ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A correct diagnosis of ADHD will allow you to manage symptoms that can cause problems at work and home. ADHD symptoms can lead to anxiety and depression.
A thorough assessment will include an extensive interview with you. It may also include screening questionnaires for other conditions that might resemble ADHD or coexist with it, such as anxiety or depression. Your healthcare provider may invite you to speak with a family member.
Diagnosis
If you think that you might have ADHD and are concerned, it is essential to be evaluated by an accredited health professional. This may be a psychiatrist, psychologist, family doctor or nurse practitioner who is specialized in mental health disorders. The assessment will include a discussion about your symptoms, the problems they cause, and how you've dealt with them. The healthcare professional will also look over your medical history, including any prior mental health issues as well as any other medications you're taking.
To diagnose the healthcare professional must identify at least six characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD. They should be seen in at minimum two different environments (home school, social situations) and significantly impair your functioning. The symptoms must be present for at least six months, and they must be consistent over time. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
The signs of inattention include forgetting things, loosing things, and having trouble paying attention. Problems with school are also common. People with inattention ADHD might have difficulty following directions and completing assignments, or making sure that work is submitted on time. They aren't able to sit still, paying attention to others or keeping track of their own activities. They often interrupt and utter answers before questions are finished. They don't want to wait for their turn during games or conversations.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This kind of ADHD can lead to problems at school, at home and work. These issues are usually related to trouble in relationships and getting into financial difficulties.
The person conducting the evaluation may want to talk with your teachers or parents, and look at any records of your behavioral issues as when you were a child. adult diagnosis adhd 'll probably conduct physical examinations to rule out any other medical conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizures.
If you have problems at work, in school or in your relationships, they could recommend additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests. These tests don't diagnose ADHD however they can provide valuable information about how the disorder affects you.
Evaluation
If you suspect that your child or you has ADHD It is important to find a certified health care professional who can evaluate your symptoms. Ask your doctor for a referral. Contact your insurance company. Search online for professionals that specialize in ADHD assessments of adults. You can also go to an adult ADHD support group for recommendations.
During the evaluation, the person conducting it will talk with you or your child about your childhood and current life to get a better understanding of what's going on. They might also speak with teachers and other people who knew you when you were an infant. They might inquire about your medical history and previous illnesses to determine if you are experiencing any symptoms connected to ADHD, such anxiety or depression.
The evaluator will also use questionnaires and ratings scales to determine how often you or your child displays certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools allow them to evaluate your child's behavior with those of other children as well as adults who have already been diagnosed with ADHD. This is to ensure that you or your child meets the criteria for diagnosis. You or your child may be subject to a neurological or physical exam. They might also check for a medical condition that could be mimicking ADHD, such as seizures or thyroid problems.
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 are not ascribed to any other mental disorder, such as anxiety or mood disorders. The evaluator will utilize the results of the testing and interview to arrive at an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will draft an outline of his or her findings and recommends treatment options. Your child or you are likely to receive the report in a paper.
Treatment
Having ADHD can create difficulties in a variety of aspects of life, including family and work. Some of the symptoms include impulsive and forgetfulness that can result in financial issues or problems at school or work. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people with ADHD overcome the challenges they face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, sometimes referred to as talk therapy, can address feelings of frustration and feeling inadequate frequently associated with an ADHD diagnosis. It's important to find a therapist who has experience working with individuals 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 is suffering from ADHD. They may observe the person in different environments, inquire about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives, look over the past behavior as well as conduct neuropsychological and psychosocial tests, and conduct an exam for medical reasons. They can also consult with caregivers and teachers to obtain a complete picture of an individual's life, including workplace, home and social environment.
For an young adult or an adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must occur in two or more settings and seriously affect their daily functioning. They must be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must have occurred prior to the age of 12 and are not attributed to 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. adult diagnosis adhd must exhibit at least five of the symptoms in a variety of settings:
A therapist can teach skills that can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD, such as planning ahead and keeping track of schedules using a notebook or planner, and developing and sticking to routines. They can also assist you to improve your communication and problem-solving skills 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
For many people, getting an adult diagnosis can be a relief and the feeling of having a clear understanding of what's happening. It's also a time of grief for those who have lost out on opportunities at school or at relationships or jobs that have gone wrong. It's especially tough for girls and women, who's symptoms may have been overlooked in their childhood or not fully appreciated when they reached maturity, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will examine the patient's life story, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will examine school and work records and interview the person as well as anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about symptoms. They will check to make sure that the symptoms aren't more easily explained by a mental health issue, such as anxiety or depression or that the individual does not have physical issues such as low blood pressure or a hearing or vision impairment.
The specialist may also suggest cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical test. The aim of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to help a person change their thoughts and behaviors to better manage their ADHD. The Therapist will teach the person strategies to improve their organizational skills as well as managing time and controlling their impulses. They will also show the person how to identify and avoid triggers for their ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may recommend the patient to a psychiatrist who has experience treating adults with ADHD. They will be able discuss the challenges the person experiencing at work, home and in relationships. They can recommend support groups and other resources for adults with ADHD.
If a person has trouble finding a specialist doctor they can ask their primary healthcare provider for a referral or search their health insurance provider's online directory. You could also ask family members and friends for recommendations, or contact a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can help the person find an expert psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist to give them strategies to manage symptoms and make positive change in their lives.