ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A clear diagnosis of ADHD will help you control symptoms that can cause problems at home and work. Symptoms of ADHD can also result in depression and anxiety.
A thorough evaluation may include a detailed interview and screening questionnaires that help to determine other conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which could coexist or appear similar to ADHD. Your healthcare professional may ask to interview the family member of yours.
Diagnosis
It is essential to have a licensed health professional evaluate you if you suspect that you might have ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or family doctor, or nurse practitioner that specializes in mental health disorders. The exam will include speaking about your symptoms, the issues they cause, and how you've tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will review your medical history, including previous mental health issues as well as any medications you might be taking.
The healthcare professional must be able to identify at least six symptoms (traits) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two different environments (home, school, and social situations) as well as significantly affecting your ability to function. 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.
Inattentive symptoms include trouble paying attention, forgetting details, and losing things. In school, problems are common. People with inattention ADHD might not follow directions and assignments, or turn in work on time. They have trouble sitting still and paying attention to other people or focusing on their own possessions. They frequently interrupt and blurt out answers before questions are 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 problems are usually linked to problems in relationships and having financial problems.
The person doing the evaluation will likely want to speak with your teachers and parents and look over any documentation you have of your issues with behavior as a child. They'll probably conduct an examination to determine if there are any other medical conditions that may contribute to your symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizures.
If you have problems at work, in school or in your relationships, they may suggest additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests. These tests don't diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information on how the disorder affects your life.
Evaluation
If you suspect that your child or you is suffering from ADHD It's crucial to find a certified health care professional who can assess your symptoms. Ask your doctor for recommendations. Contact your insurance provider. Search online for professionals that specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also ask for suggestions 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 present life to get a better idea of what's happening. They may also want to speak with your teachers and others who knew you as a child. They could inquire about your medical background and past illnesses to determine if have any symptoms that may be related to ADHD like depression or anxiety.
The evaluator may also use questionnaires and rating scales in order to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, as well as how often they occur. These tools can help compare your or your child's symptoms to those of other kids and adults who have been diagnosed with the disorder. This is to ensure that you or your child is in line with the criteria for diagnosis. You or your child may be subject to a neurological or physical exam. They may also look for any medical condition that may be mimicking ADHD, such as 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 tests and interviews to diagnose ADHD. The evaluator will draft a report that outlines the findings and offers treatments. They may give you or your child with copies of the report.
diagnosed with adhd can cause problems at work as well as in the home. Some of the signs include impulsivity and forgetfulness which can cause financial difficulties or problems at school or work. Family therapy and marriage counseling can aid those suffering from ADHD overcome the challenges they confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help address feelings of frustration and inadequacy frequently associated with an ADHD diagnosis. Finding a therapist who has experience working with ADHD patients and who understands their unique challenges is crucial.
Health care professionals employ different methods to assess whether someone has ADHD and this includes monitoring them in different settings, asking about their symptoms and how they impact their lives, examining past behavior, conducting psychological and neuropsychological tests and medical examinations. They may also consult caregivers and teachers to gain a complete picture of the person's life. This includes their work, home and social environment.
The symptoms should be present in at least two settings and disrupt daily functioning. They must be present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms must have occurred before the age of 12 and are not attributed to any other mental disorder, such as depression or anxiety.
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 a variety of settings.
A therapist can help teach skills that can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD like planning ahead and keeping track of timetables by using a notebook or planner and establishing and adhering to routines. They can also assist you to improve your communication and problem-solving 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 getting a diagnosis as adults. They feel like they finally know what's wrong. It's also often a time of sorrow, whether for lost opportunities at school or at work or relationships that have gone wrong. It's particularly difficult for girls and women, who's symptoms may have been overlooked in their the early years or not appreciated when they reached maturity, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will examine the patient's life story including childhood and adolescence. They will review the records of work and school and interview the person as well as anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about the 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 physical issues such as low blood pressure or a hearing or vision impairment.
The doctor may also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in addition to the physical examination. The purpose of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is to assist a person change their thoughts and behaviors to better manage their ADHD. The therapist will help the person learn strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills and impulse control. The therapist will instruct the person to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may refer the patient to a psychiatrist with expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They can discuss the problems the person is experiencing at home, work and in relationships. They will be able to recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD.
If a person has trouble finding a specialist doctor they can ask their primary healthcare 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 join a local support group for adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can also help the person find an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist to give them practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their day-to-day lives.