Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't get diagnosed until their symptoms create major issues at school, work or home. Health care professionals adhere to the diagnostic criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A thorough evaluation will include ADHD symptoms lists and standardized behavior ratings scales. Health care professionals also ask about family history and go through old school records.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can have a negative impact on a person's daily life regardless of whether at school, home or at work. They can cause disruption to relationships and careers, leading to serious financial problems or a driver's license and can even cause emotional distress for the person. It's normal for everyone to struggle with concentration or staying organized from time to time, but if it becomes an ongoing issue that affects daily functioning, a health specialist may be able determine ADHD.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, a health care professional must evaluate the patient in at least two different settings, which could include the workplace, school, and social settings. They should observe the person in these settings for a minimum of six months, and they must determine that the symptoms are impairing 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 often unable to wait for their turn and often interrupt or intrude on others.
Children with inattentive ADHD are unable to follow instructions, staying on task or sitting still. They tend to be distracted or distracted by their surroundings. They're more likely to be ignored and miss out on opportunities to learn, particularly in the early years of 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 are unable to wait their turn or settling down. They also have trouble managing their emotions.
It is it's a relief to get a diagnosis of ADHD, but it is not always simple. People might be embarrassed, but they must to be honest so that they receive the help they're entitled to. For some, it will be the first time they've realised that their struggles have a name. This understanding can help them change the way they view themselves, leading to positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms manifest at different time points in adults and children. In children, symptoms usually begin in elementary school. For adults, it's a bit later. The signs 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.
Speak to your doctor if your child or teenager shows indications of ADHD. They will conduct an examination of the body, including audio and vision to make sure that there is nothing else wrong. You and your child will be asked to complete the list of symptoms. They will inquire about what the effects of their symptoms are on their school and personal life. They'll also ask you to tell them about any previous issues.
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a healthcare provider competent to do so. They may utilize clinical interviews, behavior rating scales or symptoms checklists. adhd diagnosing can be used to assess your cognitive abilities, as well as how you process information and think. They may also perform a brain scan using the Neuropsychiatric EEG Assessment Aid (NEBA) that is FDA-approved. (NEBA) which analyzes the activity of specific parts of your brain that control attention and impulsivity.
They will also examine your medical records to see whether there are any other mental health issues or injuries, such as thyroid or head trauma which can trigger similar symptoms. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for a thorough evaluation.
To be able to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, you must have at least six or more symptoms that started in childhood, or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms have to be present for at least six months, and cause significant difficulties with your daily activities. Adults must have a lower threshold to be diagnosed, but 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 goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms and restore functioning at school, home and at work. There are a range of treatments available, including treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Some people experience success by making lifestyle changes, such as using planners, notebooks and scheduling their tasks in advance. Other people may benefit from specific learning disabilities therapies, such as metacognitive training that helps them develop their ability to organize their lives and solve problems as well as cognitive behavioral therapy to address the distortions in thinking that can cause negative moods and low self-esteem.
Health professionals who are specially trained to recognize ADHD can recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for a person's situation. They will assess the patient's current symptoms and, when they are an adult, their previous behavior and school experiences. They will conduct interviews with a psychologist, behavior rating scales and symptoms checklists to determine if the person meets the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They may also take the family history of mental health problems and physical ailments. 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 create difficulties in two or more settings (home school, social situations). The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months. In addition, the symptoms must be more severe than what is expected for a person of that age.
There aren't any blood tests or brain scans to determine ADHD However, a medical checkup usually is done to make sure there's nothing else wrong with the individual. Doctors will examine the person's symptoms and medical and psychiatric history and may recommend an eye exam or hearing test. Some people who suffer from ADHD are genetically predisposed to the condition. If a person has a parent or sibling with ADHD they are at risk of having 91% chance of being diagnosed with the disorder. It is also common to have a comorbid mood anxiety disorder that is associated with ADHD. These conditions can be more difficult to treat than ADHD alone.
Prevention
Many things, including medical conditions and certain types of learning disabilities can trigger similar symptoms to those of ADHD. Therefore, it's essential to visit an expert in health care or a mental health professional to conduct an assessment prior to making a diagnosis. This person will ask your child about their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They could use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child suffers from ADHD. They could also perform a physical exam and test for hearing or vision problems. They may also request an examination of the brain, known as an EEG, which examines beta and theta waves to check for changes in your child's brain function.
For children to be diagnosed with ADHD they must display several symptoms that are noticeably greater than the norm for their age or development level. Inattention, hyperactivity, and/or an impulsive behavior can create serious problems at home, school or at work. The symptoms must also affect your child's social interactions. If your child is suffering from moderate or severe ADHD symptoms they will require treatment with medication to lead a normal life.
Children with ADHD might have trouble following instructions and staying on track. This can lead to poor grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also have difficulty with social interactions, since they are unable to read social signals. They often interrupt others and come across as violent or intense. They are susceptible to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and issues with relationships.
People who have mild ADHD have symptoms that are apparent but do not affect their daily lives or make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. The people with moderate or severe ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms, and are more likely than others to have problems at work, including problems with keeping a job or getting along with colleagues.
People who do not receive treatment could face serious consequences. This includes financial issues, health issues, and legal issues. There are a myriad of treatments available for ADHD. These include psychosocial interventions including nutrition and diet, exercise, sleep improvement, and medications. NIMH offers more information on these options and how to speak with your family members about these options.