ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you gain control over symptoms that can cause issues at home as well as in your professional life. Symptoms of ADHD can also lead to anxiety and depression.
A thorough assessment could consist of a thorough interview as well as screening questionnaires to identify other conditions, such as anxiety or depression that may coexist or look like ADHD. Your healthcare provider may also request to interview a loved one.
Diagnosis
It is important to seek out a licensed health professional to evaluate you if you think you might have ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist, family doctor or nurse practitioner who is specialized in mental health issues. The evaluation will involve talking about your symptoms, problems they cause and how you've tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will examine your medical history, including any past mental health issues as well as any other medications you're taking.
adult diagnosis adhd must be able to identify at least six signs (traits) of ADHD. adult adhd diagnoses must be present in at least two environments (home school, at home, and 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.
Inattention symptoms include difficulty paying attention, losing track of details, and loosing things. The school environment can also be a problem. People with inattentive ADHD might not follow directions or complete assignments or turn in work on time. They aren't able to sit still, paying close attention to others, or keeping track of their own activities. They frequently interrupt and blurt out answers before they are 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 kind of ADHD can cause issues at school, home and work. These issues are often connected to financial difficulties and troubled relationships.
The person conducting the assessment will likely want to speak with your teachers and parents and review any records you have of your behavior problems as a child. They will likely perform physical examinations to rule out any medical conditions which may be causing the symptoms you're experiencing, including seizures or thyroid issues.
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 don't diagnose ADHD but they could provide you with useful information regarding the disorder.
Evaluation
If you think 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. You can ask your doctor for recommendations. Contact your insurance provider. You can also search the internet for specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also seek suggestions from an adult ADHD support group.
During the assessment 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 going on. They might also request to talk to your teachers or others who knew you as a child. They could inquire about your medical background and past illnesses to determine if have any symptoms connected to ADHD, such anxiety or depression.
The evaluator also uses ratings scales and questionnaires to determine how often you or your child displays certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools allow them to compare your or child's symptoms with those of other children as well as adults who have already been diagnosed with ADHD. This is to ensure that you or your child meets the criteria for diagnosis. They may also offer you or your child a physical examination and an examination of the brain. They might also check for a medical condition that could be mimicking 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 also can't be better explained by another mental disorder, like an anxiety or mood disorder. Your evaluator will use the results of the test and interview to make an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator drafts a report outlining his or her findings and recommends solutions. They may provide you or your child with a copy of the report.
Treatment
ADHD can cause issues at work and within the home. Some of the signs include impulsivity and forgetfulness which can lead to financial difficulties or problems at school or work. Family and marriage therapy can assist in addressing the issues 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 an diagnosis of ADHD. Finding a therapist with experience in working with ADHD patients and who understands their unique challenges is crucial.
Health care professionals employ various methods to assess whether someone has ADHD, including monitoring them in different settings and asking them about their symptoms and how they affect their lives, reviewing the past behavior, performing tests of neuropsychology and psychological, as well as a medical examination. They can also talk to teachers and caregivers to get a full picture of the individual's daily life. This includes their work, home and social environment.
For an young adult or an adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must occur in two or more environments and significantly affect their daily functioning. They have to be present for at minimum six months. Symptoms must have been occurring from before the age of 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 exhibit at least five signs in different settings.
A therapist can assist in teaching skills that help reduce the symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead, keeping track of schedules and using a planner, notebook or diary and also developing and adhering 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
Many people find relief in being diagnosed as adults. They feel that they finally know what's wrong. It can also be a time of grief due to missed opportunities at school or at relationships or work that have gone wrong. Matlen said that it's particularly difficult for girls and women who's symptoms were overlooked in their childhood or not fully recognized as they grew older.
A specialist or doctor will review the person's life story including the adolescent years and childhood. They will look at documents from work and school and interview the person as well as anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about the symptoms. They will make sure that the symptoms aren't caused by mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.
In addition to a physical examination The doctor might also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The goal of CBT is helping the person change their thoughts and actions so they can manage their ADHD more efficiently. The therapist will help the person 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 might recommend the patient to a psychologist or psychiatrist who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able to discuss the challenges the person experiencing at home, work and in relationships. They can also recommend support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If someone is having trouble finding an expert, they can either contact their primary healthcare provider to refer them or look up the online directory of their health insurance company. You can also ask family and friends for recommendations, or contact an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can help the person locate an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication and a therapist or life coach to give them practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes to their lives every day.