Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are typically not diagnosed until they have serious issues at home, at work or school. 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 evaluation will include ADHD symptoms and standardized behavior ratings scales. Health care professionals also inquire about family history and review old school records.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can impact a person's daily life regardless of whether they are at school, home or at work. They can cause problems in relationships and careers, financial difficulties, or even a driver's license. They can also cause emotional stress. It's normal for people to have trouble concentrating or staying organized from time to the time however, if it becomes an ongoing problem that interferes with everyday functioning, a health specialist may be able identify ADHD.
A health professional must evaluate the person in two different environments, such as at home and at school, or in social and workplace situations. They should observe the person in these settings for at least six months, and they must determine that the symptoms are significantly hindering their ability to function. The symptoms should also be present prior to the age of 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 often are not able to wait for their turn and often interrupt or intrude upon others.
adhd undiagnosed in adults with inattention ADHD have trouble following directions and staying focused or sat down. They are often distracted or snoozing. They're more likely to be overlooked and miss out on opportunities for learning, 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 are unable to sit or waiting for their turn, blurting out answers before the questions are complete, and have trouble managing their emotions.
It's an exhilarating experience to receive a diagnosis of ADHD however, it's not always an easy process. It's normal to be embarrassed. But, honesty is the best approach. A diagnosis might be the first time people realize that their issues have a label. Understanding this can change the way they view themselves, which may be a positive influence.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms can manifest at different times in both adults and children. For children, they usually begin in elementary school, but for adults, it's later. The signs can be mild, medium or even 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 may be misdiagnosed as autistic or a mood disorder like anxiety or depression.
Talk to your doctor if your child or teenager exhibits signs of ADHD. They will conduct physical examinations, including vision and hearing to ensure there isn't something else going on. They will ask you and your child to complete an inventory of their symptoms. They will want to know how the symptoms have impacted their home and school life. They will also want to know about any previous problems.
For adults, a healthcare professional who's qualified to diagnose ADHD will use the process of conducting clinical interviews, as well as behavior rating scales or checklists of symptoms to determine if they meet the requirements for diagnosis. They may also conduct psychological tests to gauge your cognitive abilities and discover how you think and process information. They might also do a brain scan using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which measures the activity of certain parts of your brain that regulate the ability to focus and the ability to be impulsive.
Additionally, they'll review your medical history to see whether you've suffered from any other mental health conditions or injuries like thyroid or head trauma that can cause similar symptoms. They might refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for a thorough evaluation.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least six or more symptoms that began in your childhood or prior to age 12. The symptoms should have been present for at least six months and be causing significant problems in your daily functioning. Adults need to be able to meet a lower threshold in order to be diagnosed, but the same requirements apply: You must have at least five or more symptoms and they must affect your work, home and social life.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms and restore functioning at school, home and at work. There are many treatment options including medications and behavior therapy. Some people experience success by making lifestyle changes, such as using an organizer, a notebook and scheduling their tasks in advance. Other people may benefit from specific learning disabilities treatments, such as metacognitive training that helps to improve their abilities to manage their time and problem solving or cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with the distortions in thinking that can cause negative moods and low self-esteem.
Professionals with specialized training in health care can offer the best treatment program based on a patient's specific situation. They will assess the patient's current symptoms, and when they are an adult, their childhood behavior and school experiences. They will employ clinical interviewing, scales for assessing behavior and symptom checklists to determine if a person has the ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also ask about family history of mental illnesses and physical illnesses. They will ask about the person's moods, behaviors and how they've changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is made by analyzing six or more symptoms, which start before the age of 12 and create problems in at minimum two settings (at school, at home, or in social situations). The symptoms must be present for at least six months. In addition, the symptoms must be significantly more difficult than expected for someone at that age.
A medical checkup is usually done to ensure that the person does not have any other health problems. Doctors will review the person's symptoms, as well as their medical and psychiatric history and may recommend an eye exam or hearing test. Some people who suffer from ADHD are genetically predisposed to the disorder. Someone who has a sibling or parent with ADHD has a 91% chance to develop the disorder. ADHD is often accompanied by a mood or anxiety disorder. These disorders are more difficult to treat than ADHD on its own.
Prevention
Many things, including certain medical conditions or learning disabilities, can lead to symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. It is essential to talk to an expert in mental health or a health care professional for an assessment prior to making an assessment. The person you see will ask your child about their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They may also use scoring scales or a checklist to decide if your child has ADHD. They may also perform an examination of the body and test for hearing or vision issues. They can also request an EEG brain scan which analyzes beta and theta waves to check on changes in your child’s brain function.
To be able to diagnose a child with ADHD, they must have numerous symptoms that are more prominent than the norm for their age or development level. The symptoms of inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity must cause significant problems at school, at home or at work. The symptoms also need to interfere with your child's social interactions. If your child suffers from severe or moderate ADHD They will require medication to lead a normal life.
Children with ADHD may find it difficult to follow directions and remain focused which can result in low self-esteem and poor grades. They may also have difficulty with social interactions because they struggle to discern social cues and frequently interrupt others or appear aggressive or abrasive. They are at risk for depression, anxiety and substance abuse.
Mild ADHD is defined by symptoms that are visible but do not affect daily life. They can make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. Those with moderate to severe ADHD will have more symptoms, and they are more likely than other people to have problems at work, including difficulties keeping a job or getting along with colleagues.
People who don't receive treatment could face serious consequences, including financial difficulties, health problems and legal issues. There are a variety of treatment options for ADHD, including behavioral therapy and psychosocial interventions including diet and nutrition, exercise, medication for sleep, and other treatments. NIMH offers more information on these options and how to speak with your family members about these options.