ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A correct diagnosis of ADHD will help you control symptoms that can cause issues at work and home. The symptoms can also lead to depression and anxiety.
A thorough evaluation may include a detailed interview and screening questionnaires to identify other conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which may coexist or look like ADHD. Your healthcare professional could also ask you to speak with your loved ones.
Diagnosis
It is important to seek out a licensed health professional to evaluate your situation if you suspect you might have ADHD. This could include a psychiatrist, psychologist or family physician, or nurse practitioner who has expertise of mental disorders. The evaluation will include a discussion about your symptoms, the issues they cause, and how you've overcome them. The healthcare provider will also examine your medical history, including any prior mental health issues as well as any other medications you are taking.
The healthcare provider must be able to identify at least six signs (traits) of ADHD. They should be seen in at least two different settings (home, school and social situations) and significantly affect your functioning. The symptoms must 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.
Inattentive symptoms include trouble paying attention, losing track of details, and loosing things. In school, problems are common. People with inattention ADHD might not follow directions and assignments, or complete work on time. They have difficulty sitting still, paying attention to others, or keeping track of their own activities. They frequently interrupt and blurt out answers before they are finished. They can't wait their turn in 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 issues are often connected to financial difficulties and troubled relationships.
The person conducting the assessment will likely want to speak with your teachers, parents, or parents and review any records you have of your issues with behavior as a child. They will probably do physical examinations to determine if there are any other medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms, including seizures or thyroid problems.
If you are experiencing difficulties at work, in school or in your relationships, they may recommend additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing. These tests aren't able to diagnose ADHD, but they can provide you with useful information regarding the disorder.
You can also visit our website for more details.
If you think you or your child may have ADHD and you suspect that they may, you should find an experienced health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for a referral, contact your insurance company, or search online for specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also seek recommendations 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 comprehension of what is happening. They might also talk to teachers and other people who were with you when you were in your youth. They might ask about your medical history and previous ailments to determine if have any problems that look like symptoms of ADHD such as anxiety or depression.
The evaluator can also employ questionnaires and rating scales to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, as well as how often they occur. These tools allow them to evaluate your child's behavior with those of other children and adults who have already been diagnosed with ADHD. This is to make sure your child or you meet standardized criteria for the diagnosis. You or your child may also undergo a neurological and physical exam. They may also check for medical issues that could be the cause of ADHD, such 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 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 diagnose ADHD. The evaluator will write a report outlining his or her findings and recommending treatment options. They'll likely provide you or your child with a copy the report.
Treatment
Having ADHD can create issues in many areas of life, such as family and work. Some of the signs are impulsivity and forgetfulness, which can cause financial issues or issues at school or work. Family therapy and marriage can assist in addressing the issues that people with ADHD have to face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, sometimes referred to as talk therapy, can address feelings of frustration and feeling inadequate frequently associated with an ADHD diagnosis. Finding a therapist who has experience working with ADHD patients and who understands their unique challenges is important.
Health professionals use a variety of methods to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. They may observe the person in different environments, inquire about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives, review past behavior, conduct psychological and neuropsychological tests, and then conduct an exam for medical reasons. They can also consult with caregivers and teachers to obtain an accurate picture of the person's life, including the home, work and social environments.
For how to diagnose adhd or young adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must manifest in two or more settings and significantly affect their daily functioning. They have to be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must have developed prior to the age of 12 and cannot be explained by other mental disorder, like 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 show at least five of the following symptoms in multiple settings:
A therapist can assist in teaching techniques that can reduce symptoms of ADHD. This includes planning ahead, keeping track of schedules and using a planner, notebook or diary, as well as developing and sticking to routines. They can also teach the skills of communication and problem-solving 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 an adult diagnosis can be a relief and the feeling of finally having a clear understanding of what's happening. It can also be a time of grief due to missed opportunities in school or relationships or work that have been ruined. It's especially tough for women and girls, whose symptoms might be missed in childhood or not fully appreciated when they reached maturity, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will look over the person's entire life story, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will examine the person's work and school records and talk to them and anyone they know well. They will also ask about symptoms. They will check to make sure that the symptoms are not better explained by another mental health issue, such as anxiety or depression, and that the person does not have an physical issue, such as low blood pressure or a hearing or vision impairment.
The doctor may also recommend cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical examination. The purpose of CBT is to help the patient change their thinking and behavior to manage their ADHD more effectively. The therapist will assist the person develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills and impulse control. They will also instruct the person how to identify and avoid triggers for their ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors will recommend the patient to a psychiatrist who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able to discuss the difficulties the person is facing at work, at home and in relationships. They will also be able to suggest support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If a patient is having difficulty finding a specialist doctor they can ask their primary healthcare provider for a referral, or look through their health insurance provider's online directory. You can also ask family and friends for suggestions, or contact a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can help the person find a psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist who can offer strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their daily lives.