What Are The Biggest "Myths" About Diagnosis Of ADHD Could Actually Be True
Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are usually not diagnosed until they are experiencing significant issues at home, at work or school. 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 professionals also inquire about family history and review old school records.
Symptoms
The signs of ADHD can affect the lives of a person at home, school or work. They can be disruptive to relationships and careers, leading to serious financial problems or a driver's license and even create emotional distress for the person. It is common for people to experience difficulties concentrating or staying organised occasionally. However when the issue becomes chronic and interferes with daily functioning, a healthcare specialist may be able to identify ADHD.
A health care professional will need to evaluate the individual in two different environments, such as at home and in school, or in workplace and social settings. They must observe the person in these settings for a minimum of six months and determine that the symptoms are significantly impairing their ability to perform. The symptoms should 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 unable to wait their turn and are often disruptive or interfere with other children.
Children with the inattentive type of ADHD are unable to sit or wait at a comfortable pace and have difficulty following instructions or staying on track. They are often daydreaming or easily distracted. They're more prone to being ignored and miss out on opportunities for learning, especially in elementary school, which can 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. They have a difficult time waiting for their turn or sitting still. They also have trouble managing their emotions.
It is it's a relief to get the diagnosis of ADHD but it's not always easy. People might be embarrassed, but they need to be honest in order that they can receive the assistance they need. For some, a diagnosis will be the first time they've realised that their struggles have a name. This understanding can alter the way they view themselves, which may be a positive influence.
Diagnosis
When it concerns ADHD symptoms can manifest at different times for children and adults. For children, they usually begin in elementary school, but for adults it's a little later. Symptoms 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 disorder is not properly diagnosed. It could be related to autism or a mood disorder such as anxiety or depression.
If your child or teen is showing indications of ADHD, the first step is to talk to your doctor. They will do a physical exam that includes hearing and vision to ensure there's nothing other than ADHD. You and your child will be asked to fill out a list of symptoms. They will want to know how their symptoms have impacted their home and school lives. They will also want to know about any previous issues.
For adults, a healthcare provider who's qualified to diagnose ADHD will use behavioral interviews and clinical 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 and discover how you process information and think. They could also conduct an examination of your brain using the Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid, which is FDA-approved (NEBA) which evaluates the activity of specific areas of your brain that regulate attention and impulsivity.
In addition, they will look at your medical history to see whether you've experienced any other mental health conditions or injuries, such as head trauma or thyroid conditions that could cause similar symptoms. They might refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct a thorough assessment.
You must be suffering from six or more symptoms which began in childhood or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms must be present for at least six months, and cause significant difficulties with your daily functioning. Adults need to meet a lower threshold to be diagnosed, but the same requirements apply: You must have at least five or more symptoms, and these must interfere with your home, work and social life.
Treatment
Treatment aims to ease symptoms and restore function at work, home and at school. There are a range of treatment options including treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Some people experience success by making lifestyle changes like using an organizer, a notebook and arranging tasks in advance. Others may benefit from specific learning disabilities treatments, like metacognitive training to help them improve their ability to organize their lives and solve problems as well as cognitive behavioral therapy to correct the distortions in thinking that can lead to negative moods and low self-esteem.
Professionals with specialized training in health care can provide the most effective treatment program based on a patient's particular situation. They will evaluate the person's symptoms, and in the case of an adult, they will also consider their school and childhood experiences. They will employ clinical interviewing, behavior rating scales, and symptom checklists to determine if a person is in compliance with ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also conduct a family history of mental health problems and physical ailments. They will inquire about the person's moods and behaviors and how they have changed over time.
A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the presence of six or more signs that start before age 12 and create difficulties in two or more settings (home school, social situations). The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. The symptoms should also be more severe than is normal for someone of this age.
There are no brain scans or blood tests to determine ADHD however an exam for medical reasons is usually performed to ensure that there's no other issue with the individual. Doctors will review the patient's medical and psychiatric history and examine their symptoms. adhd diagnosis adults may also suggest an hearing or eye test. Certain people suffering from ADHD have a genetic predisposition to develop the condition. If a person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD and is a child, they have 91% chance of developing the disorder for themselves. ADHD is often accompanied by a anxiety or mood disorder. These disorders are more difficult to treat than ADHD by itself.
The following is a list with preventions.
Many things, such as certain medical conditions, as well as learning disabilities, can lead to symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. So it's important to see your health care provider or a mental health professional for an assessment prior to making an assessment. The doctor will inquire about your child's symptoms and how they affect their daily life. They may also use ratings scales or a checklist to decide if your child has ADHD. They may also perform an examination of the body and test for hearing or vision problems. They can also request an EEG brain scan which analyzes beta and theta waves to determine changes in your child's brain function.
To be considered a child with ADHD the child must exhibit a number of symptoms that are noticeably greater than the norm for their age or developmental level. The signs of inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity have to cause serious problems at school, at home or work. The symptoms must also affect your child's ability to interact with other children. If your child has moderate or severe ADHD symptoms they will require treatment with medication to live a normal life.
Children suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to follow directions and stay on task, which can lead to low self-esteem and poor grades. They may also struggle in social relationships because they are unable to recognize social signals. They often interrupt others and can appear aggressive or intense. They are at a high risk for depression, anxiety, and alcohol abuse.
People who have mild ADHD have symptoms that are noticeable but they do not hinder their lives or make it difficult to work or maintain relationships. People with severe or moderate ADHD have more symptoms and are more likely to suffer issues with their jobs, like difficulties in keeping a job, getting along with coworkers or maintaining relationships.
People who don't receive treatment can face grave consequences, including health issues, financial troubles, and legal issues. There are a variety of treatments for ADHD. These include psychosocial interventions as well as nutrition and diet exercise, sleep improvement, and medications. NIMH offers more information on these options and how to discuss these options with your family.