Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are often not diagnosed until they are experiencing significant issues at home, work or school. Health care providers 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 includes ADHD symptom lists and standardized behavior ratings scales. Health care professionals also ask about family history and review old school records.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD can impact a person's life at school, at home or at work. They can cause problems in relationships and careers, financial issues and even a driver's license. They can also lead to emotional distress. It's common for people to struggle concentrating or staying organised from time to time. However when the issue is persistent and affects everyday functioning, a medical provider may be able diagnose ADHD.
A health professional must evaluate the individual in two different situations, like at home and at school, or in workplace and social situations. The health professional must be observing the person for at least six months and determine whether the symptoms are impacting their ability to function. The symptoms must also 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 often are not able to wait for their turn and often interrupt or disturb others.
Children who suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD are unable to sit or wait in silence and are unable to follow instructions or staying focused. They are often daydreaming or easily distracted. They are more likely to be overlooked and omit opportunities to learn, particularly in primary schools, which can set up 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 sitting or waiting for their turn, blurting out answers before the questions are completed, and have difficulty controlling their emotions.
It can be a relief to receive the diagnosis of ADHD, but it is not always an easy process. People may feel embarrassed, but they need to be honest so that they can receive the assistance they need. For some, a diagnosis will be the first time they've realised that their struggles have a name. Having this understanding can change the way they see themselves, which can then cascade into positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it comes to ADHD, symptoms show up at different times in children and adults. For children, they usually begin in the middle of elementary school, however for adults, it's a bit later. The signs can be mild, medium 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 an anxiety disorder or depression.
If your child or teenager shows indications of ADHD, the first step is to speak with your doctor. They will conduct an examination of the body, including vision and audio to ensure that there is no other issue. They will ask you and your child to complete a checklist of their symptoms. They will inquire about how the symptoms have affected their school and personal life. They'll also want you to tell them about any problems that you have had previously.
For adults, a healthcare provider who is qualified to diagnose ADHD will conduct behavioral interviews and clinical scales or symptom checklists to determine whether they meet the criteria for diagnosis. They might also do psychological tests to gauge your cognitive abilities and discover how you think and process information. They may also perform a brain scan using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which analyzes the activity of specific parts of your brain that regulate attention and impulsivity.
They will also examine your medical records to see if 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 psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct a thorough assessment.
You must be suffering from at least six symptoms that began in childhood or before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and be causing serious difficulties in your daily life. Adults need to meet a lower threshold to be diagnosed, however the same criteria apply: You need to have at least five or more symptoms, and these should affect your work, home and social life.
Treatment
Treatment aims to ease symptoms and restore function at home, work and at school. There are many different treatments available, including medication and behavioral therapy. Many people have success with lifestyle changes, such as establishing consistent routines by using a planner or notebook, and scheduling tasks prior to time. Certain people might benefit from learning disabilities therapies such as metacognitive therapy, which helps them improve their problem-solving abilities and organizational abilities or cognitive behavioral therapy, which addresses thinking distortions which can cause low self-esteem and negative moods.
Health professionals who are specially trained can offer the best treatment program based on a patient's specific situation. They will examine the person's symptoms, and when they are an adult, they will also consider their school and childhood experiences. They will employ clinical interviews, behavior ratings scales and symptoms checklists to determine if the person is in compliance with diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They may also ask about the family history of mental illnesses and physical conditions. They'll ask the individual or their parents as well as teachers about their moods, behaviors and attitudes and how they've changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is made based on six or more symptoms, which start before 12 years of age and can cause issues in at least two settings (at home, school or social situations). The symptoms must have been present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms should also be more severe than expected for someone that age.
There are no brain scans or blood tests to diagnose ADHD, but a medical checkup usually is done to make sure there's no other issue with the person. Doctors will look over the patient's medical and psychiatric histories and examine their symptoms. They may also recommend an hearing or eye test. Some people who suffer from ADHD are genetically predisposed to develop the condition. Anyone who has a sibling or parent with ADHD has an 85% chance of develop the disorder. ADHD is often associated with a mood or anxiety disorder. These disorders can be harder to manage than ADHD alone.
Prevention
Many things, such as medical conditions, as well as certain types of learning disabilities can trigger similar symptoms to those of ADHD. It is important to speak with an expert in mental health or a health care professional for an evaluation prior to making the diagnosis. The person you see will ask your child about their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They can also use ratings scales or a checklist to determine if your child suffers from ADHD. They can also conduct an examination of the body and test for hearing or vision issues. They may also order an EEG brain scan, which evaluates beta and theta wave activity to check on changes in your child's brain function.
To be considered a child with ADHD, they must have a number of symptoms that are significantly more than normal for their age or developmental level. The symptoms of inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity must cause significant problems at home, at school or at work. The symptoms should also affect your child's ability to interact with other children. If your child has moderate or severe ADHD symptoms they will require treatment with medication in order to live an ordinary life.
Children with ADHD may have trouble following instructions and staying on track. This can lead to poor grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also have difficulty with social relationships because they are unable to read social cues and often interrupt others or come off as violent or aggressive. They are susceptible to anxiety, depression as well as substance abuse and relationship issues.
People who have mild ADHD have symptoms that are noticeable but do not interfere with their lives or make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People with severe or moderate ADHD are more prone to symptoms and are more likely to suffer job-related problems, such as having difficulty retaining an occupation, getting along with colleagues, or maintaining relationships.
iampsychiatry.com who do not receive treatment can have grave consequences, including financial difficulties, health problems, and legal issues. There are a variety of treatments for ADHD. These include psychosocial interventions including nutrition and diet, exercise, sleep improvement, and medications. NIMH has more information on these options and how to speak with your family about these options.