ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause problems at home as well as in your professional life. 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 professional may request an interview with a family member.
Diagnosis
It is crucial to seek out a licensed health professional to assess you if you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist, family doctor, or nurse practitioner who has expertise of mental disorders. The assessment will include a discussion of your symptoms, the issues they cause, and how you have managed them. The healthcare provider will also look over your medical background, including any previous mental health issues and any other medications you are taking.
To determine a diagnosis, the healthcare provider must determine at minimum six traits (symptoms) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two settings (home school, social situations) and significantly impair your functioning. 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, losing track of details, and loosing things. Problems with school are also common. People with inattentive ADHD can have trouble following instructions or completing assignments. They may also have difficulty making sure that work is submitted on time. They have trouble sitting still, paying attention to others or focusing on their own possessions. They frequently interrupt and blurt answers before they have finished their questions. They aren't able to hold their own in conversations or games.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This kind of ADHD may cause difficulties at work, school and at home. These problems are usually linked to financial difficulties and troubled relationships.
The person who is conducting the assessment may wish to speak with your parents or teachers and review any records of your behavior issues as a child. They will probably do physical examinations to rule out any other medical conditions that could contribute to your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid problems.
They might suggest additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests when the issues you're having at work, school or in your relationships demand it. These tests don't diagnose ADHD, but they can provide valuable information about the disorder.
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If you think you or your child may be suffering from ADHD or other disorders, you should consult a qualified health professional who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for recommendations, talk to your insurance provider or search online for specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also request suggestions from an adult ADHD support group.
During the test the person who is conducting it will talk to you or your child about your childhood and current life to get a better understanding of what's happening. They may also speak with teachers and other people who knew you as an infant. They might ask about your medical history as well as past illnesses to see if you are suffering from any issues that look like symptoms of ADHD like depression or anxiety.
The evaluator may also use questionnaires and rating scales in order to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, as well as how often they occur. These tools can help compare your or your child's symptoms to the symptoms of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. This is to make sure that you or your child is in line with the standard criteria for diagnosis. Your child or you might also undergo a neurological and physical exam. They can also look for medical conditions that could mimic ADHD, such a thyroid problem 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 use the results of the tests and interview to arrive at an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator writes a report outlining his or her findings and suggests treatment options. They will probably give you or your child with a copy of the report.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work as well as in the home. Some of the signs include impulsivity and forgetfulness which can cause financial issues or issues at work or school. Family therapy and marriage can assist in addressing the issues that people with ADHD face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can address the feelings of anger and inadequacy which often accompany a diagnosis of ADHD. It is important to find a therapist that has experience working with individuals who suffer from ADHD and can relate to the unique challenges that this disorder can bring about.
Health care professionals use different methods to determine whether someone has ADHD. They may observe them in various settings, ask about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives, review their past behavior as well as conduct neuropsychological and psychosocial tests, and then conduct a medical exam. They may also consult with caregivers and teachers to get an accurate picture of the person's life, including their home, work and social environment.
The symptoms are required to be present in at minimum two locations and interfere with the daily activities. They have to be present for at least six months. The symptoms must have occurred before the age of 12 and are not attributed to 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 various situations.
adhd diagnostic can help you develop skills that help reduce symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead and keeping track of timetables and using a planner, notebook or diary, as well as developing and adhering to routines. They can also help you develop communication and problem-solving abilities that can 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 relieved after receiving a diagnosis as an adult. They feel that they finally know what's wrong. It can also be a time of grief, whether for lost opportunities in school or relationships or work that have failed. It's particularly difficult for girls and women those whose symptoms might have been missed in the early years or not appreciated as they matured, Matlen said.
A specialist or doctor will examine the patient's life story, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will look at school and work records and interview the person as well as anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about the symptoms. They will check to make sure that the symptoms are not more easily explained by a mental health condition, like depression or anxiety, and that the person is not suffering from an physical issue, such as low blood pressure or hearing or vision impairment.
In addition to a physical exam, the specialist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The aim of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to help individuals change their thoughts and behavior to better manage their ADHD. The therapist will help the person learn strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills, and impulse control. They will also instruct the patient how to recognize and avoid triggers for their ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may refer the person to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to discuss the issues 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 trouble finding a specialist doctor, they can ask their primary healthcare provider for a referral, or look through their health insurance company's online directory. You can also ask your friends and family members for recommendations or join an area-based support group for adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can help the person locate an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication and a therapist or life coach to provide them with practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes to their day-to-day lives.