ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you gain control over symptoms that can cause issues at home as well as in your professional life. Symptoms can also cause anxiety and depression.
A thorough assessment could consist of a thorough interview as well as screening questionnaires to identify other conditions, such as anxiety or depression that may coexist or look like ADHD. Your healthcare provider may invite you to speak with a family member.
Diagnosis
If you think that you might be suffering from ADHD, it is important to get an evaluation by an accredited health professional. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a family doctor or nurse practitioner who specializes in mental health issues. The evaluation will involve talking about your symptoms, problems they cause and how you've tried to deal with them. The healthcare professional will go over your medical history including past mental health issues and any medication you are taking.
The healthcare provider has to be able identify at least six indicators (traits) of ADHD. They should be seen in at least two settings (home, school and social situations) and seriously affect your ability to function. 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.
Attention-deficit symptoms include difficulty paying attention, ignoring details, and loosing things. School-related problems are also common. how to diagnose adhd with inattentive ADHD can have trouble adhering to instructions, completing assignments or finishing work on time. They aren't able to sit still, paying attention to others or keeping track of their own possessions. They frequently interrupt and blurt out answers before the questions are completed. They are often unable to wait for their turn in conversations or games.
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 issues are often connected to financial difficulties and troubled relationships.
The person who is doing the evaluation may want to talk with your teachers or parents and review any records of your behavior problems as when you were a child. They'll probably conduct physical examinations to rule out any other medical conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid problems.
If you are experiencing difficulties at school, at work or in your relationships, they could recommend additional psychological, educational disabilities, or neuropsychological tests. These tests don't diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information on how the disorder affects you.
Evaluation
If you think you or your child may be suffering from ADHD or other disorders, you should seek out a qualified health professional who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for recommendations. Contact your insurance company. Search online for professionals that specialize in ADHD evaluations of adults. You can also join an adult ADHD support group for suggestions.
During the assessment, the person who conducts it could ask you or your child questions about your childhood and current life in order to gain an comprehension of what is happening. They may also ask to speak with your teachers and others who knew you as a child. They may inquire about your medical history and previous illnesses to determine if you have any problems that look like symptoms of ADHD, such as anxiety or depression.
The evaluator may also use rating scales and questionnaires 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 the symptoms of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the disorder. This is to ensure that your child or you meet standardized criteria for the diagnosis. They may also conduct a physical or your child a physical examination and a neurological exam. They could also check for any medical condition that may be a symptom of ADHD, such as seizures or thyroid problems.
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 by a different mental disorder, like an anxiety or mood disorder. Your evaluator uses the results of the test and interview to diagnose ADHD. The evaluator will draft an account of his or her findings and recommends solutions. They'll likely provide you or your child with a copy of the report.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can cause problems in many areas 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 counseling can aid people suffering from ADHD overcome the challenges they face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can help address feelings of frustration and feeling inadequate often associated with an ADHD diagnosis. Finding a therapist with experience working with ADHD patients and who understands their specific challenges is essential.
Health professionals employ a variety of methods to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. They might observe the person in various environments, inquire about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives. They may also review the past behavior and conduct neuropsychological and psychological tests, and then conduct an examination for medical reasons. They can also talk to teachers and caregivers in order to get a full picture of the person's life. This includes their work, home and social surroundings.
The symptoms should be present in at least two settings and interfere with daily functioning. They must be present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms must have been present since before age 12, and they cannot be better explained by other mental disorders, 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 exhibit at least five signs in various environments.
A therapist can help teach techniques that can reduce the symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead and keeping track of timetables and using notebooks, planners or a diary, as well as developing and sticking to routines. They can also teach strategies for problem-solving and communication 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
For many people, receiving a diagnosis in adulthood can bring relief and the feeling of knowing what's going on. It can also be a time of sadness regardless of missed opportunities at school or in the workplace or for relationships that have gone off the rails. Matlen explained that it's especially difficult for girls and women whose symptoms may have been overlooked in their childhood or not fully understood as they grew older.
A specialist or doctor will review the life history of the person, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will review documents from 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 make sure 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 a hearing or vision impairment.
In addition to a physical examination The doctor may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The aim of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to assist people change their thinking and behavior to better manage their ADHD. The therapist will assist 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 may recommend the patient to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD. They will be able discuss the issues the person is experiencing at work, home and in relationships. They will also be able to suggest support groups for adults suffering from ADHD and other resources.
If a person 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. You can also ask family and friends for recommendations, or join a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can assist the person locate a psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist to give them strategies to manage symptoms and make positive changes in their lives.