Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are typically not diagnosed until they have major problems at work, home or school. Health professionals 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 thorough assessment includes ADHD symptom lists and standardized behavior ratings scales. Health professionals also inquire about family history and go through old school records.
Signs and symptoms
The signs of ADHD can impact a person's life at school, at home or at work. They can lead to problems in relationships and careers, financial problems and even a driver's permit. They can also trigger emotional anxiety. It is common for people to experience difficulties in concentrating or staying organized occasionally. However when the issue becomes chronic and interferes with daily functioning, a healthcare professional may be able to diagnose ADHD.
To determine if someone is diagnosed with ADHD, a healthcare professional must examine the patient in at least two different settings, which could include home and school or workplace and social situations. The health care professional has to observe the person for a minimum of six months and determine if the symptoms are affecting 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 are often in a hurry to finish their work and often interrupt or disturb other children.
Children with the inattentive kind of ADHD are not able to sit or stand at a comfortable pace and have difficulty following instructions or staying on task. They are often daydreaming or easily distracted. They are more likely to be ignored, and miss out on 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 are unable to sit or waiting for their turn, blurt out answers before the questions are complete, and have trouble managing their emotions.
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD can be a relief, but it's difficult to comprehend. It's normal to be embarrassed. But, how to diagnose adhd is the best policy. A diagnosis could be the first time someone has realized their struggles are ascribed to. Having this understanding can change the way they view themselves, which may be a positive influence.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms appear at different times in children and adults. For children, symptoms typically begin in the first grade. For adults, it's somewhat later. 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 not properly diagnosed. It could be related to autism or a mood disorder such as depression or anxiety.
Consult your doctor If your child or teenager is showing symptoms of ADHD. They will do physical examinations, including vision and hearing to make sure there's nothing other than ADHD. They will ask you and your child to complete an inventory of their symptoms. They will be interested in knowing how the symptoms have affected their family and school lives. They'll also want learn about any previous issues they've had.
Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD by a healthcare provider who is qualified to diagnose it. They'll use clinical interviews, behavior rating scales, or symptom checklists. They could also conduct psychological tests to gauge your cognitive abilities and learn how you think and process information. They could also conduct a brain scan using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which measures the activity of certain 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, like thyroid or head trauma that could cause similar symptoms. They may refer you for an extensive evaluation with a psychologist or psychiatrist.
You must have six or more symptoms, that began in childhood or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms must last at minimum six months and create significant problems for your daily activities. Adults must meet an upper threshold for diagnosis, however the criteria are the same: You must be suffering from at minimum five symptoms that interfere with your work, social and personal life.
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to improve symptoms and restore functioning at the workplace, at home and in school. There are a variety of treatment options, including medication and behavior therapy. Some people experience success by making lifestyle changes like using a planner, a notebook and scheduling their tasks in advance. Others may benefit from specific learning disabilities therapies, such as metacognitive therapy that helps to improve their abilities to manage their time and problem solving or cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with thinking distortions that can lead to negative moods and low self-esteem.
Health care professionals who are specially trained in diagnosing ADHD can recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for a person's situation. They will evaluate the person's symptoms, and in the case of an adult, also their childhood and school experiences. They will employ clinical interviewing, behavior rating scales, and symptom checklists to determine if a person has the ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also conduct an examination of a family history of mental health problems and physical illnesses. They will ask the person or their parents as well as teachers about their moods and behavior and how they've changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the presence of six or more signs that start before the age of 12 and cause difficulties in two or more settings (home school, at home and social situations). The symptoms must have been present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms must also be more severe than what is normal for someone of this age.
A medical checkup is typically carried out to confirm that the person isn't suffering from any other health issues. Doctors will review the patient's medical and psychiatric histories and examine their symptoms. They may also suggest an hearing or eye test. Certain people suffering from ADHD are genetically predisposed to develop the disorder. If a person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD they are at risk of having 91% chance of developing the disorder for themselves. It's also common to have a comorbid mood or anxiety disorder with ADHD. These disorders are more difficult to manage than ADHD alone.
Prevention
Many things, like certain medical conditions or learning disabilities, can trigger symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. It is important to speak with a mental health professional or a health professional for an assessment prior to determining the diagnosis. This person will ask about your child's issues and how they impact their daily lives. They may use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child is ADHD. They can also conduct physical examinations and tests for problems with vision or hearing. They may also order a brain scan called an EEG that analyzes beta and theta waves to determine if there are any changes in the brain function of your child.
To be considered a child with ADHD the child must exhibit a number of symptoms that are noticeably greater than what is normal for their age or developmental level. Hyperactivity, inattention, and/or impulsivity can cause significant problems at home, school or at work. The symptoms can also impact your child's ability to interact with others. If your child exhibits moderate or severe ADHD symptoms and needs treatment, they'll need to be treated with medication to live an ordinary life.
Children with ADHD may have trouble following directions and staying on task. This can lead to lower grades and a loss of self-esteem. They may also have difficulty with social interactions, since they are unable to read social signals. They are often disruptive to others and appear violent or intense. They are at risk for anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and relationship issues.
People who have mild ADHD have symptoms that are apparent but do not interfere with their daily life or make it difficult to work or maintain relationships. People with moderate to severe ADHD will exhibit more symptoms, and they are more likely than other people to have issues at work, including difficulty keeping a job, or getting along with colleagues.
If you don't seek treatment, you can face serious consequences, including health issues, financial troubles and legal issues. There are a variety of treatment options for ADHD, including psychosocial and behavioral therapy such as diet and nutrition, exercise medication for sleep, and other treatments. NIMH has more information on these options and how you can talk with your family about them.