ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause problems at home as well as in your professional life. These symptoms can cause anxiety and depression.
A thorough examination could include a thorough interview and screening questionnaires that help to determine other disorders, like depression or anxiety, that could coexist or appear similar to ADHD. Your healthcare provider might invite you to speak with a family member.
Diagnosis
It is crucial to seek out a licensed health professional to evaluate your situation if you suspect you might have ADHD. This could include psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician, or nurse practitioner who is knowledgeable in the field of mental disorders. The assessment will include a discussion of your symptoms, the issues they cause, as well as how you have managed them. The healthcare professional will also examine your medical background, including any previous mental health issues as well as any other medications you're taking.
To determine a diagnosis the healthcare professional must be able to identify at least six traits (symptoms) of ADHD. They must be present in at minimum two different environments (home school, social situations) and significantly affect your ability to function. The symptoms should be present for at least six months and they must be constant over time. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
Signs of inattention include a tendency to forget things, losing things, and having trouble paying attention. The school environment can also be a problem. People with inattention ADHD might not follow directions, finish assignments or complete work on time. They aren't able to sit still, paying attention to others, or keeping track of themselves. They often interrupt and scream out answers before the questions are completed. They don't want to wait for their turn during games or conversations.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This type of ADHD can cause problems at school, at home and work. These problems are usually linked to problems in relationships and having financial problems.
The person who is doing the assessment may wish to speak with your teachers or parents and examine any evidence of your behavioral issues as an infant. They will likely perform physical examinations to rule out any medical conditions which may be causing the symptoms you're experiencing, including thyroid issues or seizures.
They may suggest additional neuropsychological, psychological and/or learning disabilities testing in the event that the issues you are experiencing at school, work or in your relationships require it. These tests do not diagnose ADHD however they can provide valuable information on how the disorder affects you.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD It is important to find a qualified health care professional who can assess your symptoms. You can request recommendations, talk to your insurance company or look online for specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also go to an adult ADHD support group for recommendations.
During the evaluation the person who conducts it will talk with you or your child about your childhood and present life to get a better understanding of what's happening. They may also want to talk to your teachers or others who knew you as a child. 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 ratings scales and questionnaires to determine the frequency at which your child or you display certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools allow them to examine your child's or your child's symptoms with the symptoms of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD. This will help ensure that your child or you meet the criteria that are standard for diagnosing. They may also offer you or your child a physical exam and an examination of the neurological system. They could also check for a medical issue that may be mimicking ADHD, such as seizures or thyroid problems.
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. Your evaluator uses the results of the tests and interview to determine the diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator is expected to write an outline of the findings and recommends solutions. They'll likely provide you or your child with copies of the report.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work as well as in the family. Some of the symptoms include impulsivity and forgetfulness which can cause financial issues or issues at work or at school. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people with ADHD overcome the challenges they encounter in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can help address the feelings of frustration and inadequacy that often accompany a diagnosis of ADHD. Finding a therapist with expertise in working with ADHD patients and who can relate to their unique challenges is crucial.
Health professionals use a variety of methods to determine whether someone is suffering from ADHD. They might observe the person in various environments, inquire about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives, review their past behavior and conduct neuropsychological and psychological testing, and perform an exam for medical reasons. They may also consult teachers and caregivers in order to obtain a complete picture of the individual's daily life. This includes their workplace, home, and social surroundings.
The symptoms are required to be present in at least two settings and affect everyday functioning. They must be present for at least six months. The symptoms must have occurred before the age of 12 and cannot be explained by 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. adhd diagnosed must show at least five symptoms in different environments.
A therapist can help teach techniques that can help to alleviate symptoms of ADHD like planning ahead and keeping track of your schedules using a notebook or planner as well as developing and adhering to routines. They can also teach the skills of communication and problem-solving that can help 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, receiving an adult diagnosis can bring relief and a feeling of finally having a clear understanding of what's happening. It's also often a time of grief for those who have lost out on opportunities in school or work or relationships that have failed. It's particularly difficult for women and girls, whose symptoms might be missed in childhood or not recognized when they reached maturity, Matlen said.
A specialist or doctor will examine the entire life history of the person, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will examine the records of work and school and then interview the individual and anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about their symptoms. They will make sure that the symptoms aren't caused by a mental health condition like anxiety or depression.
In addition to a physical exam The doctor might also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The aim of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to help people change their thinking and behaviors to better manage their ADHD. The counselor will instruct the patient on strategies to improve their organizational skills as well as time management, and impulse control. They will also instruct the person how to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors will refer the patient to a psychiatrist who has experience treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to discuss the challenges the person having at work, at home and in relationships. They will also be able to suggest support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If someone has difficulty finding a specialist, they can either request their primary care physician to refer them or look up the directory online of their health insurance company. You can also ask your family and friends for suggestions, or join an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can help the person locate a psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication and a life coach or therapist who can provide strategies to manage symptoms and make positive change in their lives.