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Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD Adults are usually not diagnosed until they experience major problems at home, at work or at school. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) is utilized by health professionals to diagnose mental disorders. A complete evaluation will include ADHD symptom checklists and standardized behavior rating scales. Health care professionals also ask about family history and review old school records. Symptoms ADHD symptoms can affect the way a person lives their life regardless of whether at home, school or at work. They can be disruptive to relationships and careers, leading to financial issues or a driver's license and can even cause emotional distress for the person. It's normal for people to struggle with concentration or staying organized from time the time but if it develops into an ongoing problem that interferes with everyday functioning, a medical professional may be able to determine ADHD. A health care professional will need to evaluate the person in two different environments, such as at home and at school, or in workplace and social situations. They need to observe the person in these situations for a minimum of six months, and they must determine that the symptoms are hindering their ability to perform. The symptoms should also have started before 12 years. 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 a difficult time waiting for their turn and often interfere with others or interrupt them. Children with inattentive ADHD have trouble following directions and staying on task, or sat down. They are usually distracted or snoozing. They are more likely to be missed, and miss out on learning opportunities, particularly in the elementary school setting, 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, blurting out answers before the questions are finished and have trouble managing their emotions. Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a relief but it's also difficult to comprehend. It's normal to be embarrassed. However honesty is the best approach. For some, it will be the first time they've realised that their issues have a name. Understanding this can change the way they view themselves, which can then cascade into positive changes. Diagnosis When it is about ADHD, symptoms show up at different times in children and adults. For children, symptoms typically begin in the middle of elementary school, however for adults, it's later. The signs can be mild, medium 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 misdiagnosed. It could be autism or a mood disorder such as depression or anxiety. If your child or teenager shows indications of ADHD the first step is to consult your doctor. They will do a physical exam, including vision and hearing to ensure there's nothing other than ADHD. They will ask you and your child to complete a checklist of their symptoms. They will inquire about what the effects of their symptoms are on their school and personal life. They'll also want you to tell them about any problems that you have had previously. Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD by a healthcare provider competent to do so. They'll conduct clinical interviews, use behavior rating scales or symptom checklists. They may also conduct psychological tests to measure your cognitive abilities and discover how you think and process information. They may also perform 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 the ability to focus and impulsivity. They will also review your medical records to see whether there are any other mental health issues or injuries, such as thyroid or head trauma that can cause similar symptoms. They might refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for a thorough evaluation. To get a diagnosis of ADHD you must exhibit a minimum of six or more symptoms that began in your childhood or prior to age 12. The symptoms have to be present for at least six months and cause significant difficulties with your daily activities. Adults must meet the lower threshold for diagnosis, however the criteria are the same: You must be suffering from at least five symptoms that cause problems with your social, work and home life. Treatment Treatment aims to improve symptoms and improve functioning at work, home and school. There are a range of treatment options, including medications and behavior therapy. Some people find success through lifestyle changes, such as using a planner, a notebook, and scheduling tasks ahead of time. Other people may benefit from specific learning disability treatments, such as metacognitive training that helps to improve their organizational skills and problem-solving abilities, or cognitive behavioral therapy to address the distortions in thinking that can cause negative moods and low self-esteem. Professionals with specialized training in health care can offer the best treatment plan based on a person's specific situation. They will assess the patient's current symptoms and, if an adult, their previous behavior and school experiences. They will use clinical interviews, behavior ratings scales and symptom checklists to determine whether the person has met the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They may also ask about family history of mental illness and physical conditions. They will ask about the person's moods and behaviors and how they've changed over time. A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the presence of more than six symptoms that start before age 12 and can cause problems in two or more settings (home school, social situations). The symptoms are expected to be present for at least six months. Additionally the symptoms should be significantly more difficult than expected for someone who is that old. A medical exam is usually performed to make sure that the patient isn't suffering from any other health issues. Doctors will examine the person's medical and psychiatric history and review their symptoms. They may also recommend an hearing or eye test. More Support who suffer from ADHD are genetically predisposed to develop the condition. If a person has a parent or a sibling with ADHD they are at risk of having a 91% chance of developing the disorder for themselves. It's also normal to have a comorbid mood or anxiety disorder with ADHD. These disorders can be harder to manage than ADHD alone. The following is a list of preventions. Many things, like certain medical conditions or learning disabilities, can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. Therefore, it's essential to visit your health care provider or a 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 may also use scoring scales or a checklist to help determine if your child is suffering from ADHD. They may also perform an examination and test for hearing or visual problems. They may also request an EEG brain scan that evaluates beta and theta wave activity to determine changes in your child’s brain function. Children who are diagnosed with ADHD must show symptoms that are more than normal for their age and developmental level. The signs of inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity must cause significant problems at school, at home or at work. The symptoms must also interfere with your child's social interactions. If your child suffers from moderate or severe ADHD They will require medication in order to lead an ordinary life. Children with ADHD may have trouble following directions and staying on task. This can lead to lower grades and a loss of self-esteem. They may also struggle with social interactions, since they are unable to recognize social signals. They are often disruptive to others and can appear violent or intense. They are at risk of developing depression, anxiety and addiction to drugs. People with mild ADHD have symptoms that are evident but do not interfere with their daily lives or make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. Those with moderate to severe ADHD will have more symptoms, and are more likely to experience problems at work, such as difficulty keeping a job, or interacting with coworkers. If they do not seek treatment could face serious consequences. These include financial problems and health issues, as well as legal issues. There are a number of treatments for ADHD which include behavioral therapy and psychosocial interventions, diet and nutrition, exercise, sleep improvements, and medications. NIMH has more information on these options and how you can talk with your family about them.