Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't receive diagnosis until their symptoms cause serious issues at school, work or at home. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) is used by health care providers to diagnose mental disorders.
A thorough assessment includes ADHD symptom lists and standardized behavior ratings scales. Health professionals also inquire about family history and review old school records.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can have a negative impact on the daily routine of a person regardless of whether they are at home, school or work. They can cause disruption to relationships and career, lead to serious problems with finances or a driver's license, and even create emotional distress for the person. It is common for people to have difficulty keeping their attention or staying organized at times. However, if the problem gets more severe and affects daily functioning, a healthcare provider may be able diagnose ADHD.
To determine if someone is diagnosed with ADHD, a health professional must assess the patient in at least two different settings, including the workplace, school, and social settings. The health care professional has to observe the person for at least six months and determine whether the symptoms are affecting their ability to perform. The symptoms must 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 often are in a hurry to finish their work, and they interrupt or interfere with other children.
getting diagnosed with adhd with the inattentive type of ADHD are incapable of sitting or waiting in silence and are unable to follow instructions or staying on track. They tend to be daydreaming or easily distracted. They are more likely to be ignored and omit learning opportunities, 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 sit or waiting for their turn, blurt out answers before they are completed, and have difficulty controlling their emotions.
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD can be a great relief, but it's difficult to comprehend. People might be ashamed, but they have to be honest so they can receive the assistance they're entitled to. A diagnosis might be the first time that someone has realized their struggles have a name. This understanding will help them alter their perspective of themselves, which can lead to positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms can manifest at different times in both adults and children. For children, symptoms typically begin in the middle of elementary school, however for adults, it's a bit later. The symptoms may be mild, moderate or even severe. They can also be a combination of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity or more focused on one or the other. In some instances the condition can be misdiagnosed as autism, or a mood disorder such as anxiety or depression.
If your child or teen shows symptoms of ADHD the first step is to consult your doctor. They will conduct a physical examination, including audio and vision tests to ensure that there is no other issue. You and your child will be asked to fill out a list of symptoms. They will ask how the symptoms have affected their school and home life. They'll also want to learn about any previous issues they've had.
Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD by a medical professional qualified to do so. They will conduct clinical interviews, use behavior rating scales or symptom checklists. Psychological tests may be used to evaluate your cognitive abilities, as well as how you think and process information. They can also conduct brain scans using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA), a tool that measures the activity in certain brain regions that regulate your attention and impulsivity.
They will also review your medical records to determine whether there are any other mental conditions or injuries, such as thyroid or head trauma which can trigger similar symptoms. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for a thorough examination.
To be diagnosed with ADHD you must exhibit a minimum of six or more signs that began in your childhood or before age 12. The symptoms must last at least six months, and cause significant difficulties with your daily functioning. Adults need to be able to meet a lower threshold in order to be diagnosed, however the same requirements apply: You must have a minimum of five or more symptoms, and they must affect your home, work and social life.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and improve functioning at home, school and work. There are a myriad of treatment options, including the use of medication and therapy for behavior. Some people experience satisfaction by making lifestyle changes like using planners, notebooks and scheduling their tasks in advance. Some people may benefit from treatments for learning disabilities like metacognitive therapy which helps them improve their problem-solving skills and organizational abilities or cognitive behavioral treatment that addresses the distortions in thinking that can lead to depression and low self-esteem.
Health professionals who have been specially trained to recognize ADHD can recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for a person's situation. They will look at the person's symptoms and, if they are an adult, their school and childhood experiences. They will use clinical interviewing, scales for assessing behavior, and symptom checklists to determine if a person has the ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also conduct the family history of mental health issues as well as physical illnesses. They will ask about the person's moods and behaviors and changes over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the presence of six or more signs that start before age 12 and can cause problems in two or more settings (home school, social situations). The symptoms must be present for at least six months. In addition the symptoms should be significantly more difficult than expected for someone of that age.
There are no brain scans or blood tests to determine ADHD however an exam for medical reasons is usually done to make sure there's no other issue with the person. Doctors will review the person's symptoms and medical and psychiatric history and may recommend an eye examination or hearing test. Some people with ADHD have a genetic predisposition to develop the condition. If a person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD, they have about a 91% chance of developing the disorder themselves. It's also common to have a comorbid mood anxiety disorder that is associated with ADHD. These disorders can be harder to manage than ADHD alone.
The following is a list with preventions.
Many things, including certain medical conditions and learning disabilities, can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. It is important to speak with a mental health professional or a health professional for an evaluation prior to making the diagnosis. This person will ask about your child's issues and how they impact their daily life. They can also use ratings scales or a checklist to decide if your child has ADHD. They may also do physical examinations and tests for problems with vision or hearing. They may also order a brain scan called 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 more than what is normal for their age and development level. Inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity must cause serious problems at home, school, or work. The symptoms must also interfere with your child's social interactions. If your child suffers from severe or moderate ADHD They will require medication in order to lead a 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 difficulties with social interactions as they struggle to discern social cues and frequently interrupt others or come off as violent or aggressive. They are at high risk of developing depression, anxiety and alcohol abuse.
People who have mild ADHD have symptoms that are evident but do not interfere with their daily lives 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 others to have problems at work, like problems with keeping a job or interacting with coworkers.
People who don't receive treatment can have grave consequences, including financial difficulties, health problems, and legal issues. There are a variety of treatments for ADHD. These include behavioral therapy, psychosocial interventions including nutrition and diet, exercise, sleep improvement and medications. NIMH has more information on these options and how you can talk with your family members about them.