Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't get diagnosed until their symptoms create major difficulties at school, at work or home. Health professionals follow the diagnostic criteria 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 and standardized behavior ratings scales. Health professionals inquire about the family history and look at the school records from the past.
Symptoms
The signs of ADHD can impact the lives of a person at school, at home or at work. They can disrupt relationships and careers, leading to serious problems with finances or a driver's license and even create emotional distress for the person. It's normal for people to have trouble concentrating or staying organized from time the time, but if it becomes a chronic problem and hinders everyday functioning, a health professional may be able to identify ADHD.
A health care professional must assess the person in two different settings, including at home and at school, or in workplace and social settings. The health professional must monitor the patient for at least six month and determine whether the symptoms are impacting their ability to perform. The symptoms must be present prior to 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 frequently interfere with others or interrupt them.
Children with the inattentive kind of ADHD are incapable of sitting or waiting quietly and have trouble following instructions or staying on task. They are usually distracted by their thoughts, forgetful or easily distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be ignored and omit learning opportunities, especially in primary schools which could set 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 have difficulty sitting or waiting for their turn, blurt out answers before questions are finished and have trouble controlling their emotions.
It can be a relief to receive a diagnosis of ADHD but it's not always easy. It's fine to be embarrassed. However, honesty is the best way to go. A diagnosis may be the first time that someone has realized their struggles are ascribed to. Having this understanding can change the way they see themselves, which could result in positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms can manifest at different times in both adults and children. For children, they usually begin in the middle of elementary school, however for adults, it's a bit later. The signs 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 some cases, the condition is not properly diagnosed. It could be autism or a mood disorders like anxiety or depression.
If your child or teen shows signs of ADHD The first step is to talk to your doctor. They will conduct an examination of the body, including vision and audio to ensure that there is no other issue. You and your child will be asked to complete 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 hear about any past problems they've experienced.
For adults, a healthcare provider who's qualified to diagnose ADHD will use clinical interviews and behavior rating scales or checklists of symptoms to determine if they meet the criteria for diagnosis. Psychological tests may be used to determine your cognitive abilities, as well as how you think and process information. They could also conduct a brain scan using the Neuropsychiatric EEG Assessment Aid (NEBA) that is FDA-approved. (NEBA), which measures the activity of certain areas of your brain that regulate the ability to focus and impulsivity.
They will also examine your medical records to see if there are any other mental health issues or injuries, for example head trauma or thyroid problems that could cause similar symptoms. adhd adult diagnosis might refer you for a thorough evaluation to psychiatrists or psychologists.
To get a diagnosis of ADHD you must exhibit at least six or more symptoms that began in childhood or before age 12. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and cause significant problems with your daily activities. Adults need to meet a lower threshold to be diagnosed, but the same criteria apply: You need to have at least five or more symptoms, and these must interfere with your home, work and social life.
Treatment
Treatment aims to improve symptoms and restore function at home, work and school. There are a variety of treatment options, including the use of medication and behavioral therapy. Some people also have success through lifestyle changes, like establishing consistent routines, using a planner or notebook, and scheduling tasks in advance. Others 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 correct thinking distortions which can lead to low moods and low self-esteem.
Health professionals who are specially trained can offer the best treatment program based on a patient's particular situation. They will examine the symptoms of the patient, and if they are an adult, they will also consider their childhood and school experiences. They will employ clinical interviews, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists to determine whether the person meets requirements for diagnosing ADHD. They might also inquire about family history of mental illness and physical conditions. They will ask about the person's moods and behaviors and how they have changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the presence of six or more signs that start before the age of 12 and create difficulties in two or more settings (home school, at home and social situations). The symptoms have to be present for at least six months. The symptoms must be more severe than expected for a person of the same age.
There aren't any blood tests or brain scans to determine ADHD however an exam for medical reasons is usually done to make sure there's nothing else wrong with the person. Doctors will examine the person's symptoms and medical and mental history and may recommend an eye exam or hearing test. Some people with ADHD are genetically predisposed to this condition. A person who has a sibling or parent with ADHD has a 91% chance of develop the disorder. It's also common to suffer from a comorbid mood disorder or anxiety disorder in conjunction with ADHD. These disorders can be more difficult to manage than ADHD alone.
Prevention
Many things, including some medical conditions and some 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 evaluation prior to making a diagnosis. This person will ask about your child's symptoms and how they affect their daily life. They could use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child has ADHD. They could also perform a physical exam and test for problems with vision or hearing. They may also order a brain scan called an EEG, which measures theta and beta waves to detect changes in your child's brain's function.
Children who are diagnosed with ADHD have symptoms that are significantly greater than what is normal for their age and development level. Inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity can cause significant issues at home, school or at work. The symptoms should also affect your child's ability to interact with other people. 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 the normal life.
Children with ADHD may have difficulty following directions and staying focused. This can lead to poor grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also have issues with social interactions, since they aren't able to discern social signals. They are often disruptive to others and appear aggressive or intense. They are susceptible to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and issues with relationships.
People who have mild ADHD have symptoms that are evident but they do not hinder their lives or make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. Click Webpage who suffer from severe or moderate ADHD have more symptoms and are more likely to suffer issues with their jobs, like difficulties in keeping an occupation, getting along with coworkers or maintaining relationships.
People who do not receive treatment could face serious consequences. This includes financial issues and health issues, as well as legal issues. There are many treatment options for ADHD that include psychosocial therapy and behavioral therapy including diet and nutrition, exercise sleep improvements, and medications. NIMH offers more information on these options and how to discuss these options with your family members.