Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't receive diagnosis until their symptoms cause serious difficulties at school, at work or at home. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) is utilized by health professionals to diagnose mental disorders.
A complete evaluation will include ADHD symptom checklists and standardized behavior rating scales. Health professionals inquire about the family's history, and examine the school records from the past.
sell of ADHD can impact the way a person lives at school, home, or at work. They can cause disruption to relationships and work, leading to financial issues or a driver's license and can even cause emotional distress for the person. It's normal for everyone to have difficulty concentrating or being organized from time to moment but if it develops into an ongoing problem that interferes with everyday functioning, a health care provider may be able to identify ADHD.
A health care professional must assess the person 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 at least six month and determine if the symptoms are affecting their ability to perform. The symptoms should also have started before 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 interfere with others.
Children with inattention ADHD have difficulty following instructions, staying on task or sitting down. They are usually distracted by their thoughts, forgetful or easily distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be missed, and miss out on opportunities to learn, particularly in the elementary school setting, 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 settling down. They also have trouble controlling their emotions.
It's it's a relief to get a diagnosis of ADHD, but it is not always simple. It's fine to be embarrassed. But, honesty is the best policy. A diagnosis could be the first time that people realize that their issues have a name. This knowledge can help them change their perspective of themselves, which can lead to positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it concerns ADHD, symptoms show up at different times in children and adults. In children, symptoms usually begin in the first grade. For adults, symptoms begin slightly later. The symptoms can be mild, medium or even 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 not properly diagnosed. It could be autism or a mood disorder such as anxiety or depression.
Talk to your doctor If your child or teenager shows indications of ADHD. They will conduct an examination that includes vision and audio to ensure that there is nothing else wrong. They will ask you and your child to complete an inventory of the symptoms. They will inquire about how the symptoms have affected their school and family life. They'll also want you to tell them about any previous problems.
For adults, a healthcare professional who is qualified to diagnose ADHD will use the process of conducting clinical interviews, as well as behavior rating scales or checklists of symptoms to determine if they meet the criteria for diagnosis. Psychological tests may be used to assess your cognitive abilities, and how you think and process information. They may also perform a brain scan using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which measures the activity of certain areas of your brain that control attention and impulsivity.
They will also review your medical records to determine whether there are any other mental health issues or injuries, such as head trauma or thyroid problems that can cause similar symptoms. They may refer you for an extensive evaluation with psychiatrists or psychologists.
You must be suffering from at least six symptoms which began in childhood or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms must be present for at least six months and cause significant problems with your daily functioning. Adults need to have a lower threshold to be diagnosed, but the same requirements apply: You must have a minimum of five or more symptoms, and they must affect your home, work and social life.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and improve functioning at home, school and work. There are a variety of treatments available, including the use of medication and therapy for behavior. Many people have success through lifestyle changes, for example, establishing consistent routines, using a planner or notebook and arranging tasks prior to time. Other people may benefit from specific learning disability treatments, like metacognitive training that helps them improve their ability to organize their lives and solve problems, or cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with the distortions in thinking that can cause negative moods and low self-esteem.
Health professionals who are specially trained to recognize ADHD can recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for a patient's situation. They will evaluate the symptoms of the patient, and when they are an adult, their childhood and school experiences. They will employ clinical interviews, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists to determine whether the person is in compliance with requirements for diagnosing ADHD. They may also conduct an examination of a family history of mental health problems and physical illnesses. They will inquire about the person's moods, behavior and changes over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the presence of six or more signs that begin before age 12 and can cause problems in two or more environments (home, school and social situations). The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must also be more severe than is normal for someone of this age.
A medical exam is usually done to ensure that the patient isn't suffering from any other health problems. Doctors will review the patient's medical and psychiatric histories and look over their symptoms. They may also recommend an eye or hearing test. Some people who suffer from ADHD are genetically predisposed to the disorder. If a person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD they are at risk of having a 91% chance of developing the disorder themselves. ADHD is often accompanied by anxiety or mood disorder. These conditions can be more difficult to treat than ADHD alone.
The following is a list of preventions.
Many things, such as medical conditions and certain types of learning disabilities can trigger similar symptoms to those of ADHD. It's important to consult a mental health professional or health care provider for an assessment prior to determining a diagnosis. The person you see will ask your child about their symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They may also utilize ratings scales or a checklist to help determine if your child is suffering from ADHD. They may also perform a physical examination and test for hearing or vision problems. They can also request an EEG brain scan that measures beta and theta waves to check on changes in your child's brain function.
To be considered a child with ADHD, they must have several symptoms that are significantly more than the norm for their age or developmental level. Inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity must cause serious issues at home, school, or work. The symptoms should also affect your child's social interactions. If your child is suffering from moderate or severe ADHD symptoms and needs treatment, they'll need to be treated with medication in order to live an ordinary life.
Children suffering from ADHD may have trouble following instructions and staying on track. This can result in poor grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also have issues in social relationships because they are unable to read social signals. They often interrupt others and appear aggressive or intense. They are at a high risk of developing depression, anxiety, and addiction to drugs.
People with mild ADHD have symptoms that are evident but do not interfere with their daily life or make it difficult to work or maintain relationships. People with severe or moderate ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms and are more likely to suffer job-related problems, such as having difficulty retaining jobs, interacting with coworkers, or maintaining relationships.
If you don't seek treatment, you can have grave consequences, such as health issues, financial troubles and legal issues. There are a variety of treatment options for ADHD which include behavioral therapy and psychosocial interventions including diet and nutrition, exercise medication for sleep, and other treatments. NIMH provides more details about these options and ways to discuss them with your family.