ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A clear diagnosis of ADHD will help you control symptoms that can cause issues at work and home. Symptoms of ADHD can also result in depression and anxiety.
A thorough assessment will include an extensive interview with you and may involve screening questionnaires for other illnesses that could be similar to ADHD or coexist with it, like depression or anxiety. Your healthcare provider might invite you to speak with a family member.
Diagnosis
It is crucial to get a licensed health professional examine you if you think you might have ADHD. It could be a psychiatrist, psychologist, family doctor or nurse practitioner who is specialized in mental health disorders. The evaluation will involve talking about your symptoms, the issues they create and the ways you've tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will examine your medical history, including any prior mental health issues and any other medications you're taking.
The healthcare provider must be able identify at least six signs (traits) of ADHD. They are present in at least two different environments (home school, at home, and social situations) and be significantly impairing your functioning. 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, losing track of details, and losing things. Problems with school are also common. People with inattentive ADHD might not be able to follow directions, finish assignments or complete work on time. They may have trouble sitting still, paying close attention to others, or keeping track of their own activities. They frequently interrupt and blurt out answers before they are finished. They are often unable 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 problems at school, at work and at home. These problems are often linked to financial issues and strained relationships.
The person conducting the assessment will likely want to speak with your teachers, parents, or parents and see any records you have of your behavioral issues as an infant. They will likely perform an examination of your body to rule out any other medical conditions which may be contributing to the symptoms you are experiencing, including seizures or thyroid problems.
They may suggest additional neuropsychological, psychological and/or learning disabilities testing when the issues you're having at work, school or in your relationships require it. These tests aren't able to diagnose ADHD, but they can give you valuable information about the disorder.
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If you suspect that you or your child may be suffering from ADHD or other disorders, you should seek out an experienced health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for an appointment. Contact your insurance company. Or search online for professionals that specialize in ADHD assessments of adults. You can also join an adult ADHD support group for suggestions.
During the evaluation the person who conducts it could ask you or your child questions about your childhood and present life to help you gain an comprehension of what is happening. They might also request to talk to your teachers or others who were around you as a kid. They may ask about your medical history and previous illnesses to determine if are suffering from any symptoms that could be connected to ADHD, such depression or anxiety.
The evaluator also uses questionnaires and ratings scales to determine how often your child or you exhibit certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools let them evaluate your child's behavior 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. You or your child may also undergo a neurological and physical examination. They could also check for a medical condition that may be mimicking ADHD, such as 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, such as anxiety or mood disorders. The evaluator will utilize the results of the test and interview to determine an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator drafts an outline of the findings of the test, and recommending treatments. You or your child will likely receive a copy.
Treatment
Having ADHD can cause difficulties in a variety of aspects of life, including family and work. Some of the symptoms include impulsive or forgetful decisions that can result in financial issues or issues at work or school. Marriage and family therapy may aid people suffering from ADHD overcome the obstacles they face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, sometimes referred to as talk therapy, can help alleviate feelings of frustration and inadequacy often associated with an ADHD diagnosis. It is important to choose a therapist who has experience working with individuals with ADHD and can relate to the unique challenges this disorder can bring up.
Health care professionals employ various methods to assess whether someone is suffering from ADHD by watching them in various situations, asking about their symptoms and how they affect their lives, examining their past behavior, taking tests for neuropsychological and psychological testing, and a medical examination. They may also consult with caregivers and teachers to obtain a complete picture of the person's life, including their home, work and social settings.
For an young adult or an adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must be present in two or more environments and significantly affect their daily functioning. They must have been present for at least 6 months. Symptoms must have been occurring since before age 12, and cannot be explained by other mental disorders, such as 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 of the symptoms in a variety of settings:
A therapist can assist in teaching skills that help reduce symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead, keeping track of schedules and using a planner, notebook or diary, as well as developing and sticking to routines. They can also assist you to develop problem-solving and communication skills that will 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 relief after receiving a diagnosis as an adult. They feel like they have finally figured out what's wrong. It can also be a time of sorrow, whether it's for the missed opportunities in school or in the workplace or for relationships that have gone off the rails. It's especially tough for women and girls, whose symptoms might have been missed in the early years or not appreciated as they matured, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will review the life history of the person, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will review documents from work and school and then interview the individual and anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about symptoms. They will make sure that the symptoms aren't more easily explained by a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety and also ensure that the person is not suffering from an physical issue, such as low blood pressure or hearing or vision impairment.
The doctor might also suggest cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical test. The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to help people change their thinking and behaviors to better manage their ADHD. The therapist will help the client develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills and impulse control. They will also teach the person to identify and avoid triggers for their ADHD symptoms.
adhd diagnostic may refer the person to a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able to discuss the issues the person is having at work, at home and in relationships. They can recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD.
If a patient is having difficulty 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 find an organization that offers local support for adults with ADHD. The specialist can assist the person locate 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 changes in their daily lives.