Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't get diagnosed until their symptoms cause major issues at school, work or at home. Health care providers follow the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A complete evaluation includes ADHD symptoms lists and standardized behavior ratings scales. Health professionals inquire about the family's history and examine old school records.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD can affect the way a person lives at home, school or work. They can be disruptive to relationships and career, lead to financial issues or driving licenses, and can cause emotional stress for the person. It's normal for people to struggle keeping their attention or staying organized occasionally. However, if the problem is persistent and affects the daily activities, a healthcare provider may be able diagnose ADHD.
A health care professional must assess the person in two distinct environments, such as at home and in school, or in workplace and social settings. They should observe the person in these settings for a minimum of six months and determine that the symptoms are significantly impairing their ability to function. The signs must also have begun 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 have a difficult time waiting for their turn and frequently interrupt or intrude on others.
Children with the inattentive type of ADHD are unable to sit or wait quietly and have trouble following instructions or staying focused. They tend to be distracted or distracted by their surroundings. They're more prone to being ignored 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 a difficult time waiting for their turn or settling down. They also have difficulty managing their emotions.
It is it's a relief to get a diagnosis of ADHD, but it is not always easy. It's normal to be 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 alter the way they think about themselves, which can then cascade into positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms appear at different times in children and adults. For children, they usually begin in elementary school, but 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 cases, the disorder is misdiagnosed. It could be autism or a mood disorder such as depression or anxiety.
If your child or teen is showing indications of ADHD The first step is to talk to your doctor. They will conduct a physical examination, including vision and audio to ensure that there is nothing else wrong. They will ask you and your child to fill out an inventory of their symptoms. They will be interested in knowing how the symptoms have affected their home and school life. They'll also want to hear about any past problems they've had.
For adults, a medical professional who is certified to diagnose ADHD will use clinical interviews and behavior rating scales or checklists of symptoms to determine if they meet the requirements for diagnosis. Psychological tests may be used to assess your cognitive abilities, as well as how you think and process information. They could also conduct an examination of your brain using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA), which measures the activity of certain parts of your brain that regulate attention and impulsivity.
In addition, they will review your medical history to see whether you've experienced any other mental health problems or injuries, such as head trauma or thyroid conditions that can cause similar symptoms. They might refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for a thorough evaluation.
To be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to have a minimum of six or more symptoms that started in childhood, or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms must last at least six months and create significant problems for your daily activities. Adults must be able to meet a lower threshold in order to be diagnosed, however the same requirements apply: You must have a minimum of five or more symptoms and they must affect your work, home and social life.
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to alleviate symptoms and restore functioning at school, home and at work. There are a variety of treatments available, including treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Some people have success by making lifestyle changes such as using an organizer, a notebook and arranging tasks ahead of time. Some people might benefit from treatments for learning disabilities such as metacognitive therapy, which assists them in improving their problem-solving and organizational skills or cognitive behavioral therapy, which addresses thinking distortions that can lead to low self-esteem and negative moods.
Health care professionals who are specially trained in diagnosing ADHD can suggest the most effective treatment for a person's situation. They will evaluate the person's symptoms and, if they are an adult, they will also consider their childhood and school experiences. They will employ clinical interviewing, scales for assessing behavior and symptom checklists in order to determine if the person has the ADHD diagnostic criteria. They might also inquire about the 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 about how they've changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the presence of six or more symptoms that start before age 12 and can cause problems in two or more settings (home school, at home and social situations). The symptoms must have been present for at least six months. The symptoms should also be more severe than what is normal for someone of this age.
A medical checkup is usually done to ensure that the person does not have any other health issues. Doctors will look over the patient's medical and psychiatric history and examine their symptoms. They may also recommend an hearing or eye test. Certain people suffering from ADHD are genetically predisposed to the disorder. If a person has a parent or sibling with ADHD, they have about a 91% chance of developing the disorder themselves. ADHD is often associated with a mood or anxiety disorder. diagnosis for adhd are more difficult to treat than ADHD by itself.
The following is a list of preventatives.
Many things, such as certain medical conditions and learning disabilities, can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. So it's important to see an expert in health care or a mental health professional for an evaluation prior to determining an assessment. The doctor will inquire about your child's issues and how they affect their daily lives. They can use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child has ADHD. They may also do physical examinations and tests for hearing or vision problems. They may also request an EEG brain scan that evaluates beta and theta wave activity to monitor changes in your child’s brain function.
For children to be diagnosed with ADHD they must display numerous symptoms that are more prominent than the norm for their age or development level. The symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity have to cause serious problems at home, school or at work. The symptoms should also hinder your child's social interactions. If your child suffers from severe or moderate ADHD They will require medication to live an ordinary life.
Children suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to follow directions and stay on task which can result in poor grades and low self-esteem. They may also have difficulty in social relationships because they aren't able to discern social signals. They are often disruptive to others and can appear aggressive or abrasive. They are at a high risk of developing anxiety, depression and substance abuse.
Mild ADHD is defined by symptoms that are apparent but do not affect daily life. They can which makes it difficult to maintain relationships or work. Those with moderate or severe ADHD have more symptoms and are more likely to experience issues with their jobs, like difficulty keeping an occupation, getting along with coworkers, or maintaining relationships.
People who don't receive treatment could face grave consequences, such as health issues, financial problems, and legal issues. There are a variety of treatment options for ADHD that include behavioral therapy and psychosocial interventions, diet and nutrition, exercise sleeping improvements, and medication. NIMH provides more information about these options and how to discuss these options with your family.