Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are often not diagnosed until they experience serious issues at work, home or at 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).
A complete evaluation will include ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standardized behavior rating scales. Health professionals inquire about the family history and examine old school records.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can have a negative impact on a person's daily life regardless of whether they are at home, school or at work. They can be disruptive to relationships and career, lead to serious financial problems or a driver's license, and can cause emotional stress for the person. It's normal for people to struggle with concentration or being organized from time to time but if it develops into an ongoing problem that hinders everyday functioning, a medical provider may be able to identify ADHD.
To determine if someone is diagnosed with ADHD, a health professional must assess the person in at minimum two different settings, including home and school or workplace and social settings. The health care professional has to monitor the patient for at least six month and determine whether the symptoms are affecting 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 have difficulty waiting for their turn, and frequently interrupt or intrude on others.
Children with inattentive ADHD have trouble following directions and staying on task, or sitting down. They tend to be distracted or snoozing. They are more likely to be ignored, and miss out on opportunities to learn, particularly in primary schools which could set them for failure later 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, blurting out answers before the questions are completed, and have difficulty managing their emotions.
It is an exhilarating experience to receive an diagnosis of ADHD however, it's not always easy. Some people may be ashamed, but they have to be honest so that they can receive the assistance they're entitled to. For some, it will be the first time they've realised that their struggles have a name. This understanding can alter the way they think about themselves, which could cascade into positive changes.
Diagnosis
When it is about ADHD symptoms can manifest at different times in children and adults. In children, symptoms usually begin in the middle of elementary school. For adults, symptoms begin somewhat later. The signs could 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 autism or a mood disorder like anxiety or depression.

If your child or teen is showing indications of ADHD The first step is to consult your doctor. They will conduct an examination of the body that includes hearing and vision, to make sure there's nothing other than ADHD. They will ask you and your child to fill out a checklist of their symptoms. They'll want to know how their symptoms have affected their family and school lives. They will also want to know about any previous problems.
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a healthcare provider qualified to do so. They will use clinical interviews, scales for assessing behavior or symptom checklists. Psychological tests can be used to evaluate your cognitive abilities, and how you process information and think. They could also conduct a brain scan using the Neuropsychiatric EEG Assessment Aid (NEBA) that is FDA-approved. (NEBA), which analyzes the activity of specific parts of your brain that regulate attention and the ability to be impulsive.
They will also examine your medical records to determine whether there are any other mental conditions or injuries, such as head trauma or thyroid problems that could cause similar symptoms. They may refer you to thorough evaluation by a psychologist or psychiatrist.
You must show at least six symptoms that began in your childhood or before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present for at minimum 6 months and be causing significant problems in your daily functioning. Adults must have a lower threshold to be diagnosed, however the same criteria apply: You must have at least five or more symptoms, and they must affect your work, home and social life.
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to alleviate symptoms and restore functioning at the workplace, at home and in school. There are a range of treatments available, including medications and behavior therapy. Some people also have success with lifestyle changes, like establishing consistent routines by using a planner or notebook, and scheduling tasks ahead of time. Some people might benefit from learning disabilities therapies such as metacognitive therapy, which assists them in improving their problem-solving abilities and organizational abilities or cognitive behavioral therapy which targets thinking distortions which can cause depression and low self-esteem.
Specially trained health care professionals will provide the best treatment plan based on a person's particular situation. They will evaluate the symptoms of the patient, and when they are an adult, they will also consider their school and childhood experiences. They will employ clinical interviewing, scales for assessing behavior and symptom checklists to determine if the person has the ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also inquire about family history of mental illness and physical ailments. They will inquire about the person's moods and behaviors and how they have changed over time.
adhd adults diagnosis of ADHD is made by analyzing six or more signs, which start before 12 years of age and can cause issues in at least two settings (at school, at home, or in social situations). The symptoms are expected to be present for at least six months. The symptoms must be more severe than expected for a person of the same age.
A medical checkup is usually done to ensure that the person isn't suffering from any other health issues. Doctors will review the person's symptoms and medical and mental history, and may suggest an eye exam or a hearing test. Some people who suffer from ADHD have a genetic predisposition to develop the disorder. A person who has a sibling or parent with ADHD has a 91% chance to develop the disorder. ADHD is often associated with a mood or anxiety disorder. These conditions can be more difficult to manage than ADHD alone.
The following is a list of preventions.
Many things, including 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 making an assessment. The professional will inquire with your child about their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They may also utilize 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 visual issues. They can also request an EEG brain scan that evaluates beta and theta wave activity to check on changes in your child’s brain function.
Children who are diagnosed with ADHD have symptoms that are significantly more than what is normal for their age and developmental level. Inattention, hyperactivity, or an impulsive behavior can create serious issues at home, school, or work. The symptoms must also affect your child's ability to interact with others. If your child is suffering from severe or moderate ADHD, they will require medication to lead an ordinary life.
Children with ADHD can find it difficult to follow instructions and remain on task which can result in low self-esteem and poor grades. 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 high risk of developing anxiety, depression and alcohol abuse.
Mild ADHD is characterized by symptoms that are visible but do not interfere in daily life, which makes it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People with moderate to severe ADHD will exhibit more symptoms, and are more likely than others to have problems at work, like difficulty keeping a job, or interacting with colleagues.
If you don't seek treatment, you could face grave consequences, such as financial difficulties, health problems and legal issues. There are many treatments available for ADHD that include behavioral therapy and psychosocial interventions including diet and nutrition, exercise, medication for sleep, and other treatments. NIMH provides more information about these options and how to discuss these options with your family.