ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD can aid in reducing symptoms that can cause problems both at home and in your professional life. The symptoms can also cause anxiety and depression.
A thorough evaluation may include a detailed interview and screening questionnaires to identify other conditions, like anxiety or depression that might coexist or resemble ADHD. Your healthcare professional may invite you to speak with your family member.
Diagnosis
If you think that you might be suffering from ADHD, it is important to get an evaluation by an authorized health care professional. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or family physician, or nurse practitioner who is knowledgeable in the field of mental disorders. The assessment will include a discussion about your symptoms, the problems they cause, and the ways you have 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.
To determine a diagnosis the healthcare professional must determine at minimum six signs (symptoms) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two settings (home, school and social situations) and significantly impair your ability to function. The symptoms must be present for at least six months, and they must be constant over time. 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-related problems are also common. People with inattention ADHD may not follow instructions, finish assignments or complete work on time. They have difficulty sitting still, paying attention to others or focusing on themselves. They often interrupt and blurt answers before they 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 kind of ADHD can cause problems at school, at home and work. These problems are often linked to financial issues and strained relationships.
The person who is conducting the assessment may wish to talk with your teachers or parents, and look at any evidence of your behavioral issues as when you were a child. They may also conduct a physical examination to rule out any other medical conditions which may be causing the symptoms you are experiencing, such as seizures or thyroid problems.
If you are experiencing difficulties at school, at work or with your relationships, they could suggest additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing. These tests do not diagnose ADHD but they could give you useful information regarding the disorder.
Evaluation
If you suspect that your child or you may have ADHD It's crucial to find a certified health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for a referral. Contact your insurance provider. You can also search the internet for professionals that specialize in ADHD assessments of adults. You can also go to an adult ADHD support group for recommendations.
During the test the person who is conducting it will talk to you or your child about your childhood and present life to gain a better understanding of what's happening. They might also request to speak with your teachers and others who were around you as a kid. They might ask about your medical history and past illnesses to determine if you have any problems that look like symptoms of ADHD, such as depression or anxiety.
The evaluator can also employ questionnaires and rating scales to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, and how often they occur. These tools will help them evaluate your child's behavior to those of other kids and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. This will help ensure that you or your child meets the criteria for diagnosis. You or your child may undergo a neurological and physical exam. They could also check for a medical condition that could be mimicking ADHD, such as 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 can't be better explained by another mental disorder, such as depression or anxiety. Your evaluator will consider the results of the tests and interview to determine an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will write a report that outlines his or her findings and suggests solutions. They may provide you or your child with a copy the report.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can cause issues in many areas of life, including family and work. Some of the symptoms include impulsive and forgetfulness that can result in financial issues or trouble at work or at school. adhd diagnoses and marriage can help overcome the difficulties that people with ADHD have to face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help alleviate feelings of frustration and inadequacy frequently associated with an ADHD diagnosis. It is important to find a therapist that has experience working with people with ADHD and can relate to the unique challenges this disorder can cause.
Health professionals use a variety of methods to determine if a person has ADHD. They may observe them in various settings, ask about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives, review the past behavior as well as conduct neuropsychological and psychosocial tests, and then conduct an examination for medical reasons. They can also talk to teachers and caregivers in order to obtain a complete picture of the individual's daily life. This includes their workplace, home, and social surroundings.
The symptoms should be present in at least two settings and affect everyday functioning. They have to be present for at least six months. The symptoms must have occurred from before the age of 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 display at least five signs in different environments.
Therapists can help you develop skills that help reduce the symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead and keeping track of timetables and using the planner, notebook or diary and also developing and adhering to routines. They can also assist you to develop problem-solving and communication skills that will 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 bring relief and the feeling of being able to recognize the cause. It can also be a time of sadness regardless of the missed opportunities in school or in the workplace, or for relationships that have gone awry. Matlen explained that it's especially difficult for women and girls who's symptoms might have been overlooked in their childhood or not fully understood as they grew.
A specialist or doctor will review the person's life history, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will examine the person's work and school records and talk to them and anyone other person who is familiar with them. They will also ask about the signs. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't caused by a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression.
In addition to a physical examination, the specialist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The purpose of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is to help a person change their thoughts and behaviors so they can better manage their ADHD. The Therapist will teach the person strategies to improve their organizational skills, time management and impulse control. The therapist will instruct the patient to recognize and avoid triggers that lead to ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors might refer the person to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD. They can discuss the issues the person is having at home, at work and in relationships. They will be able recommend support groups and other resources for adults with ADHD.
If someone has difficulty finding an expert they can request their primary care physician to refer them or search the online directory of their health insurance company. You could also ask family members and friends for suggestions, or contact an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can help the person locate a psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication as well as an therapist or a life coach to provide them with practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their daily lives.