Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't receive diagnosis until their symptoms cause major problems at work, school or at home. Health care providers follow the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A complete evaluation will include ADHD symptom checklists and standardized behavior rating scales. Health care professionals also ask about family history and review old school records.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can have a negative impact on a person's daily life regardless of whether at home, school or work. They can disrupt relationships and careers, leading to financial issues or driving licenses, and even create emotional distress for the person. It's normal to have difficulty concentrating or staying organized from time to the time but if it develops into a chronic problem and affects daily functioning, a medical professional may be able to determine ADHD.
To determine if someone is diagnosed with ADHD the health care professional must evaluate the patient in at least two different settings, which could include home and school or workplace and social situations. The health care professional must be observing the person for at least six months and determine if the symptoms are affecting their ability to perform. The symptoms should also be present prior to 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 have a difficult time waiting for their turn, and frequently interrupt or interfere with others.
Children with the inattentive kind of ADHD are incapable of sitting or waiting at a comfortable pace and have difficulty following instructions or staying on task. They're usually daydreaming, forgetful or easily distracted by their surroundings. They're more likely to be left out and miss opportunities to learn, especially in the early years of school, which could 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 difficulty sitting or waiting for their turn, blurting out answers before they are complete, and have trouble controlling their emotions.
It's it's a relief to get a diagnosis of ADHD but it's not always simple. It's okay to feel embarrassed. However honesty is the best policy. A diagnosis might be the first time that someone has realized their struggles are ascribed to. Having this understanding can change the way they think about themselves, which could result in positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it is about ADHD, symptoms show up at different times for kids and adults. For kids, they typically begin in elementary school, but for adults, it's later. Symptoms may 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 a sign of autism or a mood disorder such as anxiety or depression.
If your child or teen shows indications of ADHD The first step is to talk to your doctor. They will conduct a physical examination, including vision and audio to ensure that there is nothing else wrong. You and your child will be asked to fill out a list of symptoms. They will want to know how their symptoms have affected their family and school lives. They'll also want to know about any previous problems.
For adults, a healthcare professional who is certified to diagnose ADHD will use the process of conducting clinical interviews, as well as behavior rating scales or symptom checklists to determine whether they meet the requirements for diagnosis. Psychological tests may be used to determine your cognitive abilities, and how you process information and think. They could also conduct a brain scan using the Neuropsychiatric EEG Assessment Aid (NEBA) that is FDA-approved. (NEBA), which measures the activity of certain parts of your brain that control the ability to focus and impulsivity.
Additionally, they'll review your medical history to see if you've had any other mental health problems or injuries like thyroid or head trauma which can trigger similar symptoms. They may refer you to thorough evaluation by a psychologist or psychiatrist.
To be able to receive a diagnosis of ADHD you must exhibit a minimum of six or more symptoms that began in childhood or prior to age 12. The symptoms have to be present for at least six months and cause significant difficulties with your daily functioning. Adults must meet a lower threshold to be diagnosed, however the same criteria apply: You need to have a minimum of five or more symptoms, and these must interfere with your work, home and social life.
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to alleviate symptoms and restore functioning at the workplace, at home and in school. There are many treatment options, including treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Some people find satisfaction by making lifestyle changes, such as using a planner, a notebook, and scheduling tasks in advance. Some people might benefit from treatments for learning disabilities such as metacognitive therapy, which helps them improve their problem-solving and organizational skills or cognitive behavioral therapy which targets thinking distortions which can cause depression and low self-esteem.
Health professionals who are specifically trained to diagnose ADHD can suggest the most effective treatment plan for a patient's situation. They will examine the person's symptoms, and when they are an adult, they will also consider their childhood and school experiences. They will employ clinical interviewing, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists in order to determine if a person has the ADHD diagnostic criteria. They can also look up a family history of mental health issues and physical ailments. They will ask about the person's moods, behaviors and changes over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is made upon six or more signs, that begin before the age of 12 and can cause issues in at least two different settings (at home, school or social situations). The symptoms are expected to be present for at least six months. The symptoms should also be more severe than what is normal for someone that age.
A medical checkup is usually done to ensure that the patient isn't suffering from any other health problems. Doctors will review the person's symptoms and medical and psychiatric history, and may suggest an eye exam or hearing test. Certain people suffering from ADHD are genetically predisposed to develop the condition. A person 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 disorders are more difficult to manage than ADHD alone.
Prevention
Many things, including some medical conditions and some kinds of learning disabilities can trigger similar symptoms to those of ADHD. So adhd diagnosis adults uk to see a health care provider or a mental health professional for an assessment prior to making the diagnosis. The doctor will inquire about your child's issues and how they affect their daily lives. They could use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child is ADHD. They can also conduct an examination and test for visual or hearing issues. They can also request an examination of the brain, known as an EEG, which measures theta and beta waves to determine if there are any changes in the brain function of your child.
Children diagnosed with ADHD should exhibit symptoms that are significantly greater than the norm for their age and development level. The signs of inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity have to cause serious problems at school, at home or at work. The symptoms also need to hinder your child's social interactions. If your child is suffering from moderate or severe ADHD symptoms they will require treatment with medication in order to live the normal life.
Children suffering from ADHD may have trouble following directions and staying on task. This can result in poor grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also struggle with social interactions because they are unable to read social cues and often interrupt others or come off as aggressive or intense. They are at a high risk of developing depression, anxiety, and alcohol abuse.
Mild ADHD is manifests itself in symptoms that are visible but do not interfere in daily life. They can make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. The people with moderate or severe ADHD will have more symptoms, and they are more likely than other people to experience problems at work, like difficulty keeping a job, or interacting with coworkers.
Patients who do not receive treatment could face grave consequences, such as financial difficulties, health problems and legal issues. There are a myriad of treatments available for ADHD. These include psychosocial interventions, nutrition and diet, exercise, sleep improvement and medications. NIMH provides more information about these options and how you can discuss the options with your family.