ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A clear diagnosis of ADHD will allow you to manage symptoms that can cause problems at home and work. The symptoms can also lead to depression and anxiety.
A thorough evaluation will include an extensive interview with you. It could also include screening questionnaires for different conditions that may look like ADHD or coexist with it, like anxiety or depression. Your healthcare professional may ask to interview your family member.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD or other related disorders, it is crucial to have an evaluation conducted by an accredited health professional. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist, family doctor or nurse practitioner that specializes in mental health issues. adhd diagnoses will include a discussion about your symptoms, the problems they cause, and the ways you've overcome them. The healthcare professional will also look over your medical history, including any past mental health issues and any other medications you are taking.
To determine a diagnosis, the healthcare provider must be able to identify at least six traits (symptoms) of ADHD. They are present in at least two environments (home school, at home, and social situations) and be significantly affecting your performance. 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.
Symptoms of inattentiveness include forgetting things, loosing things, and having trouble paying attention. School problems are also common. People with inattentive ADHD can have trouble adhering to instructions, completing assignments or finishing work on time. They may have trouble sitting still, paying attention to others, or keeping track of their own activities. They often interrupt and blurt answers before they have finished their questions. They can't wait 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 problems at home, school and work. These problems are often linked to financial difficulties and troubled relationships.
The person conducting the assessment will likely want to speak with your teachers, parents, or parents and review any records you have of your behavioral issues as an infant. They will probably do a physical exam to rule out any other medical conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms, including thyroid problems or seizures.
They may suggest additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests when the issues you're experiencing at school, work or in your relationships call for it. These tests don't diagnose ADHD however they could give you valuable information about the disorder.
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If you suspect you or your child may have ADHD, you should seek out an experienced health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can request an appointment, or contact your insurance company or search the internet for specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also request suggestions from an adult ADHD support group.
During the test the person who conducts the test will speak to you or your child about your childhood and current life to get a better idea of what's going on. They may also want to talk to teachers and other people who were with you when you were a kid. They could inquire about your medical history and previous illnesses to determine if you are suffering from any issues that look like symptoms of ADHD, such as anxiety or depression.
The evaluator could also utilize questionnaires and rating scales 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 behavior to those of other kids and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. This is to ensure that you or your child meet the standard criteria for diagnosis. They might also give you or your child a physical exam and a neurological exam. They could also look for medical issues that could mimic 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 are not ascribed to any other mental disorder, such as anxiety or mood disorders. The evaluator will use the results of the tests and interview to diagnose ADHD. The evaluator is expected to write an outline of his or her findings and suggests treatments. Your child or you will likely receive an electronic copy.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can create difficulties in a variety of aspects of life, including family and work. The most common symptoms include impulsivity and forgetfulness which can lead to financial issues or issues at school or work. Family therapy and marriage can help overcome the difficulties that people with ADHD face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can help alleviate the feelings of frustration and inadequacy that often accompany the diagnosis of ADHD. Finding a therapist with experience in working with ADHD patients and who can relate to their unique challenges is important.
Health professionals employ a variety of ways to determine if a person has ADHD by monitoring them in different environments, asking about their symptoms and how they impact their lives, reviewing the past behavior, performing tests of neuropsychology and psychological, as well as medical examinations. They can also talk to teachers and caregivers in order to obtain a complete picture of the individual's daily life. This includes their workplace, home, and social surroundings.
The symptoms should be present in at least two settings and disrupt daily 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 any 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 show at least five of the symptoms in a variety of settings:
A therapist can help teach techniques that can reduce symptoms of ADHD. This includes planning ahead, keeping track of schedules and using the planner, notebook or diary and also establishing and sticking 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
Many people feel relieved after receiving a diagnosis as an adult. They feel like they've finally found out what's wrong. It can also be a time of grief due to missed opportunities at school or at relationships or work that have gone wrong. It's particularly difficult for girls and women, whose symptoms might be missed in childhood or not fully appreciated when they reached maturity, Matlen said.
A specialist or doctor will review the life history of the person, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will examine the records of work and school and interview the person as well as anyone who knows them well and ask questions about their symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms are not better explained by another mental health condition such as anxiety or depression and also ensure that the person is not suffering from an physical issue, such as low blood pressure or hearing or vision impairment.
In addition to a physical exam The doctor may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The aim of CBT is to assist the patient change their thinking and actions to help them manage their ADHD more effectively. The therapist will assist the person learn 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 may recommend the patient to a psychiatrist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. They can talk about the problems that the person is having at home, at work and in relationships. They will also be able to suggest support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If a person is having difficulty finding an expert, they can either request their primary care physician to refer them to a specialist or search the directory online of their health insurance company. They can also ask friends and family members for suggestions or contact a local support group for adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can assist the person locate an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist who can provide strategies to manage symptoms and make positive changes in their lives.