Diagnosis Of ADHD: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are typically not diagnosed until they have major problems at home, work or at school. Health professionals follow the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A thorough assessment includes ADHD symptoms lists and standardized behavior ratings scales. Health care professionals also inquire about family history and review old school records.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can have a negative impact on a person's daily life regardless of whether at school, home or at work. They can cause problems in relationships and careers, financial issues, or even a driver's permit. They can also lead to emotional stress. It is common for people to struggle in concentrating or staying organized occasionally. However when the issue gets more severe and affects everyday functioning, a medical specialist may be able to identify ADHD.
A health professional must evaluate the person in two distinct settings, including 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 they must determine that the symptoms are significantly impairing their ability to function. The symptoms must also have started before 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 not able to wait for their turn, and they interrupt or interfere with others.
Children with the inattentive kind of ADHD are unable to sit or wait in silence and are unable to follow instructions or staying on task. They tend to be wandering off or distracted. They are more likely to be missed, and miss out on opportunities to learn, particularly in primary schools, which can set up them for failure later 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 difficulty waiting their turn or sitting still. They also have trouble controlling their emotions.
It is it's a relief to get an diagnosis of ADHD but it's not always easy. It's fine to be embarrassed. However, honesty is the best way to go. For some, a diagnosis will be the first time they've realized that their struggles have a name. This knowledge can allow them to change the way they view themselves, leading to positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it comes to ADHD symptoms are evident at different times for children and adults. For children, symptoms typically begin in elementary school, but for adults, it's later. The signs may 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 such as anxiety or depression.
If your child or teenager shows indications of ADHD The first step is to talk to your doctor. They will perform an examination that includes vision and audio to ensure that there is nothing else wrong. They will ask you and your child to fill out a checklist of their symptoms. They will want to know how the symptoms have affected their home and school life. They'll also want to be informed about any past issues they've had.
For adults, a medical professional who is certified to diagnose ADHD will use the process of conducting clinical interviews, as well as behavior rating scales or checklists for symptoms to determine if they meet the criteria for diagnosis. Psychological tests may be used to determine your cognitive abilities, and how you process information and think. They could also conduct a brain scan using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which measures the activity of certain areas of your brain that control the ability to focus and the ability to be impulsive.
Additionally, they'll examine your medical history to determine whether you've experienced any other mental health conditions or injuries like head trauma or thyroid conditions that can cause similar symptoms. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct a thorough assessment.
You must show six or more symptoms that began in childhood or prior to the age of 12. adhd diagnosed must last at least six months, and cause significant difficulties with your daily functioning. Adults need to have a lower threshold to be diagnosed, but the same requirements apply: You must have at least five or more symptoms and these should affect your work, home and social life.
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to improve symptoms and improve functioning at school, home and at work. There are a variety of treatment options, such as treatment with medication and therapy for behavior. Some people find satisfaction by making lifestyle changes such as using an organizer, a notebook, and scheduling tasks ahead of time. Others might benefit from specific learning disabilities treatments, like metacognitive training that helps to improve their abilities to manage their time and problem solving, or cognitive behavioral therapy to address cognitive distortions which can lead to low moods and low self-esteem.
Health care professionals who are specially trained in diagnosing ADHD can recommend the best treatment plan for a patient's situation. They will evaluate the symptoms of the patient, and when they are an adult, also their school and childhood experiences. They will use interviews with a psychologist, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists to determine whether the person is in compliance with the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They may also take an examination of a family history of mental health issues as well as physical illnesses. They will inquire about the person's moods and behaviors and how they've changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is upon six or more symptoms which start before the age of 12 and can cause issues in at least two settings (at home, school or social situations). The symptoms have to be present for at least six months. The symptoms must also be more severe than what is normal for a person of the same age.
A medical checkup is usually carried out to confirm that the patient does not have any other health problems. Doctors will look over the patient's medical and psychiatric histories and review their symptoms. They may also recommend an eye or hearing test. Certain people suffering from ADHD have a genetic predisposition to develop the condition. If the person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD and is a child, they have 91% chance of being diagnosed with the disorder. ADHD is often associated with a mood or anxiety disorder. These conditions can be more difficult to manage than ADHD by itself.
Prevention
Many things, like certain medical conditions, as well as learning disabilities, can lead to symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. It is therefore important to consult an expert in health care or a mental health professional to conduct an assessment prior to making an assessment. The doctor will inquire about the symptoms of your child and how they affect their daily life. They could use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child is ADHD. They could also perform an examination and test for hearing or vision problems. They can also request a brain scan, also known as an EEG, which examines beta and theta waves to determine if there are any changes in your child's brain's function.
Children diagnosed with ADHD must show symptoms that are significantly more than what is normal for their age and developmental level. The symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity have to cause serious problems at school, at home or at work. The symptoms can also impact your child's ability to interact with other children. If your child is suffering from severe or moderate ADHD, they will require medication to lead a normal life.
Children with ADHD can find it difficult to follow directions and remain focused and can result in low self-esteem and grades. They may also have difficulties with social interactions because they are unable to read social cues and often interrupt others or come off as aggressive or abrasive. They are susceptible to anxiety, depression as well as substance abuse and relationship issues.
Mild ADHD is manifests itself in symptoms that are evident but do not hinder daily life, make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People with moderate to severe ADHD will exhibit more symptoms, and they are more likely to have issues at work, like problems with keeping a job or getting along with colleagues.
Patients who do not receive treatment can have serious consequences, including health issues, financial troubles and legal issues. There are many treatments for ADHD. These include psychosocial interventions including nutrition and diet, exercise, sleep improvement and medications. NIMH provides more information about these options and how to speak with your family about them.