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Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are usually not diagnosed until they experience major problems at home, at work or 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 thorough assessment includes ADHD symptoms lists and standardized behavior ratings scales. Health care professionals will inquire about the family history and look at old school records.
Symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD can affect a person's life at home, school or work. They can lead to problems in relationships and careers, financial difficulties or even a driver's licence. They can also trigger emotional distress. It's normal to have difficulty concentrating or staying organized from time to the time however, if it becomes an ongoing problem that affects daily functioning, a medical provider may be able to identify ADHD.
To be able to diagnose someone with ADHD, a healthcare professional must examine the person in at minimum two different settings, including at home, school or work and social situations. The health care professional must be observing the person for a minimum of six months and determine if the symptoms are affecting their ability to function. The signs must also be present prior to the age of 12. 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 usually in a hurry to finish their work, and they interrupt or disturb other children.
Children with inattention ADHD have trouble following directions, staying on task or sitting still. They are usually distracted by their thoughts, forgetful or easily distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be ignored and miss out on opportunities to learn, particularly in elementary school, which can 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 have difficulty waiting their turn or settling down. They also have trouble managing their emotions.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a great relief, but it's not always easy to accept. It's okay to feel embarrassed. But honesty is the best way to go. For some, it will be the first time they've realized their struggles have a name. This understanding can alter the way they view themselves, which could cascade into positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms manifest at different times in children and adults. In children, symptoms usually begin in the middle of elementary school. For adults, symptoms begin somewhat 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 some cases the condition is misdiagnosed. It could be related to autism or a mood disorders like anxiety or depression.
If your child or teen is showing symptoms of ADHD the first step is to speak with your doctor. They will conduct an examination of the body that includes hearing and vision to ensure there's nothing else going on. Your child and you will be asked to fill out a list of symptoms. They'll want to know how their symptoms have impacted their home and school lives. They'll also want you to tell them about any previous problems.
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a healthcare provider competent to do so. They'll conduct clinical interviews, use scales for assessing behavior or symptoms checklists. Psychological tests may be used to determine your cognitive abilities, as well as 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 parts of your brain that control the ability to focus and impulsivity.
They will also review your medical records to determine whether there are any other mental health issues or injuries, such as thyroid issues or head trauma which can trigger similar symptoms. They might refer you for thorough evaluation by a psychiatrist or psychologist.
You must show at least six symptoms that began in childhood or before the age of 12. The symptoms have to be present for at minimum six months and create significant problems for your daily functioning. Adults need to meet the lower threshold for diagnosis, but the criteria are the same: You must have at minimum five symptoms that interfere with your social, work and family life.
Treatment
Treatment aims to ease symptoms and restore functioning at home, work and at school. There are a variety of treatment options, such as medication and behavioral therapy. Some people experience success through lifestyle changes like using a planner, a notebook and scheduling their tasks ahead of time. Others may benefit from specific learning disability treatments, like metacognitive training that helps them improve their ability to organize their lives and solve problems as well as cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with the distortions in thinking which can lead to low moods and low self-esteem.
Health professionals who have been 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, if 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 may also conduct the family history of mental health issues and physical ailments. They'll ask the person, their parents and teachers about their moods and behaviors and how they've changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is made upon six or more symptoms, which begin before the age of 12 and create difficulties in at least two different settings (at school, at home, or in social situations). The symptoms must have been present for a minimum of 6 months. In addition the symptoms must be significantly more difficult than expected for someone of that age.
A medical checkup is usually carried out to confirm that the patient doesn't have any other health problems. Doctors will look over the patient's medical and psychiatric history and examine their symptoms. They may also recommend an eye or hearing test. Some people who suffer from ADHD are genetically predisposed to the disorder. If the person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD, they have about 91% chance of being diagnosed with the disorder. ADHD is often accompanied by mood or anxiety disorder. These disorders are more difficult to treat than ADHD alone.
Prevention
Many things, including some medical conditions and certain types of learning disabilities, can trigger similar symptoms to those of ADHD. adhd diagnosis adults is important to speak with a mental health professional or a health professional for an assessment prior to determining a 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 can also conduct an examination and test for problems with vision or hearing. They may also request a brain scan, also known as an EEG, which examines beta and theta waves to check for changes in your child's brain's function.
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 should cause a significant problem at home, at school or work. The symptoms should also affect your child's social interactions. If your child exhibits moderate or severe ADHD symptoms they will require treatment with medication in order to live the normal life.
Children with ADHD are often unable to follow directions and remain focused which can result in poor grades and low self-esteem. They may also struggle with social relationships because they have trouble reading social cues and often interrupt others or come off as violent or aggressive. They are at a high risk of developing anxiety, depression and alcohol abuse.
Mild ADHD is manifests itself in symptoms that are apparent but do not hinder daily life. They can which makes it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People with moderate to severe ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms, and are more likely than others to experience problems at work, including difficulty keeping a job, or interacting with colleagues.
If they do not seek treatment may suffer serious consequences. This could include financial problems and health issues, as well as legal issues. There are a variety of treatment options for ADHD which include behavioral therapy and psychosocial interventions such as diet and nutrition, exercise, sleeping improvements, and medication. NIMH provides more information about these options and how you can discuss the options with your family.