ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD will allow you to manage symptoms that can cause issues at work and at home. These symptoms can lead to depression and anxiety.
A thorough evaluation may include a detailed interview and screening questionnaires that help to determine other disorders, like depression or anxiety, that might coexist or resemble ADHD. Your healthcare professional could also request to interview your loved ones.
Diagnosis
It is essential to seek out a licensed health professional to examine you if you suspect that you may have ADHD. This could include a psychologist, psychiatrist or family doctor nurse practitioner who has expertise in mental disorders. The assessment will include talking about your symptoms, the issues they create and the ways you've dealt with them. The healthcare provider will review your medical history, including previous mental health issues, as well as any medications you might be taking.
To make a diagnosis, the healthcare provider must identify at least six signs (symptoms) of ADHD. They must be present in at minimum two environments (home, school, and social situations) and also significantly affecting your ability to function. The symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months and be consistent. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
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 follow directions or complete assignments or complete work on time. They have difficulty sitting still, paying attention to others, or keeping track of themselves. They often interrupt and blurt out answers before they have finished. They aren't able to hold their own 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 problems at home, school and work. These problems are often related to problems in relationships and getting into financial difficulties.
The person conducting the assessment might want to talk with your teachers or parents and examine any documentation of your behavior problems as a child. They will probably do physical examinations to determine if there are any other medical conditions that may contribute to your symptoms, including seizures or thyroid problems.
They might suggest additional neuropsychological, psychological and/or learning disabilities testing in the event that the issues you are having at work, school or in your relationships call for it. These tests do not diagnose ADHD, but they can provide important information about the disorder.
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If you suspect you or your child might have ADHD or other disorders, you should find a qualified medical professional who can examine your symptoms. You can request an appointment, or contact your insurance company or search the internet for specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also go to an adult ADHD support group for suggestions.
During the test the person who is conducting it will talk to you or your child about your childhood and present life to get 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 as well as past illnesses to determine if you have any issues that appear like symptoms of ADHD, such as depression or anxiety.
The evaluator may also use questionnaires and rating scales to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, and how often they occur. These tools can help them to compare your child's behavior to the symptoms of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. This is to ensure that you or your child meets the criteria that are standard for diagnosing. Your child or you may also undergo a neurological and physical examination. They may also look for a medical condition that could be mimicking ADHD like 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 cannot be explained by any other mental disorder, such as anxiety or mood disorders. adult diagnosis of adhd analyzes the results of the test and interview to determine the diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator writes an outline of his or her findings and suggests treatment options. Your child or you will likely receive an electronic copy.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work as well as in the home. The most common symptoms are forgetfulness and impulsiveness, which can cause financial difficulties or problems at school or work. Marriage and family therapy can assist in addressing the issues that people with ADHD have to face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can help address feelings of frustration and feeling inadequate that are often a result of an ADHD diagnosis. It is important to find a therapist who has experience working with individuals who suffer from ADHD and can relate to the unique challenges this disorder can bring about.
Health professionals use a variety of methods to determine if someone has ADHD. They might observe them in various environments, inquire about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives, review their past behavior as well as conduct neuropsychological and psychosocial tests, and conduct an exam for medical reasons. They may also consult with caregivers and teachers to obtain an accurate picture of a person's life, including their home, work and social environments.
For an young adult or an adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must be present in more than one setting and severely interfere with their daily functioning. They have to be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must have occurred prior to the age of 12 and cannot be explained by any other mental disorder, such as 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 exhibit at least five of the symptoms in multiple settings:
A therapist can help teach skills that help reduce the symptoms of ADHD. This includes planning ahead, keeping track of schedules and using notebooks, planners or a diary, as well as developing and adhering 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, receiving an adult diagnosis can bring relief and the feeling of finally having a clear understanding of what's happening. It's also an emotional time, whether for lost opportunities in school or relationships or jobs that have failed. It's especially tough for girls and women, those whose symptoms might have been overlooked in their childhood or not fully appreciated as they matured, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will look over the life story of the individual, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will look over the person's academic and work records and talk to them and anyone else who knows them well. adhd diagnosis adult will also inquire about the signs. They will ensure 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 hearing or vision impairment.
In addition to a physical exam The doctor might also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The goal of CBT is to help the person change their thoughts and behavior to manage their ADHD more effectively. The Therapist will teach the person strategies to improve their organization skills as well as time management, and impulse control. The therapist will teach the person to identify and avoid triggers that can cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors might recommend the patient to a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to discuss the problems the person is experiencing at work, home and in relationships. They will also be able recommend support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If someone is having trouble finding a specialized doctor, they could ask their primary care provider for a referral or look up their health insurance company's directory online. You can also ask your friends and family members for recommendations or contact an organization that offers local support for adults with ADHD. The specialist can assist the person locate an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication and a life coach or therapist who can provide strategies to manage symptoms and make positive change in their lives.