Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't get diagnosed until their symptoms cause major problems at work, school 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 symptoms checklists and standardized behavior rating scales. Health care professionals also ask about family history and go through old school records.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD can affect a person's life at school, at home or at work. They can cause issues in relationships and careers, financial problems and even a driver's license. They can also cause emotional stress. It's normal for people to have trouble concentrating or being organized from time to the time, but if it becomes an ongoing problem that affects daily functioning, a medical professional may be able to diagnose ADHD.
A health professional must assess the person in two distinct settings, including at home and in school, or in social and workplace situations. The health care professional must monitor the patient for a minimum of six months and determine whether the symptoms are affecting their ability to perform. The symptoms must be present prior to the age of 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 often are in a hurry to finish their work, and they interrupt or interfere with others.
Children with the inattentive type of ADHD are not able to sit or stand in silence and are unable to follow instructions or staying on task. They tend to be wandering off or distracted. They are more likely to be ignored, and miss out on learning opportunities, especially in elementary 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 a difficult time waiting for their turn or settling down. They also have difficulty managing their emotions.
It can be an exhilarating experience to receive the diagnosis of ADHD, but it is not always an easy process. Some people may be embarrassed, but they must to be honest in order that they receive the help they need. A diagnosis may be the first time people realize that their issues are ascribed to. Having this understanding can change the way they think about themselves, which could cascade into positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms appear at different times in both adults and children. For children, they usually begin in the middle of elementary school, however for adults, it's later. The signs could be mild, moderate or even severe. They can also be a combination of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity or more focused on one or the other. In certain cases, the condition may be misdiagnosed as autism, or a mood disorder such as anxiety or depression.
Consult your doctor if your child or teenager is showing indications of ADHD. They will conduct physical examinations, including vision and hearing to ensure there's nothing else going on. They will ask you and your child to complete an inventory of their symptoms. They will ask what the effects of their symptoms are on their school and family life. They'll also want learn about any previous issues they've had.
Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD by a healthcare provider competent to do so. They may conduct clinical interviews, use behavior rating scales, or symptoms checklists. They might also do psychological tests to gauge your cognitive abilities and learn how you process information and think. They could also conduct a brain scan with the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which is a device that measures the activity of specific brain regions that regulate your attention and impulsivity.
I Am Psychiatry will also examine your medical records to determine if there are any other mental disorders or injuries, like thyroid issues or head trauma that can cause similar symptoms. They may refer you for an extensive evaluation with a psychologist or psychiatrist.
To be able to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, you must have 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 create significant problems for your daily activities. Adults must have a lower threshold to be diagnosed, however the same criteria apply: You need to have a minimum of 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 work, home and school. There are many different treatment options, including medication and therapy for behavior. Many people have satisfaction with lifestyle changes, for example, establishing consistent routines, using a planner or notebook and arranging tasks ahead of time. Some people may benefit from therapies for learning disabilities like metacognitive therapy which helps them improve their problem-solving abilities and organizational skills or cognitive behavioral therapy that addresses the distortions in thinking, leading to low self-esteem and negative moods.
Health professionals who are specially trained can provide the most effective treatment program based on a patient's particular situation. They will evaluate the person's symptoms, and when they are an adult, their school and childhood experiences. They will employ clinical interviewing, behavior rating scales, and symptom checklists to determine if the person has the ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also inquire about the family history of mental illness and physical ailments. They'll ask the individual as well as their parents and teachers about their moods, behaviors and attitudes and about how they've changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is by analyzing six or more symptoms, which start before the age of 12 and cause issues in at least two settings (at home, school or social situations). The symptoms must be present for at least six months. In addition the symptoms should be more severe than expected for someone at that age.
There are no blood tests or brain scans to determine ADHD however medical checks are usually done to make sure there's no other issue with the individual. Doctors will look over the patient's medical and psychiatric history and review their symptoms. They may also recommend an hearing or eye test. Some people who suffer from ADHD have a genetic predisposition to develop the disorder. If a person has a parent or sibling with ADHD and is a child, they have a 91% chance of developing the disorder for themselves. It is also common to have a comorbid mood or anxiety disorder that is associated with ADHD. These disorders are more difficult to manage than ADHD alone.
Prevention
Many things, including certain medical conditions or learning disabilities, can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. It is essential to talk to a mental health professional or a health care professional for an assessment prior to making an assessment. The doctor will inquire about your child's issues and how they affect their daily life. They may also use scoring scales or a checklist to determine if your child is suffering from ADHD. They could also conduct an examination of the body and test for hearing or visual issues. They may also request an EEG brain scan that measures beta and theta waves to monitor changes in your child's brain function.
To be considered a child with ADHD they must display a number of symptoms that are significantly more than what is normal for their age or developmental level. Inattention, hyperactivity, or an impulsive behavior can create serious problems at home, school or at work. The symptoms also need to affect your child's social interactions. If your child suffers from moderate or severe ADHD they will require medication to lead an ordinary life.
Children suffering from ADHD can find it difficult to follow directions and remain focused which can result in poor grades and low self-esteem. They may also struggle with social relationships, as they are unable to read social signals. They are often disruptive to others and appear aggressive or abrasive. They are susceptible to anxiety, depression, substance misuse, and issues with relationships.
Mild ADHD is manifests itself in symptoms that are evident but do not hinder everyday life. It can which makes it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People with moderate to severe ADHD will exhibit more symptoms, and are more likely than other people to have issues at work, like difficulties keeping a job or interacting with coworkers.
Patients who do not receive treatment can face grave consequences, including health issues, financial troubles and legal issues. There are a number of treatments available for ADHD which include psychosocial therapy and behavioral therapy such as diet and nutrition, exercise, medication for sleep, and other treatments. NIMH offers more information on these options and how to talk with your family members about them.