ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD can aid in reducing symptoms that can cause problems at home as well as in your professional life. The symptoms can also lead to depression and anxiety.
A thorough assessment could include a detailed interview and screening questionnaires to identify other conditions, like anxiety or depression, which may coexist or look like ADHD. Your healthcare professional may invite you to speak with your family member.
Diagnosis
If you believe you might be suffering from ADHD or other related disorders, it is crucial to have an evaluation conducted by an authorized health care professional. This may be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a family doctor or nurse practitioner who is specialized in mental health disorders. The assessment will include a discussion of your symptoms, the issues they cause, and the ways you have dealt with them. get diagnosed with adhd will look over your medical background, including any previous 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 occur in at least two different settings (home school, social situations) and seriously affect your functioning. The symptoms must 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. In school, problems are common. People who aren't attentive ADHD might have difficulty following instructions or completing assignments. They may also have difficulty submitting work on time. They may have trouble sitting still, paying close attention to others or keeping track of themselves. They often 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 may cause problems at school, work and at home. These problems are often linked to financial issues and strained relationships.
The person doing the evaluation will likely want to speak with your parents and/or teachers and look over any documentation you have of your behavioral issues as when you were a child. They will likely perform a physical examination to rule out any medical conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms you're suffering from, like thyroid issues or seizures.
They may suggest additional neuropsychological, psychological and/or learning disabilities testing in the event that the issues you are experiencing at school, work or in your relationships demand it. These tests don't diagnose ADHD but they could provide you with valuable information about the disorder.
Evaluation
If you suspect that your child or you may have ADHD It is important to find a certified medical expert who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for an appointment. Contact your insurance provider. Or search online for professionals that specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also ask for recommendations from an adult ADHD support group.
During the assessment, the person conducting it will talk with you or your child about your childhood and current life to get a better understanding of what's happening. They may also ask to talk to your teachers and others who were around you as a kid. They may inquire about your medical history as well as past illnesses to determine if you are suffering from any issues that look like symptoms of ADHD, such as depression or anxiety.
The evaluator may also use questionnaires and rating scales to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, as well as how often they occur. These tools allow them to evaluate your child's behavior with those of other children and adults who have been diagnosed. This is to make sure you or your child is in line with standardized criteria for the diagnosis. They might also give you or your child a physical exam and a neurological exam. They may also look for any medical condition that may be a symptom of ADHD like 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 are not ascribed to any other mental disorder, such as anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator uses the results of the tests and interview to determine the diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator is expected to write a report that outlines the findings and suggests treatment options. Your child or you will likely receive an electronic copy.
Treatment
Having ADHD can cause difficulties in a variety of areas of life, such as family and work. Some of the signs include impulsivity and forgetfulness which can cause financial difficulties or problems at work or school. Family therapy and marriage can help overcome the difficulties that people with ADHD face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can address feelings of anger and inadequacy frequently associated with an ADHD diagnosis. Finding a therapist who has experience in working with ADHD patients and who understands their unique challenges is important.
Health professionals employ a variety of methods to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. They may observe the person in various environments, inquire about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives, look over past behavior as well as conduct neuropsychological and psychosocial tests, and then conduct an exam for medical reasons. They can also talk to caregivers and teachers to get a full picture of the person's life. This includes their home, workplace and social environment.
The symptoms should be present in at minimum two locations and affect daily functioning. They have to be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must have manifested before the age of 12 and cannot be explained by other mental disorder, like 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 display at least five signs in various environments.
Therapists can help students develop skills that can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD, such as planning ahead and keeping track of your schedules by using a planner or notebook, and developing and sticking to routines. They can also assist you to 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 adult diagnosis can be a relief and the feeling of finally being able to recognize the cause. It's also an emotional time for those who have lost out on opportunities at school or at relationships or work that have gone wrong. It's particularly hard for women and girls, those whose symptoms might 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 the adolescent years and childhood. They will look over the person's work and school documents and interview them as well as anyone other person who is familiar with them. They will also ask about symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms are not better explained by another mental health condition, like anxiety or depression, and that the person does not have an physical issue, such as low blood pressure or a hearing or vision impairment.
The doctor might also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in addition to the physical examination. The purpose of CBT is helping the person change their thoughts and behavior to manage their ADHD more efficiently. The therapist will assist the client develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills, and impulse control. The therapist will instruct the person to identify and avoid triggers that lead to ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors might refer the person to a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They can talk about the problems that the person is having at work, at home and in relationships. They will be able to recommend support groups and other resources for adults with ADHD.
If a patient is having difficulty finding a specialist doctor they could ask their primary care provider for a referral, or look through their health insurance provider's online directory. You could also ask family members and friends for suggestions or contact a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can help the person find a psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist who can provide strategies to manage symptoms and make positive change in their lives.