Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults aren't diagnosed until their symptoms cause major problems at work, school or home. Health care professionals adhere to the diagnostic criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A thorough assessment includes ADHD symptoms lists and standardized behavior ratings scales. Health professionals also inquire about family history and review old school records.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD can impact a person's life at school, home, or at work. They can cause disruption to relationships and careers, 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 experience difficulties in concentrating or staying organized from time to time. However when the issue becomes chronic and interferes with everyday functioning, a medical professional may be able to diagnose ADHD.
A health care professional will need to evaluate the person in two different environments, such as at home and in school, or in workplace and social settings. They should observe the person in these situations for a minimum of six months and determine that the symptoms are impairing their ability to function. The symptoms should 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 have difficulty waiting for their turn and often interrupt or interfere with others.
Children with inattention ADHD have difficulty following instructions and staying focused or sitting still. They are usually distracted by their thoughts, forgetful or easily distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be ignored and miss out on learning opportunities, particularly 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 are unable to wait their turn or staying still. They also have trouble controlling their emotions.
It's a relief to receive an diagnosis of ADHD, but it is not always easy. It's fine to be embarrassed. However honesty is the best way to go. For some, it will be the first time they've realized that their issues have a name. Understanding this can change the way they see themselves, which may result in 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 later. The signs can be mild, medium 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 autism or a mood disorder such as anxiety or depression.
If adult diagnosis of adhd or teenager shows indications of ADHD, the first step is to consult your doctor. They will conduct an examination of the body that includes hearing and vision to make sure there's nothing else going on. They will ask you and your child to complete an inventory of the symptoms. They will want to know how their symptoms have impacted their home and school life. They will also want to hear about any past problems they've experienced.
Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD by a doctor who is qualified to diagnose it. They may use clinical interviews, behavior rating scales, or symptoms checklists. They could also conduct psychological tests to measure your cognitive abilities as well as learn how you think and process information. They can 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 control your attention and your impulsivity.
Additionally, they'll review your medical history to see if you've had any other mental health conditions or injuries such as thyroid or head trauma that can cause similar symptoms. They might refer you for thorough evaluation by a psychiatrist or psychologist.
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 functioning. Adults must meet a lower threshold to be diagnosed, however 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 improve symptoms and restore functioning at home, work and at school. There are a variety of treatments available, including treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Some people also find satisfaction with lifestyle changes, such as creating a consistent routine by using a planner notebook, and scheduling tasks ahead of time. Others may benefit from specific learning disabilities treatments, such as metacognitive therapy that helps them develop their abilities to manage their time and problem solving as well as cognitive behavioral therapy to correct the distortions in thinking which can lead to low moods and low self-esteem.
Health professionals who have been specially trained to recognize ADHD can suggest the most effective treatment plan for a patient's situation. They will examine the symptoms of the patient, and in the case of an adult, they will also consider their school and childhood experiences. They will use clinical interviewing, behavior rating scales, and symptom checklists in order to determine if the individual meets ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also ask about family history of mental illnesses and physical ailments. They will ask about the person's moods and behaviors and how they have changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the presence of six or more symptoms that begin before age 12 and can cause problems in two or more settings (home, school and social situations). The symptoms have to be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms should also be more severe than is normal for someone that age.
A medical checkup is typically performed to make sure that the patient doesn't have any other health issues. Doctors will review the patient's medical and psychiatric histories and review their symptoms. They may also suggest an hearing or eye test. Certain people suffering from ADHD have a genetic predisposition to develop the condition. If the person has a parent or sibling with ADHD they are at risk of having 91% chance of developing the disorder themselves. It is also common to have a comorbid mood or anxiety disorder that is associated with ADHD. These disorders can be harder to treat than ADHD by itself.
The following is a list of preventions.
Many things, including some medical conditions and some types of learning disabilities can trigger similar symptoms to those of ADHD. It is therefore important to consult an expert in health care or a mental health professional to conduct an assessment prior to making an assessment. The doctor will inquire about the symptoms of your child and how they impact their daily life. They can use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child suffers from ADHD. They may also perform an examination of the body and test for hearing or visual problems. They may also order a brain scan, also known as an EEG that analyzes beta and theta waves to determine if there are any changes in the brain function of your child.
Children diagnosed with ADHD have symptoms that are more than normal for their age and development level. The symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity should cause a significant problem at school, at home or work. The symptoms should also hinder your child's social interactions. If your child exhibits moderate or severe ADHD symptoms and needs treatment, they'll need to be treated with medication in order to live the normal life.
Children suffering from ADHD may have trouble following directions and staying on task. This can result in poor grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also struggle with social interactions as they struggle to discern social signals and are often disruptive to others or appear aggressive or intense. They are susceptible to anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and issues with relationships.
People who suffer from mild ADHD have symptoms that are noticeable but do not interfere with their lives or make it difficult to work or maintain relationships. People with severe or moderate ADHD are more prone to symptoms and are more likely to have issues with their jobs, like difficulties in keeping jobs, interacting with colleagues, or maintaining relationships.
People who don't receive treatment can face grave consequences, including financial difficulties, health problems, and legal issues. There are a variety of treatments for ADHD that include psychosocial therapy and behavioral therapy including diet and nutrition, exercise sleep improvements, and medications. NIMH offers more information on these options and how to talk with your family about them.