ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you gain control over symptoms that can cause issues at home and in your professional life. Symptoms can also cause anxiety and depression.
A thorough evaluation may consist of a thorough interview as well as screening questionnaires that help to determine other conditions, like depression or anxiety, that might coexist or resemble ADHD. Your healthcare professional could also request to interview the loved ones of yours.
Diagnosis
If you think that you might have ADHD or other related disorders, it is crucial to have an evaluation conducted by a licensed health care professional. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist, family doctor, or nurse practitioner who is knowledgeable in mental disorders. The assessment will include a discussion about your symptoms, the issues they cause, and the ways you've overcome them. The healthcare provider will look over your medical history, including any past mental health issues as well as any other medications you are taking.
To determine a diagnosis the healthcare professional must identify at least six signs (symptoms) of ADHD. They are present in at minimum two environments (home, school, and social situations) as well as significantly impairing your functioning. The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and be constant. 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, forgetting details, and loosing things. Problems in school are also common. People with inattention ADHD might not be able to follow directions, finish assignments or submit work on time. They may have difficulty sitting still and paying attention to other people or keeping track of their personal belongings. They often interrupt and blurt out answers before the questions are completed. They have trouble waiting 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 lead to issues at school, home and at work. These issues are usually related to problems in relationships and becoming financially strained.
The person who is conducting the assessment might want to talk with your teachers or parents and review any records of your behavior problems as a child. They'll likely conduct an examination of your body to rule out any other medical conditions that could be contributing to the symptoms you're experiencing, such as thyroid issues or seizures.
If you're having issues at school, at work or with your relationships, they could suggest additional psychological, learning disabilities, and/or neuropsychological testing. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD however they can provide valuable information on how the disorder affects you.
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If you suspect you or your child may have ADHD and you suspect that they may, you should consult an experienced medical professional who can examine your symptoms. Ask your doctor for an appointment. Contact your insurance company. You can also search the internet for specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments of adults. You can also go to an adult ADHD support group to get recommendations.
During the test the person who conducts the test will speak to you or your child about your childhood and current life to gain a better understanding of what's going on. They may also talk to teachers or others who knew you as a kid. They could inquire about your medical history and previous ailments to determine if are suffering from any issues that look like symptoms of ADHD such as depression or anxiety.
The evaluator may also use rating scales and questionnaires to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, and how often they occur. These tools let them examine your child's or your child's symptoms with the symptoms of other children and adults who have been diagnosed. This will help ensure that you or your child is in line with the criteria that are standard for diagnosing. They might also give you or your child a physical and an examination of the neurological system. They could also look for medical issues that may mimic ADHD like 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 like anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator will use the results of the testing and interview to determine an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will write an account of his or her findings and offers solutions. They may provide you or your child with copies of the report.
Treatment
Having ADHD can create problems in many areas of life, such as family and work. Some of the symptoms include impulsive and forgetfulness that can cause financial issues or problems at work or at school. Marriage and family therapy may aid people suffering from ADHD overcome the challenges they encounter in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, sometimes referred to as talk therapy, can help alleviate feelings of frustration and feeling inadequate that are often a result of an ADHD diagnosis. Finding a therapist with experience working with ADHD patients and who can relate to their specific challenges is essential.
Health care professionals use different methods to determine whether someone has ADHD. They might observe the person in various environments, inquire about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives, look over past behavior, conduct psychological and neuropsychological testing, and perform an examination for medical reasons. They can also consult with teachers and caregivers to get a complete picture of an individual's life, including their home, work and social environment.
The symptoms must be present in at minimum two locations and interfere with the daily activities. They must be present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms must have occurred since before age 12, and they are not explained by other mental disorders, for example 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 exhibit at minimum five of the following symptoms in a variety of settings:
A therapist can help teach skills that reduce the symptoms of ADHD. This includes planning ahead and keeping track of your schedules and using notebooks, planners or a diary and also establishing and adhering to routines. They can also help with communication and problem-solving skills 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, receiving an diagnosis in the adult years can be a relief and the feeling of finally being able to recognize the cause. It's also a time of grief for those who have lost out on opportunities in school or work or relationships that have gone wrong. Matlen explained that it's especially difficult for girls and women who's symptoms were missed during childhood or not fully understood as they grew.
A specialist or doctor will review the person's life story, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will look at documents from work and school and interview the person as well as anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about the symptoms. They will make sure the symptoms aren't a result of mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.
In addition to a physical examination, the specialist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The aim of CBT is to help the person to change their thoughts and actions so they can manage their ADHD more effectively. The Therapist will teach the person strategies to improve their organization skills, managing time and controlling their impulses. The therapist will help the person to identify and avoid triggers that can cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may recommend the patient to a psychiatrist with experience treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to discuss the challenges the person experiencing at work, home and in relationships. adhd adults diagnosis can also recommend support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If someone is having difficulty finding an expert, they can either contact their primary healthcare provider to refer them or look up the directory online of their health insurance company. You can also ask your family and friends for suggestions, or join an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can assist the person locate an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist to give them strategies to manage symptoms and make positive change in their lives.