Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults aren't diagnosed until their symptoms create major difficulties at school, at work or home. Health care providers follow the diagnostic criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A thorough evaluation will include ADHD symptoms lists and standardized behavior ratings scales. Health professionals also inquire about family history and look over old school records.
Symptoms
The signs of ADHD can affect a person's life at home, school or work. They can disrupt relationships and career, lead to financial issues or a driver's license and can cause emotional stress for the person. diagnosing adhd in adults to struggle with concentration or staying organized from time to time however, if it becomes a chronic problem and affects daily functioning, a health care specialist may be able identify ADHD.
To determine if someone is diagnosed with ADHD, a health care professional must evaluate the person in at minimum two different settings, which could include at home, school or work and social settings. They must observe the person in these environments for a minimum of six months, and they must determine that the symptoms are significantly hindering their ability to perform. The symptoms must also 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 are often not able to wait for their turn and are often disruptive or intrude upon other children.
Children with the inattentive type of ADHD are unable to sit or wait in silence and are unable to follow instructions or staying on track. They tend to be distracted or snoozing. They are more likely to be ignored, and miss out on learning opportunities, especially in the elementary school setting which could set 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 difficulty sitting or waiting for their turn, blurt out answers before questions are complete, and have trouble managing their emotions.
It's it's a relief to get the diagnosis of ADHD, but it is not always simple. People might be embarrassed, but they must to be honest in order that they can get the help they need. A diagnosis might be the first time someone realizes that their struggles have a label. This understanding can help them change the way they view themselves, leading to positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms can manifest at different times in both adults and children. For children, symptoms typically begin in the middle of elementary school. For adults, it is slightly later. 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 can be misdiagnosed as autistic or an anxiety disorder or depression.
If your child or teen is showing signs of ADHD, the first step is to talk to your doctor. They will conduct a physical examination, including audio and vision tests to ensure that there is no other issue. They will ask you and your child to complete a checklist of their symptoms. They will want to know how their symptoms have impacted their home and school life. They'll also ask you to tell them about any previous problems.
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a healthcare provider competent to do so. They'll conduct clinical interviews, use behavior rating scales, or symptom checklists. Psychological tests can be used to assess your cognitive abilities, as well as how you think and process information. They can also conduct an examination of the brain using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which is a device that measures brain activity in certain brain regions that regulate your attention and impulsivity.
Additionally, they'll look at your medical history to determine if you've had any other mental health conditions or injuries such as thyroid or head trauma that could cause similar symptoms. They might refer you for thorough evaluation by psychiatrists or psychologists.
To be able to receive a diagnosis of ADHD you must exhibit at least six or more symptoms that began in childhood or prior to age 12. The symptoms must be present for at least six months and be causing serious difficulties in your daily life. Adults have a lower threshold for diagnosis, but the criteria are the same: You must be suffering from at minimum five symptoms that interfere with your social, work and personal life.
Treatment
Treatment aims to ease symptoms and restore function at home, work and at school. There are many treatment options, including medication and behavior therapy. Some people find success by making lifestyle changes, such as using a planner, a notebook and scheduling their tasks in advance. Some people might benefit from learning disabilities therapies such as metacognitive therapy, which aids them in improving their problem-solving abilities and organizational abilities, or cognitive behavioral treatment that addresses the distortions in thinking that can lead to low self-esteem and negative moods.
Health professionals who are specially trained in diagnosing ADHD can suggest the most effective treatment plan for a patient's situation. They will look at the symptoms of the patient, and if they are an adult, their childhood and school experiences. They will use clinical interviews, behavior ratings scales and symptom checklists to determine whether the person meets requirements for diagnosing ADHD. They may also take the family history of mental health problems and physical ailments. They will ask the person or their parents as well as teachers about their moods, behaviors and attitudes and about how they've changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is made upon six or more signs, which begin before the age of 12 and can cause problems in at least two settings (at school, at home or in social situations). The symptoms must be present for at least six months. The symptoms must also be more severe than is normal for someone of this age.
There are no blood tests or brain scans to determine ADHD however medical checks are usually done to make sure there's nothing else wrong with the person. Doctors will examine the person's symptoms, as well as their medical and psychiatric history and may recommend an eye exam or a hearing test. Some people who suffer from ADHD are genetically predisposed to this condition. Someone who has a sibling or parent with ADHD has a 91% chance to develop the disorder. It's also normal to have a comorbid mood or anxiety disorder that is associated with ADHD. These conditions can be more difficult to manage than ADHD alone.
The following is a list of preventions.
Many things, including some medical conditions and certain types of learning disabilities, could cause similar symptoms as those of ADHD. Therefore, it's essential to visit an expert in health care or mental health professional for an assessment prior to making the diagnosis. The person you see will ask your child about their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They may also use ratings scales or a checklist to help determine if your child is suffering from ADHD. They may also do physical examinations and tests for hearing or vision problems. They may also order an examination of the brain, known as an EEG that measures theta and beta waves to check for changes in your child's brain's function.
Children who are diagnosed with ADHD must show symptoms that are significantly greater than what is normal for their age and development level. The symptoms of inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity have to cause serious problems at school, at home or work. The symptoms also need to hinder your child's social interactions. If your child suffers from severe or moderate ADHD They will require medication to live an ordinary life.
Children with ADHD are often unable to follow directions and remain on task, which can lead to low self-esteem and grades. 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 aggressive or abrasive. They are susceptible to depression, anxiety, substance misuse, and issues with relationships.
People who suffer from mild ADHD have symptoms that are evident but do not affect their daily life or make it difficult to work or maintain relationships. Those with moderate to severe ADHD will have more symptoms, and are more likely to experience problems at work, including problems with keeping a job or interacting with coworkers.
Patients who do not receive treatment can face serious consequences, including health issues, financial problems and legal issues. There are a myriad of treatments available for ADHD. These include psychosocial interventions as well as nutrition and diet exercise, sleep improvement and medication. NIMH has more information on these options and how to talk with your family members about them.