ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A clear diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause problems at home and work. These symptoms can lead to depression and anxiety.
A thorough assessment will involve an extensive interview with you and may involve screening questionnaires for other conditions that might resemble ADHD or coexist with it, such as depression or anxiety. Your healthcare professional could also request to interview a loved one.
Diagnosis
It is important to get a licensed health professional evaluate your situation if you suspect you might have ADHD. This may be a psychiatrist, psychologist, family doctor or nurse practitioner who is specialized in mental health disorders. The assessment will include talking about your symptoms, the issues they create and the ways you've dealt with them. The healthcare professional will go over your medical history, including previous mental health issues and any medications you may be taking.
The healthcare provider has to be able identify at least six indicators (traits) of ADHD. They should be seen in at minimum two different environments (home, school and social situations) and significantly impair your ability to function. The symptoms should 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.
Signs of inattention include forgetting things, loosing things, and having trouble paying attention. School-related problems are also common. People with inattentive ADHD might have difficulty following instructions and completing assignments, or submitting work on time. They may have trouble sitting still, paying attention to others or keeping track of their own activities. They often interrupt and blurt answers before they are finished. They don't want 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 could cause difficulties at work, school and home. These issues are often connected to financial issues and strained relationships.
The person who is conducting the assessment may wish to speak with your teachers or parents and examine any records of your behavior problems as when you were a child. They may also conduct physical examinations to rule out other medical conditions which may be causing the symptoms you're experiencing, such as thyroid issues or seizures.
They may suggest additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests in the event that the issues you are experiencing at school, work or in your relationships demand it. These tests do not diagnose ADHD but they could provide important information about the disorder.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child may be suffering from ADHD and you suspect that they may, you should consult a qualified health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. Ask your doctor for a referral. Contact your insurance provider. Or search online for professionals that specialize in ADHD assessments of adults. You can also seek recommendations from an adult ADHD support group.
During the assessment the person who conducts it will talk with you or your child about your childhood and current life to get a better idea of what's going on. They may also ask to speak with your teachers and others who were around you as a kid. They might ask about your medical history and past ailments to determine if have any problems that look like symptoms of ADHD such as depression or anxiety.
The evaluator could also utilize rating scales and questionnaires to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, and how often they occur. These tools let them compare your or child's symptoms with those of other children and adults who have already been diagnosed with ADHD. This will help ensure that you or your child meets the criteria for diagnosis. They might also give you or your child a physical exam and an examination of the neurological system. They could also check for a medical condition that may be mimicking ADHD like 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 also can't be better explained by another mental disorder, such as an anxiety or mood disorder. The evaluator analyzes the results of the tests and interviews to determine the diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will write a report outlining his or her findings and recommending solutions. getting a adhd diagnosis 'll likely provide you or your child with a copy the report.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can create issues in many areas of life, such as family and work. Some of the signs include impulsive and forgetfulness that can cause financial issues or issues at work or school. Marriage and family therapy may help people with ADHD overcome the obstacles they encounter in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, sometimes referred to as talk therapy, can help address feelings of frustration and inadequacy often associated with an ADHD diagnosis. It's important to find a therapist who has worked with people with ADHD and can relate to the unique challenges that this disorder can cause.
Health care professionals use a variety of methods to assess whether someone is suffering from ADHD, including watching them in various settings, asking about their symptoms and how they impact their lives, analyzing past behavior, conducting psychological and neuropsychological tests and a medical examination. They can also consult with caregivers and teachers to obtain the complete picture of a person's life, including the workplace, home and social environments.
For an adolescent or young adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must manifest in two or more settings and severely interfere with their daily functioning. They have to be present for at minimum six months. Symptoms must have been occurring prior to age 12 and they are not 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 exhibit at minimum five of the following symptoms in a variety of settings.
A therapist can help teach skills that reduce symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead, keeping track of schedules and using the planner, notebook or diary, as well as developing and sticking to routines. They can also help with communication and problem-solving skills that can aid in managing symptoms. adhd diagnosed 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 being diagnosed as adults. They feel that they've finally found out what's wrong. It's also often a time of grief due to missed opportunities in school or work or relationships that have been ruined. Matlen explained that it's especially difficult for girls and women whose symptoms may have been overlooked in their childhood or not fully recognized as they grew.
A specialist or doctor will look over the person's entire life history, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will look at school and work records and then interview the individual and anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about symptoms. They will check to ensure that the symptoms aren't more easily explained by a mental health condition, like depression or anxiety and also ensure that the person does not have physical issues such as low blood pressure or hearing or vision impairment.
In addition to a physical examination, the specialist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The aim of CBT is helping the person change their thoughts and actions so they can manage their ADHD more efficiently. The therapist will help the client develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills and impulse control. The therapist will teach the client to identify and avoid triggers that can cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may refer the person to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able to discuss the difficulties the person is facing at home, at work, and in relationships. They will be able to recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD.
If someone is having trouble finding a specialized doctor, they can ask their primary healthcare provider for a referral, or look through their health insurance provider's online directory. You can also ask your family and friends for recommendations, or find a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can assist the person locate an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication and a life coach or therapist who can give them strategies to manage symptoms and make positive change in their lives.