Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't receive diagnosis until their symptoms create major issues at school, work or at home. Health professionals follow 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 thorough assessment includes ADHD symptoms lists and standardized scales for assessing behavior. Health care professionals ask about the family history and review old school records.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can impact a person's daily life, whether it is at home, school or at work. They can disrupt relationships and career, lead to serious problems with finances or a driver's license, and even create emotional distress for the person. It's normal to have trouble concentrating or being organized from time to the time however, if it becomes a chronic problem and interferes with everyday functioning, a medical specialist may be able diagnose ADHD.
A health care professional must assess the person in two different settings, including at home and in school, as well as in workplace and social settings. The health care professional has to be observing the person for a minimum of six months and determine if the symptoms are affecting their ability to function. The symptoms also must have started before 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 interrupt or interfere with others.
Children with the inattentive type of ADHD are unable to sit or wait at a comfortable pace and have difficulty following instructions or staying focused. They are usually distracted or snoozing. They are more likely to be missed and omit learning opportunities, particularly in the elementary school setting which could prepare 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 are unable to wait their turn or sitting still. They also have difficulty managing their emotions.
It's an exhilarating experience to receive an diagnosis of ADHD however, it's not always an easy process. It's normal to be embarrassed. But, honesty is the best policy. A diagnosis could be the first time someone realizes that their struggles have a name. This understanding will help them alter the way they view themselves, resulting in positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it concerns ADHD, symptoms show up at different times for children and adults. For children, symptoms typically begin in the middle of elementary school, however for adults, it's a bit later. The symptoms 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 some cases, the disorder is not properly diagnosed. It could be autism or a mood disorders like depression or anxiety.
Talk to your doctor when your child or teen exhibits indications of ADHD. They will perform an examination that includes audio and vision to make sure that there is nothing else wrong. They will ask you and your child to fill out a checklist of their symptoms. They will inquire about what the effects of their symptoms are on their school and personal life. They will also want to hear about any past problems they've had.
For adults, a healthcare professional who's qualified to diagnose ADHD will conduct the process of conducting clinical interviews, as well as behavior rating scales or checklists for symptoms to determine if they meet the requirements for diagnosis. Psychological tests may be used to determine your cognitive abilities and how you process information and think. They might also do an examination of your brain using the Neuropsychiatric EEG Assessment Aid (NEBA) that is FDA-approved. ( getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult ), which measures the activity of certain areas of your brain that regulate attention and the ability to be impulsive.
They will also review your medical records to see whether there are any additional mental conditions or injuries, such as thyroid issues or head trauma that can cause similar symptoms. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for a thorough evaluation.
You must show six or more symptoms that began in your childhood or before the age of 12. The symptoms have to be present for at least six months and cause significant problems with your daily functioning. Adults must meet a lower threshold to be diagnosed, however the same requirements apply: You must have at least five or more symptoms and these should affect your home, work and social life.
Treatment
Treatment aims to ease symptoms and improve functioning at work, home and school. There are many different treatments available, including treatment with medication and therapy for behavior. Many people have success with lifestyle changes, like creating a consistent routine by using a planner notebook and scheduling tasks prior to time. Some people may benefit from learning disabilities therapies such as metacognitive therapy, which aids them in improving their problem-solving skills and organizational skills or cognitive behavioral treatment that addresses the distortions in thinking that can lead to depression and low self-esteem.
Specially trained health care professionals can provide the most effective treatment plan based on a person's particular situation. They will evaluate the person's symptoms and, if they are an adult, also their childhood and school experiences. They will use clinical interviewing, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists in order to determine if a person is in compliance with ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also take the family history of mental health issues and physical illnesses. They will inquire about the person's moods, behaviors and changes over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is made upon six or more symptoms, that begin before 12 years of age and can cause difficulties in at least two different settings (at school, at home or in social situations). The symptoms have to be present for at least six months. The symptoms must also be more severe than what is normal for someone of this age.
There are no brain scans or blood tests to diagnose ADHD However, a medical checkup usually is done to make sure there's nothing else wrong with the individual. Doctors will examine the person's symptoms and medical and psychiatric history, and may suggest an eye exam or a hearing test. Some people who suffer from ADHD are genetically predisposed to the condition. Anyone who has a parent or sibling with ADHD has an 85% chance of develop the disorder. ADHD is often accompanied by a anxiety or mood disorder. These disorders are more difficult to treat than ADHD alone.
The following is a list of preventatives.
Many things, including some medical conditions, as well as certain types of learning disabilities, could cause similar symptoms as those of ADHD. Therefore, it's essential to visit a health care provider or a mental health professional for an evaluation prior to determining an assessment. The doctor will inquire about your child's issues and how they affect their daily life. They may use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child suffers from ADHD. They may also do a physical exam and test for hearing or vision problems. They may also order an EEG brain scan which analyzes beta and theta waves to check on changes in your child’s brain function.
Children diagnosed with ADHD must show symptoms that are significantly greater than the norm for their age and developmental level. Inattention, hyperactivity, or an impulsive behavior can create serious problems at home, school, or work. The symptoms can also impact your child's ability to interact with other people. If your child exhibits moderate or severe ADHD symptoms, they will need treatment with medication to live an ordinary life.
Children suffering from ADHD might have trouble following directions and staying on task. This can lead to low grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also struggle with social interactions as they have trouble reading social signals and are often disruptive to others or appear aggressive or intense. They are at risk of depression, anxiety, substance misuse, and issues with relationships.
People who suffer from mild ADHD have symptoms that are noticeable but do not affect their daily life or make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People who suffer from severe or moderate ADHD have more symptoms and are more likely to have job-related problems, such as difficulties in keeping a job, getting along with coworkers, or maintaining relationships.
People who don't receive treatment may suffer serious consequences. This could include financial problems as well as health and legal issues. There are a number of treatment options for ADHD that include psychosocial and behavioral therapy, diet and nutrition, exercise, medication for sleep, and other treatments. NIMH provides more details about these options and ways to discuss them with your family members.