Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are usually not diagnosed until they have significant issues at home, at work or at school. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) is used by health care providers to diagnose mental disorders.
A full evaluation includes ADHD symptom checklists and standardized behavior rating scales. Health care professionals will inquire about the family's history and review old school records.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD can impact the lives of a person at school, at home or at work. They can cause problems in relationships and careers, financial problems and even a driver's permit. They can also lead to emotional distress. It's normal to have trouble concentrating or being organized from time to the time however, if it becomes an ongoing problem that hinders everyday functioning, a medical provider may be able to identify ADHD.
A health care professional will need to evaluate the person in two different situations, like at home and in school, or in workplace and social situations. The health care professional must observe the person for at least six month and determine whether 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 in a hurry to finish their work, and they interrupt or intrude upon other children.
Children with inattentive ADHD are unable to follow instructions, staying on task or sitting still. They are usually wandering off or distracted. They're more likely to be ignored and miss out on opportunities to learn, especially in elementary 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 are unable to wait their turn or staying still. They also have trouble controlling their emotions.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief but it's also not always easy to accept. People might be embarrassed, but they must to be honest so that they can get the help they're entitled to. A diagnosis might be the first time someone has realized their struggles are ascribed to. Understanding this can change the way they view themselves, which may cascade into positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it is about ADHD symptoms are evident at different times in children and adults. In children, symptoms usually begin in the middle of elementary school. For adults, it's somewhat later. The signs could be mild, moderate 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 could be misdiagnosed as autism, or a mood disorder such as anxiety or depression.
Consult your doctor If your child or teenager exhibits indications of ADHD. They will conduct an examination of the body that includes hearing and vision to make sure there isn't something other than ADHD. Your child and you will be asked to write a list of symptoms. They'll be interested in knowing how the symptoms have impacted their home and school lives. They will also want to learn about any previous issues they've experienced.
For adults, a medical professional who's qualified to diagnose ADHD will use behavioral interviews and clinical scales or checklists for symptoms to determine if they meet the criteria for diagnosis. They might also do psychological tests to gauge your cognitive abilities and learn how you think and process information. They could also conduct brain scans using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) A tool that measures brain activity in certain parts of the brain that control your attention and impulsivity.
They will also examine your medical records to see whether there are any additional mental health issues or injuries, for example head trauma or thyroid problems which can trigger similar symptoms. They may refer you for an extensive evaluation with a psychiatrist or psychologist.
You must be suffering from six or more symptoms that began in your childhood or before the age of 12. iampsychiatry.com must last at minimum six months and create significant problems for your daily activities. Adults have an upper threshold for diagnosis, however the criteria are the same: You must have at minimum five symptoms that interfere with your social, work and personal life.
Treatment
Treatment aims to ease symptoms and improve functioning at work, home and at school. There are a myriad of treatments available, including treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Some people also find success with lifestyle changes, such as establishing consistent routines, using a planner or notebook and scheduling tasks in advance. Certain people might benefit from treatments for learning disabilities like metacognitive therapy which helps them improve their problem-solving skills and organizational skills or cognitive behavioral therapy which targets thinking distortions which can cause low self-esteem and mood swings.
Health professionals who are specially trained in diagnosing ADHD can recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for a patient's situation. They will look at the person's current symptoms and, in the case of an adult, their childhood behavior and school experiences. They will employ clinical interviewing, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists in order to determine if the individual is in compliance with ADHD diagnostic criteria. They might also inquire about family history of mental illnesses and physical illnesses. They'll ask the person or their parents as well as teachers about their moods and behaviors and about how they've changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is by analyzing six or more symptoms, which begin before the age of 12 and can cause problems 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. The symptoms must be more severe than expected for someone that age.
A medical exam is usually performed to make sure that the person doesn't have any other health issues. Doctors will review the patient's medical and psychiatric history and examine their symptoms. They may also recommend an hearing or eye test. Some people who suffer from ADHD are genetically predisposed to the condition. A person who has a sibling or parent with ADHD has a 91% chance of develop the disorder. ADHD is often accompanied by mood or anxiety disorder. These disorders can be more difficult to manage than ADHD by itself.
The following is a list with preventions.
Many things, such as certain medical conditions or learning disabilities, can lead to symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. Therefore, it's essential to visit a health care provider or a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation prior to determining the diagnosis. This person will ask your child about their symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They can 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 request an EEG brain scan which measures beta and theta waves to determine changes in your child's brain function.
To be considered a child with ADHD, they must have several symptoms that are more prominent than the norm for their age or developmental level. Inattention, hyperactivity, and/or an impulsive behavior can create serious problems at home, school, or work. The symptoms should 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 might have trouble following instructions and staying on track. This can result in lower grades and a loss of self-esteem. They may also have difficulties with social relationships because they struggle to discern social cues and often interrupt others or appear violent or aggressive. They are at risk of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and relationship issues.
Mild ADHD is characterized by symptoms that are visible but do not hinder daily life. They can which makes it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People with severe or moderate ADHD have more symptoms and are more likely to have problems with work, for example, difficulty keeping a job, getting along with coworkers or maintaining relationships.
People who do not receive treatment could face serious consequences. These include financial problems as well as health and legal issues. There are many treatments for ADHD. These include psychosocial interventions, nutrition and diet, exercise, sleep improvement, and medication. NIMH has more information on these options and how to talk with your family members about these options.