ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you gain control over symptoms that can cause problems at home and in your professional life. The symptoms can also lead to depression and anxiety.
A thorough assessment could consist of a thorough interview as well as screening questionnaires that help to determine other disorders, like depression or anxiety, that could coexist or appear similar to ADHD. Your healthcare professional may ask to interview your family member.
Diagnosis
If you think that you might have ADHD, it is important to be evaluated by an accredited health professional. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or family doctor nurse practitioner who has expertise of mental disorders. The assessment will include a discussion about your symptoms, the problems they cause, and the ways you have dealt with them. The healthcare provider will review your medical history, including any prior mental health issues and any other medications you're taking.
The healthcare provider has to be able identify at least six signs (traits) of ADHD. They are present in at least two environments (home, school, and social situations) and also significantly affecting your performance. The symptoms should 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.
Inattention symptoms include difficulty paying attention, losing track of details, and loosing things. Problems with school are also common. People with inattention ADHD might not be able to follow directions or complete assignments or submit work on time. They may have trouble sitting still, paying attention to others, or keeping track of their own activities. They frequently interrupt and scream out answers before they have finished. They don't want to wait for their turn during conversations or games.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This kind of ADHD could cause problems at school, work and at home. These problems are usually linked to problems in relationships and having financial problems.
The person who is conducting the assessment might want to speak with your teachers or parents, and look at any evidence of your behavior issues as an infant. They will likely perform an examination of your body to rule out other medical conditions that could be causing the symptoms you are suffering from, like thyroid issues or seizures.
They may suggest additional neuropsychological, psychological and/or learning disabilities testing if the problems you are having at school, at work or in your relationships require it. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information about how the disorder affects your life.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child is suffering from ADHD It's crucial to find a certified health care expert who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for an appointment, or contact your insurance company or look online for professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also join an adult ADHD support group for recommendations.
During the assessment the person who conducts the test will speak to you or your child about your childhood and current life to get a better idea of what's happening. They may also talk to teachers or other people who were with you when you were a kid. They could inquire about your medical history and past illnesses to see if you are suffering from any issues that look like symptoms of ADHD, such as depression or anxiety.
The evaluator may also use rating scales and questionnaires in order to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, as well as how often they occur. These tools will help them to compare your child's behavior to the ones of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. This is to make sure your child or you meet standardized criteria for the diagnosis. They might also give you or your child a physical exam and an examination of the neurological system. They may also look for a medical issue that may be a symptom of ADHD, such as a 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 an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder. The evaluator analyzes the results of the tests and interviews to determine the diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will write a report that outlines the findings and suggests treatments. Your child or you will likely receive a copy.
Treatment
Having ADHD can cause problems in many areas of life, including family and work. Some of the symptoms include impulsive or forgetful decisions that can lead to financial problems or issues at work or school. Family and marriage therapy can aid people suffering from ADHD overcome the obstacles they face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, sometimes referred to as talk therapy, can help alleviate feelings of anger and inadequacy frequently associated with an ADHD diagnosis. Finding a therapist who has experience in working with ADHD patients and who can relate to their specific challenges is essential.
Health care professionals use different methods to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. They may observe the person in various environments, inquire about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives. They may also review their past behavior and conduct neuropsychological and psychological tests, and conduct a medical exam. They can also talk to teachers and caregivers in order to obtain a complete picture of the person's life. This includes their home, workplace and social environment.
For an young adult or an adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must be present in two or more settings and significantly affect their daily functioning. They must be present for at least six months. The symptoms must have occurred prior to the age of 12 and cannot be explained by other mental disorder, 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 exhibit at minimum five of the following symptoms in multiple settings:
Therapists can help you develop skills that help reduce symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead, keeping track of schedules and using notebooks, planners or a diary and also establishing and adhering to routines. They can also help with communication and problem-solving skills which can help with 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
Many people find relief in being diagnosed as adults. They feel that they have finally figured out what's wrong. It can also be a time of sadness in the form of the missed opportunities in school or in the workplace or for relationships that have gone off the rails. Matlen said it's especially difficult for girls and women whose symptoms may have been ignored in childhood or were not recognized until they grew.
A specialist or doctor will review the person's life-history, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will look over the person's academic and work records and talk to them and anyone other person who is familiar with them. They will also ask about the symptoms. They will make sure that the symptoms aren't a result of mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
In addition to a physical examination The doctor may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The purpose of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is to help people change their thinking and behaviors to better manage their ADHD. The therapist will help the client develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills, and impulse control. They will also teach the person to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
adhd adults diagnosis may refer the patient to a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They can talk about the problems that the patient is experiencing at work, at home and in relationships. They will be able recommend support groups and other resources for adults with ADHD.
If a person has trouble finding a specialist doctor they could ask their primary care provider for a referral, or look through their health insurance company's online directory. They can also ask their friends and family members for suggestions or join a local support group for adults with ADHD. The specialist can help to locate 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 daily lives.