Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are typically not diagnosed until they are experiencing significant issues at work, home or at school. Health care providers follow 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 complete evaluation includes ADHD symptom lists and standardized scales for assessing behavior. Health professionals inquire about the family's history and look at old school records.
Symptoms
The signs of ADHD can impact a person's life at home, school or work. They can cause problems in relationships and careers, financial problems and even a driver's licence. They can also lead to emotional stress. It's normal for everyone to struggle with concentration or staying organized from time to time but if it develops into an ongoing problem that affects daily functioning, a medical provider may be able to determine ADHD.
A health care professional will need to evaluate the person in two different environments, such as at home and at school, as well as in workplace and social settings. The health care professional has to observe the person for a minimum of six months and determine whether the symptoms are impacting their ability to perform. The symptoms should also have begun before the age 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 often are not able to wait for their turn, and they interrupt or disturb others.
Children with the inattentive kind of ADHD are incapable of sitting or waiting in silence and are unable to follow instructions or staying on task. They're usually daydreaming or forgetful, and are easily distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be overlooked and miss out on opportunities for learning, especially in the early years of school, which could make them vulnerable to failure later on 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 difficulty sitting or waiting for their turn, blurting out answers before the questions are complete, and have trouble controlling their emotions.
It's it's a relief to get a diagnosis of ADHD however, it's not always an easy process. It's normal to be embarrassed. But, honesty is the best policy. For many, a diagnosis may be the first time they've realised that their struggles have a name. This understanding will help them alter the way they view themselves, which can lead to positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms can manifest at different times in both adults and children. For kids, they typically begin in the middle of elementary school, however for adults, it's a bit 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 some cases, the condition is misdiagnosed. It could be autism or a mood disorders like anxiety or depression.
If your child or teen shows signs of ADHD the first step is to speak with your doctor. They will conduct physical examinations that includes hearing and vision to make sure there's nothing other than ADHD. They will ask you and your child to fill out an inventory of the symptoms. They'll want to know how their symptoms have affected their home and school life. They'll also want to know about any previous problems.
For adults, a healthcare professional who is qualified to diagnose ADHD will conduct clinical interviews and behavior rating scales or checklists of symptoms to determine if they meet the criteria for diagnosis. They may also conduct psychological tests to assess your cognitive abilities as well as learn 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 regulate the ability to focus and impulsivity.
Additionally, they'll look at your medical history to see whether you've experienced any other mental health conditions or injuries, such as thyroid or head trauma that could cause similar symptoms. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for a thorough examination.
You must show six or more symptoms which began in your childhood or before the age of 12. The symptoms must last at minimum six months and create significant problems for your daily activities. Adults need to meet a lower threshold for diagnosis, however the criteria are the same: You must exhibit at least five symptoms that interfere with your work, social and personal life.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to improve symptoms and restore functioning at school, home and at work. There are many different treatment options, such as medication and therapy for behavior. Some people find success by making lifestyle changes, such as using a planner, a notebook and arranging tasks ahead of time. Others might benefit from specific learning disability therapies, such as metacognitive training that helps them develop their ability to organize their lives and solve problems, or cognitive behavioral therapy to address the distortions in thinking that can lead to negative moods and low self-esteem.
Health care professionals who are specifically trained to diagnose ADHD can recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for a patient's situation. They will assess the patient's present symptoms and, if an adult, their childhood behaviors and school experiences. They will employ clinical interviews, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists to determine whether the person meets the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They may also inquire about family history of mental illnesses and physical ailments. adhd diagnosis adults uk 'll ask the individual, their parents and teachers about their moods, behaviors and attitudes and how they've changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the presence of six or more symptoms that start before the age of 12 and can cause problems in two or more environments (home, school and social situations). The symptoms must be present for at least six months. The symptoms must also be more severe than what is normal for someone of this age.
A medical checkup is typically done to ensure that the person does not have any other health problems. Doctors will look over the patient's symptoms and medical and mental history, and may suggest an eye exam or hearing test. Some people who suffer from ADHD are genetically predisposed to this condition. Anyone who has a parent or sibling with ADHD has a 91% chance to develop the disorder. It is also common to have a comorbid mood anxiety disorder in conjunction with ADHD. These conditions can be more difficult to treat than ADHD on its own.
Prevention
Many things, including certain medical conditions and learning disabilities, can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. It is therefore important to consult an expert in health care or mental health professional for an evaluation before making a diagnosis. The person you see will inquire about the symptoms of your child and how they impact their daily life. They could use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child suffers from ADHD. They could also perform an examination and test for hearing or vision problems. They may also order an EEG brain scan that evaluates beta and theta wave activity to check on changes in your child's brain function.
Children who are diagnosed with ADHD should exhibit symptoms that are more than normal for their age and development level. The symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity have to cause serious problems at home, at school or at work. The symptoms also need to hinder your child's social interactions. If your child suffers from severe or moderate ADHD they will require medication to live an ordinary life.
Children with ADHD can find it difficult to follow instructions and stay on task and can result in poor grades and low self-esteem. They may also have difficulty with social interactions as they are unable to read social signals and are often disruptive to others or come off as violent or aggressive. They are at risk of depression, anxiety as well as substance abuse and issues with relationships.
People with mild ADHD have symptoms that are evident but do not affect their daily life or make it difficult to work or maintain relationships. Those with moderate or severe ADHD have more symptoms and are more likely to have problems with work, for example, having difficulty retaining an occupation, getting along with colleagues or maintaining relationships.
People who do not receive treatment may face serious consequences. This includes financial issues as well as health and legal issues. There are a number of treatments for ADHD which include psychosocial and behavioral therapy such as diet and nutrition, exercise, medication for sleep, and other treatments. NIMH provides more details about these options and how you can discuss them with your family members.