ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A clear diagnosis of ADHD will allow you to manage symptoms that can cause issues at home and work. These symptoms can lead to depression and anxiety.
A thorough evaluation may consist of a thorough interview as well as screening questionnaires to determine other conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which could coexist or appear similar to ADHD. Your healthcare provider may also ask you to speak with your loved ones.
Diagnosis
If you believe you may have ADHD and are concerned, it is essential to be evaluated by a licensed health care professional. This may be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a family doctor or nurse practitioner that specializes in mental health disorders. The assessment will include a discussion of your symptoms, the issues they cause, and the ways you have dealt with them. The healthcare provider will review your medical history including past mental health issues as well as any medications you might be taking.
To diagnose the healthcare professional must determine at minimum six traits (symptoms) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two different settings (home, school and social situations) and seriously affect your ability to function. 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.
Inattention symptoms include difficulty paying attention, forgetting details, and loosing things. School problems are also common. People with inattentive ADHD may have difficulty adhering to instructions or completing assignments. They may also have difficulty making sure that work is submitted on time. They aren't able to sit still, paying attention to others or focusing on their own activities. They often interrupt and blurt answers before the questions are finished. They can't wait their turn during 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, at work and home. These issues are usually related to trouble in relationships and getting into financial difficulties.
The person doing the evaluation will likely want to speak with your parents and/or teachers and look over any documentation you have of your issues with behavior as when you were a child. They'll probably conduct physical examinations to rule out any other medical conditions that could contribute to your symptoms, including seizures or thyroid problems.
If you have problems at work, in school or in your relationships, they may suggest additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing. These tests aren't able to diagnose ADHD, but they can provide important information about the disorder.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD or other disorders, you should seek out a qualified health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for recommendations. Contact your insurance provider. Search online for specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations of adults. You can also join an adult ADHD support group for suggestions.
During the evaluation the person conducting it may ask you or your child questions about your childhood and present life to help you gain an comprehension of what is going on. They may also talk to teachers and other people who knew you as in your youth. They might inquire about your medical background and previous illnesses to determine if you have any symptoms that could be related to ADHD like depression or anxiety.
The evaluator can also employ questionnaires and rating scales in order to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, as well as how often they occur. These tools will help them to compare your child's symptoms with those of other kids and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. This will help ensure that you or your child meets the standard criteria for diagnosis. You or your child may undergo a neurological and physical examination. They may also check 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 can't be explained better by a different mental disorder, like depression or anxiety. Your evaluator will consider the results of the tests and interview to determine an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will write an outline of his or her findings and recommends treatment options. They'll likely give you or your child with copies of the report.
Treatment
Having ADHD can cause issues in many areas of life, including family and work. Some of the symptoms include impulsive or forgetful decisions that can cause financial issues or trouble at work or school. Family therapy and marriage counseling can aid people suffering from ADHD overcome the challenges they face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) can address the feelings of anger and inadequacy that often accompany a diagnosis of ADHD. Finding a therapist who has experience working with ADHD patients and who understands their unique challenges is crucial.
Health professionals employ a variety of methods to determine if a person has ADHD. They might observe them in various environments, inquire about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives. They may also review past behavior and conduct neuropsychological and psychological tests, and then conduct an exam for medical reasons. They may also talk with teachers and caregivers to gain a complete picture of the individual's daily life. This includes their workplace, home, and social environment.
For an young adult or an adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must manifest in two or more environments and significantly affect their daily functioning. They must be present for at least six months. The symptoms must have developed before the age of 12 and cannot be explained by any 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 signs in a variety of settings.
A therapist can help teach techniques that can help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD by making plans ahead and keeping track of timetables using a notebook or planner and establishing and adhering to routines. They can also help with the skills of communication and problem-solving that can aid in managing symptoms. adults diagnosed with adhd 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, receiving a diagnosis in adulthood can bring relief and a feeling of finally knowing what's going on. It can also be an emotional time due to missed opportunities in school or work or relationships that have gone wrong. It's especially tough for women and girls, those whose symptoms might have been missed in the early years or not appreciated as they grew older, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will look over the life story of the individual, including childhood and adolescence. They will examine the person's school and work records and interview them and anyone else who knows them well. They will also inquire about symptoms. They will check to ensure that the symptoms aren't more easily explained by a mental health condition, like anxiety or depression, and that the person 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 might also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The aim of CBT is to assist the patient change their thinking and actions so they can manage their ADHD more effectively. The Therapist will teach the person strategies to improve their organizational skills, time management and impulse control. They will also teach the person to identify and avoid triggers for their ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors will recommend the patient to a psychiatrist with experience in treating adults with ADHD. They will be able discuss the issues the person is having at work, at home and in relationships. They can also recommend support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If a patient is having difficulty finding a specialist doctor they can ask their primary care provider for a referral or search their health insurance company's online directory. They can also ask friends and family members for recommendations or join an area-based support group for adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can help the person find an expert psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist who can offer strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their daily lives.