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 cause depression and anxiety.
A thorough evaluation may include a thorough interview and screening questionnaires that help to determine other disorders, like anxiety or depression, which could coexist or appear similar to ADHD. Your healthcare provider might request an interview with a family member.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you might have ADHD, it is important to get an evaluation by an accredited health professional. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist, family doctor, or nurse practitioner who has expertise in the field of mental disorders. The evaluation will involve talking about your symptoms, the issues they cause and how you've dealt with them. The healthcare professional will also look over your medical background, including any previous mental health problems and any other medications you are taking.
To diagnose, the healthcare provider must be able to identify at least six signs (symptoms) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two environments (home or school, as well as social situations) and be significantly affecting your performance. 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.
Inattention symptoms include difficulty paying attention, ignoring details, and loosing things. School problems are also common. People with inattentive ADHD might not follow directions and assignments, or complete work on time. They aren't able to sit still, paying attention to others or focusing on themselves. They frequently interrupt and blurt out answers before they have 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 can cause problems at school, at work and at home. These problems are usually linked to financial difficulties and troubled relationships.
The person conducting the assessment may wish to talk with your parents or teachers and review any records of your behavior problems as when you were a child. They'll likely conduct physical examinations to rule out any medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms you're experiencing, including seizures or thyroid problems.
If you're having issues at work, in school or in your relationships, they might recommend additional psychological, educational disabilities, or neuropsychological testing. These tests don't diagnose ADHD but they could provide useful information regarding the disorder.
Evaluation
If you think you or your child may be suffering from ADHD, you should find an experienced medical professional who can examine your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for an appointment, or contact your insurance company, or look online for professionals who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also request suggestions from an adult ADHD support group.
During the evaluation the person who conducts it will talk to you or your child about your childhood and present life to gain a better understanding of what's going on. They may also speak with teachers and other people who knew you when you were in your youth. They could inquire about your medical history and previous illnesses to see if you have any problems that look like symptoms of ADHD like anxiety or depression.
The evaluator will also use questionnaires and ratings scales to determine how often your child or you display certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools can help compare your or your child's symptoms with those of other kids and adults who have been diagnosed with the disorder. This will help ensure that you or your child meet the standard criteria for diagnosis. Your child or you might undergo a neurological and physical exam. They could also check for a medical issue that could be mimicking ADHD or seizures or thyroid issues.
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 like anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator will use the results of the tests and interview to arrive at an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator writes an account of his or her findings and recommends solutions. You or your child are likely to receive an electronic copy.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can create difficulties in a variety of aspects of life, including family and work. Some of the signs include forgetfulness and impulsive decisions that can result in financial issues or trouble at school or work. 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 address the feelings of anger and inadequacy that often accompany an diagnosis of ADHD. It's important to find a therapist who has experience working with people who suffer from ADHD and can relate to the unique challenges this disorder can bring up.
Health professionals employ a variety of methods to determine if someone has ADHD by observing them in several situations and asking about their symptoms and how they impact their lives, analyzing their past behavior, taking psychological and neuropsychological tests and a medical examination. They can also talk to teachers and caregivers to get a full picture of the individual's daily life. This includes their workplace, home, and social setting.
The symptoms must be present in at least two settings and affect the daily activities. They must be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must have been present since before age 12, and cannot be explained by other mental disorders, 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 show at least five of the symptoms in a variety of settings.
A therapist can help teach techniques that can alleviate symptoms of ADHD, such as planning ahead and keeping track of schedules, using a notebook or planner as well as developing and adhering to routines. They can also help you improve your communication and problem-solving skills that will 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
Many people feel relief after being diagnosed as adults. They feel as if they finally know what's wrong. It can also be a time of sadness regardless of missed opportunities at school, at work or relationships that have gone awry. get diagnosed with adhd 's especially tough for girls and women, those whose symptoms might be missed in childhood or not fully appreciated as they grew older, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will review the life history of the person, which includes the adolescent years and childhood. They will look at school and work records and interview the person as well as anyone who knows them well and ask questions about symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms are not more easily explained by a mental health issue, such as anxiety or depression or that the individual does not have an physical issue, such as low blood pressure or a hearing or vision impairment.
In addition to a physical examination The doctor may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to help a person change their thoughts and behaviors to better manage their ADHD. 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 that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may refer the patient to a psychiatrist with experience in treating adults with ADHD. They can discuss the issues the person is having at work, at home and in relationships. They can recommend support groups and other resources for adults with ADHD.
If a person is having difficulty finding an expert They can contact their primary healthcare provider to refer them or look up the online directory of their health insurance company. They can also ask their friends and family members for recommendations or contact an area-based support group for adults with ADHD. The specialist can also assist the person locate an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication as well as a therapist or life coach to give them practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their daily lives.