Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD<br /><br />Many adults don't get diagnosed until their symptoms cause major difficulties at school, at work or home. Health care providers follow the diagnostic criteria 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 symptom checklists and standardized behavior rating scales. Health care professionals also inquire 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 at work. They can lead to problems in relationships and careers, financial problems, or even a driver's licence. They can also cause emotional stress. It's normal for people to have difficulty concentrating or staying organized from time the time but if it develops into an ongoing problem that interferes with everyday functioning, a health provider may be able to diagnose ADHD.<br /><br />To be able to diagnose someone with ADHD, a health professional must assess the person in at minimum two different settings, which could include at home, school or work and social settings. The health care professional has to monitor the patient for at least six months and determine whether the symptoms are affecting their ability to function. The symptoms should also have started before 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 have a difficult time waiting for their turn, and frequently interrupt or interfere with others.<br /><br />Children with the inattentive type of ADHD are unable to sit or wait in silence and are unable to follow instructions or staying on task. They are usually daydreaming or easily distracted. They are more likely to be missed, and miss out on opportunities to learn, particularly in elementary schools which could set for them to fail 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 are unable to sit or waiting for their turn, blurting out answers before they are finished and have trouble controlling their emotions.<br /><br />It is it's a relief to get the diagnosis of ADHD but it's not always an easy process. People might be ashamed, but they have to be honest in order that they can get the help they need. A diagnosis could be the first time people realize that their issues have a label. <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment">adhd diagnosis adult uk</a> can allow them to change their perspective of themselves, which can lead to positive changes.<br /><br />Diagnosis<br /><br />ADHD symptoms can manifest at different time points in adults and children. For children, they usually begin in the middle of elementary school, however for adults, it's 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 is misdiagnosed. It could be related to autism or a mood disorder like anxiety or depression.<br /><br />Talk to your doctor If your child or teenager is showing signs of ADHD. They will perform a physical examination, including audio and vision tests to ensure that there is no other issue. They will ask you and your child to complete an inventory of the symptoms. They will inquire about what the effects of their symptoms are on their school and personal life. They'll also want to learn about any previous issues they've experienced.<br /><br />For adults, a healthcare provider who is certified to diagnose ADHD will conduct behavioral interviews and clinical scales or checklists of symptoms to determine if they meet the requirements for diagnosis. Psychological tests can be used to assess your cognitive abilities, and how you process information and think. They may also perform an examination of your brain using the Neuropsychiatric EEG Assessment Aid (NEBA) that is FDA-approved. (NEBA), which measures the activity of certain areas of your brain that regulate the ability to focus and the ability to be impulsive.<br /><br />They will also review your medical records to see if there are any other mental conditions or injuries, for example thyroid or head trauma which can trigger similar symptoms. They may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct a thorough assessment.<br /><br />You must have at least six symptoms which started in childhood or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms must last at least six months, and create significant problems for your daily activities. Adults must meet a lower threshold for diagnosis, but the criteria are the same: You must exhibit at least five symptoms that cause problems with your work, social and personal life.<br /><br />Treatment<br /><br />The aim of treatment is to improve symptoms and restore functioning at home, school and work. There are a myriad of treatment options, including the use of medication and therapy for behavior. Some people find success by making lifestyle changes, such as using an organizer, a notebook and scheduling their tasks ahead of time. Others might benefit from specific learning disabilities treatments, like metacognitive training that helps them improve their organizational skills and problem-solving abilities or cognitive behavioral therapy to address cognitive distortions that can cause negative moods and low self-esteem.<br /><br />Specially trained health care professionals can offer the best treatment plan based on a person's particular situation. They will look at the person's symptoms and, in the case of an adult, also their school and childhood experiences. They will use clinical interviewing, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists in order to determine if a person has the ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also conduct a family history of mental health problems and physical illnesses. They'll ask the individual, their parents and teachers about their moods, behaviors and attitudes and about how they've changed over time.<br /><br />A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the presence of more than six symptoms that begin before age 12 and cause difficulties in two or more environments (home school, at home and social situations). The symptoms are expected to be present for at least six months. In addition the symptoms should be significantly more difficult than expected for someone who is that old.<br /><br />A medical exam is usually done to ensure that the patient does not have any other health problems. Doctors will look over the patient's symptoms and medical and mental history, and may suggest an eye examination or hearing test. Some people with ADHD are genetically predisposed to develop the condition. If the person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD and is a child, they have 91% of the chance of developing the disorder themselves. It's also normal to have a comorbid mood or anxiety disorder that is associated with ADHD. These disorders can be harder to manage than ADHD alone.<br /><br />Prevention<br /><br />Many things, such as medical conditions and some 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 determining the diagnosis. The professional will inquire with your child about their symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They can use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child has ADHD. They could also perform a physical exam and test for hearing or vision problems. They can also request an examination of the brain, known as an EEG that examines beta and theta waves to check for changes in your child's brain function.<br /><br /><br /><br />Children who are diagnosed with ADHD must show symptoms that are significantly greater than the norm for their age and development level. The symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity must cause significant problems at home, school or at work. The symptoms must also affect your child's ability to interact with other people. If your child is suffering from moderate or severe ADHD symptoms and needs treatment, they'll need to be treated with medication to lead the normal life.<br /><br />Children suffering from ADHD might have trouble following directions and staying on task. This can result in poor grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also struggle with social interactions because they are unable to read social signals and are often disruptive to others or appear aggressive or abrasive. They are at a high risk of developing depression, anxiety and alcohol abuse.<br /><br />People who have mild ADHD have symptoms that are noticeable but do not affect their lives or make it difficult to work or maintain relationships. The people with moderate or severe ADHD will have more symptoms, and are more likely than other people to experience problems at work, including difficulties keeping a job or interacting with coworkers.<br /><br />If they do not seek treatment may face serious consequences. This could include financial problems as well as health and legal issues. There are a number of treatments for ADHD that include psychosocial therapy and behavioral therapy such as diet and nutrition, exercise, medication for sleep, and other treatments. NIMH offers more information on these options and how to discuss them with your family.<br /><br />