Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are often not diagnosed until they have serious issues at home, at 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 complete evaluation will include ADHD symptom checklists and standardized behavior rating scales. Health care professionals also inquire about family history and review old school records.
Symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD can impact the lives of a person at school, home, or at work. They can disrupt relationships and careers, leading to serious financial problems or a driver's license, and can even cause emotional distress for the person. It's normal for people to struggle with concentration or staying organized from time time but if it develops into an ongoing issue that affects daily functioning, a health care provider may be able to identify ADHD.
To be able to diagnose someone with ADHD A health professional must assess 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 months and determine whether the symptoms are affecting their ability to perform. The symptoms must also be present prior to 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 are often unable to wait for their turn and frequently interfere with others or interrupt them.
Children with the inattentive kind of ADHD are incapable of sitting or waiting in silence and are unable to follow instructions or staying on task. They're usually daydreaming or forgetful, and are easily distracted by their surroundings. They're more prone to being left out and miss opportunities to learn, especially in the early years of school, which could set them up for 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 staying still. They also have difficulty controlling their emotions.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a relief however, it's not always easy to accept. It's fine to be embarrassed. But, honesty is the best way to go. A diagnosis might be the first time that someone realizes that their struggles have a name. This understanding can help them change their perspective of themselves, which can lead to positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it is about ADHD symptoms are evident at different times for kids and adults. For kids, they typically begin in elementary school, but for adults, it's a bit later. The symptoms can be mild, medium 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 condition may be misdiagnosed as autism or a mood disorder like anxiety or depression.
Consult your doctor if your child or teenager exhibits indications of ADHD. They will perform an examination of the body, including audio and vision to make sure that there is no other issue. Your child and you will be asked to write the list of symptoms. They will want to know how their symptoms have affected their home and school life. adhd diagnosis in adults '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 use clinical interviews and behavior rating scales or checklists of symptoms to determine if they meet the criteria for diagnosis. Psychological tests may be used to determine your cognitive abilities, and how you process information and think. They could also conduct an examination of the brain using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) A tool that measures the activity in specific brain regions that regulate your attention and impulsivity.
They will also examine your medical records to see whether there are any additional mental disorders or injuries, like thyroid issues or head trauma that could cause similar symptoms. They might refer you for an extensive evaluation with psychiatrists or psychologists.
You must show six or more symptoms, which started in childhood or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms have to be present for at least six months and cause significant problems with your daily activities. Adults must have a lower threshold to be diagnosed, however the same requirements apply: You must have at least five or more symptoms and these must interfere with your work, home and social life.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to improve symptoms and improve functioning at home, school and work. There are a variety of treatment options, including treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Many people have success through lifestyle changes, such as creating a consistent routine by using a planner or notebook and scheduling tasks prior to time. Certain people might benefit from therapies for learning disabilities such as metacognitive therapy, which aids them in improving their problem-solving and organizational abilities or cognitive behavioral therapy that addresses the distortions in thinking that can lead to low self-esteem and mood swings.
Health professionals who have been specifically trained to diagnose ADHD can recommend the best treatment for a person's situation. They will evaluate the symptoms of the patient, and when they are an adult, they will also consider their childhood and school experiences. They will use clinical interviewing, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists to determine if a person meets ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also conduct a family history of mental health issues and physical illnesses. They will inquire about the person's moods and behaviors and changes over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is by analyzing six or more symptoms, which begin before the age of 12 and can cause difficulties in at least two settings (at school, at home or in social situations). The symptoms are expected to be present for at minimum six months. Additionally, the symptoms must be significantly more difficult than expected for someone of that age.
There are no blood tests or brain scans to diagnose ADHD, but medical checks are usually carried out to ensure there's nothing else wrong with the person. Doctors will examine the person's symptoms and medical and mental background and may recommend an eye examination or hearing test. Certain people suffering from ADHD are genetically predisposed to develop the disorder. If a person has a parent or sibling with ADHD and is a child, they have a 91% chance of being diagnosed with the disorder. It is also common to have a comorbid mood anxiety disorder that is associated with ADHD. These conditions can be more difficult to manage than ADHD alone.
The following is a list with preventions.
Many things, such as medical conditions and some types of learning disabilities could cause similar symptoms as those of ADHD. So it's important to see your health care provider or a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation before making a diagnosis. The doctor will inquire about the symptoms of your child and how they affect their daily life. They can also use rating scales or a checklist to determine if your child suffers from ADHD. They may also do physical examinations and tests for problems with vision or hearing. They may also order a brain scan called an EEG that examines beta and theta waves to check for changes in your child's brain function.
Children diagnosed with ADHD have symptoms that are more than normal for their age and development level. The symptoms 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 other children. If your child suffers from moderate or severe ADHD They will require medication to live an ordinary life.
Children suffering from ADHD can find it difficult to follow directions and remain on task which can result in low self-esteem and poor grades. They may also have difficulty with social interactions, since they are unable to read social signals. They frequently interrupt others and can appear aggressive or abrasive. They are at risk for depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and issues with relationships.
People who have mild ADHD have symptoms that are apparent but do not affect their daily life or make it difficult to work or maintain relationships. Those with moderate or severe ADHD have more symptoms and are more likely to have issues with their jobs, like difficulties in keeping a job, getting along with colleagues or maintaining relationships.
People who do not receive treatment could 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 psychosocial interventions including nutrition and diet, exercise, sleep improvement, and medication. NIMH offers more information on these options and how you can talk with your family about them.