Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are often not diagnosed until they experience serious issues at work, home or school. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) is utilized by health professionals to diagnose mental disorders.
A thorough evaluation will include ADHD symptom lists and standardized behavior ratings scales. Health care professionals also ask about family history and look over old school records.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can impact a person's daily life regardless of whether they are at home, school or at work. They can disrupt relationships and work, leading to serious financial problems or a driver's license, and can even cause emotional distress for the person. It's normal to have difficulty concentrating or being organized from time to moment however, if it becomes an ongoing issue that interferes with everyday functioning, a health professional may be able to diagnose ADHD.
To be able to diagnose someone with ADHD, a health professional must assess the patient in at least two different environments, such as the workplace, school, and social situations. They need to observe the person in these settings for at least six months, and they must determine that the symptoms are significantly impairing their ability to perform. The symptoms must also 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 have a difficult time waiting for their turn, and frequently interrupt or intrude on others.
Children who suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD are not able to sit or stand at a comfortable pace and have difficulty following instructions or staying focused. They are often wandering off or distracted. They are more likely to be missed 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 sitting or waiting for their turn, blurting out answers before the questions are finished and have trouble controlling their emotions.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a relief however, it's difficult to comprehend. People may feel embarrassed, but they must to be honest so they can receive the assistance they need. A diagnosis could be the first time that people realize that their issues have a label. This understanding can alter the way they see themselves, which could result in positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it concerns ADHD, symptoms show up at different times for children and adults. For children, they usually begin in elementary school, but for adults, it's a bit later. The signs 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 cases, the condition is misdiagnosed. It could be a sign of autism or a mood disorder like anxiety or depression.
Consult your doctor when your child or teen exhibits signs of ADHD. They will perform an examination that includes audio and vision to make sure that there is nothing else wrong. They will ask you and your child to fill out an inventory of the symptoms. They will want to know how their symptoms have affected their family and school lives. They will also want to learn about any previous issues they've experienced.
For adults, a healthcare professional who is qualified to diagnose ADHD will use clinical interviews and behavior rating scales or symptom checklists to determine whether they meet the requirements for diagnosis. Psychological tests can be used to evaluate your cognitive abilities, and how you process information and think. They can also conduct a brain scan with the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA), a tool that measures the activity in specific brain regions that regulate your attention and the impulsivity.
They will also look at your medical records to determine whether there are any other mental conditions or injuries, for example head trauma or thyroid problems that could cause similar symptoms. They might refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for a thorough examination.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have a minimum of six or more signs that started in childhood, or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms have to be present for at least six months and cause significant difficulties with your daily functioning. Adults have the lower threshold for diagnosis, however the criteria are the same: You must be suffering from at least five symptoms that interfere with your work, social and family life.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and restore functioning at home, school and work. There are many different treatment options, including the use of medication and therapy for behavior. Many people have success through lifestyle changes, such as creating a consistent routine by using a planner or notebook and scheduling tasks prior to time. Some people might benefit from treatments for learning disabilities such as metacognitive therapy, which aids them in improving their problem-solving and organizational abilities, or cognitive behavioral treatment that addresses the distortions in thinking, leading to depression and low self-esteem.
Professionals with specialized training in health care can provide the most effective treatment plan based on the patient's particular situation. They will examine the person's present symptoms and, when they are an adult, their childhood behaviors and school experiences. They will employ clinical interviewing, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists to determine if a person meets ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also conduct an examination of a family history of mental health problems and physical illnesses. They'll ask the person or their parents as well as teachers about their moods and behavior and about how they've changed over time.
adhd diagnosis uk adult of ADHD is based on the presence of six or more symptoms that start before the age of 12 and cause difficulties in two or more environments (home school, social situations). The symptoms are expected to be present for at minimum six months. In addition the symptoms should be more severe than what is expected for a person who is that old.
There aren't any blood tests or brain scans to determine ADHD however an exam for medical reasons is usually done to make sure there's no other issue with the person. Doctors will examine the person's symptoms and medical and psychiatric history and may recommend an eye exam or hearing test. Some people who suffer from ADHD are genetically predisposed to the disorder. 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 for themselves. It is also common to suffer from a comorbid mood disorder or anxiety disorder with ADHD. These disorders are more difficult to treat than ADHD on its own.
The following is a list with preventions.
Many things, including certain medical conditions, as well as learning disabilities, can lead to symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. It's important to consult an expert in mental health or a health professional for an evaluation prior to making an assessment. The doctor will inquire about your child's issues and how they impact their daily lives. They can use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child suffers from ADHD. They can also conduct an examination and test for problems with vision or hearing. They can also request an EEG brain scan which analyzes beta and theta waves to monitor changes in your child's brain function.
To be considered a child with ADHD they must display several symptoms that are noticeably greater than normal for their age or development level. Inattention, hyperactivity, and/or an impulsive behavior can create serious problems at home, school, or work. The symptoms should also affect your child's social interactions. If your child exhibits moderate or severe ADHD symptoms and needs treatment, they'll need to be treated with medication to lead an ordinary life.
Children suffering from ADHD can find it difficult to follow directions and remain on task, which can lead to poor grades and low self-esteem. They may also have difficulty with social relationships because they are unable to read social cues and frequently interrupt others or come off as aggressive or abrasive. They are at a high risk for depression, anxiety and addiction to drugs.
Mild ADHD is manifests itself in symptoms that are visible but do not affect daily life, making it difficult to maintain relationships or work. The people with moderate or severe ADHD will have more symptoms, and they are more likely than other people to experience problems at work, including problems with keeping a job or getting along with colleagues.
People who don't receive treatment can have grave consequences, such as health issues, financial troubles and legal issues. There are many treatments for ADHD. These include behavioral therapy, psychosocial interventions, nutrition and diet, exercise, sleep improvement, and medication. NIMH provides more information about these options and how to speak with your family members about these options.