ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause problems at work and at home. The symptoms of ADHD can result in depression and anxiety.
A thorough assessment will involve a detailed interview with you and may include screening questionnaires for other illnesses that could be similar to ADHD or coexist with it, such as depression or anxiety. Your healthcare professional could also suggest an interview with the loved ones of yours.
Diagnosis
It is essential to have a licensed health professional assess you if you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a family doctor or nurse practitioner that specializes in mental health issues. The evaluation will include a discussion about your symptoms, the problems they cause, and how you've managed them. The healthcare professional will go over your medical history including past mental health issues, as well as any medications you might be taking.
The healthcare professional must be able identify at least six signs (traits) of ADHD. They must occur in at least two settings (home school, social situations) and seriously affect your ability to function. The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and be consistent. 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, losing track of details, and losing things. School-related problems are also common. People with inattention ADHD may not follow instructions, finish assignments or submit work on time. They have trouble sitting still, paying attention to others or focusing on their own possessions. They frequently interrupt and utter answers before they have finished. They are often unable to wait for their turn in games or conversations.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This type of ADHD could cause problems at school, at work and at home. These problems are often related to a breakdown in relationships or becoming financially strained.
The person who is doing the assessment may wish to speak with your teachers or parents, and look at any documentation of your behavioral issues as an infant. They will likely perform an examination of your body to rule out any medical conditions that could be causing the symptoms you're experiencing, including thyroid issues or seizures.
If you have problems at school, at work or with your relationships, they may recommend additional psychological, educational disabilities, or neuropsychological tests. These tests do not diagnose ADHD however they could provide useful information regarding the disorder.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD, it's important to find a qualified health care expert who can assess your symptoms. You can request recommendations, talk to your insurance provider or search online for professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also go to an adult ADHD support group for recommendations.
During the test the person who conducts it will talk with 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 your teachers or others who knew you as a child. They may ask about your medical history and previous illnesses to determine if are experiencing any symptoms connected to ADHD, such depression or anxiety.
The evaluator can also employ rating scales and questionnaires to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, as well as how often they occur. These tools allow them to examine your child's or your child's symptoms with the symptoms of other children and adults who have already been diagnosed. This is to make sure that you or your child meets the criteria for diagnosis. Your child or you might also undergo a neurological and physical exam. They could also look for medical conditions that could be the cause of ADHD such as 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 analyzes the results of the tests and interview to determine the diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will write a report that outlines his or her findings and offers solutions. Your child or you will likely receive a copy.
Treatment
Having ADHD can cause difficulties in a variety of areas of life, such as family and work. Some of the symptoms include impulsive and forgetfulness that can result in financial issues or issues at work or school. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people with ADHD overcome the difficulties they face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) can help address the feelings of anger and inadequacy which often accompany an diagnosis of ADHD. It is important to choose a therapist who has worked with people who suffer from ADHD and can relate to the unique challenges this disorder can bring up.
Health care professionals use a variety of methods to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD and this includes watching them in various environments and asking them about their symptoms and how they affect their lives, analyzing past behavior, conducting tests for neuropsychological and psychological testing, and medical examinations. They may also consult teachers and caregivers in order to obtain a complete picture of the person's life. This includes their home, workplace and social surroundings.
The symptoms should be present in at least two different settings and disrupt the daily activities. They must have been present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms must have occurred before 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 display at least five signs in a variety of environments.
A therapist can help teach techniques that can alleviate symptoms of ADHD by planning ahead and keeping track of schedules by using a notebook or planner and establishing and adhering to routines. They can also assist you to develop communication and problem-solving abilities that can help you manage symptoms. diagnosis for adhd 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 be a relief and a sense of being able to recognize the cause. It can also be a time of sorrow in the form of missed opportunities at school or in the workplace or for relationships that have gone awry. Matlen explained that it's especially difficult for women and girls who's symptoms were missed during childhood or not fully understood as they grew older.
A doctor or specialist will look over the person's entire life-history, including childhood and adolescence. They will look at school and work records and then interview the individual and anyone who knows them well and ask questions about symptoms. They will make sure the symptoms aren't caused by mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
The specialist may also suggest cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical test. The aim of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to assist individuals change their thoughts and behavior to better manage their ADHD. The therapist will help the client develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills and impulse control. The therapist will instruct the client to identify and avoid triggers that lead to ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors might refer the patient to a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to discuss the issues the person is having at work, at home and in relationships. They will be able recommend support groups and other resources for adults with ADHD.
If someone is having trouble finding a specialized doctor, they can ask their primary care provider for a referral or search their health insurance company's online directory. updated blog post can also ask your friends and family members for suggestions or contact a local support group for adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can help the person locate a neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication and an therapist or a life coach to help them develop strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes to their day-to-day lives.