ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD can aid in reducing symptoms that can cause problems at home and in your professional life. The symptoms of ADHD can cause depression and anxiety.
A thorough assessment will involve an in-depth interview with you and may involve screening questionnaires for other conditions that may look like ADHD or coexist with it, for example anxiety or depression. Your healthcare professional could also suggest an interview with your loved ones.
Diagnosis
If you believe you might be suffering from ADHD or other related disorders, it is crucial to have an evaluation conducted by an authorized health care professional. This could be psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician, or nurse practitioner who is knowledgeable of mental disorders. The evaluation will involve talking about your symptoms, the issues they cause and how you've tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will review your medical history including past mental health issues, as well as any medication you are taking.
To make a diagnosis, the healthcare provider must identify at least six signs (symptoms) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two settings (home or school and social situations) and significantly affect your ability to function. The symptoms must 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.
Inattentive symptoms include trouble paying attention, ignoring details, and loosing things. In school, problems are common. People who aren't attentive ADHD might have difficulty adhering to instructions, completing assignments or making sure that work is submitted on time. They aren't able to sit still and paying attention to other people or keeping track of their personal belongings. getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult interrupt and blurt answers before they have finished their questions. They can't wait 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 at work. These issues are often connected to financial problems and troubled relationships.
The person who is conducting the test will likely want to speak with your teachers, parents, or parents and look over any documentation you have of your issues with behavior as an infant. They may also conduct a physical examination to rule out other medical conditions that could be contributing to the symptoms you're experiencing, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
They may recommend additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests in the event that the issues you are having at work, school or in your relationships require it. These tests don't diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information about how the disorder affects you.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD It is important to find a certified medical expert who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for a referral, contact your insurance provider or search the internet for professionals who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also seek suggestions from an adult ADHD support group.
During the assessment the person who is conducting it will talk with you or your child about your childhood and present life to get a better idea of what's going on. They may also want to talk to your teachers or others who knew you as a child. They may inquire about your medical history as well as past illnesses to determine if you have any issues that appear like symptoms of ADHD such as anxiety or depression.
The evaluator could also utilize rating scales and questionnaires to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, as well as how often they occur. These tools can help to compare your child's symptoms to the symptoms of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the disorder. This is to make sure that you or your child meets the criteria for diagnosis. They may also conduct a physical or your child a physical and an examination of the brain. They might also check for any medical condition that may be a symptom of ADHD, such as 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 can't be explained by a different mental disorder, such as depression or anxiety. Your evaluator will consider the results of the test and interview to make an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator writes an account of his or her findings, and recommends treatments. They'll likely provide you or your child with copies of the report.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work as well as in the family. Some of the symptoms include impulsivity and forgetfulness which can cause financial issues or issues at work or school. Family therapy and marriage counseling can aid people suffering from ADHD overcome the obstacles they face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) can address the feelings of anger and inadequacy which often accompany an diagnosis of ADHD. It is essential to find a therapist who has worked with people who suffer from ADHD and can relate to the unique challenges that this disorder can bring about.
Health professionals employ a variety of methods to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. They can observe the person in various environments, inquire about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives, review past behavior as well as conduct neuropsychological and psychosocial tests, and conduct an examination for medical reasons. They may also consult teachers and caregivers to gain a complete picture of the individual's daily life. This includes their home, workplace and social environment.
For an adolescent or young adult to be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must occur in two or more settings and significantly affect their daily functioning. They must be present for a minimum of 6 months. Symptoms must have been occurring prior to age 12 and they are not explained by other mental disorders, for example 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 signs in a variety of situations.
Therapists can help you develop skills that reduce symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead and keeping track of timetables and using notebooks, planners or a diary and also establishing and adhering 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
Many people feel relief after getting a diagnosis as adults. They feel that they've finally found out what's wrong. It's also often an emotional time for those who have lost out on opportunities in school or relationships or jobs that have gone wrong. Matlen explained that it's especially difficult for girls and women who's symptoms were ignored in childhood or were not fully understood as they grew.
A doctor or specialist will examine the patient's life history including the adolescent years and childhood. They will review documents from work and school, interview the person and anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about the symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't a result of a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression.
In addition to a physical exam The doctor might also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The purpose of CBT is to help the patient change their thinking and actions so they can manage their ADHD more efficiently. The Therapist will teach the person strategies to improve their organizational skills as well as time management, and impulse control. The therapist will instruct the patient to recognize and avoid triggers that can 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 challenges the person experiencing at home, work and in relationships. They will also be able recommend support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If a person is having difficulty finding an expert they can ask their primary care provider to refer them or search the directory online of their health insurance company. They can also ask their friends and family members for recommendations or join a local support group for adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can help the person locate an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication and a life coach or therapist to offer strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their daily lives.