ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A clear diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause issues at home and work. Symptoms of ADHD can also result in depression and anxiety.
A thorough evaluation may include a detailed interview and screening questionnaires that help to determine other conditions, such as anxiety or depression that could coexist or appear similar to ADHD. Your healthcare professional may also suggest an interview with a loved one.
Diagnosis
It is essential to have a licensed health professional examine you if you think you may have ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a family doctor or nurse practitioner that specializes in mental health disorders. The exam will include speaking about your symptoms, the problems they create and the ways you've tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will review your medical history including past mental health issues as well as any medications you may be taking.
The healthcare provider must be able to identify at least six indicators (traits) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two environments (home, school, and social situations) and be significantly impairing your functioning. The symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months and be continuous. 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 not paying attention. Problems with school are also common. People with inattentive ADHD might not be able to follow directions and assignments, or submit work on time. They have difficulty sitting still, paying attention to others or keeping track of their own activities. They often interrupt and blurt answers before they are finished. They aren't able to hold their own during conversations or games.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This kind of ADHD can cause issues at school, home and at work. These problems are often related to trouble in relationships and getting into financial difficulties.
The person who is conducting the evaluation may want to talk with your teachers or parents and examine any evidence of your behavior issues as a child. They may also conduct physical examinations to rule out any other medical conditions which may be contributing to the symptoms you are experiencing, such as seizures or thyroid problems.
They may recommend additional psychological, neuropsychological and/or learning disabilities testing in the event that the issues you are experiencing at school, work or in your relationships demand it. These tests don't diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information about how the disorder affects your life.
Evaluation
If you think you or your child may be suffering from ADHD and you suspect that they may, you should seek out an experienced health professional who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your physician for a referral. Contact your insurance provider. You can also search the internet for specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also go to an adult ADHD support group for suggestions.
During the assessment, the person conducting the test will speak to you or your child about your childhood and present life to get a better idea of what's happening. They may also talk to teachers and others who knew you when you were a kid. They might ask about your medical history as well as past illnesses to determine if you are suffering from any issues that look like symptoms of ADHD like anxiety or depression.
The evaluator will 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 compare your or your child's symptoms to those of other kids and adults who have been diagnosed with the disorder. This is to ensure that you or your child is in line with the criteria for diagnosis. Your child or you might be subject to a neurological or physical exam. They could also check for a medical issue that may be mimicking ADHD like 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 cannot be explained better by a different mental disorder, like an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder. The evaluator will use the results of the test and interview to diagnose ADHD. The evaluator will draft an outline of the findings and suggests treatment options. They'll likely give you or your child with a copy the report.
Treatment
ADHD can cause issues at work and within the family. Some of the signs include forgetfulness and impulsive decisions that can cause financial issues or trouble at work or at school. Marriage and family therapy can assist in addressing the issues that people with ADHD face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can help alleviate the feelings of frustration and inadequacy which often accompany the diagnosis of ADHD. Finding a therapist who has experience working with ADHD patients and who can relate to their unique challenges is important.
Health professionals use a variety of methods to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. They may observe them in various situations, inquire about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives, review past behavior and conduct neuropsychological and psychological testing, and perform an exam for medical reasons. They can also talk to caregivers and teachers to get an accurate picture of a person's life, including work, home and social settings.
The symptoms should be present in at minimum two locations and affect everyday functioning. They must be present for at least six months. The symptoms must have manifested before the age of 12 and cannot be explained by other mental disorder, 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 display at least five symptoms in a variety of environments.
Therapists can help students develop skills that can help alleviate symptoms of ADHD by planning ahead and keeping track of your schedules using a planner or notebook, and developing and sticking to routines. They can also help with the skills of communication and problem-solving 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 find relief in being diagnosed as adults. They feel that they finally know what's wrong. It can also be a time of grief regardless of missed opportunities at school, at work or relationships that have gone awry. It's particularly hard for girls and women, those whose symptoms might be missed in the early years or not appreciated when they reached maturity, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will review the life history of the person, which includes childhood and adolescence. They will review the records of work and school and then interview the individual and anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about their symptoms. They will check to ensure that the symptoms aren't more easily explained by a mental health issue, such as depression or anxiety or that the individual does not have a physical problem like low blood pressure or a hearing or vision impairment.
In addition to a physical exam The doctor may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The purpose of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is to help individuals change their thoughts and behavior to better manage their ADHD. The counselor will instruct the patient on strategies to improve their organizational skills, managing time and controlling their impulses. They will also show the person how to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors might refer the patient to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to discuss the issues the person is having at home, at work, and in relationships. They will be able recommend support groups and other resources for adults with ADHD.
If someone has difficulty finding an expert They can request their primary care physician to refer them or search the online directory of their health insurance company. They can also ask their friends and family members for suggestions or find an organization that offers local support for adults with ADHD. diagnosed with adhd can also assist the person find a psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication and an therapist or a life coach to provide them with practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes to their day-to-day lives.