ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause problems at work and at home. These symptoms can lead to depression and anxiety.
A thorough assessment could include a thorough interview and screening questionnaires to determine other conditions, such as depression or anxiety, that might coexist or resemble ADHD. Your healthcare provider may invite you to speak with your family member.
Diagnosis
It is essential to get a licensed health professional assess your situation if you suspect you may have ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist, family doctor, or nurse practitioner who is knowledgeable in mental disorders. The assessment will include talking about your symptoms, the issues they cause, and how you have tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will look over your medical history including past mental health issues, as well as any medication you are taking.
The healthcare provider must be able identify at least six symptoms (traits) of ADHD. They should be seen in at least two different settings (home, school and social situations) and significantly impair your ability to function. The symptoms must have been present for at least six months and be consistent. 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 things, and not paying attention. School problems are also common. People with inattentive ADHD may not follow instructions or complete assignments or submit work on time. They have difficulty sitting still, paying attention to others, or keeping track of their own activities. They often interrupt and blurt answers before they are finished. They aren't able to hold their own during games or conversations.
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 problems are often related to trouble in relationships and getting into financial difficulties.
The person conducting the assessment will probably want to talk with your parents and/or teachers and see any records you have of your behavior problems as an infant. They'll likely conduct an examination of your body to rule out other medical conditions which may be contributing to the symptoms you are experiencing, including thyroid issues or seizures.
They might recommend additional psychological, neuropsychological and/or learning disabilities testing when the issues you're having at work, school or in your relationships demand it. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information about how the disorder affects your life.
Evaluation
If you suspect you or your child may be suffering from ADHD or other disorders, you should consult a qualified health professional who can assess your symptoms. You can request a referral, contact your insurance company or look online for professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. killer deal can also ask for recommendations from an adult ADHD support group.
During the evaluation the person who conducts the test will speak to you or your child about your childhood and current life to get a better idea of what's happening. They might also talk to teachers and others who knew you as in your youth. They could inquire about your medical history as well as past illnesses to determine if you are suffering from any issues that look like symptoms of ADHD such as anxiety or depression.
The evaluator may also use rating scales and questionnaires in order 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 behavior to those of other kids and adults who have been diagnosed with the disorder. This is to ensure that you or your child meets standardized criteria for the diagnosis. You or your child may be subject to a neurological or physical examination. They may also check for medical issues that may be the 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 can't be better explained by another mental disorder, such as an anxiety or mood disorder. The evaluator will use the results of the tests and interview to diagnose ADHD. The evaluator will write an outline of the findings and recommends treatments. You or your child will likely receive the report in a paper.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work as well as in the family. Some of the symptoms include impulsive and forgetfulness that can lead to financial problems or trouble at work or at school. Marriage and family therapy can help overcome the difficulties that people with ADHD confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can help address the feelings of anger and inadequacy which often accompany a diagnosis of ADHD. Finding a therapist who has experience in working with ADHD patients and who can relate to their specific challenges is essential.
Health professionals use a variety of methods to determine if someone has ADHD. They can observe them in various environments, inquire about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives, review their past behavior, conduct psychological and neuropsychological tests, and conduct an examination for medical reasons. They can also consult with teachers and caregivers to get a complete picture of a person's life, including the home, work and social environment.
The symptoms are required to be present in at least two settings and interfere with everyday functioning. They must be present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms must have occurred before 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 symptoms in a variety of situations.
A therapist can help teach skills that reduce symptoms of ADHD. This includes planning ahead and keeping track of your schedules and using notebooks, planners or a diary and also establishing and sticking to routines. They can also help you develop problem-solving and communication skills which can assist you 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, receiving a diagnosis in adulthood can bring relief and a sense of finally being able to recognize the cause. It can also be a time of sorrow due to missed opportunities in school or relationships or jobs that have been ruined. It's particularly difficult for girls and women, whose symptoms might have been overlooked in their childhood or not fully appreciated when they reached maturity, Matlen said.
A specialist or doctor will review the person's life story including childhood and adolescence. They will examine the person's work and school records and talk to them and anyone they know well. They will also ask about the signs. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't better explained by mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
In addition to a physical exam The doctor might also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The goal of CBT is to assist the person change their thoughts and actions so they can manage their ADHD more efficiently. 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 can cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may refer the patient to a psychiatrist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to discuss the issues the patient is experiencing at home, at work and in relationships. They can also suggest support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If someone is having difficulty finding an expert they can request their primary care physician to refer them or look up the directory online of their health insurance company. They can also ask friends and family members for suggestions or join a local support group for adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can help the person find a psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication, and an therapist or a life coach to help them develop strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their lives every day.