Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are typically not diagnosed until they are experiencing major problems at work, home or school. Health care professionals adhere to 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 lists and standardized scales for assessing behavior. Health care professionals also inquire about family history and review old school records.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can affect the way a person lives their life regardless of whether at home, school or at work. They can lead to problems in relationships and careers, financial issues or even a driver's licence. They can also cause emotional distress. It's common for people to have difficulty keeping their attention or staying organized from time to time. However when the issue is persistent and affects daily functioning, a healthcare specialist may be able to identify ADHD.
A health professional must assess the individual in two different settings, including at home and at school, as well as in social and workplace situations. The health care professional must observe the person for a minimum of six months and determine whether the symptoms are impacting 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 often are in a hurry to finish their work, and they interrupt or intrude upon others.
Children who suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD are incapable of sitting or waiting at a comfortable pace and have difficulty following instructions or staying focused. They are often distracted or snoozing. They are more likely to be ignored and miss out on learning opportunities, particularly in elementary schools which could set 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 waiting their turn or sitting still. They also have difficulty controlling their emotions.
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD can be a great relief however, it's not always easy to accept. It's fine to be embarrassed. However, honesty is the best policy. For many, a diagnosis may be the first time they've realized that their struggles have a name. This understanding will help them alter the way they view themselves, which can lead to positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms manifest at different times in children and adults. In children, symptoms usually begin in the middle of elementary school. For adults, it's slightly later. The signs may be mild, moderate or even severe. diagnosis for adhd in adults I Am Psychiatry can also be a combination of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity or more focused on one or the other. In some cases the condition could be misdiagnosed as autism or a mood disorder like anxiety or depression.
Consult your doctor if your child or teenager is showing symptoms of ADHD. They will do physical examinations that includes hearing and vision, to make sure there isn't something other than ADHD. Your child and you will be asked to write the list of symptoms. They'll be interested in knowing how the symptoms have affected their home and school life. They'll also want to be informed about any past issues they've experienced.
Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD by a doctor who is qualified to diagnose it. They'll use clinical interviews, behavior rating scales or symptoms checklists. They may also conduct psychological tests to measure your cognitive abilities as well as learn how you process information and think. They may also perform an examination of your brain using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which measures the activity of certain parts of your brain that regulate the ability to focus and the ability to be impulsive.
In addition, they will review your medical history to determine whether you've experienced any other mental health problems or injuries like head trauma or thyroid conditions that could cause similar symptoms. They may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for a thorough examination.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least six or more signs that began in your childhood or before age 12. The symptoms must be present for at least six months and cause significant difficulties in your daily life. Adults must meet a lower threshold to be diagnosed, but the same requirements apply: You must have a minimum of five or more symptoms, and these should affect your work, home and social life.
Treatment
Treatment is designed to reduce symptoms and restore functioning at work, home and school. There are a variety of treatments available, including treatment with medication and therapy for behavior. Some people find success by making lifestyle changes like using a planner, a notebook, and scheduling tasks in advance. Certain people might benefit from therapies for learning disabilities like metacognitive therapy which aids them in improving their problem-solving and organizational skills or cognitive behavioral treatment that addresses the distortions in thinking that can lead 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 person's situation. They will evaluate the person's symptoms, and in the case of an adult, they will also consider their childhood and school experiences. They will employ clinical interviews, behavior rating scales and symptoms checklists to determine if the person is in compliance with diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They may also ask about the family history of mental illness and physical ailments. They will inquire about the person's moods and behaviors and how they have changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is based on six or more symptoms that begin before the age of 12 and can cause issues in at least two settings (at school, at home or in social situations). The symptoms have to be present for at least six months. The symptoms must be more severe than is normal for someone that age.
There aren't any brain scans or blood tests to diagnose ADHD however medical checks are usually performed to ensure that there's nothing else wrong with the individual. Doctors will examine the person's symptoms and medical and mental history, and may suggest an eye exam or hearing test. Certain people suffering from ADHD are genetically predisposed to develop the condition. Someone who has a sibling or parent with ADHD has an 85% chance of develop the disorder. ADHD is often accompanied by anxiety or mood disorder. These conditions can be more difficult to treat than ADHD alone.
The following is a list with preventions.
Many things, such as certain medical conditions and learning disabilities, can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. So it's important to see a health care provider or a mental health professional for an evaluation before making the diagnosis. The professional will inquire with your child about their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They could use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child is ADHD. They can also conduct an examination and test for vision or hearing problems. They can also request an EEG brain scan, which measures beta and theta waves to monitor changes in your child's brain function.
To be able to diagnose a child with ADHD they must display numerous symptoms that are significantly more than what is normal for their age or development level. The symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity have to cause serious problems at school, at home or at work. The symptoms can also impact your child's ability to interact with other people. If your child has moderate or severe ADHD symptoms, they will need treatment with medication in order to live an ordinary life.
Children suffering from ADHD may have trouble following instructions and staying on track. This can lead to poor grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also have difficulty in social relationships because they are unable to read social cues. They frequently interrupt others and appear violent or intense. They are at high risk for depression, anxiety and addiction to drugs.
Mild ADHD is defined by symptoms that are apparent but do not interfere in everyday life. It can make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People with moderate to severe ADHD will exhibit more symptoms, and are more likely than other people to experience problems at work, like difficulties keeping a job or getting along with colleagues.
If they do not seek treatment could face serious consequences. This includes financial issues and health issues, as well as 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 you can discuss them with your family members.