Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD<br /><br />Adults are often not diagnosed until they are experiencing significant issues at home, at work or school. Health care providers follow the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).<br /><br />A full assessment includes ADHD symptom checklists and standardized behavior rating scales. Health care professionals also ask about family history and look over old school records.<br /><br />Signs and symptoms<br /><br />ADHD symptoms can have a negative impact on a person's daily life regardless of whether at home, school or work. They can cause issues in relationships and careers, financial difficulties or even a driver's permit. They can also cause emotional anxiety. It's normal for people to experience difficulties in concentrating or staying organized occasionally. However, if the problem becomes chronic and interferes with everyday functioning, a medical provider may be able diagnose ADHD.<br /><br />A health care professional must evaluate the person in two distinct environments, such as at home and in school, as well as in workplace and social settings. The health care professional must observe the person for at least six month and determine whether the symptoms are impacting 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 for their turn and often interfere with others or interrupt them.<br /><br />Children with inattention ADHD have difficulty following instructions, staying on task or sitting down. They tend to be daydreaming or easily distracted. They are more likely to be ignored and miss out on learning opportunities, especially in elementary schools, which can set up them for failure later in their lives.<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 a difficult time waiting for their turn or settling down. They also have trouble controlling their emotions.<br /><br />It's it's a relief to get a diagnosis of ADHD however, it's not always easy. It's fine to be embarrassed. But honesty is the best way to go. A diagnosis may be the first time someone realizes that their struggles are ascribed to. Having this understanding can change the way they see themselves, which may be a positive influence.<br /><br />Diagnosis<br /><br />ADHD symptoms can manifest 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 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 disorder is misdiagnosed. It could be a sign of autism or a mood disorder such as depression or anxiety.<br /><br /><br /><br />If your child or teen shows indications of ADHD the first step is to speak with your doctor. They will conduct an examination of the body, including audio and vision to make sure that there is nothing else wrong. They will ask you and your child to fill out a checklist of their symptoms. They'll be interested in knowing how the symptoms have impacted their home and school lives. They will also want to know about any previous problems.<br /><br />For adults, a healthcare provider who is certified to diagnose ADHD will use clinical interviews and behavior rating scales or checklists for symptoms to determine if they meet the requirements for diagnosis. Psychological tests can 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-Based Assessment Aid, which is FDA-approved (NEBA) which analyzes the activity of specific parts of your brain that regulate attention and impulsivity.<br /><br />They will also review your medical records to see if 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.<br /><br />You must have six or more symptoms, which began in childhood or before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present for at minimum 6 months and be causing significant difficulties in your daily life. Adults have the lower threshold for diagnosis, but the criteria are the same: You must have at least five symptoms that cause problems with your social, work and family life.<br /><br />Treatment<br /><br />The goal of treatment is to improve symptoms and restore functioning at the workplace, at home and in school. There are a variety of treatment options including medications and behavior therapy. Many people have success with lifestyle changes, for example, creating a consistent routine by using a planner notebook, and scheduling tasks ahead of time. Certain people might benefit from treatments for learning disabilities like metacognitive therapy which assists them in improving their problem-solving abilities and organizational skills or cognitive behavioral therapy which targets thinking distortions that can lead to depression and low self-esteem.<br /><br />Health professionals who have been specially trained in diagnosing ADHD can suggest the most effective treatment plan for a person's situation. They will look at the person's current symptoms and, in the case of an adult, their previous behaviors and school experiences. They will conduct interviews with a psychologist, behavior rating scales and symptoms checklists to determine if the person has met the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They might also inquire about family history of mental illnesses and physical illnesses. They will inquire about the person's moods and behaviors and changes over time.<br /><br />A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the presence of six or more symptoms that start before age 12 and cause difficulties in two or more settings (home school, social situations). The symptoms have to be present for at minimum six months. Additionally, <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment">Iampsychiatry</a> must be significantly more troublesome than expected for someone of that age.<br /><br />A medical checkup is typically carried out to confirm that the patient does not have any other health issues. Doctors will look over the patient's medical and psychiatric histories and examine their symptoms. They may also recommend an hearing or eye test. Some people with ADHD have a genetic predisposition to develop the condition. If a person has a parent or sibling with ADHD and is a child, they have 91% chance of being diagnosed with the disorder. ADHD is often associated with a anxiety or mood disorder. These disorders can be more difficult to treat than ADHD by itself.<br /><br />Prevention<br /><br />Many things, like certain medical conditions or learning disabilities, can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. It is important to speak with an expert in mental health or a health professional for an assessment prior to making the diagnosis. The person you see will inquire about your child's symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They could use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child is ADHD. They could also perform a physical exam and test for problems with vision or hearing. They can also request an EEG brain scan that analyzes beta and theta waves to check on changes in your child’s brain function.<br /><br />To be considered a child with ADHD, they must have numerous symptoms that are noticeably greater than the norm for their age or developmental level. The symptoms of inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity must cause significant problems at home, at school or at work. The symptoms can also impact your child's ability to interact with other people. If your child is suffering from moderate or severe ADHD they will require medication in order to lead an ordinary life.<br /><br />Children suffering from ADHD may have trouble following directions and staying focused. This can lead to poor grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also struggle in social relationships because they are unable to read social cues. They are often disruptive to others and can appear aggressive or abrasive. They are at risk of anxiety, depression, substance misuse, and relationship issues.<br /><br />Mild ADHD is manifests itself in symptoms that are evident but do not hinder everyday life. It can making it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People who suffer from severe or moderate ADHD have more symptoms and are more likely to have problems with work, for example, difficulty keeping jobs, interacting with coworkers, or maintaining relationships.<br /><br />If they do not seek treatment may face serious consequences. These include financial problems and health issues, as well as legal issues. There are many treatments for ADHD. These include behavioral therapy, psychosocial interventions as well as nutrition and diet exercise, sleep improvement and medication. NIMH offers more information on these options and how to discuss them with your family members.<br /><br />