Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are typically not diagnosed until they are experiencing serious issues at home, at work or at school. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) is used by health care providers to diagnose mental disorders.
A complete evaluation includes ADHD symptoms and standardized scales for assessing behavior. Health care professionals also ask about family history and look over old school records.
adhd uk diagnosis of ADHD can impact the lives of a person at home, school or work. They can cause issues in relationships and careers, financial difficulties or even a driver's permit. They can also cause emotional distress. It's normal to have difficulty concentrating or staying organized from time moment, but if it becomes a chronic problem and affects daily functioning, a health provider may be able to determine ADHD.
To be able to diagnose someone with ADHD A healthcare professional must examine the patient in at least two different settings, including at home, school or work 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 perform. The symptoms must 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 usually unable to wait their turn and often interrupt or intrude upon others.
Children with inattentive ADHD have difficulty following instructions and staying focused or sat down. They're usually daydreaming, forgetful or easily distracted by their surroundings. They're more likely to be ignored and miss out on opportunities to learn, especially in the early years of school, which can make them vulnerable to 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 have trouble sitting or waiting for their turn, blurting out answers before questions are complete, and have trouble managing their emotions.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a great relief but it's also not always easy to process. People might be ashamed, but they have to be honest so that they receive the help they deserve. A diagnosis may be the first time someone realizes that their struggles have a name. Having this understanding can change the way they think about themselves, which can then cascade into positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it concerns ADHD symptoms are evident at different times for children and adults. For children, they usually begin in elementary school, but for adults it's a little later. The symptoms can 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 certain cases the condition could be misdiagnosed as autistic or an anxiety disorder or depression.
If your child or teen shows symptoms of ADHD, the first step is to speak with your doctor. 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 an inventory of the symptoms. They will also ask what the effects of their symptoms are on their school and family life. They'll also want to be informed about any past issues they've faced.
For adults, a medical professional who is qualified to diagnose ADHD will conduct the process of conducting clinical interviews, as well as behavior rating scales or checklists of symptoms to determine if they meet the criteria for diagnosis. Psychological tests may be used to determine your cognitive abilities, as well as 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 certain 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 conditions or injuries, such as head trauma or thyroid conditions that can cause similar symptoms. They may refer you for thorough evaluation by a psychiatrist or psychologist.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least six or more symptoms that started in childhood, or prior to age 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 requirements apply: You must have at least five or more symptoms, and these should affect your home, work and social life.
Treatment
Treatment aims to improve symptoms and improve functioning at home, work and school. There are a variety of treatment options, including treatment with medication and therapy for behavior. Many people have success through lifestyle changes, for example, creating a consistent routine, using a planner or notebook and scheduling tasks in advance. Some people might benefit from treatments for learning disabilities such as metacognitive therapy, which aids them in improving their problem-solving skills and organizational abilities or cognitive behavioral treatment which targets thinking distortions which can cause depression and low self-esteem.
Professionals with specialized training in health care will provide the best treatment plan based on the patient's particular situation. They will examine the person's current symptoms, and when they are an adult, their childhood behaviors and school experiences. They will use clinical interviewing, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists in order to determine if a person has the ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also inquire about family history of mental illness and physical ailments. They will inquire about the person's moods and behaviors and how they have changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the presence of more than six symptoms that start before age 12 and create difficulties in two or more environments (home school, social situations). The symptoms are expected to be present for at least six months. In addition the symptoms should be significantly more difficult than expected for someone of that age.
There are no blood tests or brain scans to diagnose ADHD However, a medical checkup usually is performed to ensure that there's no other issue with the person. Doctors will examine the person's symptoms, as well as their medical and psychiatric history and may recommend an eye exam or a hearing test. Some people with ADHD are genetically predisposed to the condition. If a person has a parent or sibling with ADHD and is a child, they have a 91% chance of developing the disorder for themselves. ADHD is often accompanied by a anxiety or mood disorder. These conditions can be more difficult to manage than ADHD alone.
The following is a list of preventatives.
Many things, including medical conditions and some kinds of learning disabilities could cause similar symptoms as those of ADHD. Therefore, it's essential to visit your health care provider or a mental health professional to conduct an assessment prior to making an assessment. The doctor will inquire about your child's issues and how they impact their daily life. They can also utilize rating scales or a checklist to help decide if your child has ADHD. They may also do a physical exam and test for hearing or vision problems. They may also request an EEG brain scan which measures beta and theta waves to monitor changes in your child’s brain function.
Children who are diagnosed with ADHD must show symptoms that are significantly more than what is normal for their age and development level. The signs of inattention, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity have to cause serious problems at home, school or work. The symptoms must also interfere with your child's social interactions. If your child is suffering from moderate or severe ADHD symptoms, they will need treatment with medication to live the normal life.
Children with ADHD may have trouble following directions and staying on task. This can lead to low grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also struggle with social interactions because they struggle to discern social cues and frequently interrupt others or appear aggressive or intense. They are at risk for anxiety, depression as well as substance abuse and relationship issues.
People who suffer from mild ADHD have symptoms that are noticeable but they do not hinder their lives or make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People with moderate to severe ADHD will exhibit more symptoms, and they are more likely than others to experience problems at work, such as problems with keeping a job or interacting with colleagues.
If they do not seek treatment could face serious consequences. This includes financial issues and health issues, as well as legal issues. There are a variety of treatments for ADHD. These include psychosocial interventions, nutrition and diet, exercise, sleep improvement, and medication. NIMH offers more information on these options and how to speak with your family members about them.