ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD can help you gain control over symptoms that can cause issues at home as well as in your professional life. ADHD symptoms can cause depression and anxiety.
A thorough assessment could include a detailed interview and screening questionnaires to identify other conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which may coexist or look like ADHD. Your healthcare professional could also suggest an interview with a loved one.
Diagnosis
If you think that you might be suffering from ADHD and are concerned, it is essential to have an evaluation conducted by a licensed health care professional. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist, family doctor or nurse practitioner that specializes in mental health issues. The assessment will include a discussion of your symptoms, the problems they cause, as well as how you've dealt with them. The healthcare provider will examine your medical history, including any past mental health issues as well as any other medications you're taking.
To diagnose the healthcare professional must determine at minimum six characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two settings (home or school and social situations) and seriously affect your ability to function. The symptoms should have been present for at least six months and be continuous. 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, forgetting details, and loosing things. Problems with school are also common. People who aren't attentive ADHD may have difficulty adhering to instructions and completing assignments, or finishing work on time. They have trouble sitting still and paying attention to other people or focusing on their personal possessions. They frequently interrupt and blurt out answers before they have finished their questions. They have trouble waiting for their turn in conversations or games.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This type of ADHD can cause difficulties at work, school and at home. These problems are often linked to financial issues and strained 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 issues with behavior as when you were a child. They may also conduct a physical examination to rule out any medical conditions that could be causing the symptoms you are experiencing, such as seizures or thyroid problems.
They may recommend additional psychological, neuropsychological and/or learning disabilities testing if the problems you are having at work, school or in your relationships call for it. These tests do not diagnose ADHD, but they can give you useful information regarding the disorder.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD It is important to find a certified medical professional who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for a referral. Contact your insurance provider. Search online for specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations of adults. You can also ask for suggestions from an adult ADHD support group.
During the assessment the person who conducts it will talk with you or your child about your childhood and current life to get a better idea of what's happening. They may also ask to speak with your teachers and others who were around you as a kid. They may ask about your medical background and previous illnesses to determine if you are suffering from any symptoms that could be related to ADHD, such anxiety or depression.
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 will help them to compare your child's symptoms with the ones of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the disorder. This is to ensure that you or your child meets the standard criteria for diagnosis. getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult may also conduct a physical or your child a physical examination and an examination of the neurological system. They might also check for a medical condition that could be mimicking ADHD like 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 can't be better explained by another mental disorder, such as an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder. The evaluator will utilize the results of the testing and interview to arrive at an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator is expected to write an account of his or her findings and suggests treatments. You or your child will likely receive an electronic copy.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can create issues in many areas of life, including family and work. Some of the symptoms include forgetfulness and impulsive decisions that can cause financial issues or problems at work or school. Family and marriage therapy can help address the challenges that people with ADHD face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) can help address the feelings of anger and inadequacy which often accompany a diagnosis of ADHD. Finding a therapist who has experience working with ADHD patients and who understands their specific challenges is essential.
Health professionals employ various methods to assess whether someone has ADHD and this includes observing them in several settings and asking them about their symptoms and how they affect their lives, reviewing the past behavior, performing tests for neuropsychological and psychological testing, and a medical examination. They can also talk to teachers and caregivers in order to get a full picture of the individual's life. This includes their home, workplace and social surroundings.
For an young adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must manifest in more than one setting and severely interfere with their daily functioning. They must have been present for at least six months. The symptoms must have manifested prior to the age of 12 and cannot be explained by other mental disorder, such as 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 teach skills that can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD, such as making plans ahead and keeping track of schedules using a notebook or planner and establishing and adhering to routines. They can also help you develop problem-solving and communication skills that can help you manage 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 receiving a diagnosis as an adult. They feel that they've finally found out what's wrong. It can also be a time of sorrow regardless of missed opportunities at school or in the workplace or for relationships that have gone awry. It's particularly hard for women and girls, those whose symptoms might have been overlooked in their childhood or not fully appreciated as they grew older, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will review the person's life history, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will examine school and work records and then interview the individual and anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about the symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't a result of mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.
In addition to a physical examination The doctor may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to help people change their thinking and behavior to better manage their ADHD. The therapist will assist the client develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills, and impulse control. The therapist will help the patient to recognize and avoid triggers that can cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors might recommend the patient to a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able to discuss the difficulties the patient is experiencing at home, at work and in relationships. They will also be able to recommend support groups for adults suffering from ADHD and other resources.
If a person has trouble finding a specialist doctor, they could ask their primary care provider for a referral or search their health insurance company's online directory. You can also ask your friends and family members for recommendations or join an organization that offers local support for adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can help the person locate a neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication and an therapist or a life coach to give them practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their lives every day.