Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults aren't diagnosed until their symptoms cause serious difficulties at school, at work or at home. Health professionals follow the diagnostic criteria 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 also inquire about family history and look over old school records.
Symptoms
The signs of ADHD can impact a person's life at school, at home or at work. They can disrupt relationships and work, leading to financial issues or a driver's license and even create emotional distress for the person. It's normal for everyone to have difficulty concentrating or being organized from time to moment but if it develops into an ongoing problem that affects daily functioning, a health care professional may be able to identify ADHD.
A health professional must evaluate the person in two different settings, including at home and in school, or in workplace and social situations. They need to observe the person in these environments for a minimum of six months and must see that the symptoms are hindering their ability to function. The symptoms must 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 not able to wait for their turn and are often disruptive or intrude upon others.
Children with the inattentive type of ADHD are not able to sit or stand at a comfortable pace and have difficulty following instructions or staying on task. They are usually daydreaming or easily distracted. They are more likely to be left out and miss opportunities for learning, especially in the early years of school, which can make them vulnerable to 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 trouble controlling their emotions.
It is an exhilarating experience to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, but it is not always easy. It's normal to be embarrassed. However, honesty is the best policy. A diagnosis could be the first time someone has realized their struggles have a label. Understanding this can change the way they think about themselves, which may result in positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms appear at different time points in adults and children. For kids, they typically begin in elementary school, but 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 condition may be misdiagnosed as autistic or a mood disorder such as anxiety or depression.
Consult your doctor when your child or teen is showing symptoms of ADHD. They will do an examination of the body, including vision and hearing to make sure there's nothing else going on. They will ask you and your child to complete an inventory of their symptoms. They will be interested in knowing how the symptoms have impacted their home and school life. They'll also want hear about any past problems they've experienced.
Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD by a healthcare provider who is qualified to diagnose it. They may conduct clinical interviews, use scales for assessing behavior or symptoms checklists. They might also do psychological tests to gauge your cognitive abilities and discover how you think and process information. They may also perform an examination of your brain using the Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid, which is FDA-approved (NEBA), which evaluates the activity of specific areas of your brain that regulate attention and the ability to be impulsive.
Additionally, they'll review your medical history to see if you've had any other mental health problems or injuries, such as head trauma or thyroid conditions that can cause similar symptoms. They might refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for a thorough examination.
You must show six or more symptoms that began in childhood or before the age of 12. The symptoms have to be present for at minimum six months and create significant problems for your daily functioning. Adults must be able to meet a lower threshold in order to be diagnosed, but the same criteria apply: You must have a minimum of five or more symptoms and these should affect your work, home and social life.
Treatment
Treatment aims to ease symptoms and restore functioning at work, home and school. There are many different treatment options, such as treatment with medication and therapy for behavior. Some people also have satisfaction with lifestyle changes, for example, setting up a routine that is consistent by using a planner or notebook and arranging tasks in advance. Other people may benefit from specific learning disabilities treatments, like metacognitive training that helps them improve their abilities to manage their time and problem solving as well as cognitive behavioral therapy to correct the distortions in thinking that can cause negative moods and low self-esteem.
Health professionals who are specially trained will provide the best treatment program based on a patient's specific situation. They will examine the person's symptoms and, in the case of an adult, they will also consider their childhood and school experiences. They will use clinical interviewing, scales for assessing behavior, and symptom checklists to determine if a person meets ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also inquire about the family history of mental illnesses and physical conditions. They will ask about the person's moods and behaviors and how they've changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the presence of more than six symptoms that start before age 12 and cause difficulties in two or more environments (home school, at home and social situations). The symptoms must be present for at least six months. In addition the symptoms must be significantly more difficult than one would expect for a person who is that old.
A medical exam is usually carried out to confirm that the person doesn't have any other health problems. Doctors will review the patient's medical and psychiatric history and review their symptoms. They may also suggest an hearing or eye test. Some people with ADHD are genetically predisposed to this condition. If the person has a parent or sibling with ADHD, they have about a 91% chance of developing the disorder themselves. ADHD is often associated with a mood or anxiety disorder. These disorders are more difficult to manage than ADHD alone.
adhd diagnostic , like certain medical conditions, as well as learning disabilities, can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. It is essential to talk to an expert in mental health or health care provider for an assessment prior to determining a diagnosis. This person will ask about your child's issues and how they impact their daily lives. They can also use ratings scales or a checklist to determine if your child is suffering from ADHD. They may also do an examination and test for vision or hearing problems. They may also order a brain scan called an EEG, which examines beta and theta waves to check for changes in your child's brain function.
For children to be diagnosed with ADHD they must display several symptoms that are noticeably greater than what is normal for their age or development level. The signs of inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity must cause significant problems at school, at home or work. The symptoms also need to affect your child's social interactions. If your child has moderate or severe ADHD symptoms and needs treatment, they'll need to be treated with medication to live the normal life.
Children with ADHD may find it difficult to follow directions and stay on task which can result in low self-esteem and poor grades. They may also have difficulty with social relationships because they are unable to read social signals and are often disruptive to others or come off as violent or aggressive. They are at risk of developing depression, anxiety, and addiction to drugs.
Mild ADHD is defined by symptoms that are visible but do not hinder daily life, 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 issues at work, such as difficulties keeping a job or interacting with coworkers.
If they do not seek 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 as well as nutrition and diet exercise, sleep improvement and medication. NIMH provides more information about these options and how to discuss them with your family members.