Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't receive diagnosis until their symptoms cause major issues at school, work or at home. Health care providers follow the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A complete evaluation includes ADHD symptom lists and standardized scales for assessing behavior. Health care professionals also ask about family history and look over old school records.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can have a negative impact on the way a person lives their life regardless of whether they are at home, school or work. They can be disruptive to relationships and work, leading to financial issues or a driver's license, and can even cause emotional distress for the person. It is common for people to struggle keeping their attention or staying organized occasionally. However when the issue is persistent and affects everyday functioning, a medical specialist may be able to identify ADHD.
A health care professional must assess the individual in two different environments, such as at home and in school, as well as in social and workplace situations. The health care professional must be observing the person for at least six months and determine whether the symptoms are affecting their ability to function. The symptoms should 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 often interrupt or disturb others.
Children who suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD are unable to sit or wait quietly and have trouble following instructions or staying on track. They're usually daydreaming or forgetful, and are easily distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be ignored, and miss out on opportunities to learn, particularly in elementary schools 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 are unable to wait their turn or sitting still. They also have difficulty controlling their emotions.
It is it's a relief to get an diagnosis of ADHD but it's not always simple. People may feel embarrassed, but they must to be honest so that they can get the help they need. For some, a diagnosis will be the first time they've realized their issues have a name. Having this understanding can change the way they think about themselves, which could cascade into positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms manifest at different time points in adults and children. For children, they usually begin in the middle of elementary school, however for adults, it's a bit 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. updated blog post could be related to autism or a mood disorder like anxiety or depression.
If your child or teenager shows symptoms of ADHD, the first step is to speak with your doctor. They will do physical examinations that includes hearing and vision, to make sure there's nothing other than ADHD. You and your child will be asked to complete an inventory of symptoms. They will want to know how their symptoms have impacted their home and school lives. They'll also want you to share with them any problems that you have had previously.
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a healthcare provider who is qualified to diagnose it. They will utilize clinical interviews, behavior rating scales or symptom checklists. They could also conduct psychological tests to gauge your cognitive abilities and discover how you process information and think. They can also conduct brain scans using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) A tool that measures the activity of specific brain regions that regulate your attention and your impulsivity.
They will also review your medical records to determine if there are any other mental health issues or injuries, such as thyroid or head trauma that can cause similar symptoms. They might refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for a thorough examination.
You must show at least six symptoms which began in childhood or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and cause significant difficulties with your daily activities. Adults must meet a lower threshold to be diagnosed, however the same criteria apply: You must have at least five or more symptoms, and these should affect your work, home and social life.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to improve symptoms and improve functioning at the workplace, at home and in school. There are a variety of treatment options, such as the use of medication and behavioral therapy. Some people have success by making lifestyle changes like using an organizer, a notebook, and scheduling tasks in advance. Some people might benefit from therapies for learning disabilities like metacognitive therapy which helps them improve their problem-solving and organizational abilities, or cognitive behavioral treatment which targets thinking distortions which can cause depression and low self-esteem.
Health professionals who are specifically trained to diagnose ADHD can suggest the most effective treatment plan for a patient's situation. They will look at the person's symptoms, and when they are an adult, they will also consider their childhood and school experiences. They will employ clinical interviews, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists to determine whether the person has met the requirements for diagnosing ADHD. They may also conduct an examination of a family history of mental health issues and physical ailments. They will inquire about the person's moods, behavior and changes over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the presence of six or more signs that begin before age 12 and can cause problems in two or more environments (home school, at home and social situations). The symptoms have to be present for at minimum six months. In addition, the symptoms must be significantly more troublesome than what is expected for a person of that age.
There are no blood tests or brain scans to determine ADHD however medical checks are usually performed to ensure that there's no other issue with the person. Doctors will review the patient's medical and psychiatric records 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 and is a child, they have 91% chance of developing the disorder for themselves. It's also normal to have a comorbid mood anxiety disorder that is associated with ADHD. These disorders can be more difficult to treat than ADHD alone.
Prevention
Many things, including certain medical conditions and learning disabilities, can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. It's important to consult a mental health professional or a health professional for an evaluation prior to making the diagnosis. The doctor will inquire about the symptoms of your child and how they affect their daily lives. They may use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child suffers from ADHD. They may also perform a physical examination and test for visual or hearing issues. They may also order a brain scan called an EEG that analyzes beta and theta waves to detect changes in the brain function of your child.
Children diagnosed with ADHD should exhibit symptoms that are more than the norm for their age and development level. The symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity must cause significant problems at home, school or work. The symptoms must also hinder your child's social interactions. If your child has moderate or severe ADHD symptoms, they will need treatment with medication to live the normal life.
Children suffering from ADHD may have trouble following directions and staying on task. This can lead to low grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also have difficulty with social relationships because they struggle to discern social cues and often interrupt others or appear aggressive or abrasive. They are at risk of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and issues with relationships.
People with mild ADHD have symptoms that are evident but do not affect their daily lives or make it difficult to work or maintain relationships. Those with moderate or severe ADHD have more symptoms and are more likely to have problems with work, for example, difficulties in keeping an occupation, getting along with coworkers or maintaining relationships.
Patients who do not receive treatment could face grave consequences, including health issues, financial troubles and legal issues. There are a variety of treatments available for ADHD, including psychosocial and behavioral therapy including diet and nutrition, exercise, medication for sleep, and other treatments. NIMH provides more details about these options and how to discuss the options with your family members.