Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD<br /><br />Many adults aren't diagnosed until their symptoms create major problems at work, school or home. 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).<br /><br />A complete evaluation will include ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standardized behavior rating scales. Health professionals inquire about the family's history and look at old school records.<br /><br />Signs and symptoms<br /><br />ADHD symptoms can impact a person's daily life, whether it is at home, school or at work. They can cause problems in relationships and careers, financial difficulties and even a driver's permit. They can also trigger emotional distress. It's normal for people to struggle concentrating or staying organised from time to time. However, if the problem gets more severe and affects the daily activities, a healthcare professional may be able to diagnose ADHD.<br /><br />To be able to diagnose someone with ADHD the health professional must assess the person in at minimum two different settings, including home and school or workplace and social settings. They need to observe the person in these situations for at least six months and determine that the symptoms are impairing their ability to function. The symptoms should also be present prior to the age of 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 are often not able to wait for their turn, and they interrupt or disturb others.<br /><br />Children with the inattentive kind of ADHD are not able to sit or stand in silence and are unable to follow instructions or staying on task. They are usually distracted by their thoughts or forgetful, and are easily distracted by their surroundings. They're more prone to being overlooked and miss out on opportunities to learn, particularly in elementary school, which can cause them to be a failure later in life.<br /><br />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 difficulty controlling their emotions.<br /><br />Getting a diagnosis for ADHD can be a great relief however, it's not always easy to accept. Some people may be ashamed, but they have to be honest in order that they can get the help they're entitled to. A diagnosis may be the first time people realize that their issues are ascribed to. This understanding can allow them to change their perspective of themselves, leading to positive changes.<br /><br /><br /><br />Diagnosis<br /><br />ADHD symptoms appear at different time points in adults and children. For children, symptoms typically begin in elementary school, but for adults, it's a bit 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 not properly diagnosed. It could be a sign of autism or a mood disorder like anxiety or depression.<br /><br />If your child or teen shows symptoms of ADHD The first step is to speak with your doctor. They will do a physical exam that includes hearing and vision to ensure there isn't something other than ADHD. You and your child will be asked to fill out a list of symptoms. They will ask what the effects of their symptoms are on their school and family life. They'll also want you to tell them about any previous problems.<br /><br />Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a healthcare provider who is qualified to diagnose it. They will use clinical interviews, scales for assessing behavior, or symptoms checklists. Psychological tests may be used to assess your cognitive abilities, and how you think and process information. They may also perform brain scans using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA), a tool that measures brain activity in certain parts of the brain that control your attention and impulsivity.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment">adhd in adults undiagnosed</a> will also review your medical records to determine whether there are any additional mental health issues or injuries, like head trauma or thyroid problems that could cause similar symptoms. They may refer you to thorough evaluation by psychiatrists or psychologists.<br /><br />You must be suffering from 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 serious difficulties in your daily life. Adults need to meet a lower threshold for diagnosis, however the criteria are the same: You must be suffering from at least five symptoms that cause problems with your social, work and personal life.<br /><br />Treatment<br /><br />The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and restore functioning at the workplace, at home and in school. There are many treatment options, including medications and behavior therapy. Some people find satisfaction by making lifestyle changes, such as using planners, notebooks and arranging tasks in advance. Others might benefit from specific learning disability therapies, such as metacognitive training to help to improve their organizational skills and problem-solving abilities as well as cognitive behavioral therapy to address cognitive distortions that can lead to negative moods and low self-esteem.<br /><br />Health professionals who are specially trained to recognize ADHD can recommend the most appropriate treatment for a person's situation. They will examine the person's symptoms and, if they are an adult, their childhood and school experiences. They will employ clinical interviews, behavior ratings scales and checklists of symptoms to determine if the person meets requirements for diagnosing ADHD. They may also take an examination of a family history of mental health problems and physical ailments. They'll ask the person or their parents as well as teachers about their moods, behaviors and attitudes and how they've changed over time.<br /><br />The diagnosis of ADHD is based on six or more symptoms, that begin before the age of 12 and create difficulties in at least two settings (at school, at home, or in social situations). The symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms must be more severe than is normal for someone of this age.<br /><br />There are no blood tests or brain scans to determine ADHD However, an exam for medical reasons is usually done to make sure there's no other issue with the individual. Doctors will review the patient's medical and psychiatric histories and look over their symptoms. They may also recommend an eye or hearing test. Certain people suffering from ADHD are genetically predisposed to develop the disorder. Someone who has a sibling or parent with ADHD has a 91% chance to develop the disorder. ADHD is often accompanied by a mood or anxiety disorder. These disorders are more difficult to treat than ADHD alone.<br /><br />Prevention<br /><br />Many things, such as certain medical conditions or learning disabilities, can lead to symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. It is essential to talk to an expert in mental health or a health care professional for an assessment prior to determining a diagnosis. This person will ask about your child's symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They may also use rating scales or a checklist to help determine if your child is suffering from ADHD. They could also perform 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.<br /><br />To be considered a child with ADHD the child must exhibit numerous symptoms that are more prominent than the norm for their age or developmental level. The signs of inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity must cause significant problems at home, at school or at work. The symptoms should also hinder your child's social interactions. If your child has moderate or severe ADHD symptoms, they will need treatment with medication in order to live an ordinary life.<br /><br />Children suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to follow directions and remain on task and can result in poor grades and low self-esteem. They may also have difficulty with social interactions as they are unable to read social signals and are often disruptive to others or appear violent or aggressive. They are at risk for anxiety, depression and addiction to drugs.<br /><br />People with mild ADHD have symptoms that are noticeable but do not interfere with their daily lives or make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. The people with moderate or severe ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms, and they are more likely than other people to have problems at work, like problems with keeping a job or getting along with colleagues.<br /><br />People who do not receive treatment may suffer serious consequences. This could include financial problems as well as health and legal issues. There are a variety of treatments for ADHD. These include psychosocial interventions, nutrition and diet, exercise, sleep improvement, and medications. NIMH provides more information about these options and how to talk with your family members about them.<br /><br />