ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A clear diagnosis of ADHD will help you control symptoms that can cause issues at work and at home. adult diagnosis adhd can also lead to depression and anxiety.
A thorough evaluation may include a detailed interview and screening questionnaires to determine other disorders, like anxiety or depression that could coexist or appear similar to ADHD. Your healthcare professional may also request to interview your loved ones.
Diagnosis
It is essential to have a licensed health professional examine you if you suspect that you might have ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist, family doctor or nurse practitioner that specializes in mental health disorders. The exam will include speaking about your symptoms, the problems they cause, and how you've tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will also examine your medical background, including any previous mental health issues as well as any other medications you're taking.
The healthcare professional must be able to recognize at least six signs (traits) of ADHD. They are present in at least two different environments (home, school, and social situations) as well as significantly affecting your ability to function. The symptoms must be present for at minimum 6 months and be continuous. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
The signs of inattention include forgetting things, loosing items, and having difficulty paying attention. Problems in school are also common. People with inattention ADHD can have trouble adhering to instructions, completing assignments or submitting work on time. They aren't able to sit still, paying close attention to others or focusing on their own activities. They often interrupt and scream out answers before they have finished. They struggle 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 difficulties at work, school and at home. These problems are often linked to financial problems and troubled relationships.
The person doing the evaluation will likely want to speak with your parents and/or teachers and see any records you have of your behavioral issues as an infant. They will likely perform a physical examination to rule out any medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms you are experiencing, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
If you are experiencing difficulties at school, at work or with your relationships, they may recommend additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing. These tests don't diagnose ADHD, but they can provide you with valuable information about the disorder.
Evaluation
If you suspect that your child or you may have ADHD It is important to find a certified health professional who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for a referral, contact your insurance company, or search online for specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also request suggestions from an adult ADHD support group.
During the assessment, the person conducting it may ask you or your child questions about your childhood and current life in order to gain an understanding of what is happening. They may also speak with teachers and others who knew you as a kid. They may inquire about your medical history and previous ailments to determine if are suffering from any issues that look like symptoms of ADHD such as anxiety or depression.
The evaluator will also use questionnaires and ratings scales to determine the frequency at which your child or you exhibit certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools allow them to evaluate your child's behavior with those of other children and adults who have been diagnosed. This is to make sure that you or your child is in line with the criteria for diagnosis. You or your child may also undergo a neurological and physical exam. They can also look for medical issues that could be a cause of ADHD like 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, such as anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator will use the results of the tests and interview to arrive at an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator is expected to write a report that outlines his or her findings and suggests treatment options. Your child or you are likely to receive the report in a paper.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can cause difficulties in a variety of areas of life, including family and work. Some of the signs include forgetfulness and impulsive decisions that can lead to financial problems or issues at school or work. Family and marriage therapy can help people with ADHD overcome the challenges they encounter in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can help address feelings of frustration and feeling inadequate frequently associated with an ADHD diagnosis. Finding a therapist who has expertise in working with ADHD patients and who can relate to their unique challenges is important.
Health care professionals use a variety of ways to determine if a person has ADHD by watching them in various situations and asking them about their symptoms and how they affect their lives, analyzing the past behavior, performing tests of neuropsychology and psychological, as well as a medical examination. They may also consult with caregivers and teachers to get an accurate picture of the person's life, including work, home and social environment.
For an young adult or an adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must occur in two or more environments and seriously affect their daily functioning. They must have been present for at least six months. The symptoms must have occurred before the age of 12 and cannot be explained by 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 display at least five signs in various settings.
A therapist can teach techniques that can reduce the symptoms of ADHD by making plans ahead and keeping track of schedules by using a planner or notebook, and developing and sticking to routines. They can also help you develop communication and problem-solving abilities 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
For many, receiving a diagnosis in adulthood can bring relief and a sense of finally being able to recognize the cause. It's also an emotional time due to missed opportunities at school or at relationships or work that have been ruined. It's particularly hard for women and girls, whose symptoms might have been overlooked in their the early years or not appreciated as they grew older, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will examine the entire life history of the person, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will examine the person's academic and work records and interview them and anyone else who knows them well. They will also ask about the symptoms. They will make sure that the symptoms aren't caused by mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
In addition to a physical exam The doctor may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to help individuals change their thoughts and behaviors to better manage their ADHD. The therapist will assist the client develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills and impulse control. The therapist will teach the patient to recognize and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors might recommend the patient to a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. They can discuss the challenges the person experiencing at home, work and in relationships. They will be able recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD.
If a person has trouble finding a specialist doctor, they can ask their primary care provider for a referral or look up their health insurance provider's online directory. You can also ask your family and friends for suggestions or contact an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can assist the person locate a psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication and a life coach or therapist who can give them strategies to manage symptoms and make positive change in their lives.