Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are often not diagnosed until they are experiencing serious issues at home, at 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 will include ADHD symptom checklists and standardized behavior rating scales. Health professionals inquire about the family's history, and review the school records from the past.
Signs and 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 lead to problems in relationships and careers, financial issues or even a driver's permit. They can also trigger emotional anxiety. It is common for people to have difficulty in concentrating or staying organized occasionally. However when the issue becomes chronic and interferes with daily functioning, a healthcare specialist may be able to identify ADHD.
A health professional will need to evaluate the person in two different situations, like at home and in school, as well as in workplace and social settings. The health care professional must observe the person for a minimum of six months and determine if 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 have a difficult time waiting for their turn and frequently interrupt or intrude on others.
Children with the inattentive type of ADHD are not able to sit or stand quietly and have trouble following instructions or staying focused. They tend to be distracted or snoozing. They are more likely to be ignored and miss out on opportunities to learn, particularly in elementary schools which could prepare for failure later on 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, blurt out answers before they are complete, and have trouble controlling their emotions.
It can be a relief to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, but it is not always simple. It's fine to be embarrassed. But honesty is the best way to go. A diagnosis might be the first time someone has realized their struggles are ascribed to. This knowledge will help them alter their perception of themselves, resulting in positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it comes to ADHD, symptoms show up at different times for children and adults. For children, symptoms typically begin in the middle of elementary school, however for adults, it's later. The 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 not properly diagnosed. It could be a sign of autism or a mood disorders like depression or anxiety.
If your child or teen shows signs of ADHD The first step is to consult your doctor. They will perform an examination of the body, including vision and audio to ensure that there is no other issue. Your child and you will be asked to write a list of symptoms. They will inquire about what the effects of their symptoms are on their school and family life. They'll also want you to tell them about any previous issues.
For adults, a healthcare professional who is qualified to diagnose ADHD will conduct the process of conducting clinical interviews, as well as behavior rating scales or checklists of symptoms to determine if they meet the requirements for diagnosis. Psychological tests can be used to determine your cognitive abilities, as well as how you think and process information. They may also perform a brain scan using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which evaluates the activity of specific areas of your brain that regulate the ability to focus and impulsivity.
They will also review your medical records to determine whether there are any additional mental health issues or injuries, for example thyroid issues or head trauma which can trigger similar symptoms. They might refer you for thorough evaluation by psychiatrists or psychologists.
You must have six or more symptoms, which started in your childhood or before the age of 12. The symptoms have to be present for at least six months and cause significant difficulties with your daily functioning. Adults need to meet a lower threshold to be diagnosed, however the same requirements apply: You must have a minimum of five or more symptoms, and these must interfere with your work, home and social life.
Treatment
Treatment aims to improve symptoms and improve functioning at home, work and school. There are many treatment options including treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Some people also have success with lifestyle changes, like setting up a routine that is consistent, using a planner or notebook and arranging tasks prior to time. adhd diagnosis adults I Am Psychiatry might benefit from specific learning disability treatments, such as metacognitive therapy that helps them improve their ability to organize their lives and solve problems or cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with the distortions in thinking that can cause negative moods and low self-esteem.
Specially trained health care professionals will provide the best treatment plan based on a person's specific situation. They will look at the person's symptoms and, in the case of an adult, their school and childhood experiences. They will conduct clinical interviews, behavior ratings scales and symptoms checklists to determine if the person meets diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They might also inquire about the family history of mental illness and physical conditions. They will ask about the person's moods, behaviors and changes over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the presence of six or more symptoms that start before age 12 and create difficulties in two or more settings (home school, social situations). The symptoms must be present for at least six months. In addition, the symptoms must be more severe than expected for someone of that age.
There aren't any blood tests or brain scans to diagnose ADHD, but medical checks are usually performed to ensure that there's no other issue with the individual. Doctors will look over the patient's medical and psychiatric history and examine their symptoms. They may also recommend an hearing or eye test. Some people who suffer from ADHD are genetically predisposed to the condition. Anyone who has a parent or sibling with ADHD has a 91% chance to develop the disorder. ADHD is often accompanied by a mood or anxiety disorder. These conditions can be more difficult to manage than ADHD on its own.
Prevention
Many things, such as certain medical conditions, as well as learning disabilities, can trigger symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. It is important to speak with an expert in mental health or health care provider for an assessment prior to making the diagnosis. The doctor will inquire about your child's symptoms and how they affect their daily life. They can also utilize scoring scales or a checklist to determine if your child is suffering from ADHD. They can also conduct a physical exam and test for vision or hearing problems. They may also order an EEG brain scan which evaluates beta and theta wave activity to monitor changes in your child’s brain function.
Children diagnosed with ADHD must show symptoms that are significantly more than the norm for their age and developmental level. Hyperactivity, inattention, and/or an impulsive behavior can create serious problems at home, school, or work. The symptoms can also impact your child's ability to interact with others. If your child is suffering from moderate or severe ADHD symptoms they will require treatment with medication to lead a normal life.
Children suffering from ADHD can find it difficult to follow instructions and remain focused and can result in low self-esteem and poor grades. They may also have difficulty with social relationships, as they are unable to read social signals. They often interrupt others and appear aggressive or abrasive. They are at high risk of developing depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
People who suffer from mild ADHD have symptoms that are evident but they do not hinder their daily life or make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. The people with moderate or severe ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms, and they are more likely than others to have issues at work, including difficulties keeping a job or getting along with colleagues.
People who do not receive treatment may suffer serious consequences. This includes financial issues as well as health and legal issues. There are a variety of treatments for ADHD. These include psychosocial interventions as well as nutrition and diet exercise, sleep improvement and even medications. NIMH provides more information about these options and how to talk with your family members about them.