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Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD Many adults aren't diagnosed until their symptoms create major problems at work, school or home. 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 thorough evaluation will include ADHD symptoms lists and standardized scales for assessing behavior. Health care professionals will inquire about the family's history and examine old school records. Signs and symptoms ADHD symptoms can affect the daily routine of a person regardless of whether at home, school or at work. They can disrupt relationships and work, leading to serious financial problems or a driver's license and can even cause emotional distress for the person. It's normal for everyone to have trouble concentrating or being organized from time to time, but if it becomes an ongoing problem that hinders everyday functioning, a health professional may be able to diagnose ADHD. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, a health care professional must evaluate the person in at least two different settings, including at home, school or work and social situations. The health care professional must monitor the patient for a minimum of six months 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 are usually unable to wait their turn and are often disruptive or interfere with other children. Children with inattention ADHD have trouble following directions, staying on task or sat down. They are usually distracted by their thoughts, forgetful or easily distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be missed and omit learning opportunities, particularly in primary schools, which can set up 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 are unable to wait their turn or sitting still. They also have trouble controlling their emotions. Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a relief however, it's not always easy to process. Some people may be embarrassed, but they must to be honest in order that they can get the help they need. A diagnosis might be the first time that someone realizes that their struggles have a name. This knowledge can help them change their perception of themselves, resulting in positive changes. Diagnosis ADHD symptoms can manifest at different times in children and adults. For children, they usually begin in elementary school, but for adults, it's later. The signs 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 instances, the condition may be misdiagnosed as autism or an anxiety disorder or depression. If your child or teen is showing symptoms of ADHD the first step is to consult your doctor. They will perform a physical examination, including audio and vision to make sure that there is nothing else wrong. Your child and you will be asked to complete the list of symptoms. They will want to know how their symptoms have impacted their home and school life. They'll also want be informed about any past issues they've had. Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a medical professional qualified to do so. They'll conduct clinical interviews, use scales for assessing behavior, or symptoms checklists. They could also conduct psychological tests to measure your cognitive abilities and learn how you process information and think. They could also conduct an examination of your brain using the Neuropsychiatric EEG Assessment Aid (NEBA) that is FDA-approved. (NEBA), which analyzes the activity of specific areas of your brain that regulate attention and impulsivity. Additionally, I Am Psychiatry 'll review your medical history to determine whether you've experienced any other mental health conditions or injuries, such as head trauma or thyroid conditions which can trigger similar symptoms. They may refer you to an extensive evaluation with psychiatrists or psychologists. You must be suffering from six or more symptoms, which started in your childhood or before the age of 12. The symptoms must last at least six months, and create significant problems for your daily activities. Adults must meet an upper 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 family life. Treatment Treatment aims to ease symptoms and restore functioning at home, work and school. There are a variety of treatments available, including medication and behavior therapy. Some people also have success through lifestyle changes, for example, establishing consistent routines, using a planner or notebook and arranging tasks ahead of time. Some people might benefit from treatments for learning disabilities like metacognitive therapy which helps them improve their problem-solving abilities and organizational skills, or cognitive behavioral treatment, which addresses thinking distortions which can cause low self-esteem and mood swings. Health professionals who have been specially trained in diagnosing ADHD can recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for a patient's situation. They will look at the symptoms of the patient, and if they are an adult, also their school and childhood experiences. They will employ clinical interviewing, behavior rating scales, and symptom checklists in order to determine if a person is in compliance with ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also inquire about the family history of mental illness and physical conditions. They'll ask the individual as well as their parents and teachers about their moods and behaviors and about how they've changed over time. The diagnosis of ADHD is made by analyzing six or more signs, that begin before the age of 12 and create issues in at least two different settings (at school, at home or in social situations). The symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months. Additionally the symptoms should be significantly more difficult than what is expected for a person of that age. There are no brain scans or blood tests to determine ADHD, but medical checks are usually done to make sure there's no other issue with the individual. Doctors will review the patient's medical and psychiatric histories and examine their symptoms. They may also recommend an hearing or eye test. Some people with ADHD are genetically predisposed to the condition. A person who has a parent or sibling with ADHD has a 91% chance of develop the disorder. It's also normal to have a comorbid mood or anxiety disorder with ADHD. These disorders can be more difficult to manage than ADHD alone. Prevention Many things, including certain medical conditions or learning disabilities, can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. It is important to speak with a mental health professional or a health professional for an evaluation prior to making an assessment. The professional will inquire with your child about their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They can also utilize ratings scales or a checklist to help determine if your child suffers from ADHD. They may also perform an examination of the body and test for hearing or vision problems. They may also request an EEG brain scan, which measures beta and theta waves to monitor changes in your child’s brain function. To be able to diagnose 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 and/or hyperactivity have to cause serious problems at home, school or work. The symptoms also need to interfere with your child's social interactions. If your child suffers from moderate or severe ADHD they will require medication to lead 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 grades. They may also have difficulty in social relationships because they aren't able to discern social cues. They often interrupt others and appear violent or intense. They are at a high risk for depression, anxiety, and addiction to drugs. People who have mild ADHD have symptoms that are noticeable but they do not hinder their daily lives or make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People with moderate to severe ADHD will have more symptoms, and they are more likely than other people to experience problems at work, like problems with keeping a job or interacting with colleagues. Patients who do not receive treatment could face grave consequences, including health issues, financial troubles, and legal issues. There are a number of treatments for ADHD which include psychosocial therapy and behavioral therapy including diet and nutrition, exercise, sleeping improvements, and medication. NIMH offers more information on these options and how to discuss them with your family members.