15 Trends That Are Coming Up About Diagnosis Of ADHD
Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Many adults don't receive diagnosis until their symptoms create major issues at school, work or at home. Health professionals follow the diagnostic criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A complete evaluation includes ADHD symptoms lists and standardized scales for assessing behavior. Health care professionals will inquire about the family history and review old school records.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD can impact the way a person lives at school, at home or at work. They can cause disruption to relationships and career, lead to financial issues or driving licenses, and can cause emotional stress for the person. It's normal for people to have trouble concentrating or being organized from time to the time, but if it becomes a chronic problem and hinders everyday functioning, a medical professional may be able to determine ADHD.
A health care professional will need to evaluate the person in two different settings, including at home and in school, or in workplace and social situations. They should observe the person in these environments for a minimum of six months and must see that the symptoms are significantly impairing 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 interrupt or interfere with others.
Children with the inattentive kind of ADHD are unable to sit or wait in silence and are unable to follow instructions or staying on track. They tend to be distracted or forgetful, and are easily distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be overlooked and miss out on learning opportunities, especially in elementary schools which could set for them to fail 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 waiting their turn or staying still. They also have trouble managing their emotions.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief but it's also not always easy to accept. It's okay to feel embarrassed. However honesty is the best way to go. A diagnosis could be the first time that someone has realized their struggles have a label. This understanding can alter the way they see themselves, which can then cascade into positive changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms can manifest at different times in children and adults. For kids, they typically begin in the middle of elementary school, however for adults it's a little later. The signs may be mild, moderate or even 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 not properly diagnosed. It could be autism or a mood disorders like anxiety or depression.
If your child or teen shows indications of ADHD, the first step is to speak with your doctor. They will perform a physical examination, including audio and vision tests to ensure that there is nothing else wrong. They will ask you and your child to fill out an inventory of the symptoms. They will also ask what the effects of their symptoms are on their school and home life. They will also want you to share with them any previous problems.
For adults, a healthcare professional who is certified to diagnose ADHD will use clinical interviews and behavior rating scales or checklists of symptoms to determine if they meet the requirements for diagnosis. They could also conduct psychological tests to gauge your cognitive abilities and discover how you think and process information. They can also conduct brain scans using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) A tool that measures the activity in certain brain regions that control your attention and the impulsivity.
In addition, they will review your medical history to see whether you've experienced any other mental health issues or injuries such as thyroid or head trauma that can cause similar symptoms. They may refer you for an extensive evaluation with a psychologist or psychiatrist.
To get a diagnosis of ADHD, you must have at least six or more signs that began in your childhood or prior to age 12. The symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months and be causing significant problems with your daily functioning. Adults must meet a lower threshold for diagnosis, but the criteria are the same: You must be suffering from at least five symptoms that interfere with your work, social and family life.
Treatment
Treatment aims to improve symptoms and restore functioning at work, home and at school. There are many treatments available, including treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Some people have satisfaction by making lifestyle changes such as using planners, notebooks and scheduling their tasks ahead of time. Others might benefit from specific learning disability treatments, such as metacognitive training to help them develop their ability to organize their lives and solve problems, or cognitive behavioral therapy to correct thinking distortions which can lead to low moods and low self-esteem.
Professionals with specialized training in health care can offer the best treatment program based on a patient's specific situation. They will assess the patient's current symptoms and, if an adult, their childhood behavior and school experiences. adult adhd diagnosis will use clinical interviewing, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists to determine if a person has the ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also inquire about the family history of mental illnesses and physical ailments. They'll ask the individual, their parents and teachers about their moods and behavior and about how they've changed over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is based on six or more signs, which begin before the age of 12 and can cause problems in at least two different settings (at school, at home or in social situations). The symptoms have to be present for at least six months. In addition, the symptoms must be more severe than expected for someone who is that old.
There are no brain scans or blood tests to diagnose ADHD, but an exam for medical reasons is usually done to make sure there's nothing else wrong with the individual. Doctors will examine the person's symptoms and medical and psychiatric background and may recommend an eye examination or hearing test. Some people with ADHD are genetically predisposed to develop the disorder. If a person has a parent or sibling with ADHD and is a child, they have 91% of the chance of developing the disorder for themselves. ADHD is often accompanied by a mood or anxiety disorder. These disorders can be harder to manage than ADHD by itself.
Prevention
Many things, including certain medical conditions or learning disabilities, can cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. Therefore, it's essential to visit a health care provider or a mental health professional to conduct an assessment prior to making the diagnosis. The doctor will inquire about your child's symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They may use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child suffers from ADHD. They could also perform a physical exam and test for problems with vision or hearing. They may also order an EEG brain scan which analyzes beta and theta waves to monitor changes in your child’s brain function.
Children diagnosed with ADHD should exhibit symptoms that are significantly greater than what is normal for their age and development level. The signs of inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity must cause significant problems at school, at home or at work. The symptoms can also impact your child's ability to interact with other people. If your child suffers from moderate or severe ADHD they will require medication to live a normal life.
Children suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to follow directions and remain on task which can result in low self-esteem and grades. They may also struggle with social interactions because they struggle to discern social cues and often interrupt others or appear aggressive or intense. They are susceptible to anxiety, depression as well as substance abuse and relationship issues.
People with mild ADHD have symptoms that are evident but do not interfere with their lives or make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. The people with moderate or severe ADHD will exhibit more symptoms, and they are more likely than other people to experience problems at work, including difficulty keeping a job, or interacting with colleagues.
People who do not receive treatment could 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 behavioral therapy and psychosocial interventions including diet and nutrition, exercise medication for sleep, and other treatments. NIMH provides more details about these options and how to discuss them with your family.