Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are usually not diagnosed until they experience serious issues at work, home or at school. Health care professionals adhere to 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 care professionals also ask about family history and review old school records.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can have a negative impact on the way a person lives their life regardless of whether they are at school, home or at work. They can be disruptive to relationships and careers, leading to financial issues or driving licenses, and even create emotional distress for the person. It's common for people to experience difficulties in concentrating or staying organized at times. However when the issue is persistent and affects everyday functioning, a medical specialist may be able to identify ADHD.
To determine if someone is diagnosed with ADHD the healthcare professional must examine the person in at least two different settings, including the workplace, school, and social situations. The health professional must be observing the person for a minimum of six months and determine whether the symptoms are impacting their ability to function. The symptoms must 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 not able to wait for their turn and often interrupt or interfere with others.
Iampsychiatry with the inattentive type of ADHD are incapable of sitting or waiting at a comfortable pace and have difficulty following instructions or staying on task. They are usually wandering off or distracted. They are more likely to be missed, and miss out on learning opportunities, particularly in primary schools which could set for failure later on 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 wait their turn or staying still. They also have trouble controlling their emotions.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief but it's also not always easy to process. People may feel embarrassed, but they must to be honest so they can receive the assistance they deserve. For many, a diagnosis may be the first time they've realized their issues have a name. This understanding can allow them to change the way they view themselves, which can lead to positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it concerns ADHD, symptoms show up at different times for children and adults. For kids, they typically begin in elementary school, but for adults, it's 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 may be misdiagnosed as autism or a mood disorder such as anxiety or depression.
If your child or teen is showing signs of ADHD the first step is to speak with your doctor. They will conduct a physical examination, including audio and vision tests to ensure that there is nothing else wrong. Your child and you will be asked to complete an inventory of symptoms. They'll be interested in knowing how the symptoms have impacted their home and school 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 will utilize clinical interviews, scales for assessing behavior or symptoms checklists. Psychological tests can be used to determine your cognitive abilities and how you process information and think. They may also perform an examination of your brain using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA), which evaluates the activity of specific areas of your brain that control attention and the ability to be impulsive.
They will also review your medical records to see if there are any other mental disorders or injuries, such as thyroid or head trauma that can cause similar symptoms. They may refer you to a thorough evaluation to a psychiatrist or psychologist.
To be able to receive a diagnosis of ADHD it is necessary to have at least six or more symptoms that started in childhood, or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms must last at least six months, and cause significant difficulties with your daily activities. Adults must have a lower threshold to be diagnosed, but the same criteria apply: You must have at least five or more symptoms, and they must affect your work, home and social life.
Treatment
Treatment is designed to reduce symptoms and restore function at work, home and school. There are a variety of treatment options, including the use of medication and therapy for behavior. Some people find success through lifestyle changes such as using an organizer, a notebook and scheduling their tasks ahead of time. Some people might benefit from treatments for learning disabilities like metacognitive therapy which assists them in improving their problem-solving skills and organizational abilities, or cognitive behavioral treatment which targets thinking distortions which can cause low self-esteem and negative moods.
Professionals with specialized training in health care can provide the most effective treatment plan based on a person's specific situation. They will assess the patient's present symptoms and, in the case of an adult, their childhood behaviour and schooling experiences. They will use clinical interviews, behavior rating scales and symptoms checklists to determine if the person meets the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They may also take an examination of a family history of mental health issues and physical illnesses. They will ask about the person's moods, behaviors and how they've changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is made based on six or more signs, that begin before the age of 12 and create issues in at least two different settings (at home, school or social situations). The symptoms are expected to be present for at least six months. The symptoms should also be more severe than is normal for someone that age.
A medical checkup is usually performed to make sure that the person does not have any other health problems. Doctors will look over the patient's symptoms and medical and psychiatric history and may recommend an eye exam or hearing test. Certain people suffering from ADHD have a genetic predisposition to develop the disorder. If the person has a parent or sibling with ADHD, they have about a 91% chance of being diagnosed with the disorder. ADHD is often accompanied by a mood or anxiety disorder. These disorders are more difficult to treat than ADHD by itself.
Prevention
Many things, such as certain medical conditions, as well as learning disabilities, can trigger symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. It is important to speak with an expert in mental health or a health professional for an evaluation prior to making the diagnosis. The doctor will inquire about your child's issues and how they impact their daily life. They can also utilize scoring scales or a checklist to determine if your child suffers from ADHD. They can also conduct an examination and test for vision or hearing problems. They may also request an examination of the brain, known as an EEG, which examines beta and theta waves to determine if there are any changes in your child's brain's function.
Children who are diagnosed with ADHD must show symptoms that are significantly greater than what is normal for their age and developmental level. The symptoms of inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity have to cause serious problems at school, at home or work. The symptoms must also hinder your child's social interactions. If your child is suffering from severe or moderate ADHD they will require medication to live an ordinary 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 relationships because they are unable to read social cues and often interrupt others or appear aggressive or abrasive. They are at high risk for anxiety, depression and addiction to drugs.
Mild ADHD is manifests itself in symptoms that are apparent but do not interfere in daily life, making it difficult to maintain relationships or work. Those with moderate to severe ADHD will have more symptoms, and are more likely to experience problems at work, like difficulties 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 variety of treatments for ADHD. These include behavioral therapy, psychosocial interventions including nutrition and diet, exercise, sleep improvement, and even medications. NIMH offers more information on these options and how to speak with your family about them.