ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A clear diagnosis of ADHD will help you control symptoms that can cause problems at work and at home. ADHD symptoms can lead to anxiety and depression.
A thorough assessment could include a thorough interview and screening questionnaires to determine other conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which could coexist or appear similar to ADHD. Your healthcare professional may also ask you to speak with a loved one.
Diagnosis
If you believe you may have ADHD or other related disorders, it is crucial to be evaluated by a licensed health care professional. This could include psychologist, psychiatrist or family doctor nurse practitioner with specialized knowledge in the field of mental disorders. The evaluation will involve talking about your symptoms, the issues they cause and how you have tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will also review your medical history, including any prior mental health problems and any other medications you are taking.
The healthcare professional must be able identify at least six symptoms (traits) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two settings (home, school and social situations) and seriously affect your functioning. The symptoms must be 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.
Symptoms of inattentiveness include forgetting things, losing items, and having difficulty paying attention. School-related problems are also common. People with inattention ADHD may not follow instructions or complete assignments or complete work on time. They may have difficulty sitting still, paying attention to others or keeping track of their own possessions. They often interrupt and blurt answers before they have finished their questions. They can't wait 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 can cause issues at school, home and at work. These problems are usually linked to financial problems and troubled relationships.
The person conducting the assessment will probably want to talk with your parents and/or teachers and review any records you have of your behavior problems as an infant. They will likely perform an examination of your body to rule out any other medical conditions which may be causing the symptoms you're suffering from, like seizures or thyroid problems.
If you have problems at work, in school or with your relationships, they might recommend additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD however they can provide valuable information about how the disorder affects you.
You can also check out our website for more information.
If you suspect that your child or you is suffering from ADHD It is important to find a certified medical professional who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your physician for a referral. Contact your insurance company. Search online for specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments of adults. You can also go to an adult ADHD support group for recommendations.
During the assessment the person who is conducting the test will speak to you or your child about your childhood and present life to get a better understanding of what's happening. They might also talk to teachers and other people who knew you as in your youth. They might ask about your medical history as well as past illnesses to see if you have any issues that appear like symptoms of ADHD, such as depression or anxiety.
The evaluator may also use ratings scales and questionnaires to determine the frequency at which you or your child displays 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 as well as adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD. This is to ensure that 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 brain. They may also check for medical conditions that could mimic ADHD like 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 can't be better explained by another mental disorder, like depression or anxiety. The evaluator analyzes the results of the tests and interviews to diagnose ADHD. The evaluator drafts an outline of his or her findings, and suggests treatment options. They'll likely give you or your child with copies of the report.
Treatment
Having ADHD can create issues in many aspects of life, including family and work. Some of the symptoms are forgetfulness and impulsiveness, which can lead to financial issues or issues at work or at school. Marriage and family therapy can assist in addressing the issues that people with ADHD confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can help address the feelings of anger and inadequacy which often accompany the diagnosis of ADHD. Finding a therapist with experience in working with ADHD patients and who can relate to their specific challenges is essential.
Health professionals employ a variety of methods to determine whether someone has ADHD. They might observe them in various environments, inquire about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives, look over the past behavior, conduct psychological and neuropsychological tests, and then conduct an exam for medical reasons. They may also consult teachers and caregivers to get a full picture of the individual's life. This includes their work, home and social environment.
For an young adult or an adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must occur in two or more environments and significantly affect their daily functioning. They must be present for a minimum of 6 months. Symptoms must have been occurring from before the age of 12 and they are not explained by other mental disorders, like 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 least five of the following symptoms in a variety of settings.
A therapist can help teach techniques that can reduce the symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead and keeping track of timetables and using the planner, notebook or diary, as well as developing and adhering to routines. They can also help you develop problem-solving and communication skills 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
adults diagnosed with adhd feel relief after receiving a diagnosis as an adult. They feel as if they have finally figured out what's wrong. It can also be a time of grief, whether for lost opportunities in school or relationships or jobs that have gone wrong. Matlen said that it's particularly difficult for women and girls whose symptoms may have been overlooked in their childhood or not recognized until they matured.
A specialist or doctor will look over the person's entire life story including the adolescent years and childhood. They will look at school and work records and then interview the individual and anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about their symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't better explained by mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.
The specialist may also suggest cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical test. The purpose of CBT is helping the person change their thoughts and actions so they can manage their ADHD more effectively. The therapist will help the person develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills and impulse control. The therapist will instruct the client to identify and avoid triggers that lead to ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors might recommend the patient to a psychologist or psychiatrist who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. adults diagnosed with adhd will be able to discuss the issues the person is having at work, at home and in relationships. They can also suggest support groups for adults suffering from ADHD and other resources.
If someone is having difficulty finding an expert they can ask their primary care provider to refer them or search the directory online of their health insurance company. They can also ask their friends and family members for recommendations or find a local support group for adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can help to locate a psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication as well as a therapist or life coach to give them practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their lives every day.