ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD will allow you to manage symptoms that can cause issues at work and home. The symptoms of ADHD can lead to anxiety and depression.
A thorough evaluation may include a thorough interview and screening questionnaires to determine other conditions, such as depression or anxiety, that could coexist or appear similar to ADHD. Your healthcare provider might request an interview with a family member.
Diagnosis
It is important to get a licensed health professional assess you if you think you may have ADHD. It could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or family doctor, or nurse practitioner that specializes in mental health disorders. The evaluation will include a discussion of your symptoms, the issues they cause, and the ways you've dealt with them. The healthcare professional will also examine your medical history, including any past mental health problems and any other medications you're taking.
The healthcare provider must be able identify at least six signs (traits) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two different environments (home or school, as well as social situations) and be significantly impairing your functioning. The symptoms should have been present for at least 6 months and be constant. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
Signs of inattention include forgetting things, loosing items, and having difficulty paying attention. Problems in school are also common. People with inattentive ADHD might not follow directions, finish assignments or complete work on time. They may have difficulty sitting still and paying attention to other people or focusing on their own possessions. They often interrupt and blurt out answers before the questions are completed. They can't wait their turn during games or conversations.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This kind of ADHD can cause problems at home, school and work. These problems are usually linked to financial difficulties and troubled relationships.
The person who is doing the evaluation may want to talk with your parents or teachers and review any records of your behavior issues as when you were a child. They may also conduct a physical examination to rule out any medical conditions which may be causing the symptoms you're suffering from, like seizures or thyroid issues.
If you are experiencing difficulties at work, in school, or with your relationships, they could recommend additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests. These tests do not diagnose ADHD but they could give you useful information regarding the disorder.
You can also check out our website for more details.
If you suspect that you or your child is suffering from ADHD, it's important to find a qualified medical expert who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for a referral, contact your insurance provider or search the internet for professionals who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also request recommendations from an adult ADHD support group.
During the assessment, the person conducting it may ask you or your child questions about your childhood and current life to help you gain an understanding of what's happening. They may also ask to talk to your teachers and others who knew you as a child. They could inquire about your medical background and past illnesses to determine if have any symptoms that may be related to ADHD like depression or anxiety.
The evaluator also uses ratings scales and questionnaires to determine how often your child or you exhibit certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools will help them evaluate your child's symptoms to the symptoms of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. This is to ensure that your child or you meet standardized criteria for the diagnosis. They might also give you or your child a physical and an examination of the brain. They can also look for medical issues that could be the cause of ADHD such as 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 explained by any other mental disorder, such as anxiety or mood disorders. The evaluator will utilize the results of the tests and interview to make an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator writes a report outlining the findings of the test, and suggests treatments. You or your child are likely to receive a copy.
Treatment
ADHD can cause issues at work and within the family. Some of the symptoms include impulsivity and forgetfulness which can lead to financial problems or problems at work or at school. Family and marriage therapy can aid people suffering from ADHD overcome the obstacles they encounter in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) can help alleviate the feelings of anger and inadequacy that are often associated with an diagnosis of ADHD. Finding a therapist who has expertise in working with ADHD patients and who understands their specific challenges is essential.
adults diagnosed with adhd use different methods to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. They might observe the person in different settings, ask about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives. They may also review past behavior and conduct neuropsychological and psychological tests, and conduct a medical exam. They may also talk with caregivers and teachers to obtain a complete picture of the individual's life. This includes their home, workplace and social environment.
The symptoms should be present in at least two settings and affect everyday functioning. They must be present for at least six months. adult adhd diagnoses must have occurred prior to the age of 12 and cannot be explained by other mental disorder, for example 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 a variety of settings:
A therapist can help teach techniques that can help to alleviate symptoms of ADHD by making plans ahead and keeping track of schedules using a planner or notebook, and developing and sticking to routines. They can also assist you to improve your communication and problem-solving skills which can assist you in managing symptoms. adult adhd diagnoses 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, receiving a diagnosis in adulthood can be a relief and a sense of finally being able to recognize the cause. It can also be a time of sorrow regardless of the missed opportunities in school or in the workplace, or for relationships that have gone off the rails. It's particularly hard for girls and women who's symptoms may have been missed in childhood or not recognized as they grew older, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will look over the person's entire life-history, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will examine the person's academic and work records and talk to them and anyone other person who is familiar with them. They will also ask about symptoms. They will check to ensure that the symptoms are not better explained by another mental health condition, like depression or anxiety or that the individual does not have an physical issue, such as low blood pressure or a hearing or vision impairment.
The specialist may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in addition to the physical exam. The aim of CBT is helping the person to change their thoughts and actions so they can manage their ADHD more effectively. The therapist will help the person learn 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 treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able to discuss the issues the person is experiencing at home, work and in relationships. They will also be able recommend support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If a person has trouble finding a specialized doctor, they could ask their primary care provider for a referral or search their health insurance provider's online directory. They can also ask their friends and family members for suggestions or find a local support group for adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can help the person locate an expert psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist to offer strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive change in their daily lives.