Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't receive diagnosis until their symptoms cause major difficulties at school, at work or home. 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 assessment includes ADHD symptoms and standardized behavior ratings scales. Health care professionals will inquire about the family's history and look at old school records.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can have a negative impact on the daily routine of a person regardless of whether they are at school, home or work. They can cause problems in relationships and careers, financial difficulties, or even a driver's licence. They can also trigger emotional anxiety. It's normal to struggle with concentration or staying organized from time to time however, if it becomes an ongoing issue that hinders everyday functioning, a health specialist may be able identify ADHD.
To be able to diagnose someone with ADHD, a health care professional must evaluate the person in at least two different environments, such as home and school or workplace and social settings. They must observe the person in these environments for a minimum of six months and must see that the symptoms are impairing their ability to function. The symptoms should 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 difficulty waiting for their turn, and frequently interrupt or intrude on others.
Children with inattention ADHD have trouble following directions, staying on task or sat down. They are often distracted or snoozing. They're more likely to be overlooked and miss out on opportunities to learn, particularly in elementary school, which could set them up for failure later on in life.
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 are unable to wait their turn or staying still. They also have difficulty controlling their emotions.
It's a relief to receive the diagnosis of ADHD but it's not always an easy process. It's normal to be embarrassed. However, honesty is the best policy. A diagnosis could be the first time that people realize that their issues are ascribed to. This understanding can alter the way they think about themselves, which could result in positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it is about ADHD symptoms are evident at different times in children and adults. For children, symptoms typically begin in the first grade. For adults, it is somewhat 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 cases, the disorder is not properly diagnosed. It could be a sign of autism or a mood disorder like anxiety or depression.
Speak to your doctor when your child or teen shows symptoms of ADHD. They will do an examination of the body, including vision and hearing to ensure there's nothing else going on. They will ask you and your child to fill out an inventory of their symptoms. adhd diagnosis in adults will inquire about how the symptoms have affected their school and home life. They'll also want to hear about any past problems they've experienced.
Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD by a medical professional who is qualified to diagnose it. They'll utilize clinical interviews, behavior rating scales or symptom checklists. They could also conduct psychological tests to assess your cognitive abilities as well as learn how you process information and think. They may also perform an examination of the brain using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which is a device that measures brain activity in certain parts of the brain that control your attention and the impulsivity.
They will also examine your medical records to see whether there are any other mental disorders or injuries, like head trauma or thyroid problems that can cause similar symptoms. They might refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for a thorough examination.
To get a diagnosis of ADHD you must exhibit 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 create significant problems for your daily functioning. Adults must meet a lower threshold to be diagnosed, however the same requirements apply: You must have at least five or more symptoms, and these should affect your work, home and social life.
Treatment
Treatment aims to improve symptoms and restore function at home, work and at school. There are a myriad of treatments available, including treatment with medication and therapy for behavior. Some people experience success by making lifestyle changes like using an organizer, a notebook, and scheduling tasks in advance. Some people might benefit from treatments for learning disabilities such as metacognitive therapy, which assists them in improving their problem-solving skills and organizational skills or cognitive behavioral therapy, which addresses thinking distortions which can cause low self-esteem and mood swings.
Professionals with specialized training in health care can provide the most effective treatment plan based on the patient's specific situation. They will assess the patient's current symptoms and, in the case of an adult, their childhood behavior and school experiences. They will employ clinical interviewing, behavior rating scales, and symptom checklists in order to determine if the person meets ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also inquire about family history of mental illness and physical conditions. They'll ask the person as well as their parents and teachers about their moods and behavior and how they've changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the presence of more than six symptoms that start before the age of 12 and create difficulties in two or more environments (home school, at home and social situations). The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. Additionally the symptoms must be more severe than expected for someone of that age.
A medical checkup is typically performed to make sure that the patient does not have any other health problems. Doctors will review the person's symptoms and medical and psychiatric history, and may suggest an eye examination or hearing test. Some people who suffer from ADHD have a genetic predisposition to develop the disorder. If a person has a parent or sibling with ADHD, they have about 91% of the chance of developing the disorder for themselves. It is also common to have a comorbid mood or anxiety disorder that is associated with ADHD. These disorders are more difficult to treat than ADHD on its own.
Prevention
Many things, including some medical conditions and certain kinds of learning disabilities could cause similar symptoms as those of ADHD. Therefore, it's essential to visit an expert in health care or mental health professional for an assessment prior to making a diagnosis. The person you see will ask your child about their symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They may also use ratings scales or a checklist to help decide if your child has ADHD. They can also conduct a physical examination and test for hearing or visual problems. They can also request an EEG brain scan, which evaluates beta and theta wave activity to determine changes in your child’s brain function.
To be considered a child with ADHD the child must exhibit a number of symptoms that are more prominent than the norm for their age or development level. The signs of inattention, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity should cause a significant problem at school, at home or work. The symptoms should also affect your child's social interactions. If your child is suffering from moderate or severe ADHD symptoms they will require treatment with medication to live an ordinary life.
Children suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to follow directions and stay on task, which can lead to poor grades and low self-esteem. They may also struggle with social relationships because they have trouble reading social signals and are often disruptive to others or come off as aggressive or abrasive. They are at risk for depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and relationship issues.
People who suffer from mild ADHD have symptoms that are noticeable but do not affect their daily lives or make it difficult to work or maintain relationships. People with moderate to severe ADHD will have more symptoms, and are more likely than other people to experience problems at work, like problems with keeping a job or getting along with colleagues.
People who don't receive treatment may suffer serious consequences. These include financial problems and health issues, as well as legal issues. There are a number of treatment options for ADHD, including psychosocial and behavioral therapy such as diet and nutrition, exercise, sleep improvements, and medications. NIMH provides more details about these options and how you can discuss these options with your family members.