ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you gain control over the symptoms that can cause trouble both at home and in your professional life. ADHD symptoms can result in depression and anxiety.
A thorough assessment could consist of a thorough interview as well as screening questionnaires to identify other conditions, like anxiety or depression, which could coexist or appear similar to ADHD. Your healthcare professional may invite you to speak with your family member.
Diagnosis
It is important to get a licensed health professional examine you if you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a family doctor or nurse practitioner that specializes in mental health issues. The evaluation will involve talking about your symptoms, problems they cause, and how you've dealt with them. The healthcare provider will review your medical history, including any past mental health issues, as well as any medications you might be taking.
The healthcare professional must be able to identify at least six indicators (traits) of ADHD. They must occur in at least two settings (home, school and social situations) and significantly affect your ability to function. The symptoms should have been present for at least 6 months and be continuous. 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, losing track of details, and losing things. School problems are also common. People with inattentive ADHD may not follow instructions, finish assignments or complete work on time. They aren't able to sit still and paying attention to other people or focusing on their own possessions. They often interrupt and scream out answers before the questions are completed. They can't wait 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 often related to trouble in relationships and becoming financially strained.
The person who is conducting the test will likely want to speak with your teachers, parents, or parents and see any records you have of your behavior problems as a child. They will probably do a physical exam to rule out any other medical conditions that may be causing your symptoms, including seizures or thyroid problems.
They may suggest additional neuropsychological, psychological and/or learning disabilities testing if the problems you are having at work, school or in your relationships demand it. These tests aren't able to diagnose ADHD, but they can give you useful information regarding the disorder.
Evaluation
If you think you or your child might have ADHD or other disorders, you should find an experienced health professional who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for recommendations, talk to your insurance company, or search online for professionals who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also join an adult ADHD support group for recommendations.
During the assessment, the person who is conducting it might ask you or your child questions about your past and present life to help you gain a better comprehension of what is happening. They might also request to speak with your teachers and others who were with you when you were a child. They could inquire about your medical history and past ailments to determine if have any issues that appear like symptoms of ADHD like anxiety or depression.
The evaluator will also use ratings scales and questionnaires to determine the frequency at which you or your child displays certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools can help them to compare your child's symptoms to the ones of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. This is to make sure you or your child meets the criteria that are standard for diagnosing. Your child or you might undergo a neurological and physical exam. They might also check for any medical condition that may be a symptom of 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. The evaluator analyzes the results of the tests and interview to officially diagnose ADHD. The evaluator is expected to write an account of his or her findings and offers treatment options. They may provide you or your child with a copy the report.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can cause problems in many areas of life, including family and work. Some of the signs include impulsive or forgetful decisions that can cause financial issues or issues at work or school. Family and marriage therapy can help address the challenges that people with ADHD confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) can help alleviate the feelings of frustration and inadequacy that often accompany a diagnosis of ADHD. It is important to find a therapist who has worked with people who suffer from ADHD and can relate to the unique challenges this disorder can bring up.
Health care professionals use different methods to determine whether someone is suffering from ADHD. They can observe the person in different environments, inquire about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives, review their past behavior as well as conduct neuropsychological and psychosocial testing, and perform a medical exam. They may also talk with teachers and caregivers to get a full picture of the individual's daily life. This includes their workplace, home, and social surroundings.
For an adolescent or young adult to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must be present in two or more settings and seriously affect their daily functioning. They must be present for at least six months. The symptoms must have been present prior to age 12 and they cannot be better 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 exhibit at least five symptoms in a variety of situations.
A therapist can teach techniques that can reduce the symptoms of ADHD, such as planning ahead and keeping track of timetables by using a planner or notebook and establishing and adhering to routines. They can also help you develop communication and problem-solving abilities 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
For many people, getting an diagnosis in the adult years can be a relief and the feeling of knowing what's going on. It's also often a time of sorrow, whether for lost opportunities at school or at work or relationships that have failed. Matlen said that it's particularly difficult for women and girls whose symptoms may have been ignored in childhood or were not recognized until they grew older.
A doctor or specialist will look over the person's entire life-history, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will look over the person's school and work records and talk to them and anyone else who knows them well. They will also ask about symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't better explained by mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
In addition to a physical exam The doctor may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The aim of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to assist a person change their thoughts and behaviors to better manage their ADHD. The counselor will instruct the patient on strategies to improve their organization skills, managing time and controlling their impulses. They will also teach the person to identify and avoid triggers for their ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors will refer the patient to a psychiatrist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. They will be able discuss the problems the person is having at work, at home and in relationships. get diagnosed with adhd will be able to recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD.
If a person has trouble finding a specialized doctor, they could ask their primary care provider for a referral or look up their health insurance company's online directory. You can also ask your friends and family members for suggestions or find a local support group for adults with ADHD. The specialist can assist the person find a psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication and a life coach or therapist to give them strategies to manage symptoms and make positive changes in their daily lives.