ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you gain control over the symptoms that can cause trouble at home as well as in your professional life. The symptoms of ADHD can result in depression and anxiety.
A thorough evaluation may include a thorough interview and screening questionnaires to determine other conditions, such as anxiety or depression that may coexist or look like ADHD. Your healthcare professional may invite you to speak with your family member.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD and are concerned, it is essential to have an evaluation conducted by a licensed health care professional. It could be a psychiatrist, psychologist, family doctor or nurse practitioner that specializes in mental health issues. The evaluation will involve talking about your symptoms, the issues they cause, and how you've dealt with them. The healthcare provider will also review your medical background, including any previous mental health problems and any other medications you are taking.
The healthcare professional must be able to identify at least six symptoms (traits) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two different settings (home, school and social situations) and significantly affect your ability to function. The symptoms must 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.
Symptoms of inattentiveness include forgetting things, loosing items, and having difficulty paying attention. School problems are also common. People with inattentive ADHD may not follow instructions and assignments, or turn in work on time. They have difficulty sitting still, paying close attention to others, or keeping track of their own activities. They frequently interrupt and utter answers before they have finished. They struggle to wait for their turn in games or conversations.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This type of ADHD can cause difficulties at work, school and home. These issues are usually related to problems in relationships and getting into financial difficulties.
The person conducting the assessment will likely want to speak with your teachers and parents and review any records you have of your behavior problems as a child. They'll likely conduct physical examinations to rule out any other medical conditions that could be causing the symptoms you are experiencing, such as seizures or thyroid problems.
If you're having issues at school, at work, or with your relationships, they might recommend additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests. These tests don't diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information on how the disorder affects you.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD, you should seek out an experienced medical professional who can examine your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for recommendations. Contact your insurance company. You can also search the internet for specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also ask for recommendations from an adult ADHD support group.
During the assessment, the person conducting it will talk with you or your child about your childhood and current life to gain a better understanding of what's going on. They may also speak with teachers and others who knew you as an infant. They might ask about your medical history as well as past illnesses to see if you have any issues that appear like symptoms of ADHD, such as depression or anxiety.
The evaluator may also use ratings scales and questionnaires to determine how often your child or you exhibit certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools can help to compare your child's behavior to the symptoms of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the disorder. This is to ensure that you or your child meet the criteria for diagnosis. You or your child may undergo a neurological and physical examination. Full Article could also check for any medical condition that could be mimicking ADHD or 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 are not ascribed to any other mental disorder like anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator will consider the results of the testing and interview to make an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator drafts an account of his or her findings and suggests solutions. They may provide you or your child with copies of the report.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work and in the family. The most common symptoms are impulsivity and forgetfulness, which can lead to financial difficulties or problems at school or work. Marriage and family therapy can help address the challenges that people with ADHD confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can address feelings of anger and inadequacy frequently associated with an ADHD diagnosis. It is essential to find a therapist that has experience working with people who suffer from ADHD and can relate to the unique challenges this disorder can bring up.
Health professionals use a variety of methods to determine whether someone has ADHD. Full Article might observe the person in various environments, inquire about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives. They may also review their past behavior as well as conduct neuropsychological and psychosocial tests, and then conduct an examination for medical reasons. They may also consult caregivers and teachers to gain a complete picture of the person's life. This includes their work, home and social environment.
The symptoms should be present in at minimum two locations and affect everyday functioning. They must have been present for at least 6 months. The symptoms must have occurred prior to the age of 12 and cannot be explained by other mental disorder, such as 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 display at least five symptoms in different environments.
A therapist can help teach techniques that can reduce the symptoms of ADHD by planning ahead and keeping track of schedules by using a notebook or planner, and developing and sticking to routines. They can also help you develop communication and problem-solving abilities 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
Many people feel relief after being diagnosed as adults. They feel as if they finally know what's wrong. It's also often a time of sorrow due to missed opportunities at school or at relationships or jobs that have gone wrong. It's especially tough for girls and women, those whose symptoms might be missed in childhood or not fully appreciated as they grew older, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will review the life history of the person, which includes childhood and adolescence. They will review school and work records and then interview the individual and anyone who knows them well and ask questions about symptoms. They will make sure the symptoms aren't a result of mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.
The doctor may also recommend cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical examination. The aim of CBT is to help the patient change their thinking and actions so they can manage their ADHD more efficiently. The Therapist will teach the person strategies to improve their organizational skills, managing time and controlling their impulses. They will also teach 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 suffering from ADHD. They can discuss the issues the person is having at home, at work and in relationships. They will also be able suggest support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If someone is having trouble finding an expert They can request their primary care physician to refer them to a specialist or search the online directory of their health insurance company. You could also ask family members and friends for recommendations, or join an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can also assist to locate an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication as well as an therapist or a life coach to give them practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their day-to-day lives.