ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A clear diagnosis of ADHD will allow you to manage symptoms that can cause issues at home and work. The symptoms can also cause anxiety and depression.
A thorough evaluation may include a thorough interview and screening questionnaires to identify other disorders, like depression or anxiety, that might coexist or resemble ADHD. Your healthcare professional could also suggest an interview with your loved ones.
Diagnosis
If you think that you might have ADHD, it is important to get an evaluation by an authorized health care professional. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist, family doctor or nurse practitioner who is specialized in mental health issues. The evaluation will include a discussion of your symptoms, the problems they cause, and the ways you've overcome them. The healthcare professional will go over 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 are present in at least two environments (home school, at home, and social situations) as well as significantly impairing your functioning. The symptoms should have been present for at minimum 6 months and be constant. 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. School problems are also common. People with inattentive ADHD may not follow instructions or complete assignments or turn in work on time. They may have trouble sitting still, paying attention to others or focusing on their own activities. They frequently interrupt and blurt out answers before they have finished their questions. They don't want to wait for 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 may cause problems at school, at work and at home. These issues are often connected to financial issues and strained relationships.
The person who is doing the assessment might want to talk with your teachers or parents, and look at any evidence of your behavior problems as a child. They will likely perform a physical examination to rule out any medical conditions which may be causing the symptoms you're experiencing, such as seizures or thyroid problems.
If you are experiencing difficulties at school, at work or with your relationships, they could recommend additional psychological, educational disabilities, or neuropsychological testing. These tests do not diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information on how the disorder affects you.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD It is important to find a qualified health care professional who can assess your symptoms. Ask your doctor for a referral. Contact your insurance provider. Search online for specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments of adults. You can also join an adult ADHD support group to get recommendations.
During the assessment, the person who conducts it could ask you or your child questions about your childhood and present life to get a better comprehension of what is happening. They may also ask to talk to your teachers or others who were around you as a kid. They could inquire about your medical history and previous ailments to determine if you are experiencing any symptoms related to ADHD, such depression or anxiety.
The evaluator may also use ratings scales and questionnaires to determine the frequency at which your child or you display certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools allow them to examine your child's or your child's symptoms with those of other children and adults who have been diagnosed. This will help ensure that you or your child is in line with the criteria for diagnosis. They may also conduct a physical or your child a physical exam and an examination of the neurological system. They might also check for a medical issue that may be mimicking ADHD like seizures or thyroid problems.
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 analyzes the results of the tests and interview to determine the diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator writes a report outlining his or her findings and recommends solutions. You or your child will likely receive a copy.
Treatment
Having ADHD can cause problems in many areas of life, including family and work. Some of the symptoms are impulsivity and forgetfulness, which can lead to financial difficulties or problems at school or work. Family and marriage therapy can help address the challenges that people with ADHD have to face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) can address the feelings of frustration and inadequacy which often accompany the diagnosis of ADHD. Finding a therapist with experience working with ADHD patients and who understands their unique challenges is crucial.
Health professionals employ different methods to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD by monitoring them in different situations, asking about their symptoms and how they affect their lives, reviewing past behavior, conducting psychological and neuropsychological tests and a medical examination. They can also talk to teachers and caregivers in order to gain a complete picture of the individual's daily life. This includes their home, workplace and social surroundings.
For an adolescent or young adult to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must occur in two or more environments and seriously affect their daily functioning. They must have been present for at least 6 months. The symptoms must have occurred before the age of 12 and cannot be explained by any 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 demonstrate at least five of the symptoms in a variety of settings.
A therapist can teach techniques that can help to alleviate symptoms of ADHD like making plans ahead and keeping track of timetables, using a notebook or planner, and developing and sticking to routines. They can also teach strategies for problem-solving and communication 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 getting a diagnosis as adults. They feel as if they've finally found out what's wrong. diagnosed with adhd 's also often a time of grief, whether for lost opportunities in school or relationships or work that have failed. Matlen explained that it's especially difficult for women and girls who's symptoms were missed during childhood or not fully recognized as they matured.
A doctor or specialist will examine the entire life history of the person, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will review the person's academic and work records and talk to them and anyone they know well. They will also ask about the symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't better explained by mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.
The doctor might also suggest cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical test. The purpose of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is to assist people change their thinking and behavior to better manage their ADHD. The therapist will assist the person learn strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills, and impulse control. The therapist will instruct the person to identify and avoid triggers that can cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may refer the patient to a psychiatrist who has experience treating adults with ADHD. They will be able discuss the issues the person is experiencing at home, work and in relationships. They will also be able recommend support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If someone is having difficulty finding an expert, they can either request their primary care physician to refer them to a specialist or search the directory online of their health insurance company. You could also ask family members and friends for recommendations, or contact 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 to give them strategies to manage symptoms and make positive change in their daily lives.