Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't receive diagnosis until their symptoms create major issues at school, work or at home. Health care providers follow 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 symptom lists and standardized scales for assessing behavior. Health care professionals also ask about family history and go through old school records.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can affect a person's daily life regardless of whether they are at home, school or at work. They can cause issues in relationships and careers, financial problems or even a driver's licence. They can also trigger emotional stress. It's normal to have difficulty concentrating or being organized from time to moment, but if it becomes an ongoing problem that affects daily functioning, a medical professional may be able to diagnose ADHD.
A health care professional will need to evaluate the person in two different situations, like at home and in school, as well as in social and workplace situations. The health care professional must observe the person for at least six month and determine whether the symptoms are affecting their ability to function. The symptoms also must have started before 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 are often not able to wait for their turn, and they interrupt or intrude upon others.
Children who suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD are incapable of sitting or waiting quietly and have trouble following instructions or staying focused. They are often wandering off or distracted. They are more likely to be left out and miss opportunities to learn, particularly in elementary school, which can cause them to be a 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 sit or waiting for their turn, blurt out answers before the questions are complete, and have trouble managing their emotions.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a relief, but it's not always easy to accept. It's normal to be embarrassed. But honesty is the best policy. For some, it will be the first time they've realized that their problems have a. This understanding can alter the way they see themselves, which can then be a positive influence.
Diagnosis
When it is about ADHD symptoms are evident at different times for children and adults. In children, the symptoms usually begin in the first grade. For adults, it's somewhat later. The symptoms can be mild, medium or severe. They can also be a combination of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity or more focused on one or the other. In certain cases the condition can be misdiagnosed as autism or an anxiety disorder or depression.
If your child or teen is showing symptoms of ADHD the first step is to speak with your doctor. They will conduct physical examinations that includes hearing and vision to make sure there isn't something else going on. They will ask you and your child to complete a checklist of their symptoms. They will also ask how the symptoms have affected their school and family life. They'll also want to learn about any previous issues they've experienced.
For adults, a healthcare professional who's qualified to diagnose ADHD will use clinical interviews and behavior rating scales or symptom checklists to determine whether they meet the criteria for diagnosis. They may also conduct psychological tests to gauge your cognitive abilities as well as learn how you process information and think. They can also conduct an examination of the brain using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which is a device that measures brain activity in specific brain regions that control your attention and your impulsivity.
They will also review your medical records to determine whether there are any other mental disorders or injuries, for example thyroid issues or head trauma which can trigger similar symptoms. They might refer you for thorough evaluation by a psychologist or psychiatrist.
To be able to receive a diagnosis of ADHD it is necessary to have at least six or more symptoms that began in your childhood or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms have to be present for at minimum six months and cause significant difficulties with your daily functioning. Adults need to meet the lower threshold for diagnosis, but the criteria are the same: You must exhibit at least five symptoms that interfere with your work, social and family life.
Treatment
Treatment is designed to reduce symptoms and restore function at work, home and at school. There are many treatment options, including medication and behavior therapy. Many people have success through lifestyle changes, like creating a consistent routine, using a planner or notebook and scheduling tasks prior to time. Others might benefit from specific learning disability therapies, such as metacognitive training that helps them develop their ability to organize their lives and solve problems or cognitive behavioral therapy to address thinking distortions which can lead to low moods and low self-esteem.
Specially trained health care professionals can provide the most effective treatment program based on a patient's particular situation. They will look at the person's present symptoms and, when they are an adult, their previous behaviour and schooling experiences. They will employ clinical interviewing, scales for assessing behavior and symptom checklists to determine if a person has the ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also take an examination of a family history of mental health problems and physical ailments. They will ask about the person's moods, behaviors and changes over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the presence of more than six symptoms that start before age 12 and cause difficulties in two or more environments (home school, at home and social situations). The symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months. Additionally the symptoms must be significantly more difficult than what is expected for a person of that age.
There are no blood tests or brain scans to diagnose ADHD, but medical checks are usually done to make sure there's nothing else wrong with the person. Doctors will look over the patient's medical and psychiatric records and examine their symptoms. They may also recommend an eye or hearing test. Some people with ADHD are genetically predisposed to the condition. Anyone who has a sibling or parent with ADHD has an 85% chance of develop the disorder. It is also common to have a comorbid mood or anxiety disorder with ADHD. adhd adults diagnosis uk are more difficult to manage than ADHD alone.
The following is a list of preventions.
Many things, such as medical conditions and certain kinds of learning disabilities could cause similar symptoms as those of ADHD. So it's important to see your health care provider or a mental health professional for an assessment prior to making a 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 suffers from ADHD. They could also conduct an examination and test for hearing or visual issues. They may also request a brain scan called an EEG that analyzes beta and theta waves to detect changes in your child's brain's function.
To be able to diagnose a child with ADHD they must display several symptoms that are significantly more than what is normal for their age or development level. The signs of inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity should cause a significant problem at school, at home or at work. The symptoms must also hinder 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 live an ordinary life.
Children with ADHD may find it difficult to follow instructions and remain on task, which can lead to poor grades and low self-esteem. They may also have difficulties with social interactions as they struggle to discern social signals and are often disruptive to others or come off as aggressive or abrasive. They are at a high risk of developing anxiety, depression and alcohol abuse.
People with mild ADHD have symptoms that are evident but do not affect their daily lives or make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People who suffer from severe or moderate ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms and are more likely to experience job-related problems, such as difficulties in keeping an occupation, getting along with colleagues, or maintaining relationships.
People who don't receive treatment could face serious consequences. This could include financial problems as well as health and legal issues. There are many treatment options for ADHD which include psychosocial and behavioral therapy, diet and nutrition, exercise, medication for sleep, and other treatments. NIMH has more information on these options and how you can talk with your family about them.