ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD can aid in reducing symptoms that can cause issues both at home and in your professional life. These symptoms can result in anxiety and depression.
A thorough assessment will involve an in-depth interview with you and may include screening questionnaires for other illnesses that could be similar to ADHD or coexist with it, such as anxiety or depression. adhd diagnosis adults may also suggest an interview with a loved one.
Diagnosis
It is crucial to get a licensed health professional examine your situation if you suspect you may have ADHD. It could be a psychiatrist, psychologist, family doctor or nurse practitioner that specializes in mental health issues. The evaluation will involve talking about your symptoms, problems they create and the ways you've tried to deal with them. The healthcare professional will also look over your medical background, including any previous mental health issues and any other medications you're taking.
The healthcare provider must be able to recognize at least six symptoms (traits) of ADHD. They must be present in at minimum two environments (home, school, and social situations) and be significantly impairing your functioning. The symptoms should be present for at least six months and they must be consistent 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, losing track of details, and losing things. The school environment can also be a problem. People with inattentive ADHD can have trouble following instructions or completing assignments. They may also have difficulty submitting 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 blurt answers before they are finished. They have trouble waiting for their turn 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 issues and strained relationships.
The person who is conducting the test will likely want to speak with your teachers, parents, or parents and review any records you have of your behavior problems as when you were a child. They'll likely conduct a physical examination to rule out other medical conditions which may be contributing to the symptoms you're experiencing, including seizures or thyroid issues.
They will probably recommend additional psychological, neuropsychological and/or learning disabilities testing in the event that the issues you are having at work, school or in your relationships demand it. These tests aren't able to diagnose ADHD however they could provide you with important information about the disorder.
Evaluation
If you suspect that your child or you may have ADHD It's crucial to find a qualified medical professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can request an appointment, or contact your insurance company or search online for specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also join an adult ADHD support group to get recommendations.
During the assessment, the person who conducts it could ask you or your child questions about your past and present life to help you gain an comprehension of what is going on. They might also request to talk to your teachers and others who were with you when you were a child. They could inquire about your medical background and past ailments to determine if you have any symptoms related to ADHD, such depression or anxiety.
The evaluator also uses questionnaires and ratings scales to determine the frequency at which you or your child displays certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools can help compare your or your child's symptoms with the ones of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. This is to ensure that you or your child is in line with the criteria for diagnosis. Your child or you may also undergo a neurological and physical exam. They can also look for medical issues that could be the cause of ADHD such as thyroid issue 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 arrive at an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator writes an outline of his or her findings, and recommends treatment options. Your child or you will likely receive the report in a paper.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work and in the home. The most common symptoms include impulsivity and forgetfulness which can cause financial problems or problems at work or at school. Marriage and family therapy may aid people suffering from ADHD overcome the challenges they confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) can help alleviate the feelings of anger and inadequacy which often accompany an diagnosis of ADHD. It's important to choose a therapist who has experience working with individuals who suffer from ADHD and who can understand the unique challenges that this disorder can bring about.
Health professionals employ a variety of methods to determine if someone has ADHD by observing them in several situations, asking about their symptoms and how they affect their lives, analyzing past behavior, conducting tests of neuropsychology and psychological, as well as an examination for medical reasons. They may also talk with caregivers and teachers to get a full picture of the person's life. This includes their workplace, home, and social setting.
For an adolescent or young adult to be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must be present in two or more environments and severely interfere with their daily functioning. They must be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must have been present prior to age 12 and cannot be explained by other mental disorders, 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 signs in different environments.
A therapist can help teach techniques that can help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD, such as planning ahead and keeping track of schedules using a planner or notebook and establishing and adhering to routines. They can also help with communication and problem-solving skills 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
For many people, getting an adult diagnosis can bring relief and the feeling of finally knowing what's going on. It's also often a time of grief for those who have lost out on opportunities in school or relationships or jobs that have failed. Matlen said that it's particularly difficult for women and girls who's symptoms were ignored in childhood or were not fully recognized as they grew older.
A specialist or doctor will examine the patient's life-history including the adolescent years and childhood. They will examine 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 check to ensure that the symptoms are not more easily explained by a mental health issue, such as depression or anxiety and also ensure that the person is not suffering from an physical issue, such as low blood pressure or a hearing or vision impairment.
The doctor might also suggest cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical exam. The purpose of CBT is to help the person to change their thoughts and actions to help them manage their ADHD more efficiently. The Therapist will teach the person strategies to improve their organization skills as well as managing time and controlling their impulses. They will also show the person to identify and avoid triggers for their ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may recommend the patient to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has expertise in treating adults with 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 difficulty finding a specialist, they can either ask their primary care provider to refer them to a specialist or search the directory online of their health insurance company. You can also ask your family and friends for suggestions or find an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can also help the person find a neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication and a life coach or therapist to provide them with practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their day-to-day lives.