ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD can aid in reducing symptoms that can cause issues at home as well as in your professional life. These symptoms can cause anxiety and depression.
A thorough assessment will include an extensive interview with you and may include screening questionnaires for other conditions that may look like ADHD or coexist with it, like depression or anxiety. Your healthcare professional may request an interview with a family member.
Diagnosis
It is essential to have a licensed health professional examine your situation if you suspect you may be suffering from ADHD. This could include a psychologist, psychiatrist or family doctor nurse practitioner who is knowledgeable in mental disorders. The assessment will include a discussion about your symptoms, the issues they cause, and how you have overcome them. The healthcare provider will look over your medical history, including previous mental health issues as well as any medications you might be taking.
To determine a diagnosis, the healthcare provider must identify at least six signs (symptoms) of ADHD. They are present in at least two different environments (home school, at home, and social situations) and also significantly affecting 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, ignoring details, and loosing things. The school environment can also be a problem. People with inattention ADHD may not follow instructions or complete assignments or submit work on time. They aren't able to sit still, paying close attention to others, or keeping track of themselves. They frequently interrupt and blurt out answers before they have finished. They have trouble waiting 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 may cause problems at school, work and home. These issues are often connected to financial problems and troubled relationships.
The person conducting the assessment is likely to want to talk with your teachers, parents, or parents and review any records you have of your behavioral issues as when you were a child. They will likely perform physical examinations to rule out any medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms you're experiencing, including seizures or thyroid issues.
If you're having issues at school, at work or with your relationships, they could recommend additional psychological, educational disabilities, or neuropsychological testing. These tests don't diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information about how the disorder affects your life.
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If you suspect that you or your child might have ADHD and you suspect that they may, you should seek out an experienced health professional who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for an appointment. Contact your insurance company. Or search online for professionals that specialize in ADHD evaluations of adults. You can also seek suggestions from an adult ADHD support group.
During the test, the person conducting it will talk with you or your child about your childhood and present life to gain a better understanding of what's going on. They might also request to talk to your teachers or others who were with you when you were a child. They might inquire about your medical history and past ailments to determine if you have any symptoms connected to ADHD, such anxiety or depression.
The evaluator may also use rating scales and questionnaires in order to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, and how often they occur. These tools will help them to compare your child's symptoms with the ones of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. This will help ensure that you or your child meets the criteria for diagnosis. Your child or you might also undergo a neurological and physical examination. They may also check for medical issues that may be a 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 other mental disorder, such as anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator will consider the results of the testing and interview to make an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator writes a report outlining his or her findings and suggests treatment options. They'll likely give you or your child with copies of the report.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work as well as in the home. Some of the signs include forgetfulness and impulsive decisions that can lead to financial problems or problems at school or work. Marriage and family therapy may help people with ADHD overcome the obstacles they encounter in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can help address the feelings of anger and inadequacy which often accompany an diagnosis of ADHD. Finding a therapist who has experience in working with ADHD patients and who understands their specific challenges is essential.
Health care professionals use various methods to determine if someone has ADHD by observing them in several situations, asking about their symptoms and how they impact their lives, analyzing past behavior, conducting tests for neuropsychological and psychological testing, and a medical examination. They can also talk to teachers and caregivers to obtain a complete picture of the individual's daily life. This includes their home, workplace and social setting.
The symptoms are required to be present in at least two settings and disrupt everyday functioning. They must be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must have manifested prior to the age of 12 and cannot be explained by any other mental disorder, like 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 demonstrate at least five of the symptoms in a variety of settings.
Therapists can help students develop techniques that can help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD, such as making plans ahead and keeping track of schedules, using a notebook or planner and establishing and adhering to routines. They can also teach communication and problem-solving skills 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
Many people find relief in receiving a diagnosis as an adult. They feel as if they finally know what's wrong. It can also be an emotional time due to missed opportunities at school or at relationships or jobs that have been ruined. It's particularly difficult for girls and women those whose symptoms might have been missed in childhood or not recognized as they matured, Matlen said.
A specialist or doctor will look over the person's entire life-history including childhood and adolescence. This Web page will review the person's work and school records and talk to them and anyone they know well. They will also ask about the symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't a result of mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
The doctor might also suggest cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical exam. The goal of CBT is to help the person to change their thoughts and actions so they can manage their ADHD more efficiently. The Therapist will teach the person strategies to improve their organizational skills, time management, and impulse control. The therapist will help the client to identify and avoid triggers that lead to ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors might refer the patient to a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to discuss the difficulties the patient is experiencing at home, at work, and in relationships. They will be able recommend support groups and other resources for adults with ADHD.
If someone is having difficulty finding a specialist, they can either request their primary care physician to refer them to a specialist or search the online directory of their health insurance company. You could also ask family members and friends for suggestions, or join a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can help the person find an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist to give them strategies to manage symptoms and make positive changes in their lives.