Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults aren't diagnosed until their symptoms cause serious difficulties at school, at work or home. Health professionals 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 complete evaluation includes ADHD symptoms lists and standardized scales for assessing behavior. Health care professionals also inquire about family history and review old school records.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD can affect the way a person lives at school, home, or at work. They can cause problems in relationships and careers, financial issues, or even a driver's licence. They can also lead to emotional distress. diagnosed with adhd is common for people to struggle keeping their attention or staying organized at times. However, if the problem is persistent and affects daily functioning, a healthcare provider may be able diagnose ADHD.
A health care professional must evaluate the individual in two different settings, including at home and at school, or in workplace and social settings. They need to observe the person in these situations for at least six months, and they must determine that the symptoms are impairing their ability to perform. The symptoms must also have started before 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 a difficult time waiting for their turn and often interrupt or interfere with others.
Children with inattention ADHD have difficulty following instructions and staying on task, or sitting down. They are usually distracted by their thoughts or distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be missed and miss out on learning opportunities, particularly in primary schools which could set for failure later on 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 trouble sitting or waiting for their turn, blurt out answers before they are complete, and have trouble controlling their emotions.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief however, it's not always easy to accept. It's okay to feel embarrassed. However honesty is the best way to go. For some, a diagnosis will be the first time they've realized their problems have a. This understanding will help them alter their perspective of themselves, resulting in 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 first grade. For adults, it's slightly later. The symptoms 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 a sign of autism or a mood disorder such as anxiety or depression.
Consult your doctor If your child or teenager is showing symptoms of ADHD. They will conduct a physical exam, including vision and hearing to ensure there isn't something else going on. Your child and you will be asked to fill out the list of symptoms. They will be interested in knowing how the symptoms have impacted their home and school life. They will also want to learn about any previous issues they've had.
Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD by a medical professional who is qualified to diagnose it. They will use clinical interviews, scales for assessing behavior, or symptoms checklists. Psychological tests can be used to evaluate your cognitive abilities, and how you think and process information. They may also perform an examination of your brain using the Neuropsychiatric EEG Assessment Aid (NEBA) that is FDA-approved. (NEBA), which evaluates the activity of specific parts of your brain that control attention and the ability to be impulsive.
They will also examine your medical records to see if there are any other mental disorders or injuries, like thyroid or head trauma that can cause similar symptoms. They might refer you for a thorough evaluation to a psychiatrist or psychologist.
You must show at least six symptoms which began in your childhood or before the age of 12. The symptoms must last at minimum six months and cause significant problems with your daily functioning. Adults need to meet the lower threshold for diagnosis, but the criteria are the same: You must have at minimum five symptoms that interfere with your work, social and personal life.
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to improve symptoms and improve functioning at home, school and work. There are a myriad of treatments available, including the use of medication and behavioral therapy. Some people experience satisfaction by making lifestyle changes like using planners, notebooks and arranging tasks ahead of time. Others may benefit from specific learning disability treatments, like metacognitive therapy that helps them develop their organizational skills and problem-solving abilities, or cognitive behavioral therapy to correct cognitive distortions which can lead to low moods and low self-esteem.
Health professionals who are specifically trained to diagnose ADHD can recommend the best treatment for a person's situation. They will evaluate the person's symptoms and, if they are an adult, they will also consider their school and childhood experiences. They will employ clinical interviewing, scales for assessing behavior and symptom checklists to determine if the person meets ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also inquire about family history of mental illnesses and physical illnesses. They will ask about the person's moods, behavior and how they've changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the presence of six or more signs that start before age 12 and can cause problems in two or more environments (home school, at home and social situations). The symptoms have to be present for at minimum six months. In addition the symptoms must be significantly more difficult than one would expect for a person who is that old.
There aren't any brain scans or blood tests to determine ADHD However, medical checks are usually carried out to ensure there's no other issue with the person. Doctors will examine the person's medical and psychiatric history and look over their symptoms. They may also suggest an hearing or eye test. Certain people suffering from ADHD are genetically predisposed to develop the condition. A person who has a parent or sibling with ADHD has an 85% chance of develop the disorder. ADHD is often accompanied by a anxiety or mood disorder. These disorders can be harder to treat than ADHD alone.
Prevention
Many things, including some medical conditions and certain types of learning disabilities, could cause similar symptoms as those of ADHD. It is therefore important to consult your health care provider or mental health professional for an evaluation prior to determining an assessment. This person will ask your child about their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They may also use rating scales or a checklist to decide if your child has ADHD. They may also perform an examination of the body and test for hearing or vision issues. They may also order a brain scan, also known as an EEG, which examines beta and theta waves to detect changes in the brain function of your child.
Children who are diagnosed with ADHD have symptoms that are significantly more than normal for their age and development level. The symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity must cause significant problems at home, at school or work. The symptoms must also affect your child's ability to interact with other people. If your child exhibits moderate or severe ADHD symptoms, they will need treatment with medication in order to live a normal life.
Children suffering from ADHD might have trouble following directions and staying focused. This can result in low grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also have difficulty in social relationships because they are unable to recognize social signals. They often interrupt others and appear aggressive or intense. They are at risk of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and relationship issues.
People with mild ADHD have symptoms that are noticeable but do not interfere with their daily lives or make it difficult to work or maintain relationships. People with moderate to severe ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms, and they are more likely than other people to have problems at work, such as difficulties keeping a job or interacting with colleagues.
People who don't receive treatment can have grave consequences, such as health issues, financial troubles and legal issues. There are a variety of treatments for ADHD. These include behavioral therapy, psychosocial interventions including nutrition and diet, exercise, sleep improvement, and medications. NIMH provides more details about these options and ways to discuss these options with your family.