Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are often not diagnosed until they experience major problems at home, at work or at school. Health professionals follow the diagnostic criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A complete evaluation will include ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standardized behavior rating scales. Health professionals also inquire about family history and go through old school records.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD can affect the lives of a person at home, school or work. They can cause problems in relationships and careers, financial difficulties, or even a driver's permit. They can also cause emotional stress. It's normal for people to struggle with concentration or staying organized from time moment however, if it becomes an ongoing issue that interferes with everyday functioning, a health professional may be able to diagnose ADHD.
A health care professional must evaluate the person in two distinct environments, such as at home and in school, or in workplace and social settings. The health care professional has to be observing the person for at least six months and determine if the symptoms are affecting their ability to function. 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 are often disruptive or disturb others.
Children who suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD are not able to sit or stand quietly and have trouble following instructions or staying on task. They are often wandering off or distracted. They are more likely to be ignored and miss out on opportunities to learn, especially 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 are unable to sit or waiting for their turn, blurt out answers before the questions are completed, and have difficulty controlling their emotions.
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD can be a relief but it's also not always easy to accept. People may feel ashamed, but they have to be honest in order that they can get the help they're entitled to. A diagnosis might be the first time someone realizes that their struggles are ascribed to. This knowledge can allow them to change their perspective of themselves, which can lead to positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms appear at different times in children and adults. In children, the symptoms usually begin in the first grade. For adults, symptoms begin somewhat later. The 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 disorder 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 audio and vision to make sure that there is nothing else wrong. Your child and you will be asked to complete a list of symptoms. They will also ask how the symptoms have affected their school and personal life. They'll also ask you to tell them about any previous problems.
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a doctor who is qualified to diagnose it. They may conduct clinical interviews, use behavior rating scales, or symptoms checklists. They may also conduct psychological tests to measure your cognitive abilities as well as learn how you think and process information. They can also conduct a brain scan with the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA), a tool that measures brain activity in specific brain regions that regulate your attention and impulsivity.
In addition, they will look at your medical history to see whether you've experienced any other mental health conditions or injuries such as head trauma or thyroid issues which can trigger similar symptoms. They may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for a thorough evaluation.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have a minimum of six or more symptoms that began in your childhood or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms have to be present for at least six months, and cause significant problems with your daily activities. Adults need to be able to meet a lower threshold in order to be diagnosed, however the same criteria apply: You need to have at least five or more symptoms and they must affect your home, work and social life.
Treatment
Treatment aims to ease symptoms and improve functioning at home, work and at school. There are a range of treatment options, including medication and behavior therapy. Some people experience success through lifestyle changes like using an organizer, a notebook, and scheduling tasks in advance. Others might benefit from specific learning disabilities treatments, such as metacognitive therapy that helps them improve their abilities to manage their time and problem solving or cognitive behavioral therapy to correct cognitive distortions which can lead to low moods and low self-esteem.
More who are specially trained can offer the best treatment plan based on the patient's particular situation. They will look at the person's symptoms, and in the case of an adult, their childhood and school experiences. They will conduct interviews with a psychologist, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists to determine whether the person is in compliance with requirements for diagnosing ADHD. They may also conduct a family history of mental health problems as well as physical illnesses. They will ask the person, their parents and teachers about their moods and behavior and about how they've changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the presence of six or more signs that start before the age of 12 and can cause problems in two or more settings (home school, social situations). The symptoms must be present for at least six months. The symptoms must be more severe than is normal for someone of this age.
A medical checkup is typically carried out to confirm that the person does not have any other health problems. Doctors will look over the patient's symptoms and medical and mental background and may recommend an eye examination or hearing test. Some people with ADHD are genetically predisposed to the condition. If a person has a parent or sibling with ADHD, they have about 91% chance of being diagnosed with the disorder. It's also common to have a comorbid mood or anxiety disorder that is associated with ADHD. These disorders can be more difficult to treat than ADHD by itself.
Prevention
Many things, like certain medical conditions or learning disabilities, can trigger symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. Therefore, it's essential to visit your health care provider or mental health professional for an evaluation before making a diagnosis. The professional will inquire with your child about their symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They can also use ratings scales or a checklist to help decide if your child has ADHD. They could also conduct an examination and test for hearing or vision problems. They may also order a brain scan, also known as an EEG, which analyzes beta and theta waves to determine if there are any changes in your child's brain's function.
To be able to diagnose a child with ADHD they must display numerous symptoms that are more prominent than normal for their age or developmental level. The symptoms of inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity must cause significant problems at home, at school or work. The symptoms must also hinder your child's social interactions. If your child has moderate or severe ADHD symptoms they will require treatment with medication in order to live an ordinary life.
Children suffering from ADHD are often unable to follow instructions and remain on task which can result in poor grades and low self-esteem. They may also have difficulties with social relationships because they are unable to read social cues and frequently interrupt others or appear violent or aggressive. They are susceptible to anxiety, depression, substance misuse, and issues with relationships.
Mild ADHD is manifests itself in symptoms that are apparent but do not interfere in daily life. They can make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People with severe or moderate ADHD are more prone to symptoms and are more likely to have job-related problems, such as difficulties in keeping an occupation, getting along with coworkers, or maintaining relationships.
If you don't seek treatment, you could face grave consequences, such as health issues, financial troubles, and legal issues. There are many treatments available for ADHD which include psychosocial therapy and behavioral therapy such as diet and nutrition, exercise medication for sleep, and other treatments. NIMH provides more details about these options and ways to discuss them with your family members.