ADHD will have more symptoms, and are more likely than others to have problems at work, such as problems with keeping a job or interacting with colleagues.
People who do not receive treatment may suffer serious consequences. This includes financial issues as well as health and legal issues. There are many treatments for ADHD. These include behavioral therapy, psychosocial interventions as well as nutrition and diet exercise, sleep improvement and even medications. NIMH offers more information on these options and ways to discuss the options with your family members.