ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD will help you control symptoms that can cause problems at home and work. The symptoms can also lead to depression and anxiety.
A thorough assessment will involve an in-depth interview with you and may involve screening questionnaires for other conditions that may look like ADHD or coexist with it, like anxiety or depression. Your healthcare professional may invite you to speak with your family member.
Diagnosis
It is important to seek out a licensed health professional to examine you if you suspect that you may have ADHD. This could include a psychologist, psychiatrist or family doctor nurse practitioner who has expertise in the field of mental disorders. The assessment will include a discussion of your symptoms, the problems they cause, and the ways you've managed them. The healthcare provider will look over your medical history, including any past mental health issues and any medications you might be taking.
The healthcare provider must be able to recognize at least six indicators (traits) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two different environments (home, school, and social situations) as well as significantly affecting your performance. The symptoms must be 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.
Symptoms of inattentiveness include a tendency to forget things, losing things, and having trouble paying attention. In school, problems are common. adult diagnosis of adhd with inattention ADHD may have difficulty following instructions and completing assignments, or making sure that work is submitted on time. They have trouble sitting still, paying attention to others or focusing on their own possessions. They often interrupt and blurt answers before they have finished their questions. They struggle to wait 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 problems at school, work and home. These problems are usually linked to trouble in relationships and having financial problems.
The person conducting the assessment will probably want to talk with your teachers and parents and see any records you have of your issues with behavior as an infant. They'll likely conduct physical examinations to rule out any other medical conditions that could be contributing to the symptoms you're experiencing, including seizures or thyroid issues.
If you are experiencing difficulties at work, in school or in your relationships, they might recommend additional psychological, learning disabilities, and/or neuropsychological testing. These tests do not diagnose ADHD, but they can provide you with useful information regarding the disorder.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD It's crucial to find a certified health care professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for recommendations. Contact your insurance company. You can also search the internet for specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations of adults. You can also ask for recommendations from an adult ADHD support group.
During the test the person who is conducting it will talk to you or your child about your childhood and current life to get a better understanding of what's going on. They may also ask to speak with your teachers and others who were around you as a kid. They may inquire about your medical history and past ailments to determine if have any issues that appear like symptoms of ADHD, such as anxiety or depression.
The evaluator will also use questionnaires and ratings scales to determine how often your child or you display certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools can help them compare your or your child's behavior to those of other kids and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. adult diagnosis of adhd will help ensure that you or your child is in line with the standard criteria for diagnosis. Your child or you might undergo a neurological and physical exam. They may also check for medical conditions that could be a cause of ADHD, such a 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 are not ascribed to any other mental disorder, such as anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator uses the results of the tests and interview to officially diagnose ADHD. The evaluator will write an account of the findings of the test, and recommending treatments. Your child or you will likely receive an electronic copy.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can create issues in many aspects of life, including family and work. Some of the symptoms include impulsive and forgetfulness that can cause financial issues or issues at work or school. Family and marriage therapy can aid people suffering from ADHD overcome the difficulties they confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help alleviate feelings of frustration and feeling inadequate often associated with an ADHD diagnosis. It is important to find a therapist that has experience working with people who suffer from ADHD and can relate to the unique challenges that this disorder can cause.
Health care professionals use different methods to determine whether someone has ADHD. They may observe them in various situations, inquire about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives. They may also review their past behavior and conduct neuropsychological and psychological testing, and perform a medical exam. They can also consult with caregivers and teachers to obtain an accurate picture of a person's life, including workplace, home and social settings.
For an young adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must be present in two or more environments and seriously affect their daily functioning. They have to be present for at least six months. Symptoms must have been occurring since before age 12, and they cannot be better explained by other mental disorders, like 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 display at least five symptoms in different environments.
A therapist can teach techniques that can help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD like planning ahead and keeping track of schedules by using a planner or notebook as well as developing and adhering to routines. They can also assist you to develop communication and problem-solving abilities that will 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
For many people, receiving an diagnosis in the adult years can bring relief and the feeling of being able to recognize the cause. It can also be an emotional time, whether for lost opportunities at school or at work or relationships that have failed. It's especially tough for women and girls, those whose symptoms might have been overlooked in their the early years or not appreciated as they matured, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will examine the patient's life story, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will look at documents from work and school and interview the person as well as anyone who knows them well and ask questions about the symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't caused by mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
In addition to a physical exam, the specialist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The purpose of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is to help people change their thinking and behaviors so they can better manage their ADHD. The counselor will instruct the patient on strategies to improve their organizational skills, time management and impulse control. The therapist will help the client to identify and avoid triggers that can cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may refer the patient to a psychiatrist who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They can talk about the problems that the person is facing at home, at work, and in relationships. They can also suggest support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If adhd diagnosis in adults is having difficulty finding a specialist doctor they can ask their primary care provider for a referral, or look through their health insurance company's online directory. They can also ask friends and family members for recommendations or find an area-based support group for adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can also help to locate an 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 to their day-to-day lives.