ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can aid in reducing the symptoms that can cause trouble both at home and in your professional life. The symptoms of ADHD can lead to anxiety and depression.
A thorough evaluation may include a detailed interview and screening questionnaires that help to determine other disorders, like depression or anxiety, that might coexist or resemble ADHD. Your healthcare professional may also ask you to speak with the loved ones of yours.
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 could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician, or nurse practitioner who is knowledgeable in mental disorders. The evaluation will include a discussion about your symptoms, the problems they cause, and how you've overcome 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 provider must be able identify at least six indicators (traits) of ADHD. They must occur in at least two different settings (home, school and social situations) and seriously affect your ability to function. diagnose adhd should have been present for at least six months and be continuous. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
The signs of inattention include forgetting things, losing things, and having trouble paying attention. In school, problems are common. People with inattention ADHD may have difficulty adhering to instructions or completing assignments. They may also have difficulty finishing work on time. They aren't able to sit still, paying attention to others or focusing on themselves. They frequently interrupt and blurt answers before they have finished their questions. They are often unable to wait for their turn in 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 problems in relationships and getting into financial difficulties.
The person conducting the assessment may wish to speak with your teachers or parents and examine any documentation of your behavior problems as when you were a child. They'll probably conduct an examination to rule out any other medical conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid problems.
If you have problems at school, at work, or with your relationships, they may recommend additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing. These tests don't diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information about how the disorder affects you.
Evaluation
If you suspect you or your child may be suffering from ADHD or other disorders, you should seek out an experienced medical professional who can examine your symptoms. Ask your doctor for an appointment. Contact your insurance company. Search online for professionals that specialize in ADHD assessments of adults. You can also go to an adult ADHD support group to get recommendations.
During the examination, the person who conducts it could ask you or your child questions about your childhood and present life to help you gain an understanding of what is happening. They may also speak with teachers and others who were with you when you were in your youth. They may inquire about your medical history and past illnesses to determine if you have any problems that look like symptoms of ADHD like anxiety or depression.
The evaluator could also utilize questionnaires and rating scales to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, and how often they occur. These tools will help them to compare 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 that are standard for diagnosing. Your child or you might be subject to a neurological or physical examination. They can also look for medical conditions that could be a cause of ADHD like 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 are not ascribed to any other mental disorder, such as anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator will use the results of the test and interview to make an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator is expected to write an account of his or her findings and recommends treatments. They may provide you or your child with copies of the report.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work and in the family. Some of the symptoms include impulsivity and forgetfulness which can cause financial difficulties or problems at work or at school. Family and marriage therapy can assist in addressing the issues that people with ADHD have to face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can help alleviate feelings of frustration and feeling inadequate often associated with an ADHD diagnosis. It's important to find a therapist that has experience working with individuals with ADHD and can relate to the unique challenges that this disorder can bring about.
Health care professionals use different methods to determine whether someone is suffering from ADHD. They might observe the person in different situations, inquire about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives, review past behavior as well as conduct neuropsychological and psychosocial testing, and perform an exam for medical reasons. They may also consult teachers and caregivers in order to gain a complete picture of the individual's life. This includes their work, home and social surroundings.
The symptoms are required to be present in at least two different settings and affect daily functioning. They must be present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms must have occurred 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 minimum five of the following symptoms in multiple settings:
A therapist can help teach techniques that can reduce symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead and keeping track of timetables and using the planner, notebook or diary and also establishing and adhering to routines. They can also assist you to improve your communication and problem-solving skills 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, receiving an diagnosis in the adult years can bring relief and the feeling of having a clear understanding of what's happening. It can also be a time of sadness regardless of missed opportunities at school, in the workplace, or for relationships that have gone awry. Matlen said that it's particularly difficult for girls and women who's symptoms were ignored in childhood or were not recognized until they grew.
A specialist or doctor will look over the person's entire life history including childhood and adolescence. They will review the person's school and work records and interview them and anyone other person who is familiar with them. They will also ask about symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't a result of mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.
The doctor may also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in addition to the physical exam. The goal of CBT is to help the person to 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. They will also teach the patient how to recognize and avoid triggers for their ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors might refer the person to a psychologist or psychiatrist who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able to discuss the difficulties the person is facing at home, at work and in relationships. They will be able 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 company's directory online. You could also ask family members and friends for suggestions or contact an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can also assist the person find a neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist to help them develop strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes to their day-to-day lives.