Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't receive diagnosis until their symptoms cause serious issues at school, work or at home. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) is used by health care professionals to diagnose mental disorders.
A complete evaluation includes ADHD symptoms and standardized behavior ratings scales. Health care professionals will inquire about the family's history and examine the school records from the past.
Symptoms
The signs of ADHD can impact the lives of a person at home, school or work. They can be disruptive to relationships and career, lead to serious financial problems or a driver's license, and can even cause emotional distress for the person. It is common for people to struggle keeping their attention or staying organized at times. However when the issue is persistent and affects the daily activities, a healthcare provider may be able diagnose ADHD.
A health care professional must evaluate the individual in two different environments, such as at home and in school, as well as in workplace and social situations. The health care professional has to observe the person for at least six months and determine whether the symptoms are impacting their ability to function. The symptoms must have started before 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 have difficulty waiting for their turn and often interfere with others or interrupt them.
Children with inattentive ADHD have difficulty following instructions, staying on task or sat down. They are often wandering off or distracted. adhd diagnosis uk adult to being overlooked and miss out on opportunities to learn, particularly in the early years of school, which can cause them to be a failure later 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 trouble sitting or waiting for their turn, blurt out answers before questions are completed, and have difficulty controlling their emotions.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a great relief however, it's not always easy to accept. People might be ashamed, but they have to be honest so that they receive the help they're entitled to. A diagnosis could be the first time someone realizes that their struggles are ascribed to. Understanding this can change the way they think about themselves, which can then be a positive influence.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms manifest at different time points in adults and children. For children, they usually begin in the middle of elementary school, however for adults it's a little later. The signs 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 certain cases the condition could be misdiagnosed as autistic or a mood disorder such as anxiety or depression.
Speak to your doctor if your child or teenager is showing indications of ADHD. They will do a physical exam, including vision and hearing, to make sure there's nothing else going on. You and your child will be asked to fill out an inventory of symptoms. They will ask what the effects of their symptoms are on their school and family life. They will also want to be informed about any past issues they've experienced.
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a healthcare provider who is qualified to diagnose it. They may conduct clinical interviews, use behavior rating scales or symptom checklists. They could also conduct psychological tests to measure your cognitive abilities and learn how you process information and think. They could also conduct a brain scan with the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which is a device that measures the activity in specific brain regions that regulate your attention and your impulsivity.
They will also examine your medical records to see whether there are any additional mental disorders or injuries, such as thyroid issues or head trauma that can cause similar symptoms. They might refer you for a thorough evaluation to a psychologist or psychiatrist.
To be able to receive a diagnosis of ADHD it is necessary to have a minimum of six or more symptoms that started in childhood, or before age 12. The symptoms should have been present for at least 6 months and be causing serious problems with your daily functioning. Adults have the lower 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 is designed to reduce symptoms and improve functioning at work, home and at school. There are many treatments available, including medications and behavior therapy. Some people find success through lifestyle changes like using a planner, a notebook, and scheduling tasks ahead of time. Some people may benefit from learning disabilities therapies like metacognitive therapy which assists them in improving their problem-solving skills and organizational abilities or cognitive behavioral treatment, which addresses 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 behaviors and school experiences. They will employ clinical interviews, behavior ratings scales and checklists of symptoms to determine if the person is in compliance with the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They may also take an examination of a family history of mental health issues and physical ailments. They'll ask the individual or their parents as well as teachers about their moods, behaviors and attitudes and about how they've changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is based on six or more symptoms, which begin before 12 years of age and cause difficulties in at minimum two settings (at school, at home or in social situations). The symptoms have to be present for at minimum six months. In addition the symptoms must be significantly more troublesome than what is expected for a person who is that old.
There aren't any blood tests or brain scans to diagnose ADHD however medical checks are usually performed to ensure that there's nothing else wrong with the person. Doctors will review the patient's medical and psychiatric records and look over their symptoms. They may also recommend an eye or hearing test. Some people who suffer from ADHD are genetically predisposed to the condition. If the person has a parent or sibling with ADHD and is a child, they have a 91% chance of being diagnosed with the disorder. ADHD is often associated with a anxiety or mood disorder. These disorders are more difficult to manage than ADHD alone.
Prevention
Many things, such as medical conditions, as well as certain kinds of learning disabilities could cause similar symptoms as those of ADHD. It is therefore important to consult a health care provider or a mental health professional for an evaluation prior to determining an assessment. This person will ask your child about their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They may use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child is ADHD. They could also perform a physical exam and test for hearing or vision problems. They may also request an EEG brain scan that measures beta and theta waves to determine changes in your child's brain function.
For children to be diagnosed with ADHD they must display a number of symptoms that are significantly more than what is normal for their age or development level. The signs of inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity must cause significant problems at home, at school or at work. The symptoms must also interfere with your child's social interactions. If your child has moderate or severe ADHD symptoms they will require treatment with medication to lead a normal life.
Children with ADHD are often unable to follow directions and remain focused and can result in poor grades and low self-esteem. They may also struggle with social relationships because they are unable to read social cues and often interrupt others or come off as aggressive or intense. They are susceptible to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and issues with relationships.
People who have mild ADHD have symptoms that are noticeable but do not affect their daily lives or make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People with severe or moderate ADHD have more symptoms and are more likely to suffer job-related problems, such as difficulty keeping jobs, interacting with coworkers, or maintaining relationships.
People who don't receive treatment can have grave consequences, including health issues, financial problems, and legal issues. There are a variety of treatments for ADHD. These include psychosocial interventions as well as nutrition and diet exercise, sleep improvement and medication. NIMH provides more details about these options and ways to discuss these options with your family members.