Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't get diagnosed until their symptoms cause serious issues at school, work or home. 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 full assessment includes ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized behavior rating scales. Health care professionals also ask about family history and review old school records.
adhd undiagnosed in adults of ADHD can impact a person's life at home, school or work. They can cause disruption to relationships and work, leading to serious financial problems or a driver's license and can even cause emotional distress for the person. It's normal for people to struggle concentrating or staying organised occasionally. However when the issue is persistent and affects everyday functioning, a medical provider may be able diagnose ADHD.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD A health professional must assess the person in at least two different settings, including at home, school or work and social settings. The health care professional must observe the person for a minimum of six months and determine whether the symptoms are affecting their ability to function. The signs must also 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 often unable to wait for their turn, and frequently interfere with others or interrupt them.
Children with the inattentive kind of ADHD are not able to sit or stand quietly and have trouble following instructions or staying focused. They tend to be distracted or distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be overlooked and miss out on opportunities for learning, especially 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 staying still. They also have difficulty managing their emotions.
It is it's a relief to get the diagnosis of ADHD however, it's not always simple. It's normal to be embarrassed. However honesty is the best policy. For some, it will be the first time they've realized their struggles have a name. Understanding this can change the way they see themselves, which may cascade into positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it comes to ADHD symptoms can manifest at different times for kids and adults. For children, they usually begin in elementary school, but for adults, it's 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 misdiagnosed. It could be autism or a mood disorder such as anxiety or depression.
Speak to your doctor when your child or teen is showing signs of ADHD. They will do a physical exam, including vision and hearing to ensure there isn't something else going on. They will ask you and your child to complete an inventory of their symptoms. They will ask how the symptoms have affected their school and family life. They will also want you to tell them about any problems that you have had previously.
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a doctor competent to do so. They will utilize clinical interviews, scales for assessing behavior or symptom checklists. Psychological tests can be used to assess your cognitive abilities and how you think and process information. They could also conduct an examination of your brain using the Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid, which is FDA-approved (NEBA), which evaluates the activity of specific areas of your brain that regulate attention and the ability to be impulsive.
Additionally, they'll review your medical history to see if you've had any other mental health conditions or injuries like head trauma or thyroid conditions that could cause similar symptoms. They might refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct a thorough assessment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD you must exhibit a minimum of six or more signs that began in your childhood or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and create significant problems for your daily functioning. Adults must meet a lower threshold to be diagnosed, however the same criteria apply: You must have at least five or more symptoms, and they must affect your work, home and social life.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to improve symptoms and restore functioning at the workplace, at home and in school. There are many different treatments available, including the use of medication and behavioral therapy. Some people have success by making lifestyle changes such as using an organizer, a notebook and scheduling their tasks in advance. Certain people might benefit from learning disabilities therapies like metacognitive therapy which helps them improve their problem-solving and organizational skills or cognitive behavioral therapy, which addresses thinking distortions that can lead to depression and low self-esteem.
Health professionals who are specially trained in diagnosing ADHD can suggest the most effective treatment plan for a person's situation. They will look at the person's symptoms, and in the case of an adult, they will also consider their school and childhood experiences. They will employ clinical interviewing, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists to determine if the individual has the ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also conduct an examination of a family history of mental health problems and physical illnesses. They'll ask the individual, their parents and teachers about their moods and behaviors and how they've changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is based on six or more symptoms that begin before 12 years of age and cause difficulties in at least two settings (at school, at home or in social situations). The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must also be more severe than expected for someone of this age.
A medical exam is usually performed to make sure that the person doesn't have any other health problems. Doctors will review the patient's medical and psychiatric history and review their symptoms. They may also recommend an eye or hearing test. Some people who suffer from ADHD are genetically predisposed to develop the disorder. Someone who has a parent or sibling with ADHD has a 91% chance to develop the disorder. It is also common to have a comorbid mood or anxiety disorder in conjunction with ADHD. These disorders can be more difficult to manage than ADHD by itself.
Prevention
Many things, including certain medical conditions or learning disabilities, can trigger symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. It's important to consult an expert in mental health or health care provider for an evaluation prior to making a diagnosis. This person will ask about the symptoms of your child and how they affect their daily lives. They may use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child has ADHD. They could also perform physical examinations and tests for problems with vision or hearing. They can also request an EEG brain scan, which analyzes beta and theta waves to monitor changes in your child’s brain function.
To be able to diagnose a child with ADHD they must display numerous symptoms that are significantly more than what is normal for their age or developmental level. The symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity must cause significant problems at home, at school or at work. The symptoms should also affect your child's ability to interact with other children. If your child exhibits moderate or severe ADHD symptoms and needs treatment, they'll need to be treated with medication to live the normal life.
Children suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to follow instructions and remain on task and can result in poor grades and low self-esteem. They may also have difficulties with social interactions because they struggle to discern social signals and are often disruptive to others or come off as violent or aggressive. They are susceptible to anxiety, depression, substance misuse, and issues with relationships.
Mild ADHD is characterized by symptoms that are visible but do not hinder daily life, which makes it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People who suffer from severe or moderate ADHD have more symptoms and are more likely to experience job-related problems, such as having difficulty retaining a job, getting along with coworkers, or maintaining relationships.
People who do not receive treatment could face serious consequences. This could include financial problems as well as health and legal issues. There are a variety of treatments available for ADHD which include behavioral therapy and psychosocial interventions such as diet and nutrition, exercise sleep improvements, and medications. NIMH offers more information on these options and how you can talk with your family about these options.