Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are usually not diagnosed until they are experiencing serious issues at home, work 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 complete evaluation includes ADHD symptoms and standardized scales for assessing behavior. Health professionals also inquire about family history and look over old school records.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD can affect the way a person lives at home, school or work. They can lead to problems in relationships and careers, financial issues or even a driver's licence. They can also cause emotional distress. It's normal for everyone to struggle with concentration or being organized from time to the time but if it develops into an ongoing problem that affects daily functioning, a health care specialist may be able diagnose ADHD.
A health care professional must assess the person in two distinct settings, including at home and at school, as well as in workplace and social situations. They should observe the person in these settings for a minimum of six months and must see that the symptoms are impairing their ability to function. The symptoms should also have started before 12 years. 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 who suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD are unable to sit or wait in silence and are unable to follow instructions or staying on task. adhd adults diagnosis uk are usually distracted by their thoughts or forgetful, and are easily distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be ignored and miss out on learning opportunities, particularly in primary schools, which can set up them for failure 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 also not always easy to process. It's fine to be embarrassed. However honesty is the best approach. A diagnosis might be the first time that someone has realized their struggles have a name. This understanding can help them change their perspective of themselves, leading to positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it comes to ADHD, symptoms show up at different times in children and adults. In children, symptoms usually begin in the middle of elementary school. For adults, it's slightly later. The signs 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 instances, the condition may be misdiagnosed as autistic or a mood disorder such as anxiety or depression.
If your child or teenager shows signs of ADHD, the first step is to consult your doctor. They will perform an examination of the body, including audio and vision to make sure that there is nothing else wrong. They will ask you and your child to fill out an inventory of their symptoms. They will want to know how their symptoms have affected their home and school life. They'll also want you to tell them about any previous issues.
Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD by a doctor qualified to do so. They will utilize 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 brain scans using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which is a device that measures brain activity in specific brain regions that regulate your attention and the impulsivity.
Additionally, they'll examine your medical history to see whether you've experienced any other mental health issues or injuries like head trauma or thyroid conditions which can trigger similar symptoms. They might refer you for thorough evaluation by a psychiatrist or psychologist.
You must be suffering from six or more symptoms, which started in childhood or before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present for at minimum 6 months and be causing significant problems in your daily functioning. Adults must be able to meet a lower threshold in order to be diagnosed, but the same criteria apply: You need to have at least five or more symptoms and these should affect your home, work and social life.
Treatment
Treatment aims to ease symptoms and restore functioning at work, home and school. There are a variety of treatment options, including the use of medication and behavioral therapy. Some people also have satisfaction with lifestyle changes, for example, establishing consistent routines by using a planner or notebook and arranging tasks in advance. Some people might benefit from therapies for learning disabilities such as metacognitive therapy, which helps them improve their problem-solving abilities and organizational skills or cognitive behavioral treatment that addresses the distortions in thinking that can lead to low self-esteem and mood swings.
Health care professionals who are specifically trained to diagnose ADHD can suggest the most effective treatment plan for a person's situation. They will look at the symptoms of the patient, and when they are an adult, they will also consider their childhood and school experiences. They will conduct clinical interviews, behavior ratings scales and symptoms checklists to determine if the person meets diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They may also ask about the family history of mental illnesses and physical illnesses. They'll ask the individual as well as their parents and teachers about their moods, behaviors and attitudes and how they've changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the presence of six or more signs that start before the age of 12 and cause difficulties in two or more environments (home school, at home and social situations). The symptoms are expected to be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must be more severe than is normal for a person of the same age.
A medical checkup is typically done to ensure that the person does not have any other health issues. Doctors will review the patient's medical and psychiatric history and examine their symptoms. They may also recommend an hearing or eye test. Some people who suffer 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 a 91% chance of being diagnosed with the disorder. It's also common to suffer from a comorbid mood disorder or anxiety disorder in conjunction with ADHD. These disorders can be more difficult to treat than ADHD alone.
Prevention
Many things, like certain medical conditions and learning disabilities, can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Therefore, it's essential to visit a health care provider or mental health professional for an evaluation before making the diagnosis. The person you see will inquire about your child's issues and how they impact their daily lives. They may also use rating scales or a checklist to help determine if your child is suffering from ADHD. They may also do physical examinations and tests for hearing or vision problems. They may also order an EEG brain scan which measures beta and theta waves to monitor changes in your child’s brain function.
To be able to diagnose a child with ADHD, they must have a number of symptoms that are noticeably greater than what is normal for their age or developmental level. The symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity must cause significant problems at home, at school or work. The symptoms must also hinder your child's social interactions. If your child is suffering from severe or moderate ADHD They will require medication in order to lead a normal life.
Children with ADHD may find it difficult to follow instructions and remain on task which can result in low self-esteem and grades. They may also struggle in social relationships because they aren't able to discern social signals. They are often disruptive to others and come across as aggressive or abrasive. They are at risk of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and issues with relationships.
Mild ADHD is characterized by symptoms that are evident but do not affect everyday life. It can making it difficult to maintain relationships or work. Those with moderate or severe ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms and are more likely to experience problems with work, for example, difficulties in keeping a job, getting along with coworkers, or maintaining relationships.
Patients who do not receive treatment could face grave consequences, such as health issues, financial problems and legal issues. There are many treatments for ADHD. These include behavioral therapy, psychosocial interventions, nutrition and diet, exercise, sleep improvement and medications. NIMH offers more information on these options and how to talk with your family members about these options.