Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
Adults are often not diagnosed until they are experiencing major problems at home, work or school. Health care providers follow the diagnostic criteria set out in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A full assessment includes ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standardized behavior rating scales. Health professionals inquire about the family's history, and examine old school records.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can affect the way a person lives their life, whether it is at home, school or work. They can cause problems in relationships and careers, financial issues and even a driver's licence. They can also lead to emotional distress. It's normal for everyone to have trouble concentrating or staying organized from time time, but if it becomes an ongoing issue that interferes with everyday functioning, a medical specialist may be able determine ADHD.
A health care professional must evaluate the individual in two different settings, including at home and at school, or in workplace and social situations. The health care professional has to observe the person for at least six month and determine whether the symptoms are impacting their ability to function. The symptoms also must have begun before the age of 12. 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 frequently interrupt or interfere with others.
Children who suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD are incapable of sitting or waiting quietly and have trouble following instructions or staying focused. They tend to be distracted or forgetful, and are easily distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be missed, and miss out on learning opportunities, particularly in primary schools, 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 are unable to wait their turn or settling down. They also have trouble controlling their emotions.
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD can be a relief, but it's not always easy to accept. It's fine to be embarrassed. However honesty is the best way to go. A diagnosis could be the first time that someone has realized their struggles are ascribed to. Having this understanding can change the way they think about themselves, which may be a positive influence.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms appear at different times in children and adults. In children, the symptoms usually begin in elementary school. For adults, it's somewhat later. The 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 condition is misdiagnosed. It could be a sign of autism or a mood disorder like anxiety or depression.
Speak to your doctor if your child or teenager is showing indications of ADHD. They will do a physical exam that includes hearing and vision to make sure there isn't something other than ADHD. Full Document will ask you and your child to complete an inventory of their symptoms. They'll be interested in knowing how the symptoms have affected their home and school lives. They'll also want you to tell them about any problems that you have had previously.
For adults, a healthcare professional who is certified to diagnose ADHD will use clinical interviews and behavior rating scales or symptom checklists to determine whether they meet the requirements for diagnosis. Psychological tests may be used to determine your cognitive abilities, as well as how you think and process information. They might also do a brain scan using the Neuropsychiatric EEG Assessment Aid (NEBA) that is FDA-approved. (NEBA) which analyzes the activity of specific parts of your brain that control the ability to focus and the ability to be impulsive.
Additionally, they'll review your medical history to see if you've had any other mental health conditions or injuries, such as head trauma or thyroid conditions that could cause similar symptoms. They may refer you to an extensive evaluation with psychiatrists or psychologists.
You must have six or more symptoms which started in your 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 an upper threshold for diagnosis, but the criteria are the same: You must have at minimum five symptoms that interfere with your social, work and home life.
Treatment
Treatment is designed to reduce symptoms and restore functioning at home, work and at school. There are a range of treatment options including medications and behavior therapy. Some people also find success with lifestyle changes, for example, creating a consistent routine by using a planner notebook and scheduling tasks prior to time. Other people may benefit from specific learning disabilities treatments, such as metacognitive training that helps to improve their organizational skills and problem-solving abilities as well as cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with thinking distortions that can cause negative moods and low self-esteem.
Specially trained health care professionals 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, also their school and childhood experiences. They will use clinical interviewing, behavior rating scales, and symptom checklists to determine if the person meets ADHD diagnostic criteria. They may also inquire about the family history of mental illness and physical illnesses. They will inquire about the person's moods and behaviors and changes over time.
The diagnosis of ADHD is based on six or more symptoms, which begin before 12 years of age and create issues in at minimum two settings (at school, at home or in social situations). The symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms must also be more severe than expected for someone of this age.
A medical checkup is usually performed to make sure that the patient doesn't have any other health problems. Doctors will examine the person's medical and psychiatric history and examine their symptoms. They may also recommend an hearing or eye test. Some people with 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 themselves. ADHD is often accompanied by anxiety or mood disorder. These disorders can be harder to manage than ADHD by itself.
Prevention
Many things, such as medical conditions and certain types of learning disabilities can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. Therefore, it's essential to visit a health care provider or a mental health professional for an evaluation before making a diagnosis. This person will ask your child about their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They could use checklists or rating scales to determine if your child is ADHD. They can also conduct an examination and test for problems with vision or hearing. They can also request an EEG brain scan that evaluates beta and theta wave activity to determine changes in your child’s brain function.
To be able to diagnose a child with ADHD they must display several symptoms that are noticeably greater than the norm for their age or developmental level. Inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity can cause significant problems at school, home, or work. The symptoms also need to affect your child's social interactions. If your child is suffering from moderate or severe ADHD They will require medication in order to lead a normal life.
Children suffering from ADHD might have trouble following directions and staying focused. This can result in poor grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also have issues in social relationships because they are unable to read social signals. More interrupt others and come across as aggressive or intense. They are at risk of anxiety, depression as well as substance abuse and issues with relationships.
People who have mild ADHD have symptoms that are evident but do not interfere with their lives or make it difficult to maintain relationships or work. People who suffer from severe or moderate ADHD are more prone to symptoms and are more likely to suffer issues with their jobs, like difficulties in keeping jobs, interacting with coworkers, or maintaining relationships.

Patients who do not receive treatment can face grave consequences, such as health issues, financial problems and legal issues. There are a variety of treatments for ADHD. These include psychosocial interventions, nutrition and diet, exercise, sleep improvement, and medications. NIMH offers more information on these options and how to talk with your family members about them.