ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD will allow you to manage symptoms that can cause issues at home and work. Symptoms of ADHD can also result in depression and anxiety.
A thorough examination could include a thorough interview and screening questionnaires to determine other conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which might coexist or resemble ADHD. Your healthcare provider might invite you to speak with your family member.
Diagnosis
If you think that you may have ADHD and are concerned, it is essential to be evaluated by an accredited health professional. It could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a family doctor or nurse practitioner who is specialized in mental health disorders. The exam will include speaking about your symptoms, the problems they cause and how you've dealt with them. The healthcare provider will look over your medical history, including previous mental health issues as well as any medications you may be taking.
To diagnose the healthcare professional must identify at least six traits (symptoms) of ADHD. They must be present in at minimum two environments (home school, at home, and social situations) and be significantly affecting your ability to function. The symptoms should have been present for at minimum 6 months and be consistent. 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. The school environment can also be a problem. People with inattentive ADHD can have trouble following directions and completing assignments, or submitting work on time. They aren't able to sit still, paying attention to others or keeping track of themselves. They frequently interrupt and scream out answers before questions are finished. 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 type of ADHD can lead to problems at home, school and at work. These issues are often connected to financial difficulties and troubled relationships.
The person who is doing the assessment may wish to talk with your teachers or parents and review any records of your behavior problems as when you were a child. adhd diagnosis adults 'll probably conduct physical examinations to rule out any other medical conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizures.
They may recommend additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests in the event that the issues you are having at school, at work or in your relationships require it. These tests don't diagnose ADHD however they can provide valuable information about how the disorder affects you.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD and you suspect that they may, you should find an experienced health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for an appointment. Contact your insurance provider. Or search online for professionals that specialize in ADHD evaluations of adults. You can also ask for recommendations from an adult ADHD support group.
During the evaluation the person who conducts it will talk to you or your child about your childhood and present life to get a better understanding of what's going on. They may also want to talk to teachers and others who were with you when you were a kid. They could inquire about your medical background and past ailments to determine if you are suffering from any symptoms that could be related to ADHD like anxiety or depression.
The evaluator can also employ questionnaires and rating scales in order to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, as well as how often they occur. These tools allow them to compare your or child's symptoms with the symptoms of other children and adults who have already been diagnosed. This is to ensure that you or your child meet the standard criteria for diagnosis. They may also conduct a physical or your child a physical exam and a neurological exam. They can also look for medical issues that could mimic 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. The evaluator analyzes the results of the tests and interviews to determine the diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will draft an outline of the findings and recommends treatments. Your child or you will likely receive an electronic copy.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work and in the family. Some of the symptoms are forgetfulness and impulsiveness, which can lead to financial difficulties or problems at school or work. Family therapy and marriage counseling can aid people suffering from ADHD overcome the challenges they face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, sometimes referred to as talk therapy, can help address feelings of anger 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, including monitoring them in different environments and asking them about their symptoms and how they affect their lives, examining past behavior, conducting psychological and neuropsychological tests and an examination for medical reasons. They may also consult with teachers and caregivers to get a complete picture of a person's life, including home, work and social environments.
The symptoms should be present in at minimum two locations and interfere with everyday functioning. They must be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must have developed prior to the age of 12 and cannot be explained by 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 of the symptoms in multiple settings:
A therapist can teach techniques that can help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD, such as making plans ahead and keeping track of timetables by using a planner or notebook, and developing and sticking to routines. They can also teach strategies for problem-solving and communication which can help with 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 find relief in getting a diagnosis as adults. They feel that they have finally figured out what's wrong. It can also be a time of sorrow due to missed opportunities in school or work or relationships that have gone wrong. It's particularly hard for women and girls, who's symptoms may be missed in the early years or not appreciated as they grew older, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will examine the patient's life history including childhood and adolescence. They will look at documents from work and school, interview the person and anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't better explained by mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
The specialist may also suggest cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical test. The aim of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to assist people change their thinking and behaviors to better manage their ADHD. The counselor will instruct the patient on strategies to improve their organization skills, time management, and impulse control. The therapist will teach the patient to recognize and avoid triggers that lead to ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may refer the patient to a psychiatrist with experience in treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to discuss the difficulties the person is having at home, at work, and in relationships. They can 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 up their health insurance provider's online directory. You can also ask family and friends for recommendations, or contact a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can help to locate an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication as well as a life coach or therapist to provide them with practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their lives every day.