ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A correct diagnosis of ADHD will allow you to manage symptoms that can cause issues at work and home. Symptoms can also result in anxiety and depression.
A thorough examination could include a detailed interview and screening questionnaires that help to determine other disorders, like anxiety or depression, which may coexist or look like ADHD. Your healthcare professional may invite you to speak with a family member.
Diagnosis
It is essential to have a licensed health professional examine you if you think you may have ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist, family doctor, or nurse practitioner who is knowledgeable of mental disorders. The evaluation will include a discussion about your symptoms, the issues they cause, and the ways you've managed them. The healthcare professional will also review your medical history, including any prior mental health issues as well as any other medications you are taking.
To diagnose the healthcare professional must be able to identify at least six signs (symptoms) of ADHD. They should be seen in at least two settings (home, school and social situations) and significantly impair your functioning. The symptoms should be present for at least six months and they must be continuous over time. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
Symptoms of inattentiveness include a tendency to forget things, losing items, and having difficulty paying attention. School-related problems are also common. People with inattention ADHD might not be able to follow directions and assignments, or complete work on time. They aren't able to sit still, paying attention to others, or keeping track of themselves. They frequently interrupt and blurt out answers before they are finished. They struggle 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 problems at school, at work and at home. These problems are often related to trouble in relationships and getting into financial difficulties.
The person conducting the assessment is likely to want to talk with your teachers, parents, or parents and see any records you have of your behavior problems as a child. They may also conduct an examination of your body to rule out any medical conditions that could be causing the symptoms you're suffering from, like seizures or thyroid issues.
If you're having issues at school, at work or in your relationships, they might recommend additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing. These tests don't diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information on how the disorder affects you.
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If you suspect that your child or you may have ADHD It is important to find a qualified health care expert who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for an appointment. Contact your insurance provider. Search online for specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also seek recommendations from an adult ADHD support group.
During the evaluation the person who is conducting it might ask you or your child questions about your childhood and present life to help you gain a better understanding of what's happening. They may also want to speak with your teachers and others who were with you when you were a child. They might ask about your medical history and previous illnesses to determine if you have any problems that look like symptoms of ADHD, such as anxiety or depression.
The evaluator could also utilize rating scales and questionnaires to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, and how often they occur. These tools let them examine your child's or your child's symptoms with the symptoms of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD. This will help ensure that your child or you meet the criteria that are standard for diagnosing. Your child or you might also undergo a neurological and physical exam. They might also check for any medical condition that may be a symptom of ADHD like 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 cannot be explained by a different mental disorder, such as depression or anxiety. The evaluator will use the results of the test and interview to diagnose ADHD. The evaluator is expected to write an outline of his or her findings and recommends solutions. Your child or you will likely receive an electronic copy.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work as well as in the family. The most common symptoms include impulsivity and forgetfulness which can cause financial issues or issues at work or school. Marriage and family therapy can help overcome the difficulties that people with ADHD face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) can address the feelings of frustration and inadequacy that are often associated with an diagnosis of ADHD. It is important to find a therapist who has experience working with people with ADHD and can relate to the unique challenges that this disorder can bring up.
Health care professionals use various ways to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD and this includes observing them in several settings and asking about their symptoms and how they impact their lives, reviewing the past behavior, performing tests of neuropsychology and psychological, as well as an examination for medical reasons. They can also consult with caregivers and teachers to get the complete picture of the person's life, including home, work and social environments.
The symptoms should be present in at minimum two locations and affect daily functioning. They must be present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms must have occurred since before age 12, and cannot be 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 exhibit at least five of the following symptoms in multiple settings:
A therapist can teach techniques that can reduce the symptoms of ADHD like making plans ahead and keeping track of your schedules by using a notebook or planner and establishing and adhering to routines. They can also help with strategies for problem-solving and communication that can help 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 a sense of having a clear understanding of what's happening. It's also often a time of sorrow for those who have lost out on opportunities at school or at relationships or jobs that have failed. Matlen said it's especially difficult for girls and women who's symptoms might have been missed during childhood or not fully understood as they matured.
A specialist or doctor will examine the patient's life-history, including childhood and adolescence. They will examine school and work records 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 mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.
In addition to a physical exam The doctor might also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The goal of CBT is helping the person to change their thoughts and actions so they can manage their ADHD more efficiently. The therapist will help the person learn strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills, and impulse control. They will also show the person how to identify and avoid triggers for their ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors will recommend the patient to a psychiatrist with expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able discuss the issues the person is experiencing at work, home 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 specialized doctor, they could ask their primary care provider for a referral or look up their health insurance provider's online directory. They can also ask their friends and family members for suggestions or contact a local support group for adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can help the person locate a neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication, and an therapist or a life coach to provide them with practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes to their day-to-day lives.