Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't get diagnosed until their symptoms create major difficulties at school, at 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 full evaluation includes ADHD symptom checklists and standardized behavior rating scales. Health professionals also inquire about family history and look over old school records.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can have a negative impact on the daily routine of a person, whether it is at school, home or at work. They can cause issues in relationships and careers, financial difficulties or even a driver's licence. They can also cause emotional distress. It's normal for people to have difficulty in concentrating or staying organized from time to time. However, if the problem gets more severe and affects the daily activities, a healthcare provider may be able diagnose ADHD.
A health professional must assess the person in two different situations, like at home and in school, or in workplace and social situations. They must observe the person in these situations for at least six months, and they must determine that the symptoms are significantly impairing their ability to perform. The symptoms must 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 are often unable to wait for their turn and frequently interfere with others or interrupt them.
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 on task. They're usually daydreaming or distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be ignored and miss out on opportunities to learn, particularly in primary 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 have difficulty sitting or waiting for their turn, blurt out answers before the questions are complete, and have trouble managing their emotions.
It is an exhilarating experience to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, but it is not always an easy process. It's normal to be embarrassed. However getting a adhd diagnosis is the best way to go. A diagnosis could be the first time that someone realizes that their struggles are ascribed to. Understanding this can change the way they see themselves, which may cascade into positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it comes to ADHD, symptoms show up at different times for children and adults. In children, the symptoms usually begin in elementary school. For adults, symptoms begin a bit later. Symptoms can 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 could be misdiagnosed as autistic or an anxiety disorder or depression.
Speak to your doctor if your child or teenager is showing symptoms of ADHD. They will conduct an examination that includes audio and vision tests to ensure that there is nothing else wrong. Your child and you will be asked to complete the list of symptoms. They will inquire about what the effects of their symptoms are on their school and personal life. They'll also want to learn about any previous issues they've faced.
For adults, a healthcare professional who is qualified to diagnose ADHD will use clinical interviews and behavior rating scales or checklists for symptoms to determine if they meet the requirements for diagnosis. Psychological tests may be used to assess your cognitive abilities, and how you think and process information. They could also conduct an examination of your brain using the Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid, which is FDA-approved (NEBA), which measures the activity of certain areas of your brain that regulate attention and impulsivity.
They will also look at your medical records to see if there are any other mental health issues or injuries, such as head trauma or thyroid problems that can cause similar symptoms. They might refer you for a thorough evaluation to a psychiatrist or psychologist.
You must show six or more symptoms, which began in your childhood or before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and create significant problems for your daily activities. Adults have an upper threshold for diagnosis, but the criteria are the same: You must be suffering from at least five symptoms that interfere with your social, work and family life.
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to improve symptoms and restore functioning at home, school and work. There are a range of treatment options including treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Some people find satisfaction by making lifestyle changes, such as using a planner, a notebook and scheduling their tasks in advance. Others may benefit from specific learning disability therapies, such as metacognitive therapy that helps to improve their abilities to manage their time and problem solving as well as cognitive behavioral therapy to address thinking distortions which can lead to low moods and low self-esteem.
Professionals with specialized training in health care can provide the most effective treatment plan based on the patient's specific 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 use clinical interviewing, behavior rating scales, and symptom checklists in order to determine if a person meets ADHD diagnostic criteria. They can also look up a family history of mental health issues as well as physical illnesses. They will ask about the person's moods, behaviors and how they have changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the presence of more than six symptoms that begin before age 12 and cause difficulties in two or more settings (home school, social situations). The symptoms are expected to be present for at minimum six months. In addition the symptoms must be significantly more troublesome than one would expect for a person at that age.
A medical checkup is typically performed to make sure that the patient doesn't have any other health issues. Doctors will look over the patient's medical and psychiatric histories and review their symptoms. They may also recommend an eye or hearing test. Some people with ADHD are genetically predisposed to the disorder. If a person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD, they have about 91% of the chance of developing the disorder themselves. It is also common to have a comorbid mood anxiety disorder with ADHD. These disorders are more difficult to manage than ADHD on its own.
The following is a list of preventions.
Many things, like certain medical conditions, as well as learning disabilities, can lead to 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 assessment prior to making a diagnosis. This person will ask your child about their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They may use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child has ADHD. They could also perform physical examinations and tests for hearing or vision problems. They may also request an examination of the brain, known as an EEG that examines beta and theta waves to determine if there are any changes in the brain function of your child.
For children to be diagnosed with ADHD, they must have 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 affect your child's ability to interact with others. If your child has moderate or severe ADHD symptoms and needs treatment, they'll need to be treated with medication to lead the normal life.
Children suffering from ADHD might have trouble following directions and staying on task. This can lead to lower grades and a loss of self-esteem. They may also have difficulties with social interactions because they are unable to read social cues and often interrupt others or come off as aggressive or intense. They are at risk for depression, anxiety as well as substance abuse and issues with relationships.
People who have mild ADHD have symptoms that are apparent but do not interfere with their daily life or make it difficult to work or maintain relationships. Those with moderate to severe ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms, and are more likely to experience problems at work, such as problems with keeping a job or getting along with colleagues.
If you don't seek treatment, you can have serious consequences, including financial difficulties, health problems and legal issues. There are a number of treatments available for ADHD that include psychosocial and behavioral therapy, diet and nutrition, exercise medication for sleep, and other treatments. NIMH provides more information about these options and how you can discuss them with your family.