Our Site and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't receive diagnosis until their symptoms create major 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 providers to diagnose mental disorders.
A complete evaluation will include ADHD symptom checklists and standardized behavior rating scales. Health professionals also inquire about family history and go through old school records.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can affect the daily routine of a person regardless of whether they are at school, home or at work. They can cause disruption to relationships and careers, leading to serious financial problems or a driver's license and even create emotional distress for the person. It's normal to struggle with concentration or staying organized from time the time but if it develops into an ongoing problem that interferes with everyday functioning, a medical provider may be able to determine ADHD.
A health professional must evaluate the person in two different settings, including at home and at school, as well as in social and workplace situations. They need to observe the person in these situations for at least six months and must see that the symptoms are significantly hindering their ability to function. The symptoms 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 interfere with others.
Children with inattention ADHD are unable to follow instructions and staying focused or sat down. They're usually daydreaming or 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, blurt out answers before they are finished and have trouble managing their emotions.
It's it's a relief to get the diagnosis of ADHD, but it is not always easy. It's normal to be embarrassed. However, honesty is the best approach. For some, a diagnosis will be the first time they've realised that their struggles have a name. Understanding this can change the way they view themselves, which could be a positive influence.
Diagnosis
When it is about ADHD symptoms are evident at different times for kids and adults. For children, they usually begin in the middle of elementary school, however for adults, it's a bit later. The symptoms could 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 instances the condition can be misdiagnosed as autism, or an anxiety disorder or depression.
If your child or teen is showing indications of ADHD The first step is to talk to your doctor. They will do an examination of the body, including vision and hearing, to make sure there isn't something other than ADHD. Your child and you will be asked to complete an inventory of symptoms. They will be interested in knowing how the symptoms have affected their home and school life. They'll also want to learn about any previous issues they've faced.
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a doctor competent to do so. They will use clinical interviews, scales for assessing behavior or symptom checklists. Psychological tests may be used to evaluate your cognitive abilities, and how you think and process information. They could also conduct an examination of your brain using the Neuropsychiatric EEG Assessment Aid (NEBA) that is FDA-approved. (NEBA), which evaluates the activity of specific areas of your brain that regulate attention and impulsivity.
They will also look at your medical records to see whether there are any other mental health issues or injuries, like thyroid issues or head trauma which can trigger similar symptoms. They may refer you for a thorough evaluation to psychiatrists or psychologists.
To get a diagnosis of ADHD you must exhibit a minimum of six or more symptoms that began in childhood or before age 12. The symptoms must be present for at least six months and cause significant difficulties with your daily functioning. Adults must be able to meet a lower threshold in order to be diagnosed, however the same requirements apply: You must have at least five or more symptoms, and these must interfere with your work, home and social life.
Treatment
Treatment aims to ease symptoms and improve functioning at home, work and school. There are a range of treatment options, including medication and behavior therapy. Some people have success through lifestyle changes, such as using planners, notebooks, and scheduling tasks ahead of time. Other people may benefit from specific learning disability treatments, like metacognitive therapy that helps to improve their abilities to manage their time and problem solving as well as cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with the distortions in thinking which can lead to low moods and low self-esteem.
Health professionals who are specially trained will provide the best treatment plan based on a person's specific situation. They will look at the person's current symptoms and, in the case of an adult, their childhood behavior and school experiences. They will employ interviews with a psychologist, behavior rating scales and symptoms checklists to determine if the person meets the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They may also inquire about family history of mental illnesses and physical ailments. They will ask about the person's moods and behaviors and how they've changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the presence of six or more symptoms that begin before age 12 and can cause problems 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 significantly more difficult than one would expect for a person who is that old.
There are no brain scans or blood tests to determine ADHD However, a medical checkup usually is done to make sure there's no other issue with the individual. Doctors will examine the person's medical and psychiatric records and review their symptoms. They may also suggest an eye or hearing test. Some people with ADHD have a genetic predisposition to develop the condition. Someone who has a sibling or parent with ADHD has a 91% chance of develop the disorder. ADHD is often accompanied by a mood or anxiety disorder. These conditions can be more difficult to manage than ADHD alone.
Prevention
Many things, including some medical conditions and some types of learning disabilities could cause similar symptoms as those of ADHD. It is important to speak with a mental health professional or health care provider for an assessment prior to determining a diagnosis. diagnosed with adhd will inquire about your child's issues and how they impact their daily life. They may also use rating scales or a checklist to help determine if your child is suffering from ADHD. They can also conduct physical examinations and tests for problems with vision or hearing. They can also request an EEG brain scan, which evaluates beta and theta wave activity to check on changes in your child's brain function.
For children to be diagnosed with ADHD they must display numerous symptoms that are significantly more than normal for their age or developmental level. Inattention, hyperactivity, or an impulsive behavior can create serious issues at home, school or at work. The symptoms should also affect your child's ability to interact with other children. If your child is suffering from moderate or severe ADHD symptoms they will require treatment with medication to live a normal life.
Children suffering from ADHD may have trouble following directions and staying focused. This can result in low grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also struggle with social interactions, since they aren't able to discern social signals. They often interrupt others and appear aggressive or abrasive. They are at high risk of developing depression, anxiety, and addiction to drugs.
People who suffer from mild ADHD have symptoms that are apparent but do not affect their daily life or make it difficult to work or maintain relationships. The people with moderate or severe ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms, and are more likely than other people to experience problems at work, such as difficulty keeping a job, or interacting with colleagues.
If you don't seek treatment, you can have serious consequences, including financial difficulties, health problems, and legal issues. There are a number of treatments for ADHD that include psychosocial therapy and behavioral therapy such as diet and nutrition, exercise, sleep improvements, and medications. NIMH has more information on these options and how to talk with your family about them.