Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are typically not diagnosed until they have serious issues at home, work or school. Health care providers follow the diagnostic criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A full assessment includes ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standardized behavior rating scales. Health care professionals will inquire about the family's history, and look at the school records from the past.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD can affect the lives of a person at school, at home or at work. They can cause issues in relationships and careers, financial issues or even a driver's permit. They can also trigger emotional anxiety. It's normal for people to have difficulty in concentrating or staying organized from time to time. However, if the problem is persistent and affects daily functioning, a healthcare provider may be able diagnose ADHD.
A health professional must evaluate the person in two different environments, such as at home and in school, or in workplace and social settings. The health care professional has to be observing the person for a minimum of six months and determine if the symptoms are affecting their ability to function. The symptoms must also be present prior to 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 have difficulty waiting for their turn and often interfere with others or interrupt them.
Children with the inattentive kind of ADHD are incapable of sitting or waiting in silence and are unable to follow instructions or staying on task. They tend to be distracted or distracted by their surroundings. They're more prone to being ignored and miss out on opportunities to learn, especially in the early years of school, which could cause them to be a 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 difficulty waiting their turn or staying still. They also have trouble controlling their emotions.
It can be a relief to receive a diagnosis of ADHD but it's not always an easy process. Some people may be ashamed, but they have to be honest so that they can get 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 see themselves, which can then be a positive influence.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms appear at different times in children and adults. In children, symptoms usually begin in the middle of elementary school. For adults, it is slightly later. The signs 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 may be misdiagnosed as autism or a mood disorder such as anxiety or depression.
Speak to your doctor if your child or teenager exhibits indications of ADHD. They will conduct a physical exam, including vision and hearing to make sure there isn't something other than ADHD. They will ask you and your child to complete a checklist of their symptoms. They will be interested in knowing how the symptoms have affected their family and school life. They'll also ask to know about any problems that you have had previously.
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a medical professional who is qualified to diagnose it. They will utilize clinical interviews, scales for assessing behavior or symptom checklists. They might also do psychological tests to measure your cognitive abilities as well as learn how you think and process information. They can also conduct a brain scan with the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) A tool that measures the activity in specific brain regions that regulate your attention and your impulsivity.
They will also review your medical records to determine whether there are any additional mental conditions or injuries, such as head trauma or thyroid problems that could cause similar symptoms. They might refer you for a thorough evaluation to a psychologist or psychiatrist.
To get a diagnosis of ADHD you must exhibit a minimum of six or more signs that started in childhood, or before age 12. The symptoms must have been present for at least six months and be causing serious difficulties in your daily life. Adults must be able to meet a lower threshold in order to be diagnosed, however the same criteria apply: You need to have a minimum of five or more symptoms, and they must affect your work, home and social life.
Treatment
Treatment aims to improve symptoms and improve functioning at work, home and at school. There are many treatment options, including medications and behavior therapy. Some people experience success through lifestyle changes such as using a planner, a notebook and scheduling their tasks ahead of time. Others may benefit from specific learning disabilities treatments, like metacognitive training that helps them develop their abilities to manage their time and problem solving as well as cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with thinking distortions that can lead to negative moods and low self-esteem.
Health care professionals who are specially trained to recognize ADHD can recommend the best treatment plan for a person's situation. They will examine the person's symptoms and, in the case of an adult, they will also consider their school and childhood experiences. They will use clinical interviews, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists to determine whether the person has met the the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They may also ask about the family history of mental illnesses and physical conditions. They will ask the person, their parents and teachers about their moods and behaviors and about how they've changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the presence of six or more signs that begin before age 12 and create difficulties in two or more settings (home, school and social situations). The symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms must be more severe than expected for a person of the same age.
A medical exam is usually performed to make sure that the patient doesn't have any other health issues. Doctors will examine the person's medical and psychiatric histories and look over their symptoms. They may also recommend an eye or hearing test. Some people who suffer from ADHD are genetically predisposed to develop the condition. Anyone who has a sibling or parent with ADHD has a 91% chance of develop the disorder. ADHD is often associated with a anxiety or mood disorder. These disorders can be harder to treat than ADHD alone.
The following is a list of preventions.
adhd diagnosis uk adult , such as certain medical conditions and learning disabilities, can cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. It is essential to talk to a mental health professional or a health professional for an assessment prior to determining an assessment. This person will ask your child about their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They may use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child has ADHD. They can also conduct physical examinations and tests for problems with vision or hearing. They can also request an examination of the brain, known as an EEG, which examines beta and theta waves to detect changes in the brain function of your child.
Children diagnosed with ADHD should exhibit symptoms that are more than the norm for their age and developmental level. Inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity must cause serious problems at home, school, or work. The symptoms also need to hinder your child's social interactions. If your child has moderate or severe ADHD symptoms, they will need treatment with medication to live an ordinary life.
Children with ADHD might have trouble following directions and staying on task. This can lead to poor grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also struggle with social relationships, as they are unable to read social signals. They frequently interrupt others and appear aggressive or abrasive. They are at a high risk for depression, anxiety and addiction to drugs.
People who suffer from mild ADHD have symptoms that are evident but do not affect their daily life or make it difficult to work or maintain relationships. People who suffer from severe or moderate ADHD are more prone to symptoms and are more likely to experience issues with their jobs, like difficulty keeping a job, getting along with coworkers, or maintaining relationships.
If you don't seek treatment, you can face serious consequences, including health issues, financial problems, and legal issues. There are a variety of treatments for ADHD. These include psychosocial interventions, nutrition and diet, exercise, sleep improvement, and medications. NIMH offers more information on these options and how to speak with your family about these options.