Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't get diagnosed until their symptoms cause serious difficulties at school, at work or at home. Health care providers follow the diagnostic criteria 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 symptoms and standardized behavior ratings scales. Health professionals inquire about the family's history, and examine old school records.
adult adhd diagnosis can have a negative impact on the daily routine of a person, whether it is at home, school or at work. They can disrupt relationships and careers, leading to financial issues or a driver's license and can cause emotional stress for the person. It's normal to struggle with concentration or staying organized from time to moment, but if it becomes an ongoing issue that affects daily functioning, a health professional may be able to identify ADHD.
A health professional will need to evaluate the individual in two different environments, such as at home and in school, or in workplace and social settings. They should observe the person in these settings for a minimum of six months and must see that the symptoms are impairing their ability to function. The symptoms must also 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 often are in a hurry to finish their work and are often disruptive or interfere with other children.
Children with inattention ADHD have difficulty following instructions, staying on task or sitting still. They are often distracted or snoozing. They are more likely to be missed, and miss out on learning opportunities, especially in elementary schools which could set for them to fail 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 waiting their turn or staying still. They also have difficulty controlling their emotions.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief however, it's difficult to comprehend. It's fine to be embarrassed. However, honesty is the best way to go. A diagnosis could be the first time someone realizes that their struggles are ascribed to. This understanding can alter the way they think about themselves, which could be a positive influence.
Diagnosis
When it concerns ADHD symptoms are evident at different times in children and adults. For kids, they typically begin in elementary school, but for adults it's a little later. The symptoms could 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 instances the condition can be misdiagnosed as autistic or an anxiety disorder or depression.
Speak to your doctor If your child or teenager exhibits indications of ADHD. They will conduct an examination that includes vision and audio to ensure that there is nothing else wrong. Your child and you will be asked to fill out a list of symptoms. They will want to know how the symptoms have affected their home and school life. They'll also want learn about any previous issues they've experienced.
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a healthcare provider qualified to do so. They may use clinical interviews, behavior rating scales or symptoms checklists. They could also conduct psychological tests to gauge your cognitive abilities and discover how you process information and think. They can also conduct an examination of the brain using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which is a device that measures the activity of certain parts of the brain that control your attention and impulsivity.
They will also look at your medical records to determine whether there are any additional mental health issues or injuries, like thyroid issues or head trauma that can cause similar symptoms. They might refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for a thorough examination.
You must be suffering from six or more symptoms, that began in childhood or before the age of 12. The symptoms have to be present for at least six months, and cause significant difficulties with your daily activities. Adults have the lower threshold for diagnosis, however the criteria are the same: You must have at least five symptoms that interfere with your social, work and home life.
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to reduce symptoms and improve functioning at the workplace, at home and in school. There are many different treatment options, including medication and therapy for behavior. Some people also find satisfaction with lifestyle changes, for example, setting up a routine that is consistent, using a planner or notebook and arranging tasks ahead of time. Some people might benefit from therapies for learning disabilities like metacognitive therapy which aids them in improving their problem-solving skills and organizational abilities or cognitive behavioral treatment, which addresses thinking distortions which can cause low self-esteem and mood swings.
Specially trained health care professionals can provide the most effective treatment plan based on the patient's specific situation. They will look at the person's symptoms and, if they are an adult, also their school and childhood experiences. They will use clinical interviews, behavior ratings scales and checklists of symptoms to determine if the person meets requirements for diagnosing ADHD. They might also inquire about family history of mental illnesses and physical ailments. They'll ask the person or their parents as well as teachers about their moods, behaviors and attitudes and how they've changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the presence of more than six symptoms that begin before age 12 and can cause problems in two or more environments (home, school and social situations). The symptoms have to be present for at least six months. The symptoms must also be more severe than is normal for someone that age.
There are no brain scans or blood tests to determine ADHD However, a medical checkup usually is carried out to ensure there's nothing else wrong with the person. Doctors will look over the patient's symptoms and medical and psychiatric background and may recommend an eye exam or hearing test. Certain people suffering from ADHD are genetically predisposed to this condition. If a person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD they are at risk of having 91% of the chance of developing the disorder themselves. ADHD is often accompanied by anxiety or mood disorder. These disorders are more difficult to manage than ADHD alone.
Prevention
Many things, including some medical conditions and some kinds of learning disabilities could cause similar symptoms as those of ADHD. It's important to consult a mental health professional or health care provider for an assessment prior to making a diagnosis. The doctor will inquire about your child's symptoms and how they impact their daily life. They could use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child suffers from ADHD. They could also perform an examination and test for problems with vision or hearing. They may also order a brain scan, also known as an EEG that measures theta and beta waves to detect changes in your child's brain's function.
To be considered a child with ADHD, they must have a number of symptoms that are noticeably greater than the norm for their age or development level. The signs of inattention, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity have to cause serious problems at home, at school or work. The symptoms must also affect your child's ability to interact with others. If your child exhibits moderate or severe ADHD symptoms they will require treatment with medication to lead a normal life.
Children with ADHD may have difficulty following directions and staying on task. This can lead to low grades and a lack of self-esteem. read review may also have difficulties with social interactions as they have trouble reading social signals and are often disruptive to others or appear violent or aggressive. They are at risk of depression, anxiety as well as substance abuse and relationship issues.
Mild ADHD is manifests itself in symptoms that are visible but do not interfere in everyday life. It can making it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People who suffer from severe or moderate ADHD are more prone to symptoms and are more likely to have problems with work, for example, having difficulty retaining jobs, interacting with coworkers, or maintaining relationships.
If they do not seek treatment could face serious consequences. This could include financial problems as well as health and legal issues. There are a number of treatment options for ADHD which include behavioral therapy and psychosocial interventions including diet and nutrition, exercise sleep improvements, and medications. NIMH provides more details about these options and ways to discuss these options with your family members.