Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults aren't diagnosed until their symptoms create major 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 thorough assessment includes ADHD symptoms and standardized scales for assessing behavior. Health care professionals ask about the family's history and look at the school records from the past.
Signs and symptoms
The signs of ADHD can impact the lives of a person at school, home, or at work. They can cause disruption to relationships and careers, leading to serious problems with finances or a driver's license, and even create emotional distress for the person. It's normal for everyone to struggle with concentration or staying organized from time to moment however, if it becomes a chronic problem and hinders everyday functioning, a medical professional may be able to diagnose ADHD.
A health care professional must assess the person in two distinct settings, including at home and in school, as well as in workplace and social settings. They need to observe the person in these situations for at least six months and must see that the symptoms are impairing their ability to function. The symptoms 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 have difficulty waiting for their turn, and frequently interfere with others or interrupt them.
Children with the inattentive kind of ADHD are incapable of sitting or waiting at a comfortable pace and have difficulty following instructions or staying on track. They tend to be distracted, forgetful or easily distracted by their surroundings. They're more likely to be ignored and miss out on opportunities to learn, especially 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 difficulty waiting their turn or sitting still. They also have difficulty controlling their emotions.
It is an exhilarating experience to receive an diagnosis of ADHD but it's not always easy. People might be embarrassed, but they need to be honest so they can get the help they need. A diagnosis may be the first time that someone realizes that their struggles have a label. This knowledge can allow them to change their perspective of themselves, which can lead to positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it concerns ADHD symptoms can manifest at different times in children and adults. In children, symptoms usually begin in elementary school. For adults, it's slightly 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 disorder is misdiagnosed. It could be autism or a mood disorders like anxiety or depression.
If your child or teen shows signs of ADHD the first step is to talk to your doctor. They will do a physical exam, including vision and hearing to ensure there's nothing other than ADHD. They will ask you and your child to fill out a checklist of their symptoms. They will inquire about what the effects of their symptoms are on their school and family life. They'll also ask you to share with them any previous issues.
For adults, a healthcare provider who is qualified to diagnose ADHD will conduct behavioral interviews and clinical scales or symptom checklists to determine whether they meet the requirements for diagnosis. They could also conduct psychological tests to gauge your cognitive abilities and learn how you think and process information. They may also perform brain scans using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which is a device that measures the activity in certain parts of the brain that regulate your attention and impulsivity.
In addition, they will review your medical history to determine if you've had any other mental health issues or injuries like head trauma or thyroid conditions that could cause similar symptoms. They might refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for a thorough evaluation.
To get a diagnosis of ADHD you must exhibit at least six or more symptoms that began in childhood or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms must last at minimum six months and create significant problems for your daily functioning. Adults need to meet an upper threshold for diagnosis, however the criteria are the same: You must be suffering from at minimum five symptoms that interfere with your work, social and home life.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and improve functioning at school, home and at work. There are a variety of treatment options, including treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Some people experience success through lifestyle changes like using a planner, a notebook, and scheduling tasks in advance. Certain people might benefit from learning disabilities therapies like metacognitive therapy which helps them improve their problem-solving abilities and organizational abilities or cognitive behavioral therapy, which addresses thinking distortions which can cause low self-esteem and negative moods.
Professionals with specialized training in health care will provide the best treatment plan based on a person's specific situation. They will examine the symptoms of the patient, and if they are an adult, also their school and childhood experiences. adults diagnosed with adhd will use clinical interviewing, scales for assessing behavior and symptom checklists in order to determine if a person is in compliance with ADHD diagnostic criteria. They can also look up a family history of mental health problems as well as physical illnesses. They will ask about the person's moods, behavior and how they've changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the presence of more than six symptoms that start before the age of 12 and cause difficulties in two or more environments (home, school and social situations). The symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months. In addition the symptoms should be significantly more troublesome than what is expected for a person at that age.
There aren't any blood tests or brain scans to determine ADHD However, an exam for medical reasons is usually done to make sure there's no other issue with the person. Doctors will look over the patient's medical and psychiatric records and examine their symptoms. They may also recommend an eye or hearing test. Certain people suffering from ADHD have a genetic predisposition to develop the disorder. Anyone who has a sibling or parent with ADHD has a 91% chance of develop the disorder. It is also common to suffer from a comorbid mood disorder or anxiety disorder in conjunction with ADHD. These disorders are more difficult to manage than ADHD on its own.
The following is a list of preventatives.
Many things, such as medical conditions and certain types of learning disabilities could cause similar symptoms as those of ADHD. So it's important to see a health care provider or mental health professional for an evaluation before making the diagnosis. The person you see will inquire about your child's issues and how they impact their daily life. They may also utilize ratings scales or a checklist to help decide if your child has ADHD. They may also do a physical exam and test for vision or hearing problems. They may also order an EEG brain scan, which evaluates beta and theta wave activity to determine changes in your child’s brain function.
For children to be diagnosed with ADHD, they must have a number of symptoms that are noticeably greater than normal for their age or development level. Hyperactivity, inattention, and/or an impulsive behavior can create serious problems at school, home, or work. The symptoms also need to 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 a normal life.
Children with ADHD can find it difficult to follow directions and remain focused, which can lead to poor grades and low self-esteem. They may also have difficulty in social relationships because they are unable to read social signals. They often interrupt others and appear aggressive or abrasive. They are at risk for anxiety, depression and alcohol abuse.
Mild ADHD is characterized by symptoms that are visible but do not hinder daily life. They can making it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People with moderate to severe ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms, and they are more likely to have issues at work, such as difficulties keeping a job or interacting with coworkers.
If you don't seek treatment, you can have grave consequences, including health issues, financial problems and legal issues. There are many treatments available for ADHD that include behavioral therapy and psychosocial interventions, diet and nutrition, exercise sleeping improvements, and medication. NIMH offers more information on these options and how you can discuss them with your family.
