Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are usually not diagnosed until they experience significant issues at work, home or at 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 professionals to diagnose mental disorders.
A thorough assessment includes ADHD symptoms and standardized scales for assessing behavior. Health care professionals will inquire about the family's history, and examine old school records.
Symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD can impact a person's life at school, home, or at work. They can lead to problems in relationships and careers, financial difficulties, or even a driver's license. They can also trigger emotional distress. It's common for people to struggle in concentrating or staying organized occasionally. However, if the problem becomes chronic and interferes with the daily activities, a healthcare provider may be able diagnose ADHD.
A health care professional must evaluate the individual in two different settings, including at home and at school, or in workplace and social situations. The health care professional must observe the person for at least six months and determine whether the symptoms are affecting their ability to perform. The signs must also have begun before the age of 12. 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 difficulty waiting for their turn and often interfere with others or interrupt them.
Children with inattentive ADHD have trouble following directions and staying on task, or sitting still. They're usually daydreaming or forgetful, and are easily distracted by their surroundings. They're more prone to being left out and miss opportunities for learning, especially in elementary school, which could cause them to be a failure later on in life.
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 a relief to receive the diagnosis of ADHD however, it's not always an easy process. It's okay to feel embarrassed. But, honesty is the best approach. For some, it will be the first time they've realized that their problems have a. This knowledge will help them alter the way they view themselves, leading to positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it concerns ADHD, symptoms show up at different times for children and adults. For children, symptoms typically begin in elementary school. For adults, it's slightly later. The symptoms may 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 some cases the condition could be misdiagnosed as autistic or an anxiety disorder or depression.
Consult your doctor If your child or teenager shows symptoms of ADHD. They will conduct physical examinations that includes hearing and vision, to make sure there isn't something else going on. You and your child will be asked to complete a list of symptoms. They will ask what the effects of their symptoms are on their school and home life. They will also want to know about any previous problems.
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a medical professional qualified to do so. They'll utilize clinical interviews, behavior rating scales or symptoms checklists. Psychological tests can be used to assess your cognitive abilities and how you think and process information. diagnosed with adhd can also conduct a brain scan with the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) A tool that measures the activity of certain parts of the brain that regulate your attention and your impulsivity.
They will also review your medical records to see whether there are any other mental conditions or injuries, like head trauma or thyroid problems that could cause similar symptoms. They may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct a thorough assessment.
To be able to receive a diagnosis of ADHD you must exhibit a minimum of six or more symptoms that started in childhood, or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms have to be present for at least six months and cause significant difficulties with your daily activities. Adults must meet a lower threshold for diagnosis, but the criteria are the same: You must have at minimum five symptoms that interfere with your social, work and family life.
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to alleviate symptoms and improve functioning at home, school and work. There are a variety of treatment options, such as treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Some people experience success by making lifestyle changes like using an organizer, a notebook and arranging tasks in advance. Other people may benefit from specific learning disability treatments, such as metacognitive therapy that helps them develop their organizational skills and problem-solving abilities or cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with cognitive distortions that can lead to negative moods and low self-esteem.
Specially trained health care professionals can provide the most effective treatment plan based on the patient's particular situation. They will look at the person's current symptoms, and in the case of an adult, their childhood behaviors and school experiences. They will use clinical interviews, behavior ratings scales and checklists of symptoms to determine if the person is in compliance with the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They might also inquire about family history of mental illnesses and physical conditions. They will inquire about the person's moods and behaviors and how they have changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is based on six or more symptoms that begin before 12 years of age and cause problems in at minimum two settings (at school, at home, or in social situations). The symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms should also be more severe than expected for someone that age.
There are no brain scans or blood tests to diagnose 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 medical and psychiatric records and look over their symptoms. They may also suggest an hearing or eye test. Some people with ADHD are genetically predisposed to the disorder. A person who has a parent or sibling with ADHD has an 85% chance of develop the disorder. It's also normal to suffer from a comorbid mood disorder or anxiety disorder that is associated with ADHD. These disorders can be more difficult to treat 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 is therefore important to consult an expert in health care or mental health professional for an assessment prior to making the diagnosis. The person you see will ask your child about their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They can use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child has ADHD. They may also perform an examination and test for visual or hearing problems. They can also request a brain scan called an EEG that analyzes beta and theta waves to detect changes in your child's brain's function.
To be considered a child with ADHD they must display several symptoms that are significantly more than the norm for their age or developmental level. The symptoms of inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity have to cause serious problems at home, school or work. The symptoms should also affect your child's ability to interact with other children. If your child suffers from moderate or severe ADHD They will require medication to lead a normal life.
Children with ADHD can find it difficult to follow instructions and stay on task and can result in low self-esteem and poor grades. They may also have difficulty with social interactions, since they are unable to read social cues. They frequently interrupt others and come across as violent or intense. They are at a high risk for depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
People who have mild ADHD have symptoms that are evident but do not interfere with their lives or make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People with severe or moderate ADHD have more symptoms and are more likely to experience issues with their jobs, like difficulty keeping an occupation, getting along with colleagues or maintaining relationships.
People who do not receive treatment could face serious consequences. This could include financial problems, health issues, and legal issues. There are a variety of treatments for ADHD that include behavioral therapy and psychosocial interventions such as diet and nutrition, exercise, medication for sleep, and other treatments. NIMH has more information on these options and how to speak with your family about these options.