Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults aren't diagnosed until their symptoms cause serious problems at work, school or at home. Health care professionals adhere to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A thorough assessment includes ADHD symptoms lists and standardized scales for assessing behavior. Health professionals inquire about the family's history, and look at the school records from the past.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD can impact the way a person lives at school, home, or at work. They can cause disruption to relationships and careers, leading to serious problems with finances or a driver's license, and can even cause emotional distress for the person. It is common for people to experience difficulties keeping their attention or staying organized occasionally. However when the issue gets more severe and affects daily functioning, a healthcare professional may be able to diagnose ADHD.
To determine if someone is diagnosed with ADHD the health care professional must evaluate the person in at least two different settings, which could include at home, school or work and social situations. The health professional must observe the person for a minimum of six months and determine if the symptoms are affecting their ability to function. The signs 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 are often in a hurry to finish their work, and they interrupt or disturb others.
Children with inattentive ADHD have trouble following directions, staying on task or sitting down. They are usually wandering off or distracted. They are more likely to be missed and omit learning opportunities, particularly in elementary schools, which can set up 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 sitting or waiting for their turn, blurt out answers before questions are completed, and have difficulty controlling their emotions.
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD can be a relief however, it's not always easy to accept. It's normal to be embarrassed. However, honesty is the best way to go. A diagnosis might be the first time someone has realized their struggles have a label. Understanding this can change the way they think about themselves, which may be a positive influence.
Diagnosis
When it is about ADHD, symptoms show up at different times for children and adults. In children, symptoms usually begin in the first grade. For adults, symptoms begin slightly later. Symptoms could be mild, moderate, or severe. adhd diagnosis in adults uk 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 disorders like anxiety or depression.
If your child or teen is showing indications of ADHD, the first step is to talk to your doctor. They will conduct a physical exam that includes hearing and vision to ensure there's nothing else going on. They will ask you and your child to fill out an inventory of their symptoms. They'll want to know how the symptoms have affected their home and school life. They will also want you to tell them about any previous problems.
For adults, a healthcare professional who is qualified to diagnose ADHD will use the process of conducting clinical interviews, as well as behavior rating scales or checklists of symptoms to determine if they meet the criteria for diagnosis. Psychological tests may be used to evaluate your cognitive abilities, and how you process information and think. They could also conduct an examination of your brain using the Neuropsychiatric EEG Assessment Aid (NEBA) that is FDA-approved. (NEBA) which evaluates the activity of specific areas of your brain that control attention and the ability to be impulsive.
They will also look at your medical records to see whether there are any other mental health issues or injuries, for example thyroid or head trauma which can trigger similar symptoms. They might refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for a thorough evaluation.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have a minimum of six or more signs that started in childhood, or prior to age 12. The symptoms must have been present for at least six months and be causing serious difficulties in your daily life. Adults have the lower threshold for diagnosis, but the criteria are the same: You must have at minimum five symptoms that interfere with your social, work and family life.
adhd diagnosis in adults uk aims to improve symptoms and improve functioning at work, home and school. There are a myriad of treatments available, including the use of medication and behavioral therapy. Some people find satisfaction by making lifestyle changes, such as using an organizer, a notebook, and scheduling tasks in advance. Some people may benefit from therapies for learning disabilities like metacognitive therapy which assists them in improving their problem-solving skills and organizational abilities or cognitive behavioral therapy that addresses the distortions in thinking which can cause low self-esteem and mood swings.
Health professionals who are specially trained can offer the best treatment plan based on the patient's specific situation. They will look at the person's current symptoms, and if an adult, their childhood behaviour and schooling experiences. They will employ clinical interviewing, scales for assessing behavior and symptom checklists in order to determine if the person has the ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also inquire about family history of mental illness and physical ailments. They'll ask the person as well as their parents and teachers about their moods and behaviors and about how they've changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is made upon six or more signs, which begin before 12 years of age and cause difficulties in at least two settings (at school, at home or in social situations). The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. Additionally the symptoms must be more severe than what is expected for a person at that age.
There are no brain scans or blood tests to determine ADHD however a medical checkup usually is carried out to ensure there's no other issue with the person. Doctors will examine the person's symptoms and medical and psychiatric history, and may suggest an eye exam or hearing test. Certain people suffering from ADHD are genetically predisposed to this condition. If the person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD, they have about 91% chance of being diagnosed with the disorder. It is also common to suffer from a comorbid mood disorder or anxiety disorder with ADHD. These disorders are more difficult to treat than ADHD alone.
Prevention
Many things, like certain medical conditions, as well as learning disabilities, can lead to symptoms similar to those of ADHD. So it's important to see your health care provider or mental health professional for an evaluation prior to determining a diagnosis. This person will ask your child about their symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They could use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child is ADHD. They may also do a physical exam and test for problems with vision or hearing. They may also order an examination of the brain, known as an EEG that analyzes beta and theta waves to detect changes in your child's brain function.
For children to be diagnosed with ADHD, they must have numerous symptoms that are significantly more than what is normal for their age or developmental level. The symptoms of inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity must cause significant problems at home, at school or work. The symptoms should also affect your child's ability to interact with other people. If your child exhibits moderate or severe ADHD symptoms they will require treatment with medication to live the normal life.
Children with ADHD are often unable to follow instructions and remain on task and can result in low self-esteem and poor grades. They may also struggle with social interactions, since they are unable to recognize social signals. They often interrupt others and can appear aggressive or abrasive. They are at a high risk of developing depression, anxiety and alcohol abuse.
Mild ADHD is defined by symptoms that are evident but do not affect daily life, which makes it difficult to maintain relationships or work. Those with moderate or severe ADHD have more symptoms and are more likely to experience job-related problems, such as having difficulty retaining a job, getting along with colleagues or maintaining relationships.
People who don't receive treatment could face grave consequences, such as financial difficulties, health problems, and legal issues. There are a number of treatment options for ADHD, including behavioral therapy and psychosocial interventions, diet and nutrition, exercise, sleeping improvements, and medication. NIMH offers more information on these options and how you can talk with your family about them.