ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD will help you control symptoms that can cause issues at work and home. The symptoms of ADHD can lead to anxiety and depression.
A thorough assessment will include a detailed interview with you and may include screening questionnaires for other illnesses that could be similar to ADHD or coexist with it, like anxiety or depression. Your healthcare professional may ask to interview the family member of yours.
Diagnosis
It is crucial to have a licensed health professional assess you if you think you might have ADHD. It could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a family doctor or nurse practitioner who is specialized in mental health issues. The assessment will include talking about your symptoms, problems they cause and how you've dealt with them. The healthcare professional will go over your medical history, including previous mental health issues as well as any medications you may be taking.
To determine a diagnosis, the healthcare provider must be able to identify at least six signs (symptoms) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two environments (home school, at home, and social situations) as well as significantly affecting your performance. The symptoms must be present for at least six months, and they must be continuous over time. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
The signs of inattention include forgetting things, loosing things, and having trouble paying attention. School-related problems are also common. People who aren't attentive ADHD can have trouble following directions or completing assignments. They may also have difficulty submitting work on time. They aren't able to sit still, paying close attention to others or focusing on themselves. They often interrupt and blurt answers before they have finished their questions. They aren't able to hold their own in conversations or games.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. Highly recommended Resource site of ADHD can lead to problems at school, at home and at work. These issues are usually related to problems in relationships and becoming financially strained.
The person doing the evaluation is likely to want to talk with your parents and/or teachers and look over any documentation you have of your issues with behavior as a child. They'll probably conduct an examination to rule out any other medical conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms, including seizures or thyroid problems.
They may recommend additional psychological, neuropsychological and/or learning disabilities testing when the issues you're experiencing at school, work or in your relationships require it. These tests do not diagnose ADHD however they can provide valuable information about how the disorder affects you.
Evaluation
If you suspect that your child or you has ADHD, it's important to find a certified medical professional who can assess your symptoms. You can request a referral, contact your insurance company or search online for specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also ask for recommendations from an adult ADHD support group.
During the assessment, the person conducting it may ask you or your child questions about your childhood and present life in order to gain an understanding of what's going on. They might also request to speak with your teachers and others who were with you when you were a child. They could inquire about your medical background and past ailments to determine if you are suffering from any symptoms connected to ADHD like depression or anxiety.
The evaluator can also employ rating scales and questionnaires 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 and adults who have already been diagnosed. This will help ensure that you or your child is in line with the criteria that are standard for diagnosing. You or your child may also undergo a neurological and physical exam. They may also check for medical issues that could be the cause of ADHD, such a 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 cannot be explained by other mental disorder such as anxiety or mood disorders. The evaluator will utilize the results of the test and interview to arrive at an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator writes an outline of his or her findings, and recommending treatment options. They may provide you or your child with copies of the report.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work as well as in the home. Some of the signs include impulsive and forgetfulness that can cause financial issues or trouble at work or school. Family therapy and marriage counseling can aid people suffering from ADHD overcome the obstacles they confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can help address feelings of frustration and feeling inadequate frequently associated with an ADHD diagnosis. It's important to find a therapist who has experience working with individuals with ADHD and can relate to the unique challenges this disorder can bring up.
Health professionals employ a variety of methods to determine whether someone is suffering from ADHD. They may 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 then conduct an exam for medical reasons. They can also talk to caregivers and teachers to obtain a complete picture of an individual's life, including their workplace, home and social environments.
The symptoms are required to be present in at least two settings and disrupt the daily activities. They must have been present for at least six months. The symptoms must have been present from before the age of 12 and they cannot be better 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 display at least five symptoms in a variety of situations.
Therapists can help students develop techniques that can help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD, such as making plans ahead and keeping track of schedules, using a notebook or planner as well as developing and adhering to routines. They can also assist you to develop communication and problem-solving abilities which can assist you 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
Many people feel relieved after receiving a diagnosis as an adult. They feel that they finally know what's wrong. It can also be a time of sadness, whether it's for the missed opportunities in school or in the workplace, or for relationships that have gone awry. Matlen said that it's particularly difficult for women and girls who's symptoms were ignored in childhood or were not fully recognized as they grew older.
A specialist or doctor will review the person's life story including the adolescent years and childhood. They will examine the person's work and school records and talk to them and anyone else who knows them well. They will also inquire about the signs. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't better explained by another mental health condition such as anxiety or depression or that the individual does not have an physical issue, such as low blood pressure or hearing or vision impairment.
The doctor might also suggest cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical test. The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to help people change their thinking and behaviors to better manage their ADHD. The counselor will instruct the patient on strategies to improve their organizational skills as well as time management, and impulse control. They will also instruct the person how to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may refer the patient to a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. They can discuss the challenges the person having at work, at home and in relationships. They will be able recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD.
If a person has trouble finding a specialized doctor, they can ask their primary care provider for a referral or search their health insurance company's directory online. You could also ask family members and friends for suggestions, or find an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can help the person locate a psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication and a life coach or therapist who can offer strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their daily lives.