ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause issues at work and at home. The symptoms of ADHD can cause depression and anxiety.
A thorough assessment could include a thorough interview and screening questionnaires to determine other conditions, such as anxiety or depression that may coexist or look like ADHD. Your healthcare provider may also suggest an interview with the loved ones of yours.
Diagnosis
It is important to have a licensed health professional assess your situation if you suspect you might have ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist, family doctor or nurse practitioner who specializes in mental health disorders. The assessment will include talking about your symptoms, the problems they create and the ways you have tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will also look over your medical background, including any previous mental health issues as well as any other medications you're taking.
The healthcare provider has to be able identify at least six symptoms (traits) of ADHD. They should be seen in at least two settings (home, school and social situations) and significantly impair your functioning. The symptoms should have been present for at least 6 months and be continuous. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
Symptoms of inattentiveness include forgetting things, losing things, and having trouble paying attention. Problems with school are also common. People who aren't attentive ADHD may have difficulty following directions, completing assignments or making sure that work is submitted on time. They have trouble sitting still or paying attention to other people or focusing on their own belongings. They often interrupt and scream out answers before the questions are completed. 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 kind of ADHD may cause difficulties at work, school and at home. These problems are often related to trouble in relationships and getting into financial difficulties.
The person who is conducting the test will likely want to speak with your parents and/or teachers and see any records you have of your issues with behavior as a child. They will probably do a physical exam to determine if there are any other medical conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms, including seizures or thyroid issues.
They will probably suggest additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests if the problems you are experiencing at school, work or in your relationships require it. These tests do not diagnose ADHD, but they can provide useful information regarding the disorder.
Evaluation
If you suspect you or your child may have ADHD and you suspect that they may, you should consult a qualified medical professional who can examine your symptoms. You can ask your physician for an appointment. Contact your insurance provider. Or search online for specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments of adults. You can also join an adult ADHD support group for recommendations.
During the assessment the person who conducts the test will speak to you or your child about your childhood and current life to get a better idea of what's going on. They might also request to talk to your teachers and others who were around you as a kid. They may ask about your medical background and previous illnesses to determine if have any symptoms that may be related to ADHD, such depression or anxiety.
The evaluator will also use ratings scales and questionnaires to determine the frequency at which your child or you exhibit certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools let them compare your or child's symptoms with the symptoms of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD. This is to make sure that you or your child meet the criteria for diagnosis. They may also offer you or your child a physical exam and an examination of the neurological system. They may also check for medical conditions that could be the cause of ADHD, such a 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 also can't be explained by a different mental disorder, such as an anxiety or mood disorder. Your evaluator will use the results of the test and interview to arrive at an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will write an outline of his or her findings and recommends treatments. They'll likely give you or your child with a copy of the report.
Treatment
Having ADHD can create difficulties in a variety of areas of life, including family and work. Some of the signs include impulsive and forgetfulness that can result in financial issues or problems at work or school. Marriage and family therapy can assist in addressing the issues that people with ADHD have to face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) can help address the feelings of frustration and inadequacy that often accompany the diagnosis of ADHD. Finding a therapist with experience in working with ADHD patients and who understands their specific challenges is essential.
Health care professionals employ various methods to determine if someone has ADHD, including watching them in various settings, asking about their symptoms and how they impact their lives, examining the past behavior, performing psychological and neuropsychological tests and medical examinations. They can also consult with caregivers and teachers to obtain an accurate picture of an individual's life, including home, work and social settings.
For an adolescent or young adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must manifest in two or more environments and seriously affect their daily functioning. They must be present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms must have manifested 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. visit the next website page must show at least five of the following symptoms in a variety of settings.
A therapist can help teach techniques that can reduce the symptoms of ADHD. This includes planning ahead, keeping track of schedules and using a planner, notebook or diary, as well as developing and adhering to routines. They can also help with communication and problem-solving skills 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
For many, receiving an diagnosis in the adult years can be a relief and a sense of being able to recognize the cause. It can also be a time of grief, whether it's for missed opportunities at school or at work or relationships that have gone south. It's especially tough for women and girls, those whose symptoms might be missed in childhood or not recognized as they grew older, Matlen said.
A specialist or doctor will examine the patient's life-history including the adolescent years and childhood. They will examine documents from 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 are not better explained by another mental health condition such as depression or anxiety, and that the person is not suffering from a physical problem like low blood pressure or a hearing or vision impairment.
In addition to a physical exam The doctor might also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The aim of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to assist a person change their thoughts and behaviors to better manage their ADHD. The counselor will instruct the patient on strategies to improve their organizational skills as well as time management and impulse control. They will also instruct the patient how to recognize and avoid triggers for their ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors will recommend the patient to a psychiatrist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. They will be able discuss the issues the person is experiencing at work, home and in relationships. They will be able recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD.
If a person has difficulty finding a specialist They can ask their primary care provider to refer them or look up the online directory of their health insurance company. They can also ask their friends and family members for recommendations or join an organization that offers local support for adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can also assist the person locate a neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication, and a therapist or life coach to help them develop strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes to their daily lives.