ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A clear diagnosis of ADHD will allow you to manage symptoms that can cause issues at home and work. These symptoms can cause anxiety and depression.
A thorough evaluation may include a thorough interview and screening questionnaires that help to determine other conditions, like depression or anxiety, that may coexist or look like ADHD. Your healthcare professional may also suggest an interview with your loved ones.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you might be suffering from ADHD, it is important to get an evaluation by an accredited health professional. This may be a psychologist, psychiatrist or family doctor, or nurse practitioner that specializes in mental health issues. The assessment will include a discussion about your symptoms, the problems they cause, and how you have managed them. The healthcare provider will examine your medical background, including any previous mental health issues as well as any other medications you're taking.
To diagnose, the healthcare provider must determine at minimum six signs (symptoms) of ADHD. diagnosing adhd must be present in at least two environments (home or school, as well as social situations) as well as significantly impairing your functioning. The symptoms must be present for at least six months, and they must be continuous over time. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
Attention-deficit symptoms include difficulty paying attention, losing track of details, and losing things. The school environment can also be a problem. People with inattention ADHD might not be able to follow directions or complete assignments or turn in work on time. They aren't able to sit still, paying attention to others or keeping track of their personal possessions. They frequently interrupt and blurt out answers before the questions are finished. 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 can cause problems at home, school and work. These issues are usually related to a breakdown in relationships or having financial problems.
The person who is doing the evaluation may want to talk with your parents or teachers and review any evidence of your behavior issues as a child. They'll probably conduct a physical exam to determine if there are any other medical conditions that may contribute to your symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizures.
They may recommend additional neuropsychological, psychological and/or learning disabilities testing if the problems you are having at work, school or in your relationships require it. These tests do not diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information about how the disorder affects you.
You can also check out our website for more information.
If you think you or your child may be suffering from ADHD, you should seek out a qualified health professional who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for a referral. Contact your insurance company. Or search online for specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments of adults. You can also request suggestions from an adult ADHD support group.
During the assessment the person who is conducting the test will speak to you or your child about your childhood and current life to gain a better understanding of what's happening. They might also request to talk to your teachers and others who were around you as a kid. They might ask about your medical history and past illnesses to determine if you are suffering from any issues that look like symptoms of ADHD such as anxiety or depression.
The evaluator also uses questionnaires and ratings scales to determine how often you or your child displays certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools allow them to examine your child's or your child's symptoms with those of other children and adults who have already been diagnosed. This is to make sure that you or your child meet the standard criteria for diagnosis. They may also offer you or your child a physical and an examination of the neurological system. They could also look for medical conditions that could be a cause of ADHD like 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 cannot be explained by a different mental disorder, such as an anxiety or mood disorder. Your evaluator uses the results of the test and interview to officially diagnose ADHD. The evaluator is expected to write a report that outlines the findings and suggests treatments. You or your child are likely to receive the report in a paper.
Treatment
Having ADHD can cause problems in many areas of life, including family and work. The most common symptoms are impulsivity and forgetfulness, which can cause financial problems or problems at work or at school. Family and marriage therapy can help people with ADHD overcome the obstacles they face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can help address feelings of anger and inadequacy that are often a result of an ADHD diagnosis. It's important to find a therapist who has experience working with individuals with ADHD and can relate to the unique challenges this disorder can bring up.
Health care professionals use different methods to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. They may observe the person in various situations, inquire about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives. They may also review the past behavior and conduct neuropsychological and psychological tests, and conduct an exam for medical reasons. They can also talk to caregivers and teachers to get a full picture of the person's life. This includes their workplace, home, and social setting.
For an adolescent or young adult to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must manifest in two or more environments and seriously affect their daily functioning. They have to be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must have been present since before age 12, and they are not explained by other mental disorders, such as 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 demonstrate at minimum five of the following symptoms in multiple settings:
A therapist can help teach techniques that can alleviate symptoms of ADHD like planning ahead and keeping track of schedules by using a planner or notebook and establishing 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
Many people find relief in being diagnosed as adults. They feel like they've finally found out what's wrong. It can also be a time of sorrow regardless of the missed opportunities in school or at work or relationships that have gone off the rails. It's particularly difficult for girls and women, those whose symptoms might have been overlooked in their childhood or not fully appreciated as they matured, Matlen said.
A specialist or doctor will examine the patient's life-history including childhood and adolescence. They will review the person's school and work records and talk to them and anyone other person who is familiar with them. They will also inquire about the signs. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't more easily explained by a mental health condition, like depression or anxiety or that the individual is not suffering from an physical issue, such as low blood pressure or hearing or vision impairment.
In addition to a physical exam The doctor may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The aim of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to assist people change their thinking and behaviors to better manage their ADHD. The therapist will assist the client develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills and impulse control. They will also teach the person to identify and avoid triggers that 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 issues the person is experiencing at home, work and in relationships. They will be able recommend support groups and other resources for adults with ADHD.
If a person has difficulty finding a specialist they can contact their primary healthcare provider to refer them or search the directory online of their health insurance company. You could also ask family members and friends for suggestions, or join a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can assist the person locate an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication and a life coach or therapist who can give them strategies to manage symptoms and make positive changes in their daily lives.