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Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't get diagnosed until their symptoms cause major difficulties at school, at work or at home. Health care providers 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 will include ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standardized behavior rating scales. Health care professionals will inquire about the family's history and examine old school records.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD can affect the way a person lives at school, at home or at work. They can cause disruption to relationships and careers, leading to serious problems with finances or a driver's license and can cause emotional stress for the person. It's normal for people to have trouble concentrating or staying organized from time to time, but if it becomes a chronic problem and interferes with everyday functioning, a health care provider may be able to identify ADHD.
A health professional must assess the person in two distinct environments, such as at home and in school, as well as in social and workplace situations. The health professional must monitor the patient for a minimum of six months and determine whether the symptoms are impacting their ability to function. The symptoms must also have started before 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 often are unable to wait their turn and are often disruptive or intrude upon other children.
Children who suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD are unable to sit or wait quietly and have trouble following instructions or staying on track. They tend to be distracted or snoozing. adults diagnosed with adhd to be ignored and miss out on opportunities to learn, especially in the early years of school, which could set them up for failure later 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 are unable to sit or waiting for their turn, blurting out answers before the questions are finished and have trouble managing their emotions.
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD can be a great relief but it's also not always easy to accept. Some people may be embarrassed, but they need to be honest so that they can get the help they need. For adult adhd diagnoses , it will be the first time they've realized that their problems have a. This understanding can alter the way they think about themselves, which could cascade into positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms appear at different times in children and adults. For children, symptoms typically begin in the middle of elementary school, however for adults it's a little later. 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 is not properly diagnosed. It could be autism or a mood disorder like anxiety or depression.
If your child or teenager shows symptoms of ADHD, the first step is to talk to your doctor. They will perform an examination of the body, including audio and vision to make sure that there is no other issue. Your child and you will be asked to fill out a list of symptoms. They'll want to know how the symptoms have affected their family and school lives. They'll also want to learn about any previous issues they've experienced.
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a healthcare provider who is qualified to diagnose it. They'll use clinical interviews, behavior rating scales or symptoms checklists. Psychological tests may be used to assess your cognitive abilities and how you process information and think. They can also conduct a brain scan with 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 examine your medical history to determine if you've had any other mental health issues or injuries like head trauma or thyroid conditions that can cause similar symptoms. They may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for a thorough evaluation.
To be able to receive a diagnosis of ADHD it is necessary to have at least six or more signs that began in childhood or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months and be causing serious difficulties in your daily life. Adults need to meet a lower threshold to be diagnosed, but the same requirements apply: You must have a minimum of five or more symptoms and these should affect your work, home and social life.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to improve symptoms and improve functioning at home, school and work. There are a variety of treatments available, including the use of medication and therapy for behavior. Some people have success by making lifestyle changes such as using an organizer, a notebook and scheduling their tasks ahead of time. Certain people might benefit from treatments for learning disabilities such as metacognitive therapy, which aids them in improving their problem-solving skills and organizational skills or cognitive behavioral therapy which targets thinking distortions that can lead to low self-esteem and negative moods.
Health care professionals who are specially trained to recognize ADHD can suggest the most effective treatment plan for a person's situation. They will examine the person's current symptoms, and if an adult, their previous behavior and school experiences. They will conduct interviews with a psychologist, behavior rating scales and checklists of symptoms to determine if the person has met the the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They might also inquire about the family history of mental illnesses and physical illnesses. They will ask about the person's moods and behaviors and changes over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is by analyzing six or more symptoms which begin before 12 years of age and can cause issues in at least two different settings (at school, at home or in social situations). The symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms must be more severe than what is normal for a person of the same age.
There aren't any blood tests or brain scans to diagnose ADHD, but an exam for medical reasons is usually performed to ensure that there's nothing else wrong with the individual. Doctors will review the person's symptoms and medical and psychiatric history, and may suggest an eye examination or hearing test. Some people who suffer from ADHD are genetically predisposed to develop the disorder. Anyone who has a parent or sibling with ADHD has an 85% chance of develop the disorder. ADHD is often accompanied by a anxiety or mood disorder. These conditions can be more difficult to treat than ADHD by itself.
Prevention
Many things, including some medical conditions and some types of learning disabilities could cause similar symptoms as those of ADHD. It is important to speak with a mental health professional or a health care professional for an assessment prior to determining a diagnosis. The person you see will ask your child about their symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They may use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child suffers from ADHD. They may also perform an examination and test for visual or hearing problems. They may also request an EEG brain scan which evaluates beta and theta wave activity to determine changes in your child’s brain function.
For children to be diagnosed with ADHD they must display several symptoms that are more prominent than the norm for their age or developmental level. The signs of inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity must cause significant problems at home, school or at work. The symptoms must also affect your child's social interactions. If your child is suffering from moderate or severe ADHD, they will require medication in order to lead an ordinary life.
Children with ADHD might have trouble following instructions and staying on track. This can result in low grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also have difficulty in social relationships because they are unable to recognize social cues. They are often disruptive to others and can appear violent or intense. They are at risk of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and issues with relationships.
People who have mild ADHD have symptoms that are noticeable but do not interfere with their daily lives or make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. Those with moderate to severe ADHD will exhibit more symptoms, and are more likely to have problems at work, including difficulties keeping a job or getting along with colleagues.
People who don't receive treatment can face grave consequences, including health issues, financial problems, and legal issues. There are many treatments available for ADHD which include behavioral therapy and psychosocial interventions such as diet and nutrition, exercise medication for sleep, and other treatments. NIMH has more information on these options and how you can talk with your family about them.