Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are usually not diagnosed until they have major problems at work, home or school. Health care providers 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 full assessment includes ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized behavior rating scales. Health professionals inquire about the family's history and look at old school records.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD can affect the way a person lives at home, school or work. They can cause problems in relationships and careers, financial issues, or even a driver's licence. They can also cause emotional anxiety. It's normal to struggle with concentration or staying organized from time the time, but if it becomes an ongoing issue that affects daily functioning, a medical provider may be able to diagnose ADHD.
A health professional must evaluate the individual in two different settings, including at home and at school, as well as in workplace and social situations. The health professional must observe the person for at least six months and determine if the symptoms are affecting their ability to function. how to diagnose adhd must also have begun 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 difficulty waiting for their turn and often interrupt or intrude on others.
Children with the inattentive kind of ADHD are incapable of sitting or waiting quietly and have trouble following instructions or staying focused. They are usually distracted by their thoughts or forgetful, and are easily distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be left out and miss opportunities for learning, especially in the early years of 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 trouble sitting or waiting for their turn, blurt out answers before the questions are completed, and have difficulty managing their emotions.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a great relief however, it's difficult to comprehend. People may feel embarrassed, but they must to be honest in order that they receive the help they deserve. A diagnosis might be the first time that someone has realized their struggles have a label. Understanding this can change the way they see themselves, which may cascade into positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms can manifest at different times in children and adults. For children, symptoms typically begin in the middle of elementary school, however for adults, it's a bit later. The signs can be mild, medium 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 a mood disorder such as anxiety or depression.
If your child or teen is showing signs of ADHD the first step is to talk to your doctor. They will conduct an examination of the body, including vision and hearing to make sure there isn't something else going on. They will ask you and your child to fill out a checklist of their symptoms. They'll be interested in knowing how the symptoms have impacted their home and school life. They'll also want learn about any previous issues they've had.
For adults, a healthcare professional who is qualified to diagnose ADHD will use behavioral interviews and clinical scales or symptom checklists to determine whether they meet the criteria for diagnosis. They may also conduct psychological tests to measure your cognitive abilities as well as learn how you process information and think. They could also conduct brain scans using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which is a device that measures the activity of certain brain regions that regulate your attention and the impulsivity.
Additionally, they'll look at your medical history to determine if you've had any other mental health conditions or injuries such as head trauma or thyroid issues that could cause similar symptoms. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for a thorough examination.
You must show six or more symptoms, which began in your childhood or before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present for at least six months and cause significant problems with your daily functioning. Adults must meet a lower threshold to be diagnosed, but the same criteria apply: You need to 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 reduce symptoms and improve functioning at the workplace, at home and in school. There are many treatment options, including medication and behavior therapy. Some people experience success through lifestyle changes such as using planners, notebooks and arranging tasks ahead of time. Some people might benefit from treatments for learning disabilities like metacognitive therapy which helps them improve their problem-solving and organizational abilities or cognitive behavioral therapy, which addresses thinking distortions which can cause low self-esteem and mood swings.
Health professionals who are specially trained will provide the best treatment plan based on a person's particular situation. They will examine the person's current symptoms, and if an adult, their previous behavior and school experiences. They will conduct clinical interviews, behavior rating scales and symptoms checklists to determine if the person has met the the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They may also take the family history of mental health issues and physical illnesses. They will inquire about the person's moods, behaviors and how they have changed over time.
read here of ADHD is dependent on the presence of more than six symptoms that start before age 12 and create difficulties in two or more settings (home, school and social situations). The symptoms are expected to be present for at least six months. The symptoms must also be more severe than is normal for someone that age.
A medical exam is usually performed to make sure that the person isn't suffering from any other health issues. Doctors will look over the patient's symptoms and medical and psychiatric background and may recommend an eye exam or a hearing test. Some people who suffer from ADHD are genetically predisposed to develop the condition. A person who has a parent or sibling with ADHD has an 85% chance of develop the disorder. ADHD is often accompanied by anxiety or mood disorder. These conditions can be more difficult to manage than ADHD alone.
The following is a list of preventatives.
Many things, such as certain medical conditions and learning disabilities, can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. It is therefore important to consult your health care provider or mental health professional for an evaluation prior to determining an assessment. The person you see will inquire about your child's symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They may also utilize rating scales or a checklist to determine if your child suffers from ADHD. They could also perform an examination and test for hearing or vision problems. They can also request an EEG brain scan that measures beta and theta waves to monitor changes in your child's brain function.
For children to be diagnosed with ADHD the child must exhibit numerous symptoms that are significantly more than what is normal for their age or developmental level. The signs of inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity have to cause serious problems at school, at home or at work. The symptoms must also affect your child's ability to interact with other people. If your child is suffering from severe or moderate ADHD, they will require medication in order to lead an ordinary life.
Children with ADHD may have difficulty following directions and staying focused. This can result in low grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also have difficulty with social relationships, as they are unable to read social cues. They frequently interrupt others and can appear aggressive or abrasive. They are at a high risk for depression, anxiety, and addiction to drugs.
Mild ADHD is characterized by symptoms that are visible but do not affect everyday life. It can which makes it difficult to maintain relationships or work. Those with moderate to severe ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms, and are more likely to have problems at work, like difficulty keeping a job, or getting along with colleagues.
If you don't seek treatment, you can have serious consequences, including financial difficulties, health problems, and legal issues. There are a myriad of treatments available for ADHD. These include psychosocial interventions including nutrition and diet, exercise, sleep improvement, and medications. NIMH provides more information about these options and how to discuss these options with your family.