Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are usually not diagnosed until they experience major problems at home, at work or at school. 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 inquire about family history and review old school records.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can impact the daily routine of a person, whether it is at school, home or at work. They can be disruptive to relationships and careers, leading to serious financial problems or a driver's license, and can cause emotional stress for the person. It is common for people to have difficulty concentrating or staying organised occasionally. However when the issue is persistent and affects the daily activities, a healthcare specialist may be able to identify ADHD.
A health professional must evaluate the individual in two different environments, such as at home and in school, or in workplace and social situations. The health professional must monitor the patient for a minimum of six months and determine whether the symptoms are affecting their ability to function. The symptoms also must be present prior to the age of 12. 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 who suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD are not able to sit or stand quietly and have trouble following instructions or staying focused. They are often wandering off or distracted. They are more likely to be missed and omit opportunities to learn, particularly in primary schools, which can set up them for failure 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 are unable to wait their turn or staying still. They also have trouble managing their emotions.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief, but it's not always easy to accept. People may feel ashamed, but they have to be honest so they can get the help they deserve. A diagnosis might be the first time someone realizes that their struggles have a label. This knowledge can allow them to change their perception of themselves, leading to positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms manifest at different time points in adults and children. For children, symptoms typically begin in the middle of elementary school. For adults, it is slightly later. Symptoms 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 certain cases, the condition may be misdiagnosed as autism, or a mood disorder such as anxiety or depression.
If your child or teenager shows symptoms of ADHD the first step is to talk to your doctor. They will conduct a physical examination, including audio and vision to make sure that there is nothing else wrong. Your child and you will be asked to write an inventory of symptoms. They will inquire about what the effects of their symptoms are on their school and home life. They'll also want to know about any previous issues.
Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD by a healthcare provider competent to do so. They may conduct clinical interviews, use behavior rating scales or symptom checklists. Psychological tests can be used to evaluate your cognitive abilities, and how you process information and think. 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 specific brain regions that regulate your attention and your impulsivity.
Additionally, they'll look at your medical history to see if you've had any other mental health issues or injuries such as thyroid or head trauma that could cause similar symptoms. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for a thorough examination.
To be able to receive a diagnosis of ADHD it is necessary to have 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 least six months and cause significant problems in your daily functioning. 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 personal life.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and improve functioning at school, home and at work. There are many treatment options including treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Some people have satisfaction by making lifestyle changes such as using a planner, a notebook and arranging tasks in advance. Others might benefit from specific learning disability treatments, such as metacognitive training that helps to improve their abilities to manage their time and problem solving, or cognitive behavioral therapy to address cognitive distortions that can cause negative moods and low self-esteem.
Health professionals who have been specifically trained to diagnose ADHD can recommend the best treatment plan for a patient's situation. They will evaluate the person's symptoms, and in the case of an adult, they will also consider their school and childhood experiences. They will employ clinical interviews, behavior rating scales and checklists of symptoms to determine if the person is in compliance with the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They can also look up the family history of mental health problems and physical illnesses. They will ask the person, their parents and teachers about their moods and behavior and how they've changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is upon six or more symptoms which begin before 12 years of age and create issues in at minimum two settings (at home, school or social situations). The symptoms are expected to be present for at minimum six months. Additionally the symptoms should be significantly more difficult than expected for someone at that age.
A medical checkup is typically performed to make sure that the person isn't suffering from any other health problems. Doctors will look over the patient's medical and psychiatric histories and examine their symptoms. They may also suggest an eye or hearing test. Certain people suffering from ADHD are genetically predisposed to develop the condition. If a person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD they are at risk of having 91% of the chance of developing the disorder themselves. It's also normal to have a comorbid mood or anxiety disorder in conjunction with ADHD. These conditions can be more difficult to manage than ADHD alone.
The following is a list of preventatives.
Many things, including medical conditions, as well as certain types of learning disabilities, can trigger similar symptoms to those of ADHD. It is important to speak with a mental health professional or a health care professional for an evaluation prior to making the diagnosis. The person you see will ask your child about their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They can use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child has ADHD. They may also do physical examinations and tests for vision or hearing problems. They can also request a brain scan, also known as an EEG, which measures theta and beta waves to detect changes in your child's brain's function.
Children who are diagnosed with ADHD must show symptoms that are significantly greater than normal for their age and development level. The symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity have to cause serious problems at home, at school or work. The symptoms should also affect your child's ability to interact with other people. If please click the next webpage suffers from moderate or severe ADHD they will require medication in order to lead a normal life.
Children suffering from ADHD may have difficulty following directions and staying focused. This can result in low grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also have difficulties with social interactions as they are unable to read social cues and often interrupt others or appear violent or aggressive. They are at risk for anxiety, depression as well as substance abuse and issues with relationships.
People with mild ADHD have symptoms that are evident but do not affect their daily life or make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People who suffer from severe or moderate ADHD are more prone to symptoms and are more likely to have job-related problems, such as having difficulty retaining a job, getting along with colleagues or maintaining relationships.
People who don't receive treatment may suffer serious consequences. This includes financial issues and health issues, as well as legal issues. There are a number of treatment options for ADHD that include psychosocial therapy and behavioral therapy, diet and nutrition, exercise, sleep improvements, and medications. NIMH provides more information about these options and ways to discuss these options with your family members.