Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't get diagnosed until their symptoms create major problems at work, school or home. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) is utilized by health professionals to diagnose mental disorders.
A thorough evaluation will include ADHD symptom lists and standardized scales for assessing behavior. Health professionals also inquire about family history and go through old school records.
Signs and symptoms
The signs of ADHD can impact the lives of a person at school, at home or at work. They can cause problems in relationships and careers, financial difficulties and even a driver's license. They can also lead to emotional distress. It's normal for people to experience difficulties concentrating or staying organised occasionally. However, if the problem becomes chronic and interferes with daily functioning, a healthcare professional may be able to diagnose ADHD.
To determine if someone is diagnosed with ADHD, a health professional must assess the person in at least two different settings, including the workplace, school, and social settings. The health care professional has to be observing the person for at least six months and determine whether the symptoms are impacting their ability to perform. The symptoms must have begun before the age 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 often are unable to wait their turn, and they interrupt or interfere with others.
Children with the inattentive kind of ADHD are unable to sit or wait quietly and have trouble following instructions or staying on task. They are usually distracted by their thoughts or forgetful, and are easily distracted by their surroundings. They're more likely to be left out and miss opportunities to learn, particularly in the early years of 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 trouble sitting or waiting for their turn, blurting out answers before the questions are finished and have trouble managing their emotions.
Being diagnosed with adults diagnosed with adhd can be a great relief but it's also not always easy to accept. It's okay to feel embarrassed. However honesty is the best approach. For some, a diagnosis will be the first time they've realized their issues have a name. This knowledge can help them change their perspective of themselves, leading to positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it is about ADHD, symptoms show up at different times in children and adults. For children, symptoms typically begin in the middle of elementary school. For adults, symptoms begin slightly later. The signs can be mild, medium or even 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 not properly diagnosed. It could be a sign of autism or a mood disorder such as anxiety or depression.
Consult your doctor when your child or teen exhibits signs of ADHD. They will conduct an examination that includes vision and audio to ensure that there is no other issue. Your child and you will be asked to fill out a list of symptoms. They'll want to know how the symptoms have affected their home and school lives. They'll also ask to know about any problems that you have had previously.
Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD by a healthcare provider qualified to do so. They may use clinical interviews, scales for assessing behavior, or symptom checklists. Psychological tests can be used to determine your cognitive abilities and how you think and process information. They might also do an examination of your brain using the Neuropsychiatric EEG Assessment Aid (NEBA) that is FDA-approved. (NEBA), which measures the activity of certain areas of your brain that regulate the ability to focus and impulsivity.
They will also look at your medical records to see whether there are any other mental conditions or injuries, such as thyroid or head trauma that can cause similar symptoms. They might refer you for thorough evaluation by a psychologist or psychiatrist.
You must be suffering from at least six symptoms that began in your childhood or before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present for at minimum 6 months and be causing significant problems with your daily functioning. Adults must meet the lower threshold for diagnosis, however the criteria are the same: You must exhibit at least five symptoms that cause problems with your work, social and family life.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms and restore functioning at school, home and at work. There are a variety of treatments available, including the use of medication and therapy for behavior. Some people also find success through lifestyle changes, such as setting up a routine that is consistent by using a planner or notebook and arranging tasks ahead of time. Some people might benefit from learning disabilities therapies like metacognitive therapy which assists them in improving their problem-solving abilities and organizational abilities or cognitive behavioral treatment that addresses the distortions in thinking, leading to depression and low self-esteem.
Professionals with specialized training in health care will provide the best treatment plan based on a person's specific situation. They will examine the person's symptoms and, when they are an adult, their childhood and school experiences. They will use clinical interviewing, behavior rating scales, and symptom checklists in order to determine if the individual has the ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also conduct a family history of mental health issues as well as physical illnesses. They will ask the person, their parents and teachers about their moods and behavior and how they've changed over time.
adult diagnosis adhd of ADHD is dependent on the presence of six or more symptoms that start before age 12 and can cause problems in two or more settings (home, school and social situations). The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. The symptoms should also be more severe than what is normal for someone that age.
There are no brain scans or blood tests to diagnose ADHD, but a medical checkup usually is carried out to ensure there's no other issue with the individual. Doctors will review the patient's medical and psychiatric records and look over their symptoms. They may also suggest an eye or hearing test. Certain people suffering from ADHD have a genetic predisposition to develop the disorder. A person who has a sibling or parent with ADHD has an 85% chance of develop the disorder. ADHD is often associated with a anxiety or mood disorder. These conditions can be more difficult to manage than ADHD by itself.
Prevention
Many things, including medical conditions and certain kinds of learning disabilities can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. It is important to speak with an expert in mental health or health care provider for an assessment prior to determining a diagnosis. This person will ask about the symptoms of your child and how they impact their daily lives. They may use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child suffers from ADHD. They may also perform a physical examination and test for hearing or visual problems. They may also request a brain scan, also known as an EEG that analyzes beta and theta waves to check for changes in your child's brain's function.
Children who are diagnosed with ADHD should exhibit symptoms that are significantly more than normal for their age and development level. Hyperactivity, inattention, and/or an impulsive behavior can create serious issues at home, school or at work. The symptoms must also affect your child's ability to interact with others. If your child is suffering from severe or moderate ADHD they will require medication in order to lead a normal life.
Children suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to follow directions and stay on task and can result in poor grades and low self-esteem. They may also struggle in social relationships because they aren't able to discern social cues. They are often disruptive to others and appear aggressive or abrasive. They are at risk of depression, anxiety, substance misuse, and relationship issues.
adhd undiagnosed in adults who have mild ADHD have symptoms that are evident but do not interfere with their daily lives or make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People with severe or moderate ADHD are more prone to symptoms and are more likely to experience issues with their jobs, like difficulties in keeping an occupation, getting along with coworkers or maintaining relationships.
People who don't receive treatment can have serious consequences, including financial difficulties, health problems and legal issues. There are many treatments available for ADHD, including psychosocial and behavioral therapy including diet and nutrition, exercise, medication for sleep, and other treatments. NIMH provides more details about these options and ways to discuss these options with your family members.