Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are usually not diagnosed until they experience major problems at home, work or school. 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 thorough assessment includes ADHD symptoms and standardized scales for assessing behavior. Health care professionals also inquire about family history and look over old school records.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can impact a person's daily life regardless of whether they are at school, home or work. They can lead to problems in relationships and careers, financial issues and even a driver's permit. They can also trigger emotional stress. It's normal for everyone to have trouble concentrating or staying organized from time moment however, if it becomes an ongoing problem that interferes with everyday functioning, a health care provider may be able to diagnose ADHD.
A health professional will need to evaluate the person in two distinct environments, such as at home and at school, as well as in social and workplace situations. The health care professional must be observing the person for a minimum of six months and determine whether the symptoms are affecting their ability to function. The symptoms must also have started before 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 usually unable to wait their turn and are often disruptive or intrude upon others.
Children with inattentive ADHD are unable to follow instructions, staying on task or sitting still. They tend to be daydreaming or easily distracted. They are more likely to be overlooked, and miss out on learning opportunities, particularly in primary schools which could set 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 are unable to wait their turn or settling down. They also have difficulty controlling their emotions.
It's a relief to receive a diagnosis of ADHD however, it's not always simple. People may feel embarrassed, but they need to be honest so they can get the help they're entitled to. For some, a diagnosis will be the first time they've realised that their struggles have a name. This knowledge can allow them to change their perspective of themselves, leading to positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it is about ADHD symptoms can manifest at different times for kids and adults. For children, symptoms typically begin in elementary school, but for adults, it's a bit later. The symptoms may be mild, moderate or even 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.
If your child or teenager shows symptoms of ADHD, the first step is to consult your doctor. They will conduct an examination of the body, including vision and hearing to ensure there's nothing else going on. Your child and you will be asked to fill out an inventory of symptoms. They will inquire about what the effects of their symptoms are on their school and family life. They will also want you to share with them any problems that you have had previously.
For adults, a medical professional who's qualified to diagnose ADHD will conduct 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, as well as how you think and process information. They may also perform a brain scan using the Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid, which is FDA-approved (NEBA), which evaluates the activity of specific parts of your brain that regulate the ability to focus and impulsivity.
Additionally, they'll look at your medical history to determine whether you've experienced any other mental health issues or injuries, such as thyroid or head trauma that could cause similar symptoms. adhd adults diagnosis uk may refer you to thorough evaluation by a psychologist or psychiatrist.
You must have six or more symptoms that began in your childhood or before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present for at least six months, and create significant problems for your daily activities. Adults need to meet a lower threshold to be diagnosed, however the same criteria apply: You must have a minimum of five or more symptoms, and these should affect your work, home and social life.
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to improve symptoms and improve functioning at home, school and work. There are a variety of treatment options including medication and behavior therapy. Some people have success through lifestyle changes such as using planners, notebooks and arranging tasks ahead of time. Others may benefit from specific learning disability therapies, such as metacognitive training to help them improve their abilities to manage their time and problem solving or cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with thinking distortions which can lead to low moods and low self-esteem.
Health professionals who are specifically trained to diagnose ADHD can recommend the best treatment plan for a person's situation. They will assess the patient's present symptoms and, if an adult, their previous behaviors and school experiences. They will conduct interviews with a psychologist, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists to determine whether the person has met the requirements for diagnosing ADHD. They may also conduct a family history of mental health issues and physical illnesses. They will inquire about the person's moods, behaviors and how they have changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is made by analyzing six or more signs, which start before the age of 12 and cause problems in at minimum two settings (at home, school or social situations). The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months. Additionally the symptoms should be more severe than what is expected for a person who is that old.
There aren't any blood tests or brain scans to determine ADHD, but medical checks are usually done to make sure there's nothing else wrong with the person. Doctors will examine the person's medical and psychiatric history and review their symptoms. They may also recommend an eye or hearing test. Certain people suffering from ADHD are genetically predisposed to develop the condition. If a person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD, they have about a 91% chance of developing the disorder for themselves. ADHD is often accompanied by a anxiety or mood disorder. These disorders can be harder to treat than ADHD on its own.
The following is a list of preventions.
Many things, including certain medical conditions or learning disabilities, can lead to symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. It is important to speak with an expert in mental health or a health care professional for an assessment prior to making a diagnosis. The person you see will inquire about your child's symptoms and how they impact their daily life. They can also use scoring scales or a checklist to help decide if your child has ADHD. They can also conduct physical examinations and tests for hearing or vision problems. They can also request an EEG brain scan which evaluates beta and theta wave activity to monitor changes in your child's brain function.
Children diagnosed with ADHD must show symptoms that are significantly more than the norm for their age and developmental level. Inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity can cause significant issues at home, school, or work. The symptoms must also affect your child's ability to interact with others. If your child is suffering from severe or moderate ADHD They will require medication to live an ordinary life.
Children suffering from ADHD can find it difficult to follow directions and stay on task and can result in low self-esteem and poor grades. They may also struggle with social relationships, as they are unable to read social cues. They often interrupt others and can appear aggressive or intense. They are susceptible to depression, anxiety as well as substance abuse and relationship issues.
People with mild ADHD have symptoms that are evident but do not interfere with their lives or make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. Those with moderate or severe ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms and are more likely to suffer issues with their jobs, like difficulties in keeping jobs, interacting with colleagues, or maintaining relationships.
People who do not receive treatment could face serious consequences. This could include financial problems, health issues, and legal issues. There are a number of treatments for ADHD, including psychosocial and behavioral therapy including diet and nutrition, exercise, sleep improvements, and medications. NIMH has more information on these options and how to speak with your family about them.