Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't receive diagnosis until their symptoms create major difficulties at school, at work or home. 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 thorough evaluation will include ADHD symptom lists and standardized scales for assessing behavior. Health professionals inquire about the family history and examine the school records from the past.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD can impact the way a person lives at school, home, or at work. They can cause disruption to relationships and work, leading to serious financial problems or a driver's license and even create emotional distress for the person. It's normal for everyone to struggle with concentration or staying organized from time the time, but if it becomes an ongoing problem that interferes with everyday functioning, a health provider may be able to identify ADHD.
A health care professional will need to evaluate the person in two different situations, like at home and in school, or in workplace and social situations. The health care professional has to monitor the patient for a minimum of six months and determine if the symptoms are affecting their ability to function. The symptoms must be present prior to the age of 12 years. 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 interfere with others or interrupt them.
Children with the inattentive kind of ADHD are unable to sit or wait quietly and have trouble following instructions or staying on task. They tend to be distracted, forgetful or easily distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be ignored, and miss out on learning opportunities, especially in the elementary school setting, which can set up them for failure later 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 have difficulty sitting or waiting for their turn, blurting out answers before questions are complete, and have trouble managing their emotions.
It is it's a relief to get a diagnosis of ADHD, but it is not always simple. It's fine to be embarrassed. However, honesty is the best approach. For some, it will be the first time they've realized their issues have a name. This understanding can alter the way they view themselves, which could result in positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms appear at different times in both adults and children. For children, symptoms typically begin in the middle of elementary school, however for adults, it's later. The symptoms may 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 is misdiagnosed. adhd diagnoses could be autism or a mood disorder like depression or anxiety.
Consult your doctor if your child or teenager is showing indications of ADHD. They will do an examination of the body that includes hearing and vision to ensure there's nothing else going on. They will ask you and your child to fill out a checklist of their symptoms. They will also ask what the effects of their symptoms are on their school and family life. They'll also want to know about any previous problems.
For adults, a healthcare professional who is certified to diagnose ADHD will conduct the process of conducting clinical interviews, as well as behavior rating scales or symptom checklists to determine whether they meet the requirements for diagnosis. Psychological tests can be used to determine your cognitive abilities, and how you process information and think. They could also conduct a brain scan with the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) A tool that measures brain activity in certain parts of the brain that control your attention and impulsivity.
They will also look at your medical records to determine if there are any other mental conditions or injuries, for example thyroid or head trauma which can trigger similar symptoms. They might refer you for thorough evaluation by a psychiatrist or psychologist.
To be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to have at least six or more signs that began in your childhood or prior to age 12. The symptoms have to be present for at least six months and create significant problems for your daily activities. Adults need to have 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 home, work and social life.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to improve symptoms and improve functioning at the workplace, at home and in school. There are a myriad of treatments available, including treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Many people have success through lifestyle changes, for example, creating a consistent routine by using a planner notebook and arranging tasks ahead of time. Some people may benefit from learning disabilities therapies such as metacognitive therapy, which assists them in improving their problem-solving and organizational skills or cognitive behavioral treatment which targets thinking distortions, leading to low self-esteem and mood swings.
Health professionals who are specifically trained to diagnose ADHD can suggest the most effective treatment plan for a patient's situation. They will assess the patient's present symptoms and, if an adult, their childhood behaviors and school experiences. They will use clinical interviewing, scales for assessing behavior, and symptom checklists to determine if the person has the ADHD diagnostic criteria. They can also look up an examination of a family history of mental health problems and physical illnesses. They will ask the person as well as their parents and teachers about their moods, behaviors and attitudes and about how they've changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the presence of six or more symptoms that start before the age of 12 and create difficulties in two or more environments (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 expected for someone that age.
A medical checkup is typically performed to make sure that the patient isn't suffering from any other health issues. Doctors will review the patient's medical and psychiatric history and look over their symptoms. They may also recommend an eye or 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. It's also common to have a comorbid mood anxiety disorder with ADHD. These conditions can be more difficult to manage than ADHD alone.
Prevention
Many things, such as medical conditions and some types of learning disabilities, can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. It is essential to talk to a mental health professional or a health care professional for an evaluation prior to making a diagnosis. The person you see will inquire about the symptoms of your child and how they impact their daily lives. They can use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child suffers from ADHD. They may also perform an examination of the body and test for hearing or visual problems. They can also request a brain scan called an EEG, which analyzes beta and theta waves to detect changes in your child's brain function.
To be considered a child with ADHD the child must exhibit numerous symptoms that are noticeably greater than the norm for their age or development level. The signs of inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity have to cause serious problems at school, at home or at work. The symptoms should also interfere with your child's social interactions. If your child is suffering from moderate or severe ADHD symptoms and needs treatment, they'll need to be treated with medication in order to live an ordinary life.
Children with ADHD can find it difficult to follow instructions and remain focused, which can lead to low self-esteem and poor grades. They may also have difficulty in social relationships because they are unable to read social cues. They are often disruptive to others and come across as violent or intense. They are susceptible to depression, anxiety as well as substance abuse and issues with relationships.
Mild ADHD is characterized by symptoms that are visible but do not hinder daily life. They can making it difficult to maintain relationships or work. Those with moderate to severe ADHD will exhibit more symptoms, and are more likely than others to experience problems at work, such as difficulties keeping a job or getting along with colleagues.
People who don't receive treatment can face grave consequences, including health issues, financial problems and legal issues. There are many treatments for ADHD, including behavioral therapy and psychosocial interventions such as diet and nutrition, exercise, medication for sleep, and other treatments. NIMH provides more details about these options and how to discuss them with your family.