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Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD

Many adults don't get diagnosed until their symptoms cause serious problems at work, school or at home. Health professionals follow the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).

A complete evaluation includes ADHD symptoms and standardized scales for assessing behavior. Health care professionals also inquire about family history and review old school records.

Symptoms

ADHD symptoms can impact a person's daily life, whether it is at school, home or work. They can be disruptive to relationships and career, lead to serious problems with finances or a driver's license and even create emotional distress for the person. It's common for people to have difficulty in concentrating or staying organized occasionally. However, if the problem gets more severe and affects everyday functioning, a medical professional may be able to diagnose ADHD.

To be able to diagnose someone with ADHD, a health professional must assess the patient in at least two different settings, including the workplace, school, and social settings. The health care professional must monitor the patient for at least six months and determine whether the symptoms are impacting their ability to perform. The signs must also have started 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 have difficulty waiting for their turn and frequently interrupt or intrude on others.

Children with inattentive ADHD have difficulty following instructions, staying on task or sitting down. They tend to be daydreaming or easily distracted. They're more prone to being overlooked and miss out on opportunities to learn, especially in elementary school, which could make them vulnerable to failure later in life.

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. how is adhd diagnosed in adults are unable to wait their turn or settling down. They also have difficulty managing their emotions.

It is it's a relief to get the diagnosis of ADHD but it's not always simple. People may feel embarrassed, but they need to be honest so they can get the help they're entitled to. For many, a diagnosis may be the first time they've realized that their struggles have a name. This understanding can alter the way they see themselves, which can then cascade into positive changes.

Diagnosis

When it concerns ADHD symptoms are evident at different times for children and adults. For children, symptoms typically begin in elementary school. For adults, it is a bit later. The 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 disorder is not properly diagnosed. It could be related to autism or a mood disorder such as anxiety or depression.

If your child or teenager shows indications of ADHD The first step is to speak with your doctor. They will perform a physical examination, including vision and audio to ensure that there is no other issue. They will ask you and your child to complete an inventory of their symptoms. They'll want to know how their symptoms have affected their family and school lives. They'll also want to learn about any previous issues they've faced.

For adults, a healthcare provider 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. They may also conduct psychological tests to measure your cognitive abilities as well as learn how you process information and think. They might also do a brain scan using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which measures the activity of certain parts of your brain that control attention and the ability to be impulsive.

In addition, they will examine your medical history to determine whether you've experienced any other mental health issues or injuries like head trauma or thyroid conditions that can cause similar symptoms. They might refer you for thorough evaluation by a psychiatrist or psychologist.


You must be suffering from six or more symptoms which began in childhood or before the age of 12. The symptoms have to be present for at least six months and cause significant problems with your daily activities. Adults need to meet the lower threshold for diagnosis, but the criteria are the same: You must have at least five symptoms that interfere with your work, social and personal life.

Treatment

Treatment aims to improve symptoms and restore functioning at work, home and school. There are many different treatment options, including medication and therapy for behavior. Many people have satisfaction with lifestyle changes, like setting up a routine that is consistent by using a planner or notebook and scheduling tasks in advance. Others might benefit from specific learning disabilities treatments, such as metacognitive training that helps to improve their abilities to manage their time and problem solving, or cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with the distortions in thinking that can cause negative moods and low self-esteem.

Health professionals who are specially trained can offer the best treatment program based on a patient's specific situation. They will look at the person's symptoms and, in the case of an adult, their school and childhood experiences. They will use clinical interviewing, behavior rating scales, and symptom checklists to determine if a person meets ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also ask about family history of mental illnesses and physical conditions. They will ask about the person's moods and behaviors and how they've changed over time.

The diagnosis of ADHD is upon six or more symptoms that begin before 12 years of age and create problems in at minimum two settings (at school, at home or in social situations). The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. The symptoms must also be more severe than expected for someone that age.

A medical checkup is typically carried out to confirm that the person does not have any other health issues. Doctors will look over the patient's medical and psychiatric histories and examine their symptoms. They may also recommend an eye or hearing test. Some people with ADHD have a genetic predisposition to develop the disorder. If a person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD and is a child, they have a 91% chance of developing the disorder for themselves. ADHD is often associated with a mood or anxiety disorder. These disorders are more difficult to treat than ADHD by itself.

The following is a list of preventatives.

Many things, such as certain medical conditions and learning disabilities, can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. It is important to speak with an expert in mental health or a health care professional for an evaluation prior to making the diagnosis. The professional will inquire with your child about their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They could use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child has ADHD. They could also conduct a physical examination and test for hearing or visual issues. They may also order an EEG brain scan, which measures beta and theta waves to monitor changes in your child's brain function.

Children who are diagnosed with ADHD must show symptoms that are significantly greater than what is normal for their age and developmental level. Inattention, hyperactivity, and/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 other people. If your child suffers from severe or moderate ADHD, they will require medication to live a normal life.

Children suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to follow directions and remain focused which can result in low self-esteem and grades. They may also have difficulty with social interactions, since they are unable to read social signals. They frequently interrupt others and come across as aggressive or intense. They are at a high risk of developing depression, anxiety and addiction to drugs.

Mild ADHD is manifests itself in symptoms that are evident but do not affect daily life. They can make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. Those with moderate to severe ADHD will have more symptoms, and they are more likely to have issues at work, such as difficulty keeping a job, or interacting with colleagues.

If they do not seek treatment may suffer serious consequences. These include financial problems and health issues, as well as legal issues. There are many treatment options for ADHD, including psychosocial therapy and behavioral therapy, diet and nutrition, exercise, medication for sleep, and other treatments. NIMH provides more details about these options and how to discuss the options with your family.

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