Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are often not diagnosed until they have major problems at home, work or at school. Health care providers 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 thorough assessment includes ADHD symptoms lists and standardized scales for assessing behavior. Health professionals inquire about the family history and examine the school records from the past.
Symptoms
The signs of ADHD can impact the way a person lives at school, home, or at work. They can be disruptive to relationships and career, lead to serious problems with finances or a driver's license and can even cause emotional distress for the person. It's common for people to experience difficulties concentrating or staying organised occasionally. However, if the problem is persistent and affects the daily activities, a healthcare professional may be able to diagnose ADHD.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD A health professional must assess the patient in at least two different settings, which could include home and school or workplace and social settings. The health professional must be observing the person for at least six month and determine whether the symptoms are affecting their ability to perform. The symptoms also must be present prior to 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 in a hurry to finish their work and often interrupt or intrude upon others.
Children with the inattentive kind of ADHD are incapable of sitting or waiting quietly and have trouble following instructions or staying on task. They tend to be distracted or snoozing. They are more likely to be overlooked and miss out on learning opportunities, especially 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 difficulty waiting their turn or settling down. They also have difficulty controlling their emotions.
It is a relief to receive a diagnosis of ADHD however, it's not always easy. People might be embarrassed, but they must to be honest so that they can get the help they deserve. For some, it will be the first time they've realised that their issues have a name. Having this understanding can change the way they see themselves, which could cascade into positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms manifest at different time points in adults and children. In children, the symptoms usually begin in the first grade. For adults, it's slightly later. The symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe. diagnosis for adhd 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 related to autism or a mood disorder such as anxiety or depression.
Speak to your doctor if your child or teenager exhibits signs of ADHD. They will conduct physical examinations, including vision and hearing to make sure there's nothing else going on. You and your child will be asked to complete an inventory of symptoms. They will inquire about what the effects of their symptoms are on their school and home life. They'll also want hear about any past problems they've had.
For adults, a healthcare professional who is certified to diagnose ADHD will use clinical interviews and behavior rating scales or checklists for symptoms to determine if they meet the criteria for diagnosis. They may also conduct psychological tests to gauge your cognitive abilities as well as learn how you process information and think. 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 areas of your brain that regulate the ability to focus and the ability to be impulsive.
They will also review your medical records to see if there are any other mental health issues or injuries, like thyroid issues or head trauma which can trigger similar symptoms. They might refer you for an extensive evaluation with 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 the age of 12. The symptoms should have been present for at least six months and cause significant difficulties in your daily life. Adults have an upper 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 personal life.
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to reduce symptoms and restore functioning at school, home and at work. There are a myriad of treatment options, including treatment with medication and therapy for behavior. Some people also find success with lifestyle changes, like creating a consistent routine, using a planner or notebook and arranging tasks in advance. Some people may benefit from learning disabilities therapies like metacognitive therapy which assists them in improving their problem-solving skills and organizational abilities, or cognitive behavioral treatment, which addresses thinking distortions that can lead to low self-esteem and mood swings.
Specially trained health care professionals will provide the best treatment plan based on the patient's particular situation. They will look at the symptoms of the patient, and if they are an adult, their childhood and school experiences. diagnosis of adhd will employ clinical interviewing, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists to determine if a person is in compliance with ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also inquire about the family history of mental illness and physical conditions. They will inquire about the person's moods and behaviors and 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 cause difficulties in two or more settings (home school, at home and social situations). The symptoms must be present for at least six months. The symptoms must be more severe than expected for someone that age.
A medical exam is usually carried out to confirm that the person doesn't have any other health problems. Doctors will look over the patient's symptoms and medical and mental background and may recommend an eye exam or a hearing test. Certain people suffering from ADHD are genetically predisposed to develop the condition. If a person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD and is a child, they have 91% chance of developing the disorder themselves. ADHD is often accompanied by a anxiety or mood disorder. These disorders are more difficult to treat than ADHD by itself.
Prevention
Many things, such as certain medical conditions or learning disabilities, can lead to symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. It is essential to talk to a mental health professional or a health care professional for an evaluation prior to making the diagnosis. The professional will inquire with your child about their symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They may also utilize rating scales or a checklist to determine if your child is suffering from ADHD. They can also conduct a physical exam and test for hearing or vision problems. They may also order a brain scan called an EEG that measures theta and beta waves to detect changes in the brain function of your child.
For children to be diagnosed with ADHD the child must exhibit a number of symptoms that are noticeably greater than what is normal for their age or development level. The signs of inattention, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity have to cause serious problems at home, at school or work. The symptoms must also affect your child's ability to interact with others. If your child has moderate or severe ADHD symptoms they will require treatment with medication in order to live a normal life.
Children with ADHD are often unable to follow directions and remain on task which can result in low self-esteem and poor grades. They may also have difficulties with social relationships because they are unable to read social cues and often interrupt others or come off as aggressive or abrasive. They are at risk for depression, anxiety, substance misuse, and relationship issues.
Mild ADHD is characterized by symptoms that are visible but do not hinder daily life, making it difficult to maintain relationships or work. Those with moderate or severe ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms and are more likely to experience issues with their jobs, like difficulties in keeping a job, getting along with colleagues, or maintaining relationships.
If you don't seek treatment, you could face serious consequences, including health issues, financial problems, and legal issues. There are a number of treatments available for ADHD which include behavioral therapy and psychosocial interventions, diet and nutrition, exercise, sleeping improvements, and medication. NIMH has more information on these options and how to speak with your family about them.