ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause problems at work and at home. ADHD symptoms can cause depression and anxiety.
A thorough evaluation may include a detailed interview and screening questionnaires to determine other disorders, like anxiety or depression that could coexist or appear similar to ADHD. Your healthcare provider may ask to interview a family member.
Diagnosis
It is essential to seek out a licensed health professional to evaluate your situation if you suspect you might have ADHD. This may be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a family doctor or nurse practitioner that specializes in mental health issues. The evaluation will involve talking about your symptoms, the issues they create and the ways you've tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will review your medical history including past mental health issues as well as any medication you are taking.
To diagnose the healthcare professional must be able to identify at least six characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two environments (home or school, as well as social situations) as well as significantly affecting your performance. The symptoms should 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.
Inattention symptoms include difficulty paying attention, losing track of details, and loosing things. In school, problems are common. People with inattentive ADHD might have difficulty adhering to instructions or completing assignments. They may also have difficulty finishing work on time. They may have difficulty sitting still and paying attention to other people or keeping track of their personal belongings. They frequently interrupt and scream out answers before questions are finished. They have trouble waiting 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 can lead to problems at school, at home and at work. These issues are often connected to financial issues and strained relationships.
The person who is doing the assessment may wish to talk with your parents or teachers, and look at any documentation of your behavior issues as when you were a child. adhd diagnosis adult will probably do a physical exam to rule out any other medical conditions that could contribute to your symptoms, including seizures or thyroid problems.
If you have problems at work, in school or with your relationships, they may recommend additional psychological, educational disabilities, or neuropsychological tests. These tests don't diagnose ADHD, but they can provide you with useful information regarding the disorder.
Evaluation
If you think you or your child may have ADHD, you should consult a qualified health professional who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for a referral, contact your insurance provider or look online for specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also request recommendations from an adult ADHD support group.
During the assessment the person who conducts it will talk to you or your child about your childhood and current life to gain a better understanding of what's happening. They may also want to talk to teachers and others who knew you when you were in your youth. They could inquire about your medical background and previous ailments to determine if you are experiencing any symptoms related to ADHD, such anxiety or depression.
The evaluator will also use ratings scales and questionnaires to determine how often your child or you exhibit certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools will help them compare your or your child's symptoms to the symptoms of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. This will help ensure that you or your child meets the criteria that are standard for diagnosing. Your child or you may also undergo a neurological and physical examination. They may also look for any medical condition that could be mimicking ADHD, such as 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 cannot be explained by other mental disorder, such as anxiety or mood disorders. The evaluator will utilize the results of the testing and interview to arrive at an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator drafts an account of his or her findings and recommending treatment options. They will probably give you or your child with a copy the report.
Treatment
ADHD can cause issues at work and within the family. Some of the signs include impulsive or forgetful decisions that can result in financial issues or trouble at work or at school. Family therapy and marriage can help address the challenges that people with ADHD face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help address feelings of frustration and feeling inadequate frequently 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 this disorder can cause.
Health care professionals employ a variety of methods to determine if someone has ADHD, including watching them in various situations and asking about their symptoms and how they affect their lives, reviewing past behavior, conducting tests for neuropsychological and psychological testing, and an examination for medical reasons. They can also consult with caregivers and teachers to get an accurate picture of a person's life, including work, home and social environments.
The symptoms are required to be present in at least two settings and affect the daily activities. They must be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must have developed before the age of 12 and are not attributed to any other mental disorder, 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 exhibit at least five symptoms in different settings.
Therapists can help you develop skills that help reduce the symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead and keeping track of timetables and using a 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
Many people feel relieved after getting a diagnosis as adults. They feel that they finally know 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. It's particularly difficult for girls and women those whose symptoms might have been missed in childhood or not recognized as they grew older, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will look over the person's entire life history including childhood and adolescence. They will review the person's academic and work records and interview them and anyone other person who is familiar with them. They will also inquire about symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms are not more easily explained by a mental health issue, such as depression or anxiety, and that the person does not have a physical problem like low blood pressure or a hearing or vision impairment.
The doctor may also recommend cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical test. The aim of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to help individuals change their thoughts and behaviors to better manage their ADHD. The Therapist will teach the person strategies to improve their organizational skills, time management and impulse control. They will also show the person how to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors will recommend the patient to a psychiatrist who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able discuss the problems the person is experiencing at home, work and in relationships. They will be able recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD.
If someone is having difficulty finding an expert They can ask their primary care provider to refer them or look up the online directory of their health insurance company. You can also ask your friends and family members for suggestions or join an organization that offers local support for adults with ADHD. The specialist can help the person locate an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication and a therapist or life coach to help them develop strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their daily lives.