ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD can aid in reducing the symptoms that can cause trouble at home as well as in your professional life. The symptoms of ADHD can lead to anxiety and depression.
A thorough assessment could include a thorough interview and screening questionnaires that help to determine other conditions, like depression or anxiety, that might coexist or resemble ADHD. Your healthcare provider may ask to interview your family member.
Diagnosis
If you think that you might be suffering from ADHD, it is important to get an evaluation by an authorized health care professional. It could be a psychologist, psychiatrist, family doctor or nurse practitioner that specializes in mental health disorders. The assessment will include talking 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 and any medication you are taking.
To diagnose, the healthcare provider must determine at minimum six traits (symptoms) of ADHD. They must occur in at minimum two different environments (home school, social situations) and significantly affect your functioning. The symptoms must 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.
Inattention symptoms include difficulty paying attention, ignoring details, and losing things. The school environment can also be a problem. diagnosing adhd with inattention ADHD might not be able to follow directions or complete assignments or submit work on time. They have trouble sitting still or paying attention to other people or focusing on their personal possessions. They often interrupt and blurt answers before they are finished. They don't want to wait for their turn during conversations or games.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This type of ADHD can cause issues at school, home and work. These issues are usually related to trouble in relationships and getting into financial difficulties.
The person conducting the assessment will probably want to talk with your teachers and parents and look over any documentation you have of your behavior problems as a child. They may also conduct a physical examination to rule out any other medical conditions that could be contributing to the symptoms you are suffering from, like seizures or thyroid issues.
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 aren't able to diagnose ADHD however they could provide you with important information about the disorder.
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If you think you or your child may be suffering from ADHD, you should seek out a qualified health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for an appointment. Contact your insurance company. Search online for professionals that specialize in ADHD assessments of adults. You can also go to an adult ADHD support group to get recommendations.
During the assessment, the person who is conducting it might ask you or your child questions about your childhood and current life to get an comprehension of what is happening. They may also ask to talk to your teachers or others who were with you when you were a child. They might ask about your medical history and previous ailments to determine if have any issues that appear like symptoms of ADHD, such as depression or anxiety.
The evaluator also uses ratings scales and questionnaires to determine how often your child or you exhibit certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools allow them to compare your or child's symptoms with the symptoms of other children and adults who have already been diagnosed with ADHD. This is to ensure that you or your child meets the criteria that are standard for diagnosing. They might also give you or your child a physical and an examination of the brain. They can also look for medical issues that could be the cause of ADHD such as thyroid issue 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 like anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator uses the results of the tests and interview to officially diagnose ADHD. The evaluator will write an outline of the findings and offers solutions. Your child or you are likely to receive the report in a paper.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can create difficulties in a variety of areas of life, such as family and work. Some of the symptoms include impulsivity and forgetfulness which can lead to financial difficulties or problems at work or at school. Marriage and family therapy may aid those suffering from ADHD overcome the difficulties they confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) can help address the feelings of anger and inadequacy that often accompany an diagnosis of ADHD. It is important to find a therapist that has experience working with individuals who suffer from ADHD and who can understand the unique challenges that this disorder can cause.
Health professionals use a variety of methods to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. They might observe the person in different settings, ask about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives, look over past behavior as well as conduct neuropsychological and psychosocial tests, and conduct an exam for medical reasons. They may also talk with caregivers and teachers to get a full picture of the individual's life. This includes their home, workplace and social environment.
The symptoms are required to be present in at minimum two locations and disrupt everyday functioning. They must be present for at least six months. The symptoms must have manifested prior to the age of 12 and cannot be explained by any other mental disorder, like 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 least five of the following symptoms in a variety of settings:
Therapists can help students develop techniques that can alleviate symptoms of ADHD by making plans ahead and keeping track of schedules, using a notebook or planner and establishing and adhering to routines. They can also teach strategies for problem-solving and communication that can aid 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 find relief in being diagnosed as adults. They feel like they have finally figured out what's wrong. It can also be a time of sadness regardless of the missed opportunities in school or in the workplace, or for relationships that have gone south. It's especially tough for girls and women, those whose symptoms might have been overlooked in their childhood or not fully appreciated as they grew older, Matlen said.
A specialist or doctor will review the life history of the person, which includes childhood and adolescence. They will review the records of work and school, interview the person and anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about the symptoms. They will make sure that the symptoms aren't a result of mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.
The specialist may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in addition to the physical exam. The aim of CBT is helping the person change their thoughts and actions to help them manage their ADHD more efficiently. The therapist will assist the client develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills and impulse control. They will also teach the person how to identify and avoid triggers for their ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may refer the patient to a psychiatrist with experience treating adults with ADHD. They can discuss the issues the person is having at home, at work and in relationships. They can also recommend support groups for adults suffering from ADHD and other resources.
If someone has difficulty finding an expert they can request their primary care physician to refer them or search the directory online of their health insurance company. You can also ask family and friends for recommendations, or find an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can assist the person find a psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist to provide strategies to manage symptoms and make positive changes in their lives.