ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A clear diagnosis of ADHD will help you control symptoms that can cause problems at work and home. ADHD symptoms can result in depression and anxiety.
A thorough evaluation may consist of a thorough interview as well as screening questionnaires to identify other conditions, like anxiety or depression, which may coexist or look like ADHD. Your healthcare professional may also suggest an interview with the loved ones of yours.
Diagnosis
It is crucial to have a licensed health professional assess you if you think you may have ADHD. This could be psychologist, psychiatrist, family doctor, or nurse practitioner with specialized knowledge of mental disorders. The assessment will include a discussion of your symptoms, the problems they cause, as well as how you have managed them. The healthcare provider will review your medical history, including previous mental health issues, as well as any medication you are taking.
The healthcare provider has to be able to identify at least six symptoms (traits) of ADHD. They must occur in at minimum two different environments (home school, social situations) and significantly impair your functioning. 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.
Inattentive symptoms include trouble paying attention, ignoring details, and losing things. The school environment can also be a problem. People with inattention ADHD might not follow directions and assignments, or submit work on time. They may have difficulty sitting still, paying attention to others or keeping track of their own possessions. They frequently interrupt and blurt out answers before they have finished. They struggle to wait for their turn in games or conversations.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This kind of ADHD could cause problems at school, work and home. These issues are usually related to trouble in relationships and becoming financially strained.
The person who is conducting the assessment might want to talk with your teachers or parents and review any documentation of your behavioral issues as when you were a child. They'll likely conduct an examination of your body to rule out any other medical conditions that could be contributing to the symptoms you are experiencing, such as seizures or thyroid problems.
If you have problems at work, in school or in your relationships, they might suggest additional psychological, learning disabilities, and/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 your child or you may have ADHD It is important to find a certified medical professional who can evaluate your symptoms. Ask your doctor for recommendations. 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 conducting it may ask you or your child questions about your childhood and current life to get an comprehension of what is happening. They may also want to talk to your teachers and others who were around you as a kid. They might ask about your medical history and previous ailments to determine if have any problems that look like symptoms of ADHD such as depression or anxiety.
The evaluator also uses ratings scales and questionnaires to determine how often your child or you exhibit certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools let them compare your or child's symptoms with the symptoms of other children and adults who have already been diagnosed. This is to ensure that you or your child is in line with the criteria for diagnosis. They might also give you or your child a physical and an examination of the brain. They could also check for a medical issue that may be mimicking ADHD or seizures or thyroid issues.
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 any other mental disorder like anxiety or mood disorders. The evaluator analyzes the results of the test and interview to diagnose ADHD. The evaluator will draft an account of his or her findings and offers treatment options. They'll likely provide you or your child with a copy of the report.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work and in the family. Some of the signs are forgetfulness and impulsiveness, which can cause financial problems or problems at work or at school. Family therapy and marriage counseling can aid those suffering from ADHD overcome the difficulties they face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can address feelings of anger and inadequacy frequently associated with an ADHD diagnosis. Finding a therapist with experience in working with ADHD patients and who understands their unique challenges is crucial.
Health care professionals use different methods to assess whether someone is suffering from ADHD and this includes monitoring them in different situations and asking them about their symptoms and how they impact their lives, analyzing the past behavior, performing tests for neuropsychological and psychological testing, and an examination for medical reasons. They may also talk with teachers and caregivers in order to gain a complete picture of the individual's daily life. This includes their home, workplace and social environment.
For an young adult or an adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must occur in more than one setting and severely interfere with their daily functioning. They must have been present for at least six months. Symptoms must have been occurring prior to age 12 and they are not explained by other mental disorders, such as 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 demonstrate at least five of the symptoms in a variety of settings:
A therapist can help teach skills that can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD like making plans ahead and keeping track of your schedules by using a planner or notebook and establishing and adhering to routines. adhd adult diagnosis 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 being diagnosed as adults. They feel like they have finally figured out what's wrong. It can also be a time of sorrow, whether it's for the missed opportunities in school or in the workplace or for relationships that have gone south. Matlen said it's especially difficult for girls and women who's symptoms might have been ignored in childhood or were not recognized until they grew.
A specialist or doctor will examine the patient's life story, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will review school and work records and interview the person as well as anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about symptoms. They will check to ensure that the symptoms are not better explained by another mental health condition such as anxiety or depression and also ensure that the person is not suffering from a physical problem like low blood pressure or a hearing or vision impairment.
The doctor might also suggest cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical examination. The aim of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to help people change their thinking and behaviors so they can better manage their ADHD. The therapist will help the person learn strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills, and impulse control. They will also teach the person how to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors might refer the person to a psychologist or psychiatrist who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They can discuss the issues the person is facing at home, at work, and in relationships. They will also be able to suggest support groups for adults suffering from ADHD and other resources.
If someone is having trouble finding a specialist doctor, they can ask their primary care provider for a referral or search their health insurance company's online directory. You can also ask your family and friends for recommendations, or find a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can also assist the person find a neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication as well as an therapist or a life coach to give them practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their lives every day.