ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can aid in reducing the symptoms that can cause trouble at home and in your professional life. Symptoms can also lead to depression and anxiety.
A thorough assessment could include a detailed interview and screening questionnaires that help to determine other disorders, like anxiety or depression that could coexist or appear similar to ADHD. Your healthcare provider may request an interview with your family member.
Diagnosis
It is essential to have a licensed health professional evaluate you if you think you might have ADHD. This could include a psychiatrist, psychologist, family doctor, or nurse practitioner who is knowledgeable in the field of mental disorders. The assessment will include a discussion about your symptoms, the problems they cause, and the ways you've dealt with them. The healthcare professional will also examine your medical history, including any past mental health issues and 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 minimum two different environments (home or school and social situations) and seriously affect your functioning. 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.
Attention-deficit symptoms include difficulty paying attention, ignoring details, and loosing things. Problems with school are also common. People with inattentive ADHD might not follow directions, finish assignments or submit work on time. adhd diagnosing to sit still, paying close attention to others or keeping track of their own activities. They often interrupt and scream out answers before the questions are completed. They aren't able to hold their own in conversations or games.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This kind of ADHD could cause difficulties at work, school and home. These problems are usually linked to trouble in relationships and having financial problems.
The person who is conducting the evaluation may want to talk with your parents or teachers and review any records of your behavior problems as an infant. They'll probably conduct physical examinations to determine if there are any other medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms, including thyroid problems or seizures.
They may recommend additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests if the problems you are experiencing at school, work or in your relationships require it. These tests do not diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information on how the disorder affects you.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child is suffering from ADHD It is important to find a qualified health care professional who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your physician for an appointment. Contact your insurance provider. You can also search the internet for specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also seek suggestions from an adult ADHD support group.
During the test, the person conducting it will talk to you or your child about your childhood and current life to gain a better understanding of what's going on. They might also talk to teachers and other people who knew you when you were a kid. They may inquire about your medical history as well as past ailments to determine if are suffering from any issues that look like symptoms of ADHD such as depression or anxiety.
The evaluator also uses questionnaires and ratings scales to determine how often your child or you exhibit certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools allow them to compare your or child's symptoms with those of other children as well as adults who have been diagnosed. This is to make sure your child or you meet the standard criteria for diagnosis. Your child or you might also undergo a neurological and physical exam. They could also look for medical conditions that could be a cause of ADHD, such 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 any other mental disorder, such as anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator will use the results of the tests and interview to make an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will write a report that outlines the findings and recommends solutions. You or your child are likely to receive a copy.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can create issues in many areas of life, including family and work. The most common symptoms include impulsivity and forgetfulness which can lead to financial difficulties or problems at work or at school. Family and marriage therapy can aid those suffering from ADHD overcome the obstacles they face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can help alleviate the feelings of anger and inadequacy which often accompany the diagnosis of ADHD. Finding a therapist with expertise in working with ADHD patients and who can relate to their unique challenges is important.
Health professionals employ a variety of methods to determine if someone has ADHD. They can observe the person in various situations, inquire about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives. They may also review the past behavior as well as conduct neuropsychological and psychosocial tests, and conduct a medical exam. They can also talk to caregivers and teachers to obtain the complete picture of a person's life, including the home, work and social environments.
For an young adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must manifest in more than one setting and significantly affect their daily functioning. They must be present for at least six months. The symptoms must have been present since before age 12, and they are not explained by other mental disorders, for example 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 minimum five of the following symptoms in multiple settings:
A therapist can teach skills that can help alleviate symptoms of ADHD, such as planning ahead and keeping track of schedules using a planner or notebook as well as developing and adhering to routines. They can also teach communication and problem-solving skills that can aid 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
For many people, getting a diagnosis in adulthood can be a relief and the feeling of finally having a clear understanding of what's happening. It can also be a time of grief regardless of missed opportunities at school, at work or relationships that have gone off the rails. It's particularly difficult for girls and women those whose symptoms might be missed in childhood or not fully appreciated when they reached maturity, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will review the life history of the person, which includes the adolescent years and childhood. They will review the person's school and work records and interview them and anyone else who knows them well. They will also ask about the signs. They will make sure that the symptoms aren't caused by a mental health condition like depression or anxiety.
The specialist may also suggest cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical examination. The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to assist people change their thinking and behaviors so they can 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 instruct the patient to recognize and avoid triggers that lead to ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors will recommend the patient to a psychiatrist with experience treating adults with ADHD. They can discuss the issues the person is experiencing at work, home and in relationships. They will also be able to recommend support groups for adults suffering from ADHD and other resources.
If someone is having difficulty finding an expert They can request their primary care physician to refer them or search the directory online of their health insurance company. They can also ask their friends and family members for recommendations or find an organization that offers local support for adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can also assist the person locate an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication and a therapist or life coach to provide them with practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their day-to-day lives.