ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A correct diagnosis of ADHD will allow you to manage symptoms that can cause issues at work and at home. Symptoms can also result in anxiety and depression.
A thorough evaluation may include a thorough interview and screening questionnaires to identify other conditions, like anxiety or depression that might coexist or resemble ADHD. Your healthcare provider may also ask you to speak with the loved ones of yours.
Diagnosis
It is important to seek out a licensed health professional to examine you if you think you might have ADHD. This could include a psychiatrist, psychologist or family physician, or nurse practitioner with specialized knowledge of mental disorders. The evaluation will involve talking about your symptoms, the problems they cause and how you have tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will examine your medical history, including any prior mental health issues as well as any other medications you are taking.
The healthcare professional must be able to recognize at least six signs (traits) of ADHD. They must be present in at minimum two different environments (home school, social situations) and seriously affect your functioning. The symptoms must be 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.
Signs of inattention include forgetting things, losing things, and not paying attention. The school environment can also be a problem. People with inattention ADHD may have difficulty adhering to instructions and completing assignments, or submitting work on time. They may have trouble sitting still, paying attention to others, or keeping track of themselves. They frequently interrupt and scream out answers before they have finished. They are often unable to wait for their turn in games or conversations.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This type of ADHD may cause difficulties at work, school and at home. These issues are usually related to a breakdown in relationships or having financial problems.
The person who is conducting the assessment may wish to speak with your teachers or parents, and look at any documentation of your behavior problems as a child. They'll probably conduct physical examinations to rule out any other medical conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizures.
They may recommend additional neuropsychological, psychological and/or learning disabilities testing when the issues you're having at work, school or in your relationships call for it. These tests don't diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information about how the disorder affects you.
Evaluation
If you think you or your child may be suffering from ADHD and you suspect that they may, you should find a qualified medical professional who can examine your symptoms. Ask your doctor for an appointment. Contact your insurance provider. You can also search the internet for professionals that specialize in ADHD assessments of adults. You can also ask for suggestions from an adult ADHD support group.
During the examination, the person who conducts it could ask you or your child questions about your past and present life to help you gain a better understanding of what is happening. They might also talk to teachers and other people who knew you when you were a kid. They could inquire about your medical history and previous illnesses to determine if are experiencing any symptoms related to ADHD, such anxiety or depression.
The evaluator could also utilize rating scales and questionnaires to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, as well as how often they occur. 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 you or your child is in line with the standard criteria for diagnosis. Your child or you might be subject to a neurological or physical exam. They might also check for a medical issue that may be a symptom of ADHD or 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 a different mental disorder, like depression or anxiety. The evaluator will utilize the results of the testing and interview to make an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will write an account of the findings and offers treatments. You or your child will likely receive a copy.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can cause problems in many areas of life, including family and work. Some of the signs are forgetfulness and impulsiveness, which can cause financial difficulties or problems at work or at school. Marriage and family therapy can help address the challenges that people with ADHD face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can address the feelings of anger and inadequacy that often accompany a diagnosis of ADHD. undiagnosed adhd in adults to find a therapist that has worked with people who suffer from ADHD and who can understand the unique challenges that this disorder can cause.
Health professionals employ various methods to assess whether someone is suffering from ADHD by watching them in various situations, asking about their symptoms and how they impact their lives, analyzing the past behavior, performing tests of neuropsychology and psychological, as well as medical examinations. They can also talk to teachers and caregivers to obtain a complete picture of the person's life. This includes their workplace, home, and social environment.
For an adolescent or young adult to be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must manifest in two or more settings and significantly affect their daily functioning. They must be present for at least 6 months. The symptoms must have occurred prior to the age of 12 and are not attributed to any other mental disorder, 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 demonstrate at least five of the symptoms in multiple settings:
Therapists can help students develop techniques that can reduce the symptoms of ADHD by planning ahead and keeping track of schedules, using a planner or notebook as well as developing and adhering to routines. They can also help you improve your communication and problem-solving 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
Many people feel relieved after being diagnosed as adults. They feel as if they've finally found out what's wrong. It can also be a time of grief for those who have lost out on opportunities in school or relationships or jobs that have gone wrong. It's especially tough for girls and women whose symptoms might have been overlooked in their the early years or not appreciated as they matured, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will examine the patient's life-history including the adolescent years and childhood. They will review the person's work and school records and interview them and anyone they know well. They will also inquire about the signs. They will check to make sure that the symptoms aren't better explained by another mental health condition, like anxiety or depression, and that the person is not suffering from physical issues such as low blood pressure or hearing or vision impairment.
In addition to a physical examination The doctor may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The purpose of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is to assist people change their thinking and behaviors so they can better manage their ADHD. The therapist will help the client develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills, and impulse control. 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 who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They can discuss the difficulties the person is facing at home, at work, and in relationships. They will also be able to suggest support groups for adults suffering from ADHD and other resources.
If someone is having difficulty finding an expert, they can either ask their primary care provider to refer them or look up the directory online of their health insurance company. You can also ask family and friends for suggestions or contact a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can help to locate a neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist to give them practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their lives every day.