ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A clear diagnosis of ADHD will allow you to manage symptoms that can cause issues at home and work. ADHD symptoms can cause depression and anxiety.
A thorough assessment will include an in-depth interview with you. It could also involve screening questionnaires for other conditions that may look like ADHD or coexist with it, for example depression or anxiety. Your healthcare provider may also suggest an interview with a loved one.
Diagnosis
It is crucial to get a licensed health professional assess you if you think you may be suffering from ADHD. This could include psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician, or nurse practitioner who has expertise in mental disorders. The exam will include speaking about your symptoms, the issues they create and the ways you have tried to deal with them. The healthcare professional will also review your medical history, including any prior mental health issues as well as any other medications you are taking.
To make a diagnosis the healthcare professional must be able to identify at least six traits (symptoms) of ADHD. adult diagnosis of adhd must be present in at least two different environments (home or school, as well as social situations) and be significantly affecting your performance. The symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months and be continuous. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
Attention-deficit symptoms include difficulty paying attention, ignoring details, and losing things. School-related problems are also common. People with inattentive ADHD might have difficulty adhering to instructions or completing assignments. They may also have difficulty making sure that work is submitted on time. They have difficulty sitting still, paying close attention to others or focusing on their own activities. They frequently interrupt and blurt out answers before they have finished. They have trouble waiting 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 work and at home. These problems are usually linked to a breakdown in relationships or becoming financially strained.
The person doing the evaluation is likely to want to talk with your teachers and parents and review any records you have of your behavior problems as when you were a child. They will likely perform an examination of your body to rule out other medical conditions that could be contributing to the symptoms you're experiencing, such as thyroid issues or seizures.
If get diagnosed with adhd have problems at school, at work, or with your relationships, they might recommend additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing. These tests aren't able to diagnose ADHD but they could give you useful information regarding the disorder.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD It is important to find a certified health expert who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your physician for a referral. Contact your insurance provider. You can also search the internet for specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also request recommendations from an adult ADHD support group.
During the test the person who conducts it will talk with you or your child about your childhood and current life to gain a better understanding of what's happening. They may also want to talk to your teachers or others who knew you as a child. They might ask about your medical history and previous ailments to determine if are suffering from any issues that look like symptoms of ADHD like anxiety or depression.
The evaluator may also use questionnaires and rating scales in order to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, as well as how often they occur. These tools allow them to examine your child's or your child's symptoms with those of other children as well as adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD. This is to make sure that you or your child meet the criteria for diagnosis. Your child or you might be subject to a neurological or physical examination. They may also check for medical issues that may be a cause of ADHD like 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 also can't be explained better by a different mental disorder, like depression or anxiety. The evaluator analyzes the results of the tests and interview to diagnose ADHD. The evaluator drafts a report outlining the findings of the test, and recommends treatment options. They may provide you or your child with a copy the report.
Treatment
Having ADHD can create issues in many aspects of life, including family and work. The most common symptoms are forgetfulness and impulsiveness, which can cause financial difficulties or problems at work or at school. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people with ADHD overcome the obstacles they face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can help alleviate feelings of frustration and inadequacy frequently associated with an ADHD diagnosis. Finding a therapist who has experience working with ADHD patients and who can relate to their specific challenges is essential.
Health professionals use a variety of methods to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. They can observe the person in different environments, inquire about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives, review past behavior as well as conduct neuropsychological and psychosocial tests, and conduct an exam for medical reasons. They may also consult with caregivers and teachers to get a complete picture of the person's life, including their work, home and social environments.
For an adolescent or young adult to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must be present in two or more settings and severely interfere with their daily functioning. They must have been present for at least six months. The symptoms must have occurred prior to the age of 12 and are not attributed to any other mental disorder, such as 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 least five of the symptoms in a variety of settings.
Therapists can help students develop techniques that can alleviate symptoms of ADHD like planning ahead and keeping track of schedules using a notebook or planner, and developing and sticking to routines. They can also help with strategies for problem-solving and communication that can aid in managing 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 bring relief and the feeling of finally knowing what's going on. It can also be a time of grief regardless of missed opportunities at school or in the workplace, or for relationships that have gone south. Matlen said that it's particularly difficult for girls and women who's symptoms were overlooked in their childhood or not fully recognized as they grew.
A specialist or doctor will review the person's life-history including childhood and adolescence. They will examine the person's work and school records and talk to them and anyone other person who is familiar with them. They will also inquire about the symptoms. They will check to ensure that the symptoms aren't better explained by another mental health condition, like anxiety or depression, and that the person is not suffering from an physical issue, such as low blood pressure or a hearing or vision impairment.
In addition to a physical examination, the specialist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to help people change their thinking and behaviors 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. They will also show the person how to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may recommend the patient to a psychologist or psychiatrist who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD. They will be able discuss the challenges the person experiencing at home, work and in relationships. They can also suggest support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If a person is having trouble finding an expert They can request their primary care physician to refer them or search the online directory of their health insurance company. You could also ask family members and friends for recommendations, or find an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can also assist the person find a 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 day-to-day lives.