Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't get diagnosed until their symptoms cause serious difficulties at school, at work or home. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) is used by health care professionals to diagnose mental disorders.
A full assessment includes ADHD symptom checklists and standardized behavior rating scales. Health care professionals will inquire about the family history and review the school records from the past.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD can impact the lives of a person at home, school or work. They can cause issues in relationships and careers, financial issues or even a driver's license. adhd adults diagnosis uk can also lead to emotional stress. It's normal for people to have difficulty concentrating or staying organised from time to time. However when the issue gets more severe and affects daily functioning, a healthcare provider may be able diagnose ADHD.
To be able to diagnose someone with ADHD A healthcare professional must examine the person in at minimum two different environments, such as the workplace, school, and social situations. They must observe the person in these environments for a minimum of six months and determine that the symptoms are significantly hindering their ability to function. The symptoms must have begun before the age 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 have a difficult time waiting for their turn and often interfere with others or interrupt them.
Children with inattention ADHD have trouble following directions and staying on task, or sitting down. They are usually distracted by their thoughts, forgetful or easily distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be overlooked, and miss out on opportunities to learn, particularly in elementary schools which could prepare 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 have trouble sitting or waiting for their turn, blurting out answers before they are completed, and have difficulty controlling their emotions.
It can be an exhilarating experience to receive an diagnosis of ADHD however, it's not always simple. People may feel embarrassed, but they need to be honest so they can get the help they need. A diagnosis might be the first time that someone realizes that their struggles have a label. This understanding can allow them to change their perception of themselves, resulting in positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it comes to ADHD symptoms can manifest at different times for children and adults. For kids, they typically begin in the middle of elementary school, however for adults, it's 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 misdiagnosed. It could be autism or a mood disorder like anxiety or depression.
Speak to your doctor If your child or teenager is showing symptoms of ADHD. They will conduct an examination of the body, including vision and hearing to ensure there's nothing other than ADHD. Your child and you will be asked to fill out the list of symptoms. They will inquire about how the symptoms have affected their school and home life. They will also want to hear about any past problems they've faced.
For adults, a healthcare provider who's qualified to diagnose ADHD will use behavioral interviews and clinical scales or symptom checklists to determine whether they meet the requirements for diagnosis. Psychological tests may be used to evaluate your cognitive abilities, as well as how you process information and think. They might also do an examination of your brain using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which evaluates the activity of specific areas of your brain that control attention and impulsivity.
Additionally, they'll examine your medical history to determine whether you've suffered from any other mental health conditions or injuries, such as head trauma or thyroid conditions which can trigger similar symptoms. They may refer you for thorough evaluation by a psychologist or psychiatrist.
To get a diagnosis of ADHD it is necessary to have a minimum of six or more symptoms that began in your childhood or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms have to be present for at least six months and create significant problems for your daily activities. Adults must meet a lower threshold to be diagnosed, however the same criteria apply: You must have at least five or more symptoms and these must interfere with your home, work and social life.
Treatment
Treatment aims to improve symptoms and restore functioning at home, work and at school. There are many treatments available, including medication and behavior therapy. Some people find success through lifestyle changes such as using planners, notebooks and arranging tasks in advance. Others might benefit from specific learning disability treatments, like metacognitive training that helps to improve their organizational skills and problem-solving abilities or cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with cognitive distortions that can cause negative moods and low self-esteem.
Professionals with specialized training in health care will provide the best treatment plan based on a person's particular situation. They will examine the person's symptoms and, in the case of an adult, also their school and childhood experiences. They will use clinical interviewing, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists in order to determine if the individual has the ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also inquire about the family history of mental illnesses and physical conditions. They'll ask the individual, their parents and teachers about their moods, behaviors and attitudes and about how they've changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the presence of more than six symptoms that start before age 12 and create difficulties in two or more settings (home school, social situations). The symptoms have to be present for at least six months. In addition, the symptoms must be more severe than expected for someone at that age.
There are no blood tests or brain scans to diagnose ADHD, but an exam for medical reasons is usually carried out to ensure there's no other issue with the person. Doctors will examine the person's symptoms and medical and mental background and may recommend an eye exam or a hearing test. Some people who suffer from ADHD are genetically predisposed to the condition. If the person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD and is a child, they have a 91% chance of developing the disorder themselves. ADHD is often accompanied by a mood or anxiety disorder. These disorders are more difficult to manage than ADHD alone.
The following is a list of preventions.
Many things, such as certain medical conditions and learning disabilities, can cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. It's important to consult an expert in mental health or a health professional for an evaluation prior to making a diagnosis. This person will ask your child about their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They can also utilize rating scales or a checklist to help determine if your child is suffering from ADHD. They can also conduct an examination and test for problems with vision or hearing. They may also order a brain scan, also known as an EEG, which analyzes beta and theta waves to check for changes in the brain function of your child.
Children diagnosed with ADHD must show symptoms that are significantly greater than normal for their age and developmental level. The symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity should cause a significant problem at school, at home or work. The symptoms should also affect your child's ability to interact with others. If your child is suffering from moderate or severe ADHD they will require medication in order to lead a normal life.
Children with ADHD are often unable to follow directions and remain focused, which can lead to low self-esteem and grades. They may also have difficulty with social interactions, since they aren't able to discern social signals. They frequently interrupt others and appear aggressive or abrasive. They are at high risk of developing depression, anxiety and addiction to drugs.
Mild ADHD is defined by symptoms that are apparent but do not interfere in daily life, make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People who suffer from severe or moderate ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms and are more likely to experience issues with their jobs, like difficulties in keeping an occupation, getting along with coworkers, or maintaining relationships.
People who don't receive treatment may face serious consequences. This could include financial problems, health issues, and legal issues. There are a variety of treatments for ADHD that include psychosocial therapy and behavioral therapy, diet and nutrition, exercise, sleeping improvements, and medication. NIMH offers more information on these options and how you can talk with your family about these options.