Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't receive diagnosis until their symptoms cause major problems at work, school or at home. Health professionals follow the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A thorough evaluation will include ADHD symptoms lists and standardized scales for assessing behavior. Health care professionals ask about the family's history and review the school records from the past.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD can impact a person's life at school, at home or at work. They can disrupt relationships and career, lead to serious financial problems or a driver's license and can even cause emotional distress for the person. It's normal for people to have difficulty keeping their attention or staying organized occasionally. However, if the problem is persistent and affects the daily activities, a healthcare provider may be able diagnose ADHD.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD the health care professional must evaluate the person in at minimum two different settings, which could include at home, school or work 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 perform. The symptoms must 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 are often unable to wait for their turn and frequently interrupt or intrude on others.
Children with inattentive ADHD have trouble following directions, staying on task or sitting down. They are often distracted or snoozing. They are more likely to be overlooked and miss out on learning opportunities, particularly in primary schools which could prepare 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 difficulty waiting their turn or sitting still. They also have trouble managing their emotions.
It is a relief to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, but it is not always simple. It's normal to be embarrassed. But honesty is the best way to go. A diagnosis might be the first time someone has realized their struggles have a name. Having this understanding can change the way they see themselves, which can then be a positive influence.
Diagnosis
When it comes to ADHD symptoms are evident at different times for children and adults. For kids, they typically begin in the middle of elementary school, however for adults, it's later. The 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 misdiagnosed. It could be related to autism or a mood disorder such as depression or anxiety.
Speak to your doctor when your child or teen exhibits symptoms of ADHD. They will conduct an examination of the body, including vision and audio to ensure that there is nothing else wrong. They will ask you and your child to fill out a checklist of their symptoms. They will inquire about how the symptoms have affected their school and personal life. They will also want to know about any previous issues.
Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD by a doctor qualified to do so. They'll use clinical interviews, scales for assessing behavior or symptom checklists. Psychological tests may be used to evaluate your cognitive abilities and how you think and process information. They could also conduct a brain scan with the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA), a tool that measures the activity in certain brain regions that regulate your attention and your impulsivity.
They will also look at your medical records to see whether there are any other mental disorders or injuries, such as thyroid or head trauma that could cause similar symptoms. adhd diagnosis adults uk may refer you to an extensive evaluation with a psychiatrist or psychologist.
You must be suffering from six or more symptoms that began in childhood or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms must be present for at least six months and create significant problems for your daily functioning. Adults need to meet a lower threshold for diagnosis, however the criteria are the same: You must exhibit at least five symptoms that cause problems with your work, social and personal life.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and restore functioning at school, home and at work. There are a range of treatments available, including treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Many people have success through lifestyle changes, like setting up a routine that is consistent by using a planner notebook, and scheduling tasks prior to time. Other people may benefit from specific learning disabilities treatments, like metacognitive therapy that helps to improve their ability to organize their lives and solve problems or cognitive behavioral therapy to correct the distortions in thinking that can lead to negative moods and low self-esteem.
Health care professionals who are specially trained to recognize ADHD can recommend the best treatment for a person's situation. They will examine the person's present symptoms and, if an adult, their childhood behaviors and school experiences. They will employ clinical interviewing, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists to determine if the individual meets ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also conduct a family history of mental health problems and physical ailments. They'll ask the individual or their parents as well as teachers about their moods and behaviors and how they've changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the presence of six or more symptoms that start before the age of 12 and cause difficulties in two or more settings (home, school and social situations). The symptoms have to be present for at least six months. The symptoms must be more severe than expected for a person of the same age.
A medical checkup is typically carried out to confirm that the person isn't suffering from any other health issues. Doctors will look over the patient's symptoms, as well as their medical and psychiatric background and may recommend an eye examination or hearing test. Certain people suffering from ADHD have a genetic predisposition to develop the condition. A person who has a sibling or parent with ADHD has an 85% chance of develop the disorder. ADHD is often accompanied by anxiety or mood disorder. These disorders can be more difficult to manage than ADHD alone.
The following is a list with preventions.
Many things, like certain medical conditions and learning disabilities, can trigger symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. It's important to consult an expert in mental health or a health care professional for an assessment prior to making the diagnosis. The doctor will inquire about your child's symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They may use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child is ADHD. They could also perform physical examinations and tests for vision or hearing problems. They may also order a brain scan called an EEG, which examines beta and theta waves to detect changes in the brain function of your child.
Children who are diagnosed with ADHD should exhibit symptoms that are more than what is normal for their age and development level. The symptoms of inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity should cause a significant problem at school, at home or at work. The symptoms must also interfere with your child's social interactions. If your child is suffering from moderate or severe ADHD they will require medication to lead a normal life.
Children suffering from ADHD may have difficulty following instructions and staying on track. This can result in lower grades and a loss of self-esteem. They may also struggle with social relationships, as they aren't able to discern social signals. They are often disruptive to others and can appear violent or intense. They are at risk for anxiety, depression as well as substance abuse and relationship issues.
Mild ADHD is characterized by symptoms that are apparent but do not affect daily life. They can making it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People with moderate to severe ADHD will have more symptoms, and they are more likely to experience problems at work, like difficulty keeping a job, or interacting with colleagues.
If they do not seek treatment may face serious consequences. This could include financial problems as well as health 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 has more information on these options and how to talk with your family members about them.