Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't get diagnosed until their symptoms cause major problems at work, school or at home. Health care professionals adhere to the diagnostic criteria set out in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A complete evaluation will include ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standardized behavior rating scales. Health professionals also inquire about family history and look over old school records.
Symptoms
The signs of ADHD can affect the lives of a person at school, home, or at work. They can cause disruption to relationships and career, lead to financial issues or driving licenses, and can even cause emotional distress for the person. It's normal to have difficulty concentrating or staying organized from time moment, but if it becomes an ongoing issue that hinders everyday functioning, a health care professional may be able to determine ADHD.
To be able to diagnose someone with ADHD, a healthcare professional must examine the person in at least two different settings, which could include at home, school or work and social situations. The health professional must observe the person for at least six month and determine whether the symptoms are affecting their ability to function. The symptoms must 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 are usually in a hurry to finish their work and are often disruptive or disturb other children.
Children with inattentive ADHD are unable to follow instructions and staying on task, or sitting still. They are usually distracted by their thoughts or forgetful, and are easily distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be missed, and miss out on learning opportunities, particularly in primary 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 trouble sitting or waiting for their turn, blurting out answers before questions are finished and have trouble managing their emotions.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief however, it's difficult to comprehend. It's fine to be embarrassed. However, honesty is the best way to go. For some, it will be the first time they've realized that their problems have a. This knowledge can allow them to change their perception of themselves, leading to positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms appear at different times in children and adults. For children, symptoms typically begin in the middle of elementary school, however for adults it's a little later. The symptoms can 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 disorder is not properly diagnosed. It could be a sign of autism or a mood disorder such as depression or anxiety.
Consult your doctor if your child or teenager exhibits symptoms of ADHD. They will perform a physical examination, including audio and vision to make sure that there is nothing else wrong. You and your child will be asked to fill out a list of symptoms. They will be interested in knowing how the symptoms have impacted their home and school life. They'll also want to be informed about any past issues they've had.
For adults, a healthcare professional who is certified to diagnose ADHD will conduct 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 can be used to determine your cognitive abilities, as well as how you process information and think. They may also perform a brain scan with the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA), a tool that measures the activity in certain parts of the brain that control your attention and your impulsivity.
They will also examine your medical records to see whether there are any other mental health issues or injuries, such as head trauma or thyroid problems which can trigger similar symptoms. They might refer you for an extensive evaluation with psychiatrists or psychologists.
You must be suffering from six or more symptoms that began in childhood or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and cause significant problems with your daily functioning. Adults have the lower threshold for diagnosis, but the criteria are the same: You must exhibit at least five symptoms that cause problems with your social, work and family life.
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to reduce symptoms and restore functioning at home, school and work. There are many different treatment options, such as medication and therapy for behavior. Some people experience success through lifestyle changes, such as using planners, notebooks, and scheduling tasks ahead of time. Others might benefit from specific learning disabilities treatments, such as metacognitive therapy that helps to improve their abilities to manage their time and problem solving, or cognitive behavioral therapy to correct cognitive distortions that can lead to negative moods and low self-esteem.
Specially trained health care professionals can offer the best treatment plan based on the patient's particular situation. They will examine the person's symptoms and, if they are an adult, their childhood and school experiences. They will use interviews with a psychologist, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists to determine whether the person meets the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They may also conduct a family history of mental health issues as well as physical illnesses. They will ask about the person's moods, behaviors and changes over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the presence of six or more signs that start before the age of 12 and cause difficulties in two or more settings (home school, social situations). The symptoms have to be present for at minimum six months. In addition the symptoms must be more severe than one would expect for a person at that age.
There are no blood tests or brain scans to diagnose ADHD, but a medical checkup usually is performed to ensure that there's no other issue with the person. Doctors will look over the patient's medical and psychiatric records and look over their symptoms. They may also recommend an hearing or eye test. adhd diagnoses who suffer from ADHD are genetically predisposed to the condition. If the person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD and is a child, they have a 91% chance of being diagnosed with the disorder. ADHD is often associated with a mood or anxiety disorder. These conditions can be more difficult to treat than ADHD alone.
The following is a list of preventions.
Many things, including certain medical conditions and learning disabilities, can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. It is important to speak with an expert in mental health or a health care professional for an evaluation prior to making a diagnosis. The person you see will ask your child about their symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They may also use ratings scales or a checklist to determine if your child is suffering from ADHD. They can also conduct a physical examination and test for visual or hearing issues. They can also request an EEG brain scan which measures beta and theta waves to monitor changes in your child's brain function.
Children diagnosed with ADHD have symptoms that are more than the norm for their age and development level. The signs of inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity should cause a significant problem at home, at school or at work. adhd diagnose must also affect your child's ability to interact with other people. If your child suffers from moderate or severe ADHD they will require medication to lead an ordinary life.
Children with ADHD may have trouble following directions and staying on task. This can result in lower grades and a loss of self-esteem. They may also have difficulty in social relationships because they aren't able to discern social cues. They are often disruptive to others and come across as aggressive or abrasive. They are at high risk of developing depression, anxiety, and alcohol abuse.
People who suffer from mild ADHD have symptoms that are apparent but do not affect their lives or make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People with moderate to severe ADHD will have more symptoms, and they are more likely than other people to experience problems at work, including difficulty keeping a job, or interacting with coworkers.
People who do not receive treatment may face serious consequences. These include financial problems, health issues, and legal issues. There are a variety of treatments for ADHD. These include behavioral therapy, psychosocial interventions as well as nutrition and diet exercise, sleep improvement and even medications. NIMH provides more information about these options and how you can talk with your family members about these options.