Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are often not diagnosed until they have major problems at work, home 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 thorough evaluation will include ADHD symptom 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.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD can impact a person's life at school, at home or at work. They can cause disruption to relationships and work, leading to serious financial problems or a driver's license, and even create emotional distress for the person. It's normal for people to have trouble concentrating or being organized from time to the time however, if it becomes an ongoing problem that interferes with everyday functioning, a health provider may be able to identify ADHD.
To be able to diagnose someone with ADHD the health care professional must evaluate the person in at minimum two different settings, which could include the workplace, school, and social situations. They should observe the person in these settings for a minimum of six months and determine that the symptoms are impairing their ability to perform. The symptoms should also have started before 12 years. 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 difficulty waiting for their turn and frequently interfere with others or interrupt them.
Children with inattentive ADHD have trouble following directions and staying focused or sitting still. They are usually distracted by their thoughts or forgetful, and are easily distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be overlooked, and miss out on learning opportunities, particularly in primary schools, which can set up for them to fail 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 a difficult time waiting for their turn or sitting still. They also have trouble controlling their emotions.
It is an exhilarating experience to receive the diagnosis of ADHD but it's not always simple. Some people may be embarrassed, but they need to be honest so they can get the help they're entitled to. A diagnosis might be the first time that someone realizes that their struggles have a name. This knowledge will help them alter their perspective of themselves, resulting in positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it comes to ADHD symptoms can manifest at different times in children and adults. For get diagnosed with adhd , they typically begin in elementary school, but for adults it's a little later. The symptoms can 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 misdiagnosed. It could be a sign of autism or a mood disorder like anxiety or depression.
Talk to your doctor when your child or teen exhibits symptoms of ADHD. They will conduct physical examinations that includes hearing and vision to make sure there isn't something other than ADHD. 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 life. They'll also want be informed about any past issues they've faced.
For adults, a medical professional who is certified to diagnose ADHD will use behavioral interviews and clinical scales or checklists for symptoms to determine if they meet the requirements for diagnosis. Psychological tests may be used to assess your cognitive abilities and how you process information and think. They may also perform a brain scan with the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which is a device that measures the activity in certain brain regions that control your attention and your impulsivity.
Additionally, they'll review your medical history to determine 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 psychiatrist or psychologist.
To be get diagnosed with adhd to receive a diagnosis of ADHD it is necessary to have at least six or more signs that began in childhood or before age 12. The symptoms must be present for at least six months and cause significant problems with your daily activities. Adults need to meet an upper threshold for diagnosis, however the criteria are the same: You must exhibit at minimum five symptoms that interfere with your social, work and family life.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and restore functioning at school, home and at work. There are a range of treatment options, including treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Some people also have success through lifestyle changes, such as establishing consistent routines, using a planner or notebook, and scheduling tasks prior to time. Others may benefit from specific learning disabilities treatments, such as metacognitive training to help to improve their ability to organize their lives and solve problems, or cognitive behavioral therapy to address thinking distortions that can lead to negative moods and low self-esteem.
Health care professionals who are specifically trained to diagnose ADHD can suggest the most effective treatment plan for a person's situation. They will evaluate the person's symptoms, and if they are an adult, also their childhood and school experiences. They will employ clinical interviewing, scales for assessing behavior and symptom checklists to determine if the person is in compliance with ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also inquire about family history of mental illness and physical illnesses. They will inquire about the person's moods and behaviors and changes over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is made upon six or more symptoms that begin before 12 years of age and create problems in at least two settings (at home, school or social situations). The symptoms must be present for at least six months. In addition the symptoms must be more severe than one would expect for a person who is that old.
There aren't any brain scans or blood tests to diagnose ADHD, but medical checks are usually done to make sure there's nothing else wrong with the individual. Doctors will review the person'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 the disorder. Someone who has a parent or sibling with ADHD has an 85% chance of develop the disorder. ADHD is often associated with a anxiety or mood disorder. These disorders can be more difficult to manage than ADHD by itself.
The following is a list of preventatives.
Many things, including some medical conditions and some kinds of learning disabilities can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. Therefore, it's essential to visit your health care provider or a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation before making an assessment. The person you see will inquire about your child's issues and how they impact their daily lives. They may use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child suffers from ADHD. They can also conduct an examination and test for hearing or vision problems. They can also request a brain scan called an EEG, which measures theta and beta waves to check for changes in the brain function of your child.
To be considered a child with ADHD they must display several symptoms that are more prominent than what is normal for their age or development level. The symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity must cause significant problems at home, school or work. The symptoms should also interfere with your child's social interactions. If your child is suffering from moderate or severe ADHD symptoms, they will need treatment with medication to lead the normal life.
Children with ADHD may find it difficult to follow directions and remain focused and can result in poor grades and low self-esteem. They may also have difficulty with social interactions as they struggle to discern social cues and often interrupt others or appear aggressive or abrasive. They are at risk for depression, anxiety as well as substance abuse and relationship issues.
People who have mild ADHD have symptoms that are apparent but do not affect their daily life or make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People with moderate to severe ADHD will exhibit more symptoms, and are more likely to have issues at work, including difficulty keeping a job, or interacting with colleagues.
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 for ADHD that include psychosocial and behavioral therapy such as diet and nutrition, exercise, sleeping improvements, and medication. NIMH offers more information on these options and how you can discuss them with your family members.