Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are usually not diagnosed until they are experiencing significant issues at work, home or school. Health professionals follow the diagnostic criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A full assessment includes ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standardized behavior rating scales. Health care professionals also inquire about family history and review old school records.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can have a negative impact on a person's daily life regardless of whether at home, school or work. They can cause disruption to relationships and work, leading to serious problems with finances or a driver's license, and even create emotional distress for the person. It's normal for people to struggle with concentration or staying organized from time time however, if it becomes an ongoing problem that hinders everyday functioning, a health care specialist may be able diagnose ADHD.
A health care professional will need to evaluate the person in two different environments, such as at home and at school, or in workplace and social settings. The health care professional must be observing the person for at least six month and determine whether the symptoms are impacting their ability to function. The symptoms also must 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 are often unable to wait for their turn and frequently interrupt or intrude on others.
Children with inattention ADHD have difficulty following instructions and staying on task, or sitting down. They are usually distracted by their thoughts or distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be ignored, and miss out on learning opportunities, especially in the elementary school setting, which can set up for failure later on 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 have a difficult time waiting for their turn or sitting still. They also have difficulty controlling their emotions.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a great relief however, it's difficult to comprehend. It's fine to be embarrassed. However honesty is the best approach. For some, a diagnosis will be the first time they've realised that their issues have a name. Having this understanding can change the way they think about themselves, which can then cascade into positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms manifest at different times in children and adults. For children, symptoms typically begin in elementary school, but for adults, it's a bit later. The 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 could be misdiagnosed as autistic or an anxiety disorder or depression.
If your child or teenager shows symptoms of ADHD, the first step is to talk to your doctor. They will conduct an examination of the body that includes hearing and vision to ensure there's nothing else going on. They will ask you and your child to complete an inventory of the symptoms. They'll want to know how the symptoms have impacted their home and school life. They will also want to hear about any past problems they've experienced.
For adults, a healthcare provider who is certified to diagnose ADHD will conduct behavioral interviews and clinical scales or checklists for symptoms to determine if they meet the requirements for diagnosis. They may also conduct psychological tests to assess your cognitive abilities and discover how you process information and think. They may also perform brain scans using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA), a tool that measures brain activity in specific brain regions that control your attention and impulsivity.
In addition, they will look at your medical history to determine whether you've suffered from any other mental health conditions or injuries such as head trauma or thyroid conditions that could cause similar symptoms. They may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct a thorough assessment.
You must show six or more symptoms, which began in childhood or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms must have been present for at least six months and be causing significant problems with your daily functioning. Adults need to meet a lower threshold to be diagnosed, but the same criteria apply: You need to have a minimum of five or more symptoms and they must affect your work, home and social life.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to improve symptoms and improve functioning at school, home and at work. There are a range of treatments available, including medication and behavior therapy. Some people experience satisfaction by making lifestyle changes like using a planner, a notebook, and scheduling tasks ahead of time. Others might benefit from specific learning disabilities therapies, such as metacognitive training to help them develop 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.
Professionals with specialized training in health care can provide the most effective treatment program based on a patient's specific situation. They will examine the person's current symptoms, and when they are an adult, their previous behaviour and schooling experiences. They will conduct interviews with a psychologist, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists to determine whether the person meets requirements for diagnosing ADHD. They can also look up a family history of mental health issues and physical illnesses. They will ask the person as well as their parents and teachers about their moods and behavior and how they've changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is based on six or more symptoms that begin before the age of 12 and can cause difficulties in at least two settings (at school, at home, or in social situations). The symptoms have to be present for at least six months. Additionally, the symptoms must be significantly more difficult than one would expect for a person of that age.
There aren't any blood tests or brain scans to diagnose ADHD, but medical checks are usually performed to ensure that there's nothing else wrong with the person. Doctors will examine the person's symptoms and medical and mental history, and may suggest an eye examination or hearing test. Certain people suffering from ADHD have a genetic predisposition to develop the disorder. A person who has a parent or sibling with ADHD has a 91% chance to develop the disorder. ADHD is often associated with a anxiety or mood disorder. These conditions can be more difficult to manage than ADHD by itself.
Prevention
Many things, including medical conditions and some types of learning disabilities, could cause similar symptoms as those of ADHD. It is essential to talk to an expert in mental health or health care provider for an assessment prior to determining the diagnosis. The person you see 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 has ADHD. They can also conduct physical examinations and tests for problems with vision or hearing. They can also request a brain scan called an EEG that analyzes beta and theta waves to detect changes in your child's brain's function.
For children to be diagnosed with ADHD the child must exhibit several symptoms that are significantly more than normal for their age or development level. The signs of inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity have to cause serious problems at home, at school or work. Iampsychiatry must also hinder 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 stay on task and can result in poor grades and low self-esteem. They may also have issues with social interactions, since they aren't able to discern social cues. They often interrupt others and appear aggressive or abrasive. They are at high risk for anxiety, depression and alcohol abuse.
People with 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 moderate to severe ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms, and are more likely than others to experience problems at work, like difficulties keeping a job or interacting with colleagues.
If you don't seek treatment, you could face grave consequences, such as health issues, financial problems, and legal issues. There are many treatment options for ADHD, including behavioral therapy and psychosocial interventions including diet and nutrition, exercise, sleep improvements, and medications. NIMH provides more information about these options and how you can talk with your family members about them.