ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause problems at work and home. Symptoms of ADHD can also lead to anxiety and depression.
A thorough assessment will include an in-depth interview with you. It may also include screening questionnaires for other illnesses that could be similar to ADHD or coexist with it, like anxiety or depression. Your healthcare professional may request an interview with the family member of yours.
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If you suspect that you might have ADHD and are concerned, it is essential to be evaluated by an authorized health care professional. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist, family doctor, or nurse practitioner with specialized knowledge in mental disorders. The evaluation will involve talking about your symptoms, the issues they cause and how you've dealt with them. The healthcare provider will look over your medical history, including any past mental health issues and any medications you may be taking.
To determine a diagnosis, the healthcare provider must be able to identify at least six characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD. They are present in at least two different environments (home or school, as well as social situations) as well as significantly impairing your functioning. The symptoms should be present for at least six months, and they must be consistent over time. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
Symptoms of inattentiveness include a tendency to forget things, losing items, and having difficulty paying attention. School-related problems are also common. People with inattentive ADHD might not be able to follow directions, finish assignments or turn in work on time. They have trouble sitting still or paying attention to other people or focusing on their own belongings. They frequently interrupt and blurt out answers before they are finished. They can't wait their turn during conversations or games.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This type of ADHD can cause issues at school, home and work. adult diagnosis of adhd are often linked to financial problems and troubled relationships.
The person doing the evaluation will probably want to talk with your teachers and parents and look over any documentation you have of your issues with behavior as a child. They'll likely conduct physical examinations to rule out any other medical conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid problems.
They will probably suggest additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests when the issues you're having at work, school or in your relationships demand it. These tests don't diagnose ADHD, but they can give you useful information regarding the disorder.
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If you suspect that you or your child may be suffering from ADHD and you suspect that they may, you should consult an experienced health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. Ask your doctor for a referral. Contact your insurance company. Search online for professionals that specialize in ADHD evaluations of adults. You can also ask for suggestions from an adult ADHD support group.
During the assessment, the person conducting the test will speak to you or your child about your childhood and present life to get a better idea of what's happening. They may also ask to speak with your teachers and others who were with you when you were a child. They may inquire about your medical history and previous ailments to determine if are suffering from any issues that look like symptoms of ADHD like anxiety or depression.
The evaluator could also utilize questionnaires and rating scales in order to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, and how often they occur. 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 you or your child meets the standard criteria for diagnosis. They may also offer you or your child a physical examination and an examination of the neurological system. They may also look for a medical condition that may be a symptom of ADHD like seizures or thyroid issues.
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. Your evaluator will use the results of the testing and interview to determine an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will write a report outlining his or her findings and recommending treatment options. Your child or you will likely receive the report in a paper.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can create issues in many areas of life, including family and work. Some of the symptoms include impulsivity and forgetfulness which can lead to financial difficulties or problems at school or work. Marriage and family therapy can help overcome the difficulties that people with ADHD have to face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can address the feelings of anger and inadequacy that often accompany the diagnosis of ADHD. Finding a therapist with experience working with ADHD patients and who understands their unique challenges is important.
Health professionals use a variety of methods to determine if someone has ADHD. They can observe the person in various environments, inquire about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives, review the past behavior and conduct neuropsychological and psychological tests, and then conduct a medical exam. They can also talk to teachers and caregivers in order to get a full picture of the person's life. This includes their home, workplace and social setting.
The symptoms are required to be present in at least two different settings and disrupt daily functioning. They must have been present for at least 6 months. The symptoms must have occurred prior to the age of 12 and cannot be explained by other mental disorder, for example 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 show at least five of the symptoms in a variety of settings:
A therapist can assist in teaching skills that reduce symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead and keeping track of timetables and using notebooks, planners or a diary and also developing and sticking to routines. They can also help with strategies for problem-solving and communication 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 people, getting an adult diagnosis can bring relief and the feeling of having a clear understanding of what's happening. adult diagnosis of adhd can also be a time of sadness regardless of missed opportunities at school, in the workplace, or for relationships that have gone awry. It's especially tough for girls and women whose symptoms might be missed in childhood or not fully appreciated as they matured, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will examine the entire life history of the person, which includes childhood and adolescence. They will look at school and work records and then interview the individual and anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't caused by a mental health condition like depression or anxiety.
In addition to a physical examination The doctor may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The aim of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to help individuals change their thoughts and behavior to better manage their ADHD. The therapist will assist the client develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills, and impulse control. The therapist will instruct the patient to recognize and avoid triggers that lead to ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors will refer the patient to a psychiatrist with expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They can talk about the problems that the person is having at home, at work and in relationships. They will be able to recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD.
If a person has trouble finding a specialist doctor they can ask their primary care provider for a referral, or look through their health insurance provider's online directory. You can also ask your family and friends for suggestions, or contact a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can help the person find a neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication and an therapist or a life coach to give them practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes to their daily lives.