Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are often not diagnosed until they have serious issues at home, work or school. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) is used by health care providers to diagnose mental disorders.
A full assessment includes ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standardized behavior rating scales. Health professionals also inquire about family history and go through old school records.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can have a negative impact on the daily routine of a person, whether it is at home, school or work. They can be disruptive to relationships and careers, leading to serious financial problems or driving licenses, and even create emotional distress for the person. It's normal for people to have difficulty concentrating or staying organized from time to the time, but if it becomes a chronic problem and interferes with everyday functioning, a health care professional may be able to identify ADHD.
A health professional will need to evaluate the person in two different settings, including at home and in school, as well as in workplace and social situations. The health care professional must observe the person for at least six months and determine if the symptoms are affecting their ability to function. The symptoms should also have begun before the age 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 often are not able to wait for their turn and often interrupt or disturb other children.
Children with the inattentive type of ADHD are unable to sit or wait quietly and have trouble following instructions or staying on task. They are usually daydreaming or easily distracted. They are more likely to be ignored, and miss out on opportunities to learn, particularly in primary schools, 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 staying still. They also have difficulty managing their emotions.
It can be it's a relief to get an diagnosis of ADHD but it's not always an easy process. It's normal to be embarrassed. However, honesty is the best way to go. For some, a diagnosis will be the first time they've realized that their struggles have a name. This understanding can allow them to change their perspective of themselves, which can lead to positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it is about ADHD, symptoms show up at different times for kids and adults. For children, symptoms typically begin in elementary school. For adults, it is 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 instances the condition could be misdiagnosed as autism, or an anxiety disorder or depression.
If your child or teen is showing signs of ADHD the first step is to consult your doctor. They will conduct an examination that includes vision and audio to ensure that there is nothing else wrong. You and your child will be asked to write a list of symptoms. They will want to know how the symptoms have affected their family and school life. They'll also want you to tell them about any previous issues.
For adults, a healthcare professional who is certified 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 requirements for diagnosis. Psychological tests may be used to determine your cognitive abilities, as well as how you process information and think. They might also do a brain scan using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA), which evaluates the activity of specific areas of your brain that control attention and impulsivity.
They will also look at your medical records to see whether there are any other mental disorders or injuries, for example thyroid or head trauma that can cause similar symptoms. They might refer you for an extensive evaluation with psychiatrists or psychologists.
You must have six or more symptoms, which started 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 must be able to meet a lower threshold in order to be diagnosed, but the same criteria apply: You need to have at least five or more symptoms and these should affect your work, home and social life.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and restore functioning at the workplace, at home and in school. There are a myriad of treatments available, including treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Some people also find success with lifestyle changes, such as setting up a routine that is consistent by using a planner 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 abilities and organizational skills or cognitive behavioral treatment which targets thinking distortions which can cause low self-esteem and mood swings.
Health professionals who have been specially trained in diagnosing ADHD can suggest the most effective treatment plan for a person's situation. They will examine the person's present symptoms and, when they are an adult, their childhood behavior and school experiences. They will use clinical interviewing, scales for assessing behavior and symptom checklists to determine if the person has the ADHD diagnostic criteria. They might also inquire about the family history of mental illnesses and physical ailments. They'll ask the person, their parents and teachers about their moods, behaviors and attitudes and about how they've changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the presence of six or more signs that start before the age of 12 and cause difficulties in two or more environments (home, school and social situations). The symptoms must be present for at least six months. The symptoms must be more severe than is normal for a person of the same age.
There aren't any brain scans or blood tests to determine ADHD However, a medical checkup usually is performed to ensure that there's no other issue with the person. Doctors will look over the patient's symptoms, as well as their medical and psychiatric history and may recommend an eye exam or a hearing test. Some people with ADHD are genetically predisposed to this condition. A person who has a parent or sibling with ADHD has a 91% chance of develop the disorder. It is also common to have a comorbid mood or anxiety disorder in conjunction with ADHD. These conditions can be more difficult to treat than ADHD alone.
The following is a list with preventions.
Many things, including some medical conditions and some types of learning disabilities, can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. Therefore, it's essential to visit a health care provider or mental health professional for an evaluation prior to determining a diagnosis. Iam Psychiatry will ask your child about their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They can also use rating scales or a checklist to help decide if your child has ADHD. They may also perform an examination and test for hearing or visual issues. They may also request an examination of the brain, known as an EEG, which analyzes beta and theta waves to detect changes in your child's brain function.
For children to be diagnosed with ADHD the child must exhibit numerous symptoms that are noticeably greater than what is normal for their age or developmental level. The signs of inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity must cause significant problems at home, school or work. The symptoms should also affect your child's ability to interact with others. If your child suffers from moderate or severe ADHD They will require medication to live an ordinary life.
Children with ADHD might have trouble following directions and staying focused. This can lead to low grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also have difficulty with social interactions as they struggle to discern social cues and often interrupt others or appear aggressive or abrasive. They are at risk of anxiety, depression as well as substance abuse and issues with relationships.
People with mild ADHD have symptoms that are evident but they do not hinder their lives or make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People with moderate to severe ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms, and are more likely than other people to have problems at work, including difficulties keeping a job or interacting with colleagues.
People who do not receive treatment may face serious consequences. This includes financial issues and health issues, as well as legal issues. There are a variety of treatments for ADHD. These include behavioral therapy, psychosocial interventions, nutrition and diet, exercise, sleep improvement and medication. NIMH offers more information on these options and how to speak with your family about them.