ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD will allow you to manage symptoms that can cause issues at home and work. These symptoms can result in anxiety and depression.
A thorough examination could include a thorough interview and screening questionnaires that help to determine other conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which may coexist or look like ADHD. Your healthcare professional may also ask you to speak with your loved ones.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you might have ADHD or other related disorders, it is crucial to be evaluated by an authorized health care professional. This could include a psychiatrist, psychologist or family physician, or nurse practitioner who has expertise in mental disorders. The evaluation will include a discussion of your symptoms, the issues they cause, and how you have dealt with them. The healthcare professional will also look over your medical history, including any prior mental health problems and any other medications you're taking.
The healthcare professional must be able identify at least six signs (traits) of ADHD. They must be present in at minimum two different environments (home, school and social situations) and significantly affect your functioning. The symptoms should 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.
Attention-deficit symptoms include difficulty paying attention, losing track of details, and losing things. Problems in school are also common. People with inattentive ADHD might have difficulty following instructions and completing assignments, or submitting work on time. They may have difficulty sitting still or paying attention to other people or keeping track of their own possessions. They frequently interrupt and scream out answers before the questions are completed. They aren't able to hold their own during games or conversations.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This kind of ADHD may cause difficulties at work, school and at home. These problems are usually linked to a breakdown in relationships or becoming financially strained.
The person conducting the assessment is likely to want to talk with your teachers and parents and see any records you have of your behavioral issues as an infant. They will probably do physical examinations to rule out any other medical conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms, including seizures or thyroid problems.
They might recommend additional neuropsychological, psychological and/or learning disabilities testing in the event that the issues you are having at school, at work or in your relationships demand it. These tests do not diagnose ADHD but they could provide useful information regarding the disorder.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD and you suspect that they may, you should find a qualified medical professional who can examine your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for a referral, contact your insurance provider or search the internet for professionals who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also join an adult ADHD support group to get recommendations.
During the evaluation the person who conducts the test will speak to you or your child about your childhood and current life to get a better understanding of what's happening. They might also talk to teachers or other people who were with you when you were an infant. They may inquire about your medical history and previous ailments to determine if have any problems that look like symptoms of ADHD, such as anxiety or depression.
The evaluator could also utilize questionnaires and rating scales in order to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, as well as how often they occur. These tools let them evaluate your child's behavior with those of other children as well as adults who have already been diagnosed with ADHD. This is to ensure that you or your child meets standardized criteria for the diagnosis. Your child or you might be subject to a neurological or physical examination. They could also look for medical issues that may be the 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 are not ascribed to any other mental disorder such as anxiety or mood disorders. The evaluator will use the results of the test and interview to officially diagnose ADHD. The evaluator will write an account of his or her findings and recommends treatments. They'll likely give you or your child with a copy the report.
Treatment
Having ADHD can cause difficulties in a variety of areas of life, including family and work. The most common symptoms are forgetfulness and impulsiveness, which can lead to financial problems or problems at school or work. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people with ADHD overcome the obstacles they encounter in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can address feelings of frustration and inadequacy that are often a result of an ADHD diagnosis. Finding a therapist who has expertise in working with ADHD patients and who can relate to their specific challenges is essential.
Health professionals employ a variety of methods to determine if someone has ADHD. They might observe the person in different environments, inquire about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives. They may also review past behavior and conduct neuropsychological and psychological tests, and conduct an examination for medical reasons. They can also talk to caregivers and teachers to get an accurate picture of the person's life, including their workplace, home and social settings.
For an young adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must manifest in two or more settings and severely interfere with their daily functioning. They have to be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must have manifested before the age of 12 and are not attributed to any other mental disorder, 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 exhibit at minimum five of the following symptoms in a variety of settings.
A therapist can help teach techniques that can alleviate symptoms of ADHD by making plans ahead and keeping track of timetables using a notebook or planner and establishing and adhering to routines. They can also help you 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
For many, receiving an adult diagnosis can be a relief and a sense of finally having a clear understanding of what's happening. It's also an emotional time for those who have lost out on opportunities at school or at work or relationships that have been ruined. Matlen said it's especially difficult for girls and women who's symptoms might have been overlooked in their childhood or not recognized until they grew older.
A doctor or specialist will look over the life story of the individual, including childhood and adolescence. more info will look over the person's work and school records and interview them and anyone they know well. They will also ask about the signs. They will make sure that the symptoms aren't caused by a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression.
In addition to a physical exam, the specialist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The aim of CBT is to assist the patient change their thinking and actions to help them manage their ADHD more effectively. The therapist will help the person learn strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills, and impulse control. The therapist will teach the person to identify and avoid triggers that can cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may recommend the patient to a psychiatrist who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able to discuss the difficulties the person is having at home, at work and in relationships. They will also be able suggest support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If someone is having trouble finding a specialist They can ask their primary care provider to refer them or look up the directory online of their health insurance company. You can also ask your family and friends for suggestions, or join an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can help to locate an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication and a therapist or life coach to help them develop strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their daily lives.