ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD will help you control symptoms that can cause problems at work and home. The symptoms of ADHD can result in depression and anxiety.
A thorough evaluation will include an extensive interview with you and may include screening questionnaires for other illnesses that could be similar to ADHD or coexist with it, for example depression or anxiety. Your healthcare professional may also request to interview your loved ones.
Diagnosis
It is important to get a licensed health professional evaluate you if you think you may be suffering from ADHD. This could include psychologist, psychiatrist, family doctor, or nurse practitioner who is knowledgeable in mental disorders. The evaluation will include a discussion of your symptoms, the issues they cause, and the ways you've managed them. The healthcare provider will also review your medical history, including any past mental health problems and any other medications you're taking.
The healthcare provider must be able identify at least six signs (traits) of ADHD. They should be seen in at least two different settings (home school, social situations) and seriously affect your functioning. The symptoms must 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.
Inattention symptoms include difficulty paying attention, losing track of details, and loosing things. Problems in school are also common. People with inattentive ADHD may have difficulty following instructions or completing assignments. They may also have difficulty making sure that work is submitted on time. They may have difficulty sitting still, paying attention to others or focusing on their own belongings. They often interrupt and blurt answers before they have finished their questions. They have trouble waiting 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 may cause problems at school, work and at home. These problems are often related to a breakdown in relationships or getting into financial difficulties.
The person conducting the assessment might want to speak with your teachers or parents and review any records of your behavior problems as an infant. They'll likely conduct an examination to determine if there are any other medical conditions that may be causing your symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizures.
If you have problems at work, in school, or with your relationships, they may recommend additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing. These tests don't diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information on how the disorder affects you.
You can also check out our website for more information.
If you think you or your child may have ADHD and you suspect that they may, you should find an experienced health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can request a referral, contact your insurance provider or look online for specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also join an adult ADHD support group to get recommendations.
During the examination, the person conducting it may ask you or your child questions about your childhood and current life to get a better understanding of what is happening. They may also want to talk to teachers or other people who were with you when you were a kid. They might inquire about your medical background and previous illnesses to determine if are suffering from any symptoms that may be connected to ADHD like depression or anxiety.
The evaluator will also use questionnaires and ratings scales to determine how often your child or you exhibit certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools can help them to compare your child's symptoms with the symptoms of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. This is to ensure that you or your child is in line with the standard criteria for diagnosis. Your child or you might undergo a neurological and physical examination. They might also check for a medical issue that may be mimicking ADHD, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
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 by a different mental disorder, such as an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder. The evaluator will use the results of the tests and interview to diagnose ADHD. The evaluator is expected to write an outline of the findings and suggests solutions. Your child or you will likely receive a copy.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work as well as in the home. Some of the symptoms include impulsive and forgetfulness that can result in financial issues or trouble at work or school. Marriage and family therapy may aid those suffering from ADHD overcome the difficulties they confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can help address the feelings of anger and inadequacy that are often associated with an diagnosis of ADHD. Finding a therapist with experience working with ADHD patients and who can relate to their unique challenges is important.
Health care professionals use different methods to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. They might observe the person in different environments, inquire about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives, review past behavior and conduct neuropsychological and psychological tests, and conduct an examination for medical reasons. They can also talk to caregivers and teachers to obtain an accurate picture of the person's life, including their work, home and social environment.
The symptoms should be present in at least two settings and disrupt everyday functioning. They have to be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must have manifested before the age of 12 and cannot be explained by other mental disorder, like 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 help teach techniques that can reduce the symptoms of ADHD like making plans ahead and keeping track of your schedules by using a notebook or planner, and developing and sticking to routines. They can also help with communication and problem-solving skills which can help with 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 relieved after being diagnosed as adults. They feel as if they finally know what's wrong. It can also be a time of sorrow in the form of missed opportunities at school, in the workplace or for relationships that have gone off the rails. Matlen said it's especially difficult for girls and women who's symptoms might have been overlooked in their childhood or not recognized until they matured.
A specialist or doctor will look over the person's entire life story, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will look over the person's academic and work documents and interview them as well as anyone they know well. They will also ask about symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't better explained by mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
In addition to a physical examination The doctor may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The purpose of CBT is to help the person change their thoughts and actions to help them manage their ADHD more effectively. The therapist will help the person develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills, and impulse control. They will also show the patient how to recognize and avoid triggers for their ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors might refer the patient to a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able discuss the challenges the person having at work, at home and in relationships. They can recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD.
If adhd adults diagnosis is having difficulty finding a specialized doctor, they can ask their primary healthcare provider for a referral or search their health insurance company's directory online. You can also ask your friends and family members for recommendations or contact an area-based support group for adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can help the person find a psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication and a life coach or therapist who can provide strategies to manage symptoms and make positive change in their lives.