ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you gain control over symptoms that can cause problems at home as well as in your professional life. Symptoms of ADHD can also lead to anxiety and depression.
A thorough examination could include a detailed interview and screening questionnaires to identify other disorders, like anxiety or depression, which could coexist or appear similar to ADHD. Your healthcare professional may also request to interview a loved one.
Diagnosis
If you think that you might have ADHD and are concerned, it is essential to be evaluated by an authorized health care professional. This could include a psychologist, psychiatrist or family doctor nurse practitioner who is knowledgeable in the field of mental disorders. The evaluation will include a discussion of your symptoms, the issues they cause, as well as how you have overcome them. The healthcare provider will also review your medical history, including any past mental health problems and any other medications you are taking.
To diagnose, the healthcare provider must determine at minimum six traits (symptoms) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two settings (home or school and social situations) and seriously affect your ability to function. The symptoms must be present for at least six months and they must be consistent over time. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
Inattention symptoms include difficulty paying attention, forgetting details, and losing things. School-related problems are also common. People with inattention ADHD might not be able to follow directions or complete assignments or turn in work on time. They aren't able to sit still, paying close attention to others or keeping track of their own activities. They frequently interrupt and blurt answers before the questions are finished. They struggle to wait for their turn in games or conversations.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This type of ADHD can cause problems at school, at home and at work. These problems are usually linked to financial difficulties and troubled relationships.
The person conducting the assessment is likely to want to talk with your teachers, parents, or parents and look over any documentation you have of your issues with behavior as a child. They'll likely conduct an examination of your body to rule out any medical conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms you are experiencing, including seizures or thyroid problems.
They may recommend additional psychological, neuropsychological and/or learning disabilities testing in the event that the issues you are experiencing at school, work or in your relationships require it. These tests don't diagnose ADHD however they can provide valuable information about how the disorder affects you.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child is suffering from ADHD It's crucial to find a qualified health expert who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your physician for an appointment. Contact your insurance company. more info can also search the internet for professionals that specialize in ADHD assessments of adults. You can also seek suggestions from an adult ADHD support group.
During the assessment, the person conducting it may ask you or your child questions about your past and present life to help you gain a better comprehension of what is going on. They might also request to speak with your teachers and others who were around you as a kid. They may inquire about your medical history and previous ailments to determine if have any issues that appear like symptoms of ADHD like depression or anxiety.
The evaluator may also use questionnaires and rating scales in order to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, and how often they occur. These tools can help evaluate your child's behavior to the ones of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the disorder. This will help ensure that you or your child is in line with the criteria that are standard for diagnosing. They might also give you or your child a physical examination and a neurological exam. They may also check for medical issues that could be the cause of ADHD such as thyroid problem or seizures.
For children to be diagnosed with ADHD, they need to consistently demonstrate six or more of the behavioral symptoms listed in two categories -- inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity -- over the course of six months. For adults, five established symptoms in one category are needed -- either inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity. The symptoms cannot be explained by any other mental disorder such as anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator uses the results of the tests and interviews to officially diagnose ADHD. The evaluator will draft an outline of his or her findings and suggests treatment options. They will probably provide you or your child with a copy the report.
Treatment
ADHD can cause issues at work and within the family. Some of the signs are forgetfulness and impulsiveness, which can lead to financial difficulties or problems at school or work. Family therapy and marriage counseling can aid those suffering from ADHD overcome the challenges they encounter in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help address feelings of frustration and inadequacy frequently associated with an ADHD diagnosis. Finding a therapist who has experience working with ADHD patients and who understands their unique challenges is important.
Health professionals employ a variety of methods to assess whether someone has ADHD, including observing them in several settings, asking about their symptoms and how they affect their lives, reviewing the past behavior, performing tests for neuropsychological and psychological testing, and medical examinations. They can also talk to teachers and caregivers in order to get a full picture of the individual's daily life. This includes their work, home and social environment.
For an young adult or an adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must be present in two or more environments and significantly affect their daily functioning. They must be present for at least 6 months. The symptoms must have been present prior to age 12 and they are not explained by other mental disorders, for example depression or anxiety.
Older teens and adults must meet the criteria for both the inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD to be diagnosed with this disorder. They must show at minimum five of the following symptoms in multiple settings:
A therapist can help teach skills that reduce the symptoms of ADHD. more info include planning ahead and keeping track of your schedules and using notebooks, planners or a diary and also developing and adhering to routines. They can also help you develop communication and problem-solving abilities that will help you manage symptoms. Treatment options also include medication, lifestyle adjustments and accommodations--tools or changes in the environment that make it easier for people with a condition to function, like step stools that allow short people to reach things that are high up.
Support
For many people, receiving an diagnosis in the adult years can be a relief and a feeling of finally being able to recognize the cause. It can also be a time of sorrow, whether it's for the missed opportunities in school or in the workplace, or for relationships that have gone off the rails. It's particularly hard for girls and women those whose symptoms might be missed in childhood or not fully appreciated as they grew older, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will review the person's life story, including childhood and adolescence. They will look at the records of work and school, interview the person and anyone who knows them well and ask questions about their symptoms. They will make sure that the symptoms are not better explained by another mental health condition such as anxiety or depression or that the individual is not suffering from a physical problem like low blood pressure or a hearing or vision impairment.
The doctor might also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in addition to the physical test. The aim of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to assist a person change their thoughts and behavior to better manage their ADHD. The therapist will teach the person strategies to improve their organization skills as well as time management, and impulse control. The therapist will teach the patient to recognize and avoid triggers that lead to ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may refer the person to a psychologist or psychiatrist who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to discuss the issues the patient is experiencing at work, at home and in relationships. They will also be able to recommend support groups for adults suffering from ADHD and other resources.
If a person has trouble finding a specialized doctor, they could ask their primary care provider for a referral or look up their health insurance company's directory online. They can also ask friends and family members for suggestions or find a local support group for adults with ADHD. The specialist can also assist the person locate a psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication as well as a therapist or life coach to provide them with practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes to their lives every day.