ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD can aid in reducing the symptoms that can cause trouble at home as well as in your professional life. These symptoms can cause anxiety and depression.
A thorough assessment could consist of a thorough interview as well as screening questionnaires to determine other conditions, like anxiety or depression that might coexist or resemble ADHD. Your healthcare provider may also request to interview your loved ones.
Diagnosis
It is crucial to have a licensed health professional assess you if you think 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 exam will include speaking about your symptoms, the problems they create and the ways you've tried to deal with them. The healthcare professional will also review your medical history, including any prior mental health problems and any other medications you're taking.
The healthcare professional must be able identify at least six signs (traits) of ADHD. They are present in at least two different environments (home, school, and social situations) and also significantly impairing 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, ignoring details, and loosing things. Problems with school are also common. People with inattention ADHD might have difficulty adhering to instructions and completing assignments, or submitting work on time. click this to sit still or paying attention to other people or focusing on their personal possessions. They frequently interrupt and blurt out answers before they have finished. They are often unable to wait 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 could cause difficulties at work, school and home. These problems are usually linked to problems in relationships and having financial problems.
The person who is conducting the evaluation may want to speak with your teachers or parents and examine any evidence of your behavior problems as an infant. They will likely perform an examination of your body to rule out other medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms you are suffering from, like seizures or thyroid issues.
They might suggest additional neuropsychological, psychological and/or learning disabilities testing if the problems you are experiencing at school, work or in your relationships require it. These tests aren't able to diagnose ADHD, but they can provide useful information regarding the disorder.
Evaluation
If you think you or your child might have ADHD or other disorders, you should find a qualified health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can request a referral, contact your insurance company or search online for professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also go to an adult ADHD support group to get recommendations.
During the assessment the person who is conducting it will talk with you or your child about your childhood and current life to get a better understanding of what's going on. They may also want to talk to teachers and others who knew you when you were in your youth. They could inquire about your medical history and past illnesses to determine if you are suffering from any issues that look like symptoms of ADHD, such as 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 allow them to evaluate your child's behavior with those of other children as well as adults who have already been diagnosed with ADHD. This is to ensure that you or your child meet the standard criteria for diagnosis. Your child or you may undergo a neurological and physical examination. They could also look for medical conditions that could be a cause of ADHD like 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 better explained by another mental disorder, like an anxiety or mood disorder. Your evaluator uses the results of the tests and interview to officially diagnose ADHD. The evaluator will write a report that outlines his or her findings and recommends treatment options. Your child or you will likely receive the report in a paper.
Treatment
ADHD can cause issues at work and within the home. The most common symptoms are impulsivity and forgetfulness, which can cause financial difficulties or problems at work or school. Family and marriage therapy can help overcome the difficulties that people with ADHD face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can help address the feelings of anger and inadequacy which often accompany the diagnosis of ADHD. Finding a therapist with experience in working with ADHD patients and who understands their specific challenges is essential.
Health professionals use a variety of methods to determine whether someone has ADHD. They might observe the person in different environments, inquire about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives. They may also review past behavior, conduct psychological and neuropsychological testing, and perform an examination for medical reasons. They may also consult with teachers and caregivers to get the complete picture of a person's life, including workplace, home and social settings.
The symptoms are required to be present in at least two settings and affect the daily activities. They must be present for at least six months. The symptoms must have been present since before age 12, and they are not explained by other mental disorders, such as depression or anxiety.
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 demonstrate at least five of the following symptoms in a variety of settings:
A therapist can assist in teaching skills that help reduce symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead and keeping track of your schedules and using the planner, notebook or diary and also developing and sticking to routines. They can also teach 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
Many people feel relief after receiving a diagnosis as an adult. They feel as if they finally know what's wrong. It can also be a time of grief, whether for lost opportunities at school or at relationships or work that have gone wrong. It's particularly hard for girls and women whose symptoms might have been missed in the early years or not appreciated when they reached maturity, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will examine the entire life history of the person, including childhood and adolescence. They will look at the records of work and school and interview the person as well as anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about their symptoms. They will make sure that the symptoms aren't caused by a mental health condition like depression or anxiety.
In addition to a physical exam, the specialist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The purpose of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is to help people change their thinking and behaviors so they can better manage their ADHD. The Therapist will teach the person strategies to improve their organizational skills, managing time and controlling their impulses. They will also show the person to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may refer the patient to a psychiatrist with expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able to 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 patient is having difficulty finding a specialist doctor, they can 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 a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can assist the person locate an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist who can give them strategies to manage symptoms and make positive changes in their daily lives.