ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause problems both at home and in your professional life. These symptoms can cause anxiety and depression.
A thorough assessment could include a thorough interview and screening questionnaires to determine other disorders, like depression or anxiety, that may coexist or look like ADHD. Your healthcare provider may request an interview with a family member.
Diagnosis
If you think that you might be suffering from ADHD and are concerned, it is essential to be evaluated by a licensed health care professional. This could include a psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician, or nurse practitioner who has expertise of mental disorders. how is adhd diagnosed in adults will include a discussion of your symptoms, the problems they cause, as well as how you've overcome them. The healthcare provider will examine your medical history, including any prior mental health problems and any other medications you are taking.
The healthcare provider must be able identify at least six indicators (traits) of ADHD. They must be present in at minimum two environments (home or school, as well as social situations) and be significantly impairing your functioning. The symptoms should have been present for at least six months and be constant. 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 things, and having trouble paying attention. Problems with school are also common. People with inattention ADHD might not be able to follow directions, finish assignments or submit work on time. They have difficulty sitting still, paying attention to others or focusing on their own activities. They frequently interrupt and blurt answers before they are finished. They are often unable 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 can cause problems at home, school and work. These issues are often connected to financial issues and strained relationships.
The person who is conducting the test will likely want to speak with your teachers and parents and review any records you have of your behavior problems as a child. They'll likely conduct an examination of your body to rule out any other medical conditions which may be causing the symptoms you're experiencing, such as seizures or thyroid problems.
If you are experiencing difficulties at work, in school or with your relationships, they could recommend additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing. These tests do not diagnose ADHD however they could give you useful information regarding the disorder.
how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult
If you think you or your child may have ADHD, you should consult an experienced health professional who can assess your symptoms. Ask your doctor for an appointment. Contact your insurance company. Or search online for professionals that specialize in ADHD assessments of adults. You can also join an adult ADHD support group to get recommendations.
During the assessment, the person who is conducting it might ask you or your child questions about your childhood and present life to help you gain a better understanding of what's going on. They may also ask to talk to your teachers and others who were with you when you were a child. They may ask about your medical background and past ailments to determine if you are suffering from any symptoms that may be related to ADHD like anxiety or depression.
The evaluator may also use rating scales and questionnaires to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, as well as how often they occur. These tools can help compare your or your child's symptoms with those of other kids and adults who have been diagnosed with the disorder. This is to make sure that you or your child meet the criteria for diagnosis. You or your child may also undergo a neurological and physical exam. They may also check for medical issues that could be a 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 cannot be explained by other mental disorder such as anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator will consider the results of the test and interview to make an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will write an outline of the findings and suggests solutions. Your child or you will likely receive the report in a paper.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work as well as in the home. Some of the symptoms are impulsivity and forgetfulness, which can cause financial issues or issues at work or at school. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people with ADHD overcome the challenges they confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help address feelings of frustration and feeling inadequate frequently associated with an ADHD diagnosis. Finding a therapist who has experience in working with ADHD patients and who can relate to their specific challenges is essential.
Health professionals employ a variety of methods to determine if someone has ADHD. They may observe them in various settings, ask about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives, look over past behavior, conduct psychological and neuropsychological testing, and perform a medical exam. They can also consult with caregivers and teachers to obtain a complete picture of an individual's life, including their workplace, home and social environments.
For an adolescent or young adult to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must occur in more than one setting and seriously affect their daily functioning. They must have been present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms must have developed prior to 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 demonstrate at least five of the following symptoms in multiple settings:
A therapist can help teach skills that help reduce symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead and keeping track of timetables and using notebooks, planners or a diary and also establishing and sticking to routines. They can also teach strategies for problem-solving and communication that can help manage 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, getting an diagnosis in the adult years can bring relief and the feeling of knowing what's going on. It can also be a time of sorrow, whether for lost opportunities at school or at work or relationships that have been ruined. It's particularly hard for girls and women who's symptoms may have been overlooked in their the early years or not appreciated as they grew older, Matlen said.
A specialist or doctor will review the life history of the person, which includes childhood and adolescence. They will review the person's academic and work documents and interview them as well as anyone else who knows them well. They will also inquire about the symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't better explained by mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.
In addition to a physical examination, the specialist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The goal of CBT is helping the person to change their thoughts and actions so they can manage their ADHD more efficiently. The therapist will assist the person develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills, and impulse control. They will also show the person to identify and avoid triggers for their ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may refer the patient to a psychiatrist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. They can discuss the problems the person is experiencing at home, work and in relationships. They will be able to recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD.
If someone is having trouble finding a specialist doctor they could ask their primary care provider for a referral, or look through their health insurance company's directory online. You can also ask your friends and family members for suggestions or contact a local support group for adults with ADHD. The specialist can also help the person find a psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication as well as a therapist or life coach to help them develop strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes to their day-to-day lives.