Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't receive diagnosis until their symptoms cause serious difficulties at school, at work or at home. Health care providers follow 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 complete evaluation includes ADHD symptoms and standardized scales for assessing behavior. Health care professionals ask about the family's history, and look at the school records from the past.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD can affect the lives of a person at home, school or work. They can be disruptive to relationships and career, lead to serious problems with finances or driving licenses, and can cause emotional stress for the person. It's normal to have trouble concentrating or being organized from time to moment, but if it becomes an ongoing issue that affects daily functioning, a health specialist may be able determine ADHD.
To determine if someone is diagnosed with ADHD A healthcare professional must examine the person in at least two different environments, such as at home, school or work and social situations. They should observe the person in these situations for a minimum of six months and determine that the symptoms are impairing their ability to function. The symptoms should also 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 difficulty waiting for their turn and frequently interfere with others or interrupt them.
Children who suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD are unable to sit or wait quietly and have trouble following instructions or staying on track. They are usually distracted or snoozing. They're more prone to being ignored 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 wait their turn or staying still. They also have trouble controlling their emotions.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a great relief, but it's difficult to comprehend. It's normal to be embarrassed. But honesty is the best approach. A diagnosis could be the first time someone realizes that their struggles have a name. This understanding can allow them to change the way they view themselves, which can lead to positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms manifest at different time points in adults and children. For kids, they typically begin in elementary school, but for adults, it's later. The symptoms can 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 could be misdiagnosed as autism, or a mood disorder like anxiety or depression.
If your child or teen shows signs of ADHD, the first step is to speak with your doctor. They will perform an examination that includes audio and vision to make sure that there is no other issue. They will ask you and your child to complete an inventory of the symptoms. They will also ask what the effects of their symptoms are on their school and family life. They will also want to know about any previous issues.
Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD by a doctor who is qualified to diagnose it. They will conduct clinical interviews, use behavior rating scales or symptom checklists. They could also conduct psychological tests to assess your cognitive abilities and learn how you process information and think. They could also conduct a brain scan with the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which is a device that measures the activity in certain brain regions that regulate your attention and impulsivity.
They will also look at your medical records to see if there are any other mental disorders or injuries, for example thyroid issues or head trauma that could cause similar symptoms. They might refer you for an extensive evaluation with a psychologist or psychiatrist.
You must show at least six symptoms which started in childhood or before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and cause significant problems with your daily functioning. Adults must be able to meet a lower threshold in order to be diagnosed, but 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
The goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms and improve functioning at home, school and work. There are many treatment options including medication and behavior therapy. Many people have success with lifestyle changes, such as creating a consistent routine by using a planner notebook and scheduling tasks ahead of time. Some people might benefit from learning disabilities therapies like metacognitive therapy which helps them improve their problem-solving and organizational skills or cognitive behavioral therapy, which addresses thinking distortions that can lead to depression and low self-esteem.
Health professionals who are specially trained in diagnosing ADHD can recommend the best treatment plan for a person's situation. They will assess the patient's current symptoms, and if an adult, their childhood behavior and school experiences. They will use clinical interviewing, scales for assessing behavior and symptom checklists in order to determine if the person is in compliance with ADHD diagnostic criteria. They might also inquire about the family history of mental illness and physical ailments. They'll ask the person as well as 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 start before the age of 12 and create difficulties in two or more environments (home school, at home and social situations). The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. In addition, the symptoms must be more severe than expected for someone at that age.
There aren't any blood tests or brain scans to diagnose ADHD However, medical checks are usually carried out to ensure there's nothing else wrong with the individual. Doctors will look over the patient's symptoms and medical and psychiatric history, and may suggest an eye examination or hearing test. Some people who suffer from ADHD have a genetic predisposition to develop the condition. If the person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD, they have about a 91% chance of developing the disorder themselves. It is also common to have a comorbid mood or anxiety disorder that is associated with ADHD. These disorders are more difficult to treat than ADHD alone.
Suggested Reading is a list of preventions.
Many things, including some medical conditions and certain types of learning disabilities can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. It's important to consult a mental health professional or a health care professional for an assessment prior to making a diagnosis. 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 determine if your child suffers from ADHD. They may also do an examination and test for problems with vision or hearing. They can also request an EEG brain scan that analyzes beta and theta waves to determine changes in your child's brain function.
To be able to diagnose a child with ADHD they must display a number of symptoms that are noticeably greater than the norm for their age or developmental level. The signs of inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity should cause a significant problem at home, school or at work. The symptoms can also impact your child's ability to interact with other children. If your child exhibits moderate or severe ADHD symptoms they will require treatment with medication in order to live the normal life.
Children with ADHD are often unable to follow instructions and stay on task, which can lead to low self-esteem and grades. They may also have issues with social interactions, since they are unable to read social signals. They are often disruptive to others and can appear aggressive or abrasive. They are at high risk for depression, anxiety, and alcohol abuse.
People with mild ADHD have symptoms that are apparent but do not interfere with their daily life or make it difficult to work or maintain relationships. People with moderate to severe ADHD will have more symptoms, and they are more likely than other people to have problems at work, like difficulty keeping a job, or interacting with colleagues.
Patients who do not receive treatment could face serious consequences, including health issues, financial troubles, and legal issues. There are a variety of treatment options for ADHD which include behavioral therapy and psychosocial interventions such as diet and nutrition, exercise, sleep improvements, and medications. NIMH provides more details about these options and ways to discuss the options with your family members.