Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are often not diagnosed until they are experiencing serious issues at work, home or school. Health care professionals adhere to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A full assessment includes ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized behavior rating scales. Health professionals inquire about the family's history, and examine the school records from the past.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can impact the daily routine of a person, whether it is at home, school or at work. They can cause disruption to relationships and career, lead to serious financial problems or a driver's license and can even cause emotional distress for the person. It's normal for everyone to have difficulty concentrating or staying organized from time to time, but if it becomes an ongoing issue that interferes with everyday functioning, a medical professional may be able to diagnose ADHD.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD the health professional must assess the patient in at least two different settings, including at home, school or work and social situations. The health professional must observe the person for a minimum of six months and determine whether the symptoms are impacting their ability to function. 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 have a difficult time waiting for their turn and frequently interrupt or intrude on others.
Children with inattention ADHD have difficulty following instructions, staying on task or sitting down. They are usually distracted by their thoughts or distracted by their surroundings. They're more likely to be left out and miss opportunities to learn, particularly in the early years of school, which can cause them to be a failure later 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 have trouble sitting or waiting for their turn, blurt out answers before they are finished and have trouble managing their emotions.
It's an exhilarating experience to receive the diagnosis of ADHD but it's not always easy. It's fine to be embarrassed. But honesty is the best approach. A diagnosis might be the first time someone has realized their struggles have a label. Having this understanding can change the way they view themselves, which may result in positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms manifest at different times in children and adults. In children, the symptoms usually begin in the first grade. For adults, it is slightly 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 certain cases the condition could be misdiagnosed as autism, or a mood disorder such as anxiety or depression.
Talk to your doctor If your child or teenager shows symptoms of ADHD. Iam Psychiatry will conduct a physical exam that includes hearing and vision to ensure there isn't something else going on. Your child and you will be asked to write the list of symptoms. They will ask how the symptoms have affected their school and family life. They will also want you to share with them any problems that you have had previously.
For adults, a medical professional who's qualified to diagnose ADHD will use the process of conducting clinical interviews, as well as behavior rating scales or checklists for symptoms to determine if they meet the requirements for diagnosis. Psychological tests can be used to assess your cognitive abilities and how you think and process information. They may also perform a brain scan with the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) A tool that measures the activity of certain brain regions that control your attention and the impulsivity.
In addition, they will review your medical history to determine if you've had any other mental health issues or injuries such as head trauma or thyroid conditions which can trigger similar symptoms. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for a thorough examination.
To get a diagnosis of ADHD it is necessary to have a minimum of six or more symptoms that began in your childhood or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms must be present for at least six months and cause significant difficulties in your daily life. Adults need to meet a lower threshold for diagnosis, but the criteria are the same: You must have at minimum five symptoms that interfere with your social, work and home life.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to improve symptoms and restore functioning at school, home and at work. There are a variety of treatment options, such as medication and behavioral therapy. Some people have satisfaction by making lifestyle changes such as using an organizer, a notebook, and scheduling tasks ahead of time. Others might benefit from specific learning disability therapies, such as metacognitive therapy that helps to improve their organizational skills and problem-solving abilities as well as cognitive behavioral therapy to correct cognitive distortions which can lead to low moods and low self-esteem.
Specially trained health care professionals can offer the best treatment plan based on a person's specific situation. They will look at the person's symptoms and, if they are an adult, also their school and childhood experiences. They will employ clinical interviews, behavior rating scales and symptoms checklists to determine if the person has met the requirements for diagnosing ADHD. They can also look up an examination of a family history of mental health problems and physical illnesses. They'll ask the person as well as their parents and teachers about their moods and behaviors and how they've changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is upon six or more signs, which begin before 12 years of age and cause problems in at least two settings (at school, at home, or in social situations). The symptoms must have been present for a minimum of 6 months. Additionally the symptoms must be more severe than one would expect for a person who is that old.
There are no blood tests or brain scans to diagnose ADHD however medical checks are usually done to make sure there's no other issue with the individual. Doctors will look over the patient's medical and psychiatric histories and review their symptoms. They may also suggest an eye or hearing test. Certain people suffering from ADHD are genetically predisposed to the disorder. 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 anxiety disorder that is associated with ADHD. These disorders are more difficult to treat than ADHD alone.
The following is a list of preventatives.
Many things, including some medical conditions, as well as certain kinds of learning disabilities could cause similar symptoms as those of ADHD. It is essential to talk to a mental health professional or a health professional for an evaluation prior to making a diagnosis. The doctor will inquire about your child's issues and how they affect their daily lives. They may also use scoring scales or a checklist to determine if your child is suffering from ADHD. They can also conduct an examination of the body and test for visual or hearing issues. They can also request a brain scan, also known as an EEG that analyzes beta and theta waves to detect changes in your child's brain's function.
Children diagnosed with ADHD should exhibit symptoms that are significantly greater than the norm for their age and developmental level. Inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity must cause serious problems at school, home or at work. The symptoms should also affect 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 lead a normal life.
Children suffering from ADHD may have trouble following directions and staying on task. This can result in poor grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also struggle with social interactions as they struggle to discern social cues and frequently interrupt others or appear violent or aggressive. They are at a high risk for anxiety, depression and alcohol abuse.
People who have mild ADHD have symptoms that are evident but do not affect their daily life or make it difficult to work or maintain relationships. The people with moderate or severe ADHD will exhibit more symptoms, and they are more likely than other people to have problems at work, including problems with keeping a job or interacting with coworkers.
People who don't receive treatment could face serious consequences. This could include financial problems as well as health and legal issues. There are a variety of treatment options for ADHD, including psychosocial and behavioral therapy including diet and nutrition, exercise, sleep improvements, and medications. NIMH provides more information about these options and how you can talk with your family about them.