ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you gain control over the symptoms that can cause trouble both at home and in your professional life. These symptoms can result in anxiety and depression.
adult diagnosis adhd will include a detailed interview with you and may involve screening questionnaires for other illnesses that could be similar to ADHD or coexist with it, for example anxiety or depression. Your healthcare professional could also suggest an interview with the loved ones of yours.
Diagnosis
It is crucial to get a licensed health professional examine you if you suspect that you might have ADHD. This could include a psychologist, psychiatrist, family doctor, or nurse practitioner who is knowledgeable in the field of mental disorders. The evaluation will include a discussion about your symptoms, the issues they cause, and how you have managed them. The healthcare provider will review your medical history, including any past mental health issues as well as any medication you are taking.
To make a diagnosis, the healthcare provider must determine at minimum six signs (symptoms) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two environments (home, school, and social situations) as well as significantly impairing your functioning. The symptoms must be 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.
Symptoms of inattentiveness include a tendency to forget things, losing items, and having difficulty paying attention. Problems with school are also common. People with inattention ADHD might not be able to follow directions, finish assignments or turn in work on time. They may have trouble sitting still, paying attention to others or keeping track of themselves. They frequently interrupt and blurt answers before they have finished their questions. They can't wait 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 lead to problems at home, school and work. These problems are usually linked to financial issues and strained relationships.
The person conducting the evaluation may want to talk with your teachers or parents and review any evidence of your behavior issues as when you were a child. They'll likely conduct a physical examination to rule out any medical conditions that could be contributing to the symptoms you are experiencing, such as seizures or thyroid problems.
They will probably suggest additional neuropsychological, psychological and/or learning disabilities testing when the issues you're experiencing at school, work or in your relationships require it. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information on how the disorder affects you.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child is suffering from ADHD It's crucial to find a certified health professional who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for a referral, contact your insurance company, or search the internet for professionals who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also go to an adult ADHD support group for suggestions.
During the examination, the person who conducts it could ask you or your child questions about your childhood and present life to get a better comprehension of what is happening. They might also request to speak with your teachers and others who were around you as a kid. They could inquire about your medical history and previous illnesses to determine if you have any symptoms that may be connected to ADHD like depression or anxiety.
The evaluator may also use questionnaires and rating scales to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, as well as how often they occur. These tools let them compare your or child's symptoms with the symptoms of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD. This is to ensure that you or your child meets the criteria for diagnosis. Your child or you might also undergo a neurological and physical exam. They may also check for medical issues that could mimic ADHD, such a 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 like anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator will consider the results of the testing and interview to determine an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will write an account of the findings of the test, and suggests treatment options. You or your child will likely receive a copy.
Treatment
ADHD can cause issues at work and within the family. Some of the signs are forgetfulness and impulsiveness, which can cause financial problems or problems at work or school. Family and marriage therapy can aid people suffering from ADHD overcome the difficulties they face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, sometimes referred to as talk therapy, can help address feelings of anger and inadequacy that are often a result of an ADHD diagnosis. It is important to find a therapist who has worked with people who suffer from ADHD and can relate to the unique challenges this disorder can bring up.
adults diagnosed with adhd use various methods to assess whether someone has ADHD by watching them in various settings and asking them about their symptoms and how they impact their lives, reviewing their past behavior, taking tests for neuropsychological and psychological testing, and a medical examination. They can also consult with caregivers and teachers to obtain an accurate picture of the person's life, including their home, work and social environments.
The symptoms must be present in at least two settings and disrupt everyday functioning. They have to be present for at minimum six months. Symptoms must have been occurring from before the age of 12 and cannot be explained by other mental disorders, like 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 symptoms in a variety of settings:
Therapists can help you develop skills that reduce symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead and keeping track of your schedules and using a planner, notebook or diary and also establishing and adhering to routines. They can also assist you to develop problem-solving and communication skills which can assist you in 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
For many, receiving an adult diagnosis can be a relief and a sense of finally being able to recognize the cause. It can also be a time of grief, whether it's for missed opportunities at school or at work or relationships that have gone south. Matlen explained that it's especially difficult for women and girls who's symptoms were overlooked in their childhood or not fully recognized as they grew.
A specialist or doctor will examine the patient's life-history including childhood and adolescence. 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 check to ensure that the symptoms aren't better explained by another mental health condition, like depression or anxiety, and that the person does not have physical issues such as low blood pressure or hearing or vision impairment.
The specialist may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in addition to the physical examination. The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to assist a person change their thoughts and behaviors so they can better manage their ADHD. The therapist will teach the person strategies to improve their organization skills as well as time management and impulse control. They will also teach the person to identify and avoid triggers for their ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may refer the person to a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. They can talk about the problems that the person is facing at home, at work and in relationships. They will also be able to recommend support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If a person has trouble finding a specialist doctor, they can ask their primary healthcare provider for a referral or look up their health insurance provider's online directory. You could also ask family members and friends for suggestions, or join an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can assist 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 change in their daily lives.