Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are usually not diagnosed until they are experiencing serious issues at home, work or at 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 professionals to diagnose mental disorders.
A complete evaluation includes ADHD symptoms lists and standardized behavior ratings scales. Health care professionals also inquire about family history and review old school records.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can have a negative impact on the daily routine of a person regardless of whether at home, school or work. They can cause disruption to relationships and careers, leading to serious problems with finances or a driver's license, and can cause emotional stress for the person. It's normal for people to have difficulty concentrating or being organized from time to moment but if it develops into a chronic problem and affects daily functioning, a health provider may be able to determine ADHD.
To be able to diagnose someone with ADHD, a health professional must assess the person in at least two different settings, including the workplace, school, and social settings. The health professional must be observing the person for at least six month and determine if the symptoms are affecting their ability to function. The symptoms must also have begun before the age 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 are usually in a hurry to finish their work, and they interrupt or interfere with others.
Children with the inattentive type of ADHD are unable to sit or wait in silence and are unable to follow instructions or staying on track. They tend to be distracted, forgetful or easily distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be ignored and omit opportunities to learn, particularly in the elementary school setting which could prepare 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 trouble controlling their emotions.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a great relief however, it's not always easy to accept. It's fine to be embarrassed. But honesty is the best policy. For some, a diagnosis will be the first time they've realized their issues have a name. undiagnosed adhd in adults can help them change the way they view themselves, leading to positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms appear at different time points in adults and children. For children, symptoms typically begin in elementary school. For adults, it's a bit later. 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. It could be related to autism or a mood disorder like depression or anxiety.
Speak to your doctor if your child or teenager shows indications of ADHD. They will conduct an examination of the body, including vision and audio to ensure that there is nothing else wrong. They will ask you and your child to fill out a checklist of their symptoms. They'll want to know how their symptoms have impacted their home and school lives. They'll also ask to know about any previous problems.
For adults, a healthcare provider who is qualified to diagnose ADHD will use behavioral interviews and clinical scales or symptom checklists to determine whether they meet the requirements for diagnosis. They may also conduct psychological tests to measure your cognitive abilities as well as learn how you think and process information. They could also conduct a brain scan using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA), which evaluates the activity of specific parts of your brain that regulate the ability to focus and the ability to be impulsive.
They will also review your medical records to see if there are any other mental health issues or injuries, like thyroid or head trauma which can trigger similar symptoms. They may refer you to a thorough evaluation to a psychiatrist or psychologist.
You must be suffering from six or more symptoms which started in childhood or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and cause significant problems with your daily functioning. Adults need to meet the lower threshold for diagnosis, but the criteria are the same: You must be suffering from at minimum five symptoms that interfere with your work, social and personal life.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and improve functioning at home, school and work. There are a range of treatments available, including medication and behavior therapy. Some people also find satisfaction with lifestyle changes, such as setting up a routine that is consistent by using a planner notebook, and scheduling tasks in advance. Other people may benefit from specific learning disabilities treatments, like metacognitive training to help them improve their ability to organize their lives and solve problems or cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with the distortions in thinking which can lead to low moods and low self-esteem.
Health care professionals who are specially trained in diagnosing ADHD can recommend the best treatment plan for a person's situation. They will examine the person's current symptoms, and in the case of an adult, their previous behavior and school experiences. They will conduct clinical interviews, behavior ratings scales and symptom checklists to determine whether the person has met the requirements for diagnosing ADHD. They may also inquire about family history of mental illnesses and physical ailments. They will ask about the person's moods, behaviors and how they've changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the presence of six or more symptoms that begin before age 12 and cause difficulties in two or more settings (home, school and social situations). The symptoms must have been present for a minimum of 6 months. Additionally the symptoms should be significantly more difficult than what is expected for a person at that age.
A medical exam is usually carried out to confirm that the person isn't suffering from any other health issues. Doctors will look over the patient's medical and psychiatric histories and look over their symptoms. They may also recommend an eye or hearing test. Certain people suffering from ADHD have a genetic predisposition to develop the condition. If the person has a parent or sibling with ADHD, they have about 91% chance of developing the disorder themselves. It's also common to have a comorbid mood anxiety disorder with ADHD. These disorders are more difficult to manage than ADHD alone.
The following is a list of preventions.
Many things, including certain medical conditions or learning disabilities, can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. Therefore, it's essential to visit your health care provider or mental health professional for an assessment prior to making the diagnosis. The professional will inquire with your child about their symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They can use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child suffers from ADHD. They could also conduct an examination and test for hearing or visual issues. They may also order a brain scan, also known as an EEG that analyzes beta and theta waves to detect changes in the brain function of your child.
Children who are diagnosed with ADHD must show symptoms that are significantly more than normal for their age and development level. The signs of inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity should cause a significant problem at school, at home or at work. The symptoms must also affect your child's ability to interact with others. If your child suffers from moderate or severe ADHD, they will require medication to live an ordinary life.
Children with ADHD might have trouble following instructions and staying on track. This can result in low grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also have difficulty with social relationships, as they aren't able to discern social cues. They often interrupt others and come across as aggressive or abrasive. They are at risk for anxiety, depression as well as substance abuse and relationship issues.
People who have mild ADHD have symptoms that are noticeable but do not interfere with their lives or make 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 issues with their jobs, like having difficulty retaining a job, getting along with coworkers, or maintaining relationships.
Patients who do not receive treatment can have grave consequences, including health issues, financial troubles and legal issues. There are a myriad of treatments available for ADHD. These include behavioral therapy, psychosocial interventions including nutrition and diet, exercise, sleep improvement and even medications. NIMH offers more information on these options and how you can discuss the options with your family.