Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD<br /><br />Adults are typically not diagnosed until they have significant issues at work, home or school. Health professionals follow 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 thorough evaluation will include ADHD symptoms lists and standardized behavior ratings scales. Health professionals inquire about the family history and look at old school records.<br /><br />Signs and symptoms<br /><br />Symptoms of ADHD can affect the lives of a person at school, at home or at work. They can disrupt relationships and careers, leading to financial issues or driving licenses, and can cause emotional stress for the person. It's normal for everyone to struggle with concentration or being organized from time to moment however, if it becomes an ongoing issue that interferes with everyday functioning, a medical specialist may be able diagnose ADHD.<br /><br />A health professional must evaluate the person in two distinct situations, like at home and in school, or in social and workplace situations. They need to observe the person in these environments for at least six months and determine that the symptoms are significantly hindering their ability to function. The symptoms must also be present prior to 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 often are in a hurry to finish their work and are often disruptive or intrude upon other children.<br /><br />Children with inattention ADHD have difficulty following instructions and staying focused or sat down. They are usually wandering off or distracted. They are more likely to be ignored and miss out on opportunities to learn, particularly in elementary school, which can cause them to be a failure later in life.<br /><br /><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 wait their turn or sitting still. They also have difficulty controlling their emotions.<br /><br />Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a great relief, but it's not always easy to process. People might be embarrassed, but they must to be honest in order that they can get the help they need. For some, it will be the first time they've realized that their problems have a. Understanding this can change the way they think about themselves, which can then cascade into positive changes.<br /><br />Diagnosis<br /><br />When it comes to ADHD symptoms can manifest at different times for children and adults. For kids, they typically begin in the middle of elementary school, however for adults, it's later. The symptoms can be mild, medium or 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 could be misdiagnosed as autism, or an anxiety disorder or depression.<br /><br />If your child or teenager shows symptoms of ADHD, the first step is to talk to your doctor. They will perform an examination of the body, including vision and audio to ensure that there is no other issue. They will ask you and your child to complete a checklist of their symptoms. They'll be interested in knowing how the symptoms have affected their family and school lives. They will also want you to share with them any problems that you have had previously.<br /><br />For adults, a healthcare professional who's qualified to diagnose ADHD will use the process of conducting clinical interviews, as well as behavior rating scales or checklists for symptoms to determine if they meet the criteria for diagnosis. They might also do psychological tests to measure your cognitive abilities as well as learn how you think and process information. They may also perform an examination of the brain using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA), a tool that measures the activity in certain parts of the brain that regulate your attention and your impulsivity.<br /><br />They will also review your medical records to determine if there are any other mental conditions or injuries, for example head trauma or thyroid problems which can trigger similar symptoms. They may refer you for an extensive evaluation with a psychologist or psychiatrist.<br /><br />You must show six or more symptoms, which started in childhood or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms must have been present for at minimum 6 months and be causing serious problems in your daily functioning. Adults must meet a lower threshold to be diagnosed, but the same requirements apply: You must have at least five or more symptoms, and these should affect your home, work and social life.<br /><br />Treatment<br /><br />Treatment is designed to reduce symptoms and improve functioning at work, home and at school. There are a myriad of treatment options, such as medication and therapy for behavior. Some people also have success with lifestyle changes, like setting up a routine that is consistent by using a planner notebook and scheduling tasks prior to time. Others might benefit from specific learning disability treatments, such as metacognitive training that helps them improve their ability to organize their lives and solve problems, or cognitive behavioral therapy to correct the distortions in thinking which can lead to low moods and low self-esteem.<br /><br />Health professionals who are specially trained to recognize ADHD can recommend the best treatment plan for a person's situation. They will examine the person's current symptoms, and when they are an adult, their previous behavior and school experiences. They will use clinical interviewing, scales for assessing behavior, and symptom checklists in order to determine if the person meets ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also ask about family history of mental illnesses and physical ailments. They will inquire about the person's moods, behavior and how they have changed over time.<br /><br />The diagnosis of ADHD is by analyzing six or more symptoms that begin before the age of 12 and can cause difficulties in at least two different settings (at school, at home, or in social situations). The symptoms have to be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must be more severe than what is normal for someone that age.<br /><br />A medical exam is usually performed to make sure that the patient does not have any other health issues. Doctors will review 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. Someone who has a parent or sibling with ADHD has a 91% chance of develop the disorder. It's also common to suffer from a comorbid mood disorder or anxiety disorder that is associated with ADHD. These conditions can be more difficult to manage than ADHD by itself.<br /><br />Prevention<br /><br />Many things, such as certain medical conditions or learning disabilities, can trigger symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. It is therefore important to consult an expert in health care or a mental health professional for an evaluation prior to determining an assessment. The person you see will ask your child about their symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They may also use ratings scales or a checklist to determine if your child is suffering from ADHD. They may also perform a physical examination and test for hearing or vision issues. They may also order a brain scan called an EEG that analyzes beta and theta waves to detect changes in your child's brain function.<br /><br />Children who are diagnosed with ADHD must show symptoms that are significantly more than normal for their age and developmental level. The signs of inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity have to cause serious problems at home, at school or at work. The symptoms must also affect your child's ability to interact with other children. If your child suffers from severe or moderate ADHD, they will require medication to live a normal life.<br /><br />Children with ADHD may have trouble following directions and staying focused. This can result in lower grades and a loss of self-esteem. They may also struggle with social interactions, since they are unable to recognize social cues. <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment">adhd undiagnosed in adults</a> are often disruptive to others and come across as violent or intense. They are at high risk for depression, anxiety, and alcohol abuse.<br /><br />People who have mild ADHD have symptoms that are apparent but they do not hinder their daily life or make it difficult to work or maintain relationships. Those with moderate or severe ADHD have more symptoms and are more likely to experience job-related problems, such as having difficulty retaining an occupation, getting along with coworkers or maintaining relationships.<br /><br />If you don't seek treatment, you can face serious consequences, including financial difficulties, health problems, and legal issues. There are many treatments for ADHD. These include behavioral therapy, psychosocial interventions including nutrition and diet, exercise, sleep improvement, and even medications. NIMH offers more information on these options and how to talk with your family members about these options.<br /><br />