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Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD Many adults don't get diagnosed until their symptoms cause major issues at school, work or at home. 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 full assessment includes ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standardized behavior rating scales. Health professionals also inquire about family history and go through old school records. Signs and symptoms The symptoms of ADHD can impact a person's life at school, home, or at work. They can disrupt relationships and work, leading to serious problems with finances or a driver's license, and even create emotional distress for the person. It's normal for everyone to have trouble concentrating or staying organized from time the time but if it develops into an ongoing issue that hinders everyday functioning, a medical specialist may be able determine ADHD. To determine if someone is diagnosed with ADHD, a health professional must assess the person in at least two different settings, including home and school or workplace and social situations. The health care professional must monitor the patient for at least six month and determine whether the symptoms are impacting their ability to perform. The signs must also have started 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 are usually not able to wait for their turn, and they interrupt or intrude upon others. Children with inattention ADHD have difficulty following instructions, staying on task or sitting down. They are usually distracted by their thoughts, forgetful or easily distracted by their surroundings. They are more likely to be ignored and omit learning opportunities, particularly in the elementary school setting, which can set up them for failure 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 sit or waiting for their turn, blurt out answers before the questions are complete, and have trouble managing their emotions. Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a relief however, it's difficult to comprehend. People might be embarrassed, but they must to be honest in order that they can receive the assistance they deserve. For some, a diagnosis will be the first time they've realised that their struggles have a name. This knowledge can allow them to change their perception of themselves, leading to positive changes. Diagnosis ADHD symptoms manifest at different times in children and adults. In children, symptoms usually begin in the middle of elementary school. For adults, symptoms begin slightly 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 disorder is misdiagnosed. It could be a sign of autism or a mood disorder such as anxiety or depression. Talk to your doctor if your child or teenager exhibits indications of ADHD. They will conduct a physical exam, including vision and hearing to make sure there's nothing else going on. They will ask you and your child to complete an inventory of their symptoms. They will be interested in knowing how the symptoms have impacted their home and school lives. They'll also want be informed about any past issues they've faced. Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a medical professional competent to do so. Read Home 'll conduct clinical interviews, use scales for assessing behavior or symptoms checklists. They might also do psychological tests to assess your cognitive abilities and learn how you think and process information. They might also do an examination of your brain using the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which analyzes the activity of specific parts of your brain that regulate attention and impulsivity. In addition, they will review your medical history to see whether you've suffered from any other mental health conditions or injuries, such as thyroid or head trauma that can cause similar symptoms. They may refer you to an extensive evaluation with psychiatrists or psychologists. To be able to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, you must have at least six or more signs that began in childhood or prior to the age of 12. The symptoms must be present for at least six months, and create significant problems for your daily functioning. Adults must meet a lower threshold to be diagnosed, but the same criteria apply: You need to have a minimum of five or more symptoms, and these should affect your work, home and social life. Treatment Treatment is designed to reduce symptoms and improve functioning at home, work and school. There are a variety of treatment options, including treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Many people have satisfaction with lifestyle changes, like establishing consistent routines, using a planner or notebook and scheduling tasks prior to time. Others might benefit from specific learning disability treatments, like metacognitive therapy that helps to improve their ability to organize their lives and solve problems, 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 in diagnosing ADHD can suggest the most effective treatment for a person's 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, scales for assessing behavior and symptom checklists in order to determine if the individual has the ADHD diagnostic criteria. They can also look up an examination of a family history of mental health issues and physical ailments. They will ask the person, their parents and teachers about their moods, behaviors and attitudes and about how they've changed over time. The diagnosis of ADHD is by analyzing six or more symptoms which begin before 12 years of age and create difficulties in at least two different settings (at school, at home, or in social situations). The symptoms must be present for at least six months. The symptoms should also be more severe than is normal for a person of the same age. A medical checkup is typically performed to make sure that the person does not have any other health issues. Doctors will look over the patient's medical and psychiatric records and review their symptoms. They may also suggest an eye or hearing test. Some people who suffer from ADHD have a genetic predisposition to develop the disorder. If the person has a parent or sibling with ADHD, they have about a 91% chance of developing the disorder for themselves. ADHD is often accompanied by a anxiety or mood disorder. These disorders can be harder to manage than ADHD by itself. Prevention Many things, like certain medical conditions, as well as learning disabilities, can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. So it's important to see your health care provider or mental health professional for an assessment prior to making a diagnosis. This person will ask your child about their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They can also utilize scoring scales or a checklist to determine if your child is suffering from ADHD. They can also conduct an examination and test for hearing or vision issues. They may also order a brain scan, also known as an EEG that analyzes beta and theta waves to detect changes in your child's brain's function. For children to be diagnosed with ADHD, they must have a number of symptoms that are more prominent than the norm for their age or developmental level. Inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity can cause significant problems at school, home or at work. The symptoms can also impact your child's ability to interact with others. If your child is suffering from moderate or severe ADHD symptoms, they will need treatment with medication in order to live a normal life. Children with ADHD might have trouble following directions and staying focused. This can result in poor grades and a lack of self-esteem. They may also struggle with social interactions because they struggle to discern social cues and often interrupt others or appear aggressive or intense. They are at risk for depression, anxiety as well as substance abuse and issues with relationships. People with mild ADHD have symptoms that are apparent but do not interfere with their daily lives or make it difficult to work or maintain relationships. Those with moderate to severe ADHD will exhibit more symptoms, and are more likely than other people to have problems at work, like difficulties keeping a job or interacting with coworkers. If they do not seek treatment could face serious consequences. This includes financial issues, health issues, and legal issues. There are a variety of treatment options for ADHD that include psychosocial and behavioral therapy including diet and nutrition, exercise, medication for sleep, and other treatments. NIMH offers more information on these options and ways to discuss these options with your family.