Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't get diagnosed until their symptoms create major issues at school, work or home. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) is used by health care professionals to diagnose mental disorders.
A thorough assessment includes ADHD symptom lists and standardized behavior ratings scales. Health care professionals will inquire about the family's history, and review the school records from the past.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can affect the daily routine of a person regardless of whether at school, home or work. They can lead to problems in relationships and careers, financial difficulties, or even a driver's license. They can also cause emotional anxiety. It is common for people to experience difficulties concentrating or staying organised from time to time. However, if the problem becomes chronic and interferes with the daily activities, a healthcare specialist may be able to identify ADHD.
A health care professional must evaluate the person in two different settings, including at home and at school, or in workplace and social settings. They need to observe the person in these environments for a minimum of six months and determine that the symptoms are significantly hindering their ability to perform. The symptoms must also 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 have a difficult time waiting for their turn and often interrupt or intrude on others.
Children with inattentive ADHD have trouble following directions, staying on task or sitting still. They're usually daydreaming or distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be ignored, and miss out on learning opportunities, particularly in elementary schools which could prepare 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 a difficult time waiting for their turn or sitting still. They also have trouble controlling their emotions.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a relief but it's also difficult to comprehend. It's okay to feel embarrassed. However, honesty is the best way to go. A diagnosis could be the first time that people realize that their issues are ascribed to. This knowledge can help them change their perspective of themselves, leading to positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms can manifest at different times in both adults and children. In children, symptoms usually begin in elementary school. For adults, symptoms begin slightly later. 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 disorders like depression or anxiety.
Talk to your doctor If your child or teenager is showing indications of ADHD. They will perform an examination of the body, including audio and vision tests to ensure that there is no other issue. Your child and you will be asked to complete a list of symptoms. They will ask what the effects of their symptoms are on their school and family life. They will also want to learn about any previous issues they've faced.
For adults, a medical professional who is qualified to diagnose ADHD will use behavioral interviews and clinical scales or checklists for symptoms to determine if they meet the requirements for diagnosis. Psychological tests can be used to evaluate your cognitive abilities, as well as how you think and process information. They might also do a brain scan using the Neuropsychiatric EEG Assessment Aid (NEBA) that is FDA-approved. ( adhd diagnosing ) which evaluates the activity of specific areas of your brain that control the ability to focus and impulsivity.
In addition, they will review your medical history to see whether you've suffered from any other mental health problems or injuries, such as thyroid or head trauma that could cause similar symptoms. They may refer you for a thorough evaluation to a psychiatrist or psychologist.
You must have six or more symptoms that began in your childhood or before the age of 12. The symptoms have to be present for at least six months and create significant problems for your daily functioning. Adults have the lower threshold for diagnosis, but the criteria are the same: You must have at least five symptoms that cause problems with your social, work and home life.
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to alleviate symptoms and improve functioning at home, school and work. There are a myriad of treatment options, including the use of medication and therapy for behavior. Some people also have satisfaction with lifestyle changes, like establishing consistent routines by using a planner or notebook and arranging tasks ahead of time. Some people may benefit from treatments for learning disabilities like metacognitive therapy which helps them improve their problem-solving skills and organizational skills or cognitive behavioral therapy which targets thinking distortions that can lead to low self-esteem and mood swings.
Specially trained health care professionals can offer the best treatment plan based on the patient's specific situation. They will assess the patient's present symptoms and, in the case of an adult, their previous behavior and school experiences. They will employ clinical interviewing, scales for assessing behavior and symptom checklists to determine if the person has the ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also inquire about family history of mental illness and physical illnesses. They will inquire about the person's moods, behaviors and how they've changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is upon six or more signs, which begin before 12 years of age and can cause issues in at least two settings (at school, at home or in social situations). The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must also be more severe than what is normal for someone of this age.
A medical checkup is typically done to ensure that the patient doesn't have any other health problems. Doctors will review the person's symptoms, as well as their medical and psychiatric history, and may suggest an eye exam or hearing test. Some people who suffer from ADHD are genetically predisposed to develop the disorder. Someone who has a sibling or parent with ADHD has a 91% chance to develop the disorder. It's also common to have a comorbid mood anxiety disorder in conjunction with ADHD. These disorders can be more difficult to treat than ADHD alone.
Prevention
Many things, such as medical conditions and some kinds of learning disabilities can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. So it's important to see your health care provider or a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation before making an assessment. The doctor will inquire about your child's issues and how they impact their daily lives. They can also utilize scoring scales or a checklist to help decide if your child has ADHD. They could also conduct an examination and test for visual or hearing problems. They can also request an EEG brain scan that analyzes beta and theta waves to monitor changes in your child's brain function.
To be considered a child with ADHD they must display numerous symptoms that are more prominent than the norm for their age or development level. The signs of inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity have to cause serious problems at home, at school or at work. The symptoms must also affect your child's ability to interact with others. If your child exhibits moderate or severe ADHD symptoms they will require treatment with medication to lead an ordinary life.
Children with ADHD may find it difficult to follow directions and stay on task and can result in low self-esteem and grades. They may also have difficulty with social relationships because they struggle to discern social signals and are often disruptive to others or appear aggressive or abrasive. They are susceptible to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and issues with relationships.
Mild ADHD is characterized by symptoms that are apparent but do not interfere in daily life, which makes it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People with severe or moderate ADHD are more prone to symptoms and are more likely to have job-related problems, such as having difficulty retaining jobs, interacting with coworkers, or maintaining relationships.
Patients who do not receive treatment could face grave consequences, including health issues, financial troubles, and legal issues. There are a number of treatment options for ADHD, including psychosocial therapy and behavioral therapy, diet and nutrition, exercise, sleep improvements, and medications. NIMH offers more information on these options and how to talk with your family about them.