ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD can aid in reducing the symptoms that can cause trouble both at home and in your professional life. ADHD symptoms can lead to anxiety and depression.
A thorough evaluation will include an extensive interview with you and may include screening questionnaires for other conditions that may look like ADHD or coexist with it, for example anxiety or depression. Your healthcare professional could also request to interview your loved ones.
Diagnosis
It is important to have a licensed health professional evaluate you if you think you might have ADHD. This could include psychologist, psychiatrist or family doctor nurse practitioner with specialized knowledge in the field of mental disorders. The evaluation will include a discussion about your symptoms, the issues they cause, and the ways you have overcome them. The healthcare provider will review your medical history including past mental health issues as well as any medications you may be taking.
To diagnose the healthcare professional must determine at minimum six traits (symptoms) of ADHD. They should be seen in at least two different settings (home or school and social situations) and significantly affect your ability to function. The symptoms must be present for at least six months and they must be constant over time. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
Symptoms of inattentiveness include a tendency to forget things, losing things, and having trouble paying attention. School problems are also common. People with inattention ADHD may not follow instructions, finish assignments or complete work on time. They aren't able to sit still, paying attention to others or keeping track of their own activities. They often interrupt and blurt out answers before they have finished. They can't wait their turn during games or conversations.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This kind of ADHD can cause difficulties at work, school and at home. These problems are often linked to financial difficulties and troubled relationships.
The person who is conducting the evaluation may want to speak with your parents or teachers and review any records of your behavior problems as a child. They'll likely conduct an examination to rule out any other medical conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizures.
They may suggest additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests in the event that the issues you are experiencing at school, work or in your relationships require it. These tests don't diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information on how the disorder affects your life.
Evaluation
If you think you or your child might have ADHD, you should seek out an experienced health professional who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for an appointment. Contact your insurance provider. Search online for professionals that specialize in ADHD assessments of adults. You can also ask for recommendations from an adult ADHD support group.
During the assessment, the person who is conducting it might ask you or your child questions about your childhood and present life in order to gain a better understanding of what is going on. They may also talk to teachers and others who were with you when you were an infant. They might ask about your medical history and previous illnesses to determine if you have any problems that look like symptoms of ADHD like depression or anxiety.
The evaluator will also use questionnaires and ratings scales to determine the frequency at which your child or you exhibit certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools will help them to compare your child's symptoms to those of other kids and adults who have been diagnosed with the disorder. adhd in adults diagnosis is to ensure that you or your child meets the criteria that are standard for diagnosing. Your child or you might be subject to a neurological or physical exam. They may also check for medical issues that could be the cause of ADHD such as thyroid issue 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 also can't be better explained by another mental disorder, like depression or anxiety. Your evaluator will use the results of the test and interview to arrive at an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator drafts a report outlining the findings of the test, and suggests treatment options. Your child or you are likely to receive an electronic copy.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work and in the home. The most common symptoms include impulsivity and forgetfulness which can cause financial problems or problems at work or school. Marriage and family therapy can help overcome the difficulties that people with ADHD have to face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can help alleviate feelings of frustration and inadequacy often associated with an ADHD diagnosis. It is essential to choose a therapist who has experience working with individuals with ADHD and who can understand the unique challenges that this disorder can bring about.
Health care professionals use different methods to determine if someone has ADHD. They might observe them in various settings, ask about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives, review their past behavior as well as conduct neuropsychological and psychosocial tests, and then conduct an exam for medical reasons. They can also talk to teachers and caregivers in order to get a full picture of the individual's daily life. This includes their home, workplace and social surroundings.
The symptoms are required to be present in at minimum two locations and disrupt everyday functioning. They must be present for at least six months. The symptoms must have been present prior to age 12 and they are not explained by other mental disorders, for example anxiety or depression.
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 display at least five symptoms in various environments.
Therapists can help you develop skills that help reduce the symptoms of ADHD. This includes planning ahead and keeping track of timetables and using a planner, notebook or diary, as well as developing and sticking to routines. They can also assist you to 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 adult diagnosis can be a relief and the feeling of being able to recognize the cause. It can also be an emotional time, whether for lost opportunities at school or at relationships or work that have gone wrong. Matlen said that it's particularly difficult for girls and women whose symptoms may have been overlooked in their childhood or not fully recognized as they grew.
A doctor or specialist will look over the life story of the individual, including childhood and adolescence. They will look at the records of work and school, interview the person and anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about the symptoms. They will make sure that the symptoms aren't better explained by mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.
In addition to a physical examination The doctor might also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The aim of CBT is to assist the person change their thoughts and actions so they can manage their ADHD more effectively. The counselor will instruct the patient on strategies to improve their organizational skills, time management and impulse control. The therapist will help the patient to recognize and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors will recommend the patient to a psychiatrist who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They can discuss the issues the patient is experiencing at work, at home and in relationships. They will be able to recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD.
If someone is having trouble finding a specialist doctor, they can ask their primary care provider for a referral or look up their health insurance company's online directory. You can also ask family and friends for recommendations, or find an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can help the person locate an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication, and an therapist or a life coach to help them develop strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes to their lives every day.