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Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are often not diagnosed until they are experiencing significant issues at work, home or school. 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 includes ADHD symptoms lists and standardized behavior ratings scales. Health care professionals also inquire about family history and review old school records.
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ADHD symptoms can affect the daily routine of a person, whether it is at home, school or work. They can be disruptive to relationships and careers, leading to financial issues or a driver's license, and can cause emotional stress for the person. It's normal to have difficulty concentrating or being organized from time to moment, but if it becomes an ongoing issue that affects daily functioning, a health care provider may be able to determine ADHD.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD A healthcare professional must examine the person in at least two different settings, which could include the workplace, school, and social settings. The health care professional must be observing the person for at least six month and determine whether the symptoms are affecting their ability to function. The signs must also have begun before the age of 12 years old. 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 their turn and often interrupt or interfere with others.
Children with the inattentive kind of ADHD are unable to sit or wait at a comfortable pace and have difficulty following instructions or staying on track. They are usually distracted or snoozing. They are more likely to be missed and miss out on learning opportunities, especially in the elementary school setting 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 difficulty waiting their turn or settling down. They also have difficulty managing their emotions.
It is a relief to receive a diagnosis of ADHD however, it's not always simple. It's fine to be embarrassed. But, honesty is the best policy. A diagnosis may be the first time people realize that their issues are ascribed to. Understanding this can change the way they think about themselves, which can then be a positive influence.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms can manifest at different times in both adults and children. In children, the symptoms usually begin in the middle of elementary school. For adults, symptoms begin slightly later. Symptoms 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 may be misdiagnosed as autism or a mood disorder such as anxiety or depression.
If your child or teen is showing indications of ADHD the first step is to speak with your doctor. They will conduct an examination of the body that includes hearing and vision, to make sure there's nothing other than ADHD. You and your child will be asked to write the list of symptoms. They will want to know how their symptoms have affected their family and school lives. They'll also want to learn about any previous issues they've experienced.
Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD by a medical professional qualified to do so. They will utilize clinical interviews, scales for assessing behavior, or symptoms checklists. They may also conduct psychological tests to assess your cognitive abilities and discover how you think and process information. They could also conduct an examination of your brain using the Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid, which is FDA-approved (NEBA), which analyzes the activity of specific areas of your brain that control the ability to focus and the ability to be impulsive.
In addition, they will look at your medical history to see if you've had any other mental health problems or injuries such as head trauma or thyroid conditions that can cause similar symptoms. They may refer you to an extensive evaluation with a psychiatrist or psychologist.
You must show six or more symptoms which began in childhood or before the age of 12. The symptoms should have been present for at least 6 months and be causing significant difficulties in your daily life. Adults need to have a lower threshold to be diagnosed, however the same requirements 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 restore functioning at school, home and at work. There are a myriad of treatment options, including the use of medication and behavioral therapy. Some people find success by making lifestyle changes, such as using planners, notebooks and arranging tasks in advance. Others might benefit from specific learning disability treatments, such as metacognitive therapy that helps to improve their abilities to manage their time and problem solving or cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with cognitive distortions that can cause negative moods and low self-esteem.
Health professionals who have been specially trained in diagnosing ADHD can recommend the best treatment plan for a person's situation. They will evaluate the symptoms of the patient, and in the case of an adult, they will also consider their school and childhood experiences. They will use clinical interviewing, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists to determine if the individual has the ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also take the family history of mental health problems and physical ailments. They will inquire about the person's moods, behavior and how they have 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 cause difficulties in two or more environments (home, school and social situations). The symptoms are expected to be present for at minimum six months. In addition the symptoms should be more severe than expected for someone at that age.
There are no blood tests or brain scans to diagnose ADHD however medical checks are usually carried out to ensure there's no other issue with the individual. Doctors will look over the patient's symptoms, as well as their medical and psychiatric history, and may suggest an eye examination or hearing test. Certain people suffering from ADHD are genetically predisposed to the disorder. If the person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD, they have about 91% chance of developing the disorder themselves. adhd in adults undiagnosed is also common to have a comorbid mood or anxiety disorder with ADHD. These disorders are more difficult to treat than ADHD alone.
Prevention
Many things, such as certain medical conditions and learning disabilities, can cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. It's important to consult a mental health professional or health care provider for an assessment prior to making a diagnosis. The doctor will inquire about your child's issues and how they impact their daily lives. They may also use rating scales or a checklist to determine if your child is suffering from ADHD. They can also conduct a physical examination and test for hearing or visual issues. They can also request an examination of the brain, known as an EEG, which measures theta and beta waves to detect changes in the brain function of your child.
Children who are diagnosed with ADHD have symptoms that are significantly more than what is normal for their age and development level. Inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity must cause serious problems at school, home or at work. The symptoms should also affect your child's social interactions. If your child has moderate or severe ADHD symptoms and needs treatment, they'll need to be treated with medication to live a normal life.
Children with ADHD can find it difficult to follow instructions and remain on task, which can lead to poor grades and low self-esteem. They may also have difficulty in social relationships because they are unable to read social signals. They often interrupt others and appear aggressive or abrasive. They are at risk of depression, anxiety, substance misuse, and relationship issues.
Mild ADHD is characterized by symptoms that are visible but do not affect daily life. They can make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People who suffer from severe or moderate ADHD have more symptoms and are more likely to experience problems with work, for example, difficulties in keeping an occupation, getting along with coworkers, or maintaining relationships.
People who do not receive treatment may suffer serious consequences. These include financial problems and health issues, as well as legal issues. There are a variety of treatments for ADHD. These include behavioral therapy, psychosocial interventions as well as nutrition and diet exercise, sleep improvement and even medications. NIMH provides more information about these options and how you can discuss them with your family members.