ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage the symptoms that can cause trouble at home as well as in your professional life. These symptoms can cause anxiety and depression.
A thorough examination could include a detailed interview and screening questionnaires that help to determine other conditions, like anxiety or depression that may coexist or look like ADHD. Your healthcare professional may invite you to speak with a family member.
Diagnosis
It is important to seek out a licensed health professional to evaluate your situation if you suspect you may be suffering from ADHD. This may be a psychiatrist, psychologist or family doctor, or nurse practitioner who specializes in mental health issues. The evaluation will involve talking about your symptoms, the problems they cause and how you have tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will review your medical history, including any past mental health issues and any other medications you are taking.
To diagnose the healthcare professional must be able to identify at least six characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two settings (home school, social situations) and significantly affect your ability to function. The symptoms should 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.
Signs of inattention include forgetting things, losing things, and not paying attention. In school, problems are common. People with inattentive ADHD may have difficulty following directions, completing assignments or making sure that work is submitted on time. They have trouble sitting still and paying attention to other people or keeping track of their personal belongings. They often interrupt and blurt out answers before the questions are completed. They have trouble waiting for their turn in conversations or games.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This kind of ADHD can lead to issues at school, home and at work. These problems are usually linked to financial problems and troubled relationships.
The person conducting the assessment will probably want to talk with your teachers, parents, or parents and review any records you have of your behavior problems as an infant. They will probably do an examination to determine if there are any other medical conditions that may contribute to your symptoms, including seizures or thyroid issues.
They may recommend additional psychological, neuropsychological and/or learning disabilities testing when the issues you're having at school, at work or in your relationships demand it. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information about how the disorder affects you.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD It is important to find a certified health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. Ask your doctor for an appointment. Contact your insurance provider. Or adhd diagnoses for professionals that specialize in ADHD assessments of adults. You can also seek suggestions from an adult ADHD support group.
During the assessment, the person who is conducting it might ask you or your child questions about your childhood and current life to help you gain a better understanding of what's 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 past ailments to determine if you are suffering from any symptoms that could be related to ADHD, such anxiety or depression.
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 them to compare your child's symptoms to those of other kids and adults who have been diagnosed with the disorder. This will help ensure that your child or you meet standardized criteria for the diagnosis. Your child or you may also undergo a neurological and physical examination. They can also look for medical conditions that could be a cause of 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 also can't be explained better by a different mental disorder, like depression or anxiety. The evaluator will utilize the results of the tests and interview to arrive at an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will write a report outlining his or her findings, and suggests solutions. They may give you or your child with a copy of the report.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can cause problems in many aspects of life, including family and work. The most common symptoms are impulsivity and forgetfulness, which can cause financial difficulties or problems at school or work. Marriage and family therapy may help people with ADHD overcome the challenges they face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can help address the feelings of frustration and inadequacy which often accompany a diagnosis of ADHD. It is essential to choose a therapist who has experience working with individuals with ADHD and who can understand the unique challenges that this disorder can cause.
Health professionals use a variety of methods to determine if a person has ADHD. They can observe the person in various situations, inquire about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives, review the past behavior, conduct psychological and neuropsychological tests, and then conduct an exam for medical reasons. They may also talk with teachers and caregivers in order to get a full picture of the individual's daily life. This includes their work, home and social environment.
The symptoms must be present in at least two different settings and interfere with the daily activities. They must be present for at least six months. The symptoms must have developed before the age of 12 and cannot be explained by any other mental disorder, for example 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 show at minimum five of the following symptoms in a variety of settings:
A therapist can assist in teaching skills that reduce symptoms of ADHD. This includes planning ahead and keeping track of your schedules and using the planner, notebook or diary, as well as developing and adhering to routines. They can also help you improve your communication and problem-solving skills 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
For many people, getting an diagnosis in the adult years can bring relief and a feeling of finally knowing what's going on. It's also often a time of sorrow for those who have lost out on opportunities at school or at relationships or work that have gone wrong. Matlen said that it's particularly difficult for girls and women who's symptoms might have been overlooked in their childhood or not fully recognized as they matured.
A specialist or doctor will examine the entire life history of the individual, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will look at documents from work and school and then interview the individual and anyone who knows them well and ask questions about their symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't better explained by another mental health condition such as depression or anxiety, and that the person is not suffering from physical issues such as low blood pressure or hearing or vision impairment.
In addition to a physical exam The doctor might also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to assist individuals change their thoughts and behavior to better manage their ADHD. The therapist will assist the client develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills, and impulse control. The therapist will instruct the client to identify and avoid triggers that lead to ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors will recommend the patient to a psychiatrist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. They will be able discuss the challenges the person experiencing at home, work and in relationships. They can also recommend support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If someone has difficulty finding a specialist they can contact their primary healthcare provider to refer them or search the online directory of their health insurance company. You could also ask family members and friends for suggestions, or join a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can help the person locate a neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication as well as a life coach or therapist to provide them with practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their day-to-day lives.