Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are typically not diagnosed until they experience major problems at home, at work or at school. Health care professionals adhere to the diagnostic criteria set out in 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 care professionals also ask about family history and look over old school records.
Symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD can affect a person's life at school, at home or at work. They can be disruptive to relationships and work, leading to financial issues or a driver's license, and can even cause emotional distress for the person. It's normal for people to have difficulty in concentrating or staying organized from time to time. However when the issue gets more severe and affects the daily activities, a healthcare provider may be able diagnose ADHD.
A health professional must evaluate the person in two different settings, including at home and at school, or in workplace and social situations. The health care professional has to monitor the patient for a minimum of six months and determine if the symptoms are affecting their ability to perform. The symptoms also must have begun 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 unable to wait for their turn and often interrupt or intrude on others.
Children who suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD are not able to sit or stand in silence and are unable to follow instructions or staying focused. They are often daydreaming or easily distracted. They are more likely to be ignored, and miss out on learning opportunities, 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 waiting their turn or settling down. They also have difficulty controlling their emotions.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a relief, but it's not always easy to process. It's normal to be embarrassed. But honesty is the best policy. A diagnosis might be the first time people realize that their issues are ascribed to. Having this understanding can change the way they think about themselves, which may cascade into positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it concerns ADHD symptoms are evident at different times in children and adults. For children, symptoms typically begin in elementary school. For adults, it is a bit later. The symptoms may 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 instances the condition can be misdiagnosed as autistic or an anxiety disorder or depression.
If your child or teen is showing signs of ADHD the first step is to consult your doctor. They will do an examination of the body, including vision and hearing to ensure 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 what the effects of their symptoms are on their school and personal life. They will also want to be informed about any past issues they've had.
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a medical professional who is qualified to diagnose it. They'll utilize clinical interviews, scales for assessing behavior, or symptoms checklists. They may also conduct psychological tests to assess your cognitive abilities as well as learn how you think and process information. They could also conduct an examination of your brain using the Neuropsychiatric EEG Assessment Aid (NEBA) that is FDA-approved. (NEBA) which analyzes the activity of specific parts of your brain that regulate attention and the ability to be impulsive.
In addition, they will review your medical history to see whether you've suffered from any other mental health conditions or injuries, such as head trauma or thyroid conditions that could cause similar symptoms. They might refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for a thorough evaluation.
To be able to receive a diagnosis of ADHD you must exhibit a minimum of six or more signs that began in childhood or before age 12. The symptoms must have been present for at minimum 6 months and be causing serious difficulties in your daily life. Adults need to be able to meet a lower threshold in order to be diagnosed, however the same criteria apply: You must have a minimum of five or more symptoms and these must interfere with your home, work and social life.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to improve symptoms and restore functioning at home, school and work. There are many treatments available, including treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Many people have success through lifestyle changes, like creating a consistent routine by using a planner notebook and arranging tasks in advance. Others might benefit from specific learning disability therapies, such as metacognitive training to help them improve their organizational skills and problem-solving abilities or cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with thinking distortions that can lead to negative moods and low self-esteem.
Specially trained health care professionals will provide the best treatment program based on a patient's specific situation. They will examine the person's symptoms and, if they are an adult, their school and childhood experiences. They will employ clinical interviews, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists to determine whether the person is in compliance with requirements for diagnosing ADHD. They can also look up the family history of mental health problems and physical ailments. They'll ask the individual, their parents and teachers about their moods, behaviors and attitudes and about how they've changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is made by analyzing six or more symptoms which begin before the age of 12 and create difficulties in at least two different settings (at school, at home, or in social situations). The symptoms are expected to be present for at least six months. Additionally the symptoms should be significantly more troublesome than expected for someone at that age.
A medical checkup is typically done to ensure that the person isn't suffering from any other health problems. Doctors will examine the person's medical and psychiatric histories and examine their symptoms. They may also recommend an eye or hearing test. Some people with ADHD have a genetic predisposition to develop the condition. If the person has a parent or sibling with ADHD they are at risk of having 91% chance of developing the disorder for themselves. ADHD is often accompanied by a mood or anxiety disorder. These disorders are more difficult to treat than ADHD by itself.
Prevention
Many things, including certain medical conditions and learning disabilities, can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. It is essential to talk to an expert in mental health or a health care professional for an evaluation prior to making the diagnosis. The doctor will inquire about your child's issues and how they impact their daily lives. They may also utilize rating scales or a checklist to determine if your child suffers from ADHD. They could also conduct an examination and test for hearing or visual problems. They may also order a brain scan, also known as an EEG, which examines beta and theta waves to detect changes in your child's brain function.
For children to be diagnosed with ADHD they must display several symptoms that are significantly more than what is normal for their age or development level. Hyperactivity, inattention, and/or impulsivity can cause significant problems at home, school or at work. The symptoms also need to 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 lead a normal life.
Children with ADHD can find it difficult to follow instructions and stay on task, which can lead to poor grades and low self-esteem. They may also have difficulty in social relationships because they aren't able to discern social cues. adhd diagnosis for adults are often disruptive to others and come across as aggressive or abrasive. They are at a high risk for depression, anxiety and substance abuse.
People who have mild ADHD have symptoms that are apparent but do not interfere with their daily life or make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. The people with moderate or severe ADHD will exhibit more symptoms, and are more likely to experience problems at work, including difficulty keeping a job, or interacting with colleagues.
People who don't receive treatment may face serious consequences. These include financial problems as well as health and legal issues. There are a variety of treatments for ADHD, including psychosocial therapy and behavioral therapy including diet and nutrition, exercise, medication for sleep, and other treatments. NIMH offers more information on these options and how to discuss them with your family.