"The Ultimate Cheat Sheet On Diagnosis Of ADHD
Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are usually not diagnosed until they are experiencing significant issues at home, at work or school. Health care professionals adhere to the diagnostic criteria set out in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A full evaluation includes ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standardized behavior rating scales. Health professionals also inquire about family history and review old school records.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can have a negative impact on a person's daily life regardless of whether they are at school, home or at work. They can be disruptive to relationships and work, leading to serious problems with finances or a driver's license, and can even cause emotional distress for the person. It's common for people to struggle in concentrating or staying organized at times. However when the issue gets more severe and affects the daily activities, a healthcare specialist may be able to identify ADHD.
A health care professional must assess the individual in two different situations, like at home and in school, as well as in workplace and social situations. They should observe the person in these settings for at least six months and determine that the symptoms are significantly hindering their ability to function. The signs must also be present prior to the age of 12. 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 often unable to wait for their turn and often interrupt or intrude on others.
Children who suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD are incapable of sitting or waiting in silence and are unable to follow instructions or staying focused. They tend to be wandering off or distracted. They're more likely to be overlooked and miss out on opportunities for learning, especially in elementary school, which can cause them to be a failure later on 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, blurt out answers before questions are completed, and have difficulty managing their emotions.
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD can be a relief however, it's not always easy to process. It's fine to be embarrassed. But, honesty is the best way to go. A diagnosis might be the first time people realize that their issues are ascribed to. Having this understanding can change the way they view themselves, which may result in positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms can manifest at different times in children and adults. For kids, they typically begin in elementary school, but for adults, it's later. The symptoms may be mild, moderate or even severe. They can also be a combination of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity or more focused on one or the other. In some cases, the disorder is not properly diagnosed. It could be a sign of autism or a mood disorders like depression or anxiety.
Consult your doctor if your child or teenager is showing indications of ADHD. They will conduct a physical exam, including vision and hearing to make sure there's nothing else going on. Your child and you will be asked to complete an inventory of symptoms. They will also ask how the symptoms have affected their school and family life. They'll also want to learn about any previous issues they've faced.
Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD by a healthcare provider who is qualified to diagnose it. They'll conduct clinical interviews, use scales for assessing behavior, or symptom checklists. They might also do psychological tests to measure your cognitive abilities and discover how you process information and think. They could also conduct an examination of the brain using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA), a tool that measures the activity of certain brain regions that control your attention and your impulsivity.
They will also review your medical records to determine if there are any other mental disorders or injuries, like thyroid or head trauma which can trigger similar symptoms. They might refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for a thorough examination.
To get a diagnosis of ADHD, you must have a minimum of six or more signs that started in childhood, or before age 12. The symptoms have to be present for at minimum six months and cause significant problems with your daily activities. Adults need to meet a lower threshold for diagnosis, however the criteria are the same: You must exhibit at least five symptoms that interfere with your social, work and personal life.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to improve symptoms and improve functioning at school, home and at work. There are a myriad of treatment options, such as medication and behavioral therapy. Some people also have satisfaction with lifestyle changes, for example, establishing consistent routines by using a planner notebook, and scheduling tasks ahead of time. Others might benefit from specific learning disabilities therapies, such as metacognitive training to help them improve their organizational skills and problem-solving abilities or cognitive behavioral therapy to correct the distortions in thinking that can lead to negative moods and low self-esteem.
Health professionals who are specially trained can provide the most effective treatment program based on a patient's particular situation. They will evaluate the person's symptoms and, when they are an adult, their school and childhood experiences. They will use clinical interviewing, scales for assessing behavior, and symptom checklists to determine if a person has the ADHD diagnostic criteria. They can also look up a family history of mental health issues and physical illnesses. They will inquire about the person's moods, behaviors and how they have changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is based on six or more symptoms that begin before 12 years of age and create problems in at least two settings (at school, at home or in social situations). The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must be more severe than expected for someone that age.
There are no blood tests or brain scans to diagnose ADHD, but an exam for medical reasons is usually 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 suggest an eye exam or a hearing test. Certain people suffering from ADHD are genetically predisposed to the disorder. If a person has a parent or sibling with ADHD, they have about 91% chance of developing the disorder themselves. It's also common to have a comorbid mood anxiety disorder that is associated with ADHD. These disorders can be harder to manage than ADHD alone.
The following is a list of preventions.
Many things, such as certain medical conditions and learning disabilities, can lead to symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. It is therefore important to consult a health care provider or a mental health professional for an assessment prior to making a diagnosis. The professional will inquire with your child about their symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They may also utilize rating scales or a checklist to help determine if your child suffers from ADHD. They could also conduct a physical examination and test for hearing or visual issues. They may also order an EEG brain scan that analyzes beta and theta waves to monitor changes in your child’s brain function.
adhd diagnosis adult who are diagnosed with ADHD should exhibit symptoms that are significantly greater than what is normal for their age and developmental level. The symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity must cause significant problems at home, at school or at work. The symptoms also need to hinder your child's social interactions. If your child is suffering from severe or moderate ADHD, they will require medication in order to lead a normal life.
Children suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to follow instructions and remain on task which can result in low self-esteem and grades. They may also have difficulty with social interactions as they struggle to discern social signals and are often disruptive to others or appear aggressive or abrasive. They are at risk for depression, anxiety as well as substance abuse and issues with relationships.
People with mild ADHD have symptoms that are apparent but do not interfere with their lives or make it difficult to work or maintain relationships. Those with moderate or severe ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms and are more likely to experience problems with work, for example, difficulties in 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 behavioral therapy, psychosocial interventions, nutrition and diet, exercise, sleep improvement, and even medications. NIMH has more information on these options and how you can talk with your family members about these options.