ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause issues at work and at home. The symptoms of ADHD can lead to anxiety and depression.
A thorough assessment will involve an extensive interview with you. It may also include screening questionnaires for other illnesses that could be similar to ADHD or coexist with it, such as depression or anxiety. Your healthcare professional could also ask you to speak with your loved ones.
Diagnosis
It is crucial to have a licensed health professional evaluate your situation if you suspect you may be suffering from ADHD. This could include a psychiatrist, psychologist, family doctor, or nurse practitioner who has expertise in mental disorders. The assessment will include talking about your symptoms, the problems they cause and how you have tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will look over your medical history, including previous mental health issues and any medications you may be taking.
To make a diagnosis, the healthcare provider must determine at minimum six signs (symptoms) of ADHD. They are present in at least two environments (home, school, and social situations) and be significantly affecting your ability to function. The symptoms should be present for at least six months and they must be constant over time. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
The signs of inattention include forgetting things, loosing items, and having difficulty paying attention. School-related problems are also common. People who aren't attentive ADHD might have difficulty adhering to instructions or completing assignments. They may also have difficulty submitting work on time. They may have difficulty sitting still or paying attention to other people or focusing on their own belongings. They frequently interrupt and scream out answers before the questions are completed. They have trouble waiting 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 problems at school, at work and at home. These problems are often linked to financial problems and troubled relationships.
The person who is conducting the assessment might want to speak with your teachers or parents and review any records of your behavior issues as an infant. They will likely perform a physical examination to rule out other medical conditions which may be contributing to the symptoms you are experiencing, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
They might recommend additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests if the problems you are experiencing at school, work or in your relationships demand it. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD however they can provide valuable information about how the disorder affects you.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD It's crucial to find a certified health professional who can assess your symptoms. Ask your doctor for a referral. Contact your insurance company. Or search online for professionals that specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also seek recommendations from an adult ADHD support group.
During the assessment the person who is conducting it will talk with you or your child about your childhood and current life to get a better idea of what's going on. They may also want to talk to teachers and other people who knew you when you were an infant. They might ask about your medical history and past illnesses to see if you have any issues that appear like symptoms of ADHD, such as anxiety or depression.
The evaluator also uses questionnaires and ratings scales to determine how often your child or you display certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools will help them to compare your child's symptoms with the ones of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. This will help ensure that you or your child meets the criteria for diagnosis. Your child or you may also undergo a neurological and physical exam. They could also look for medical issues that may mimic ADHD, such a thyroid issue 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 an anxiety or mood disorder. Your evaluator uses the results of the tests and interview to officially diagnose ADHD. The evaluator will write a report that outlines the findings and offers treatments. You or your child will likely receive the report in a paper.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work and in the family. Some of the symptoms include forgetfulness and impulsive decisions that can result in financial issues or issues at work or school. Marriage and family therapy may help people with ADHD overcome the obstacles they face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can help alleviate the feelings of anger and inadequacy which often accompany an diagnosis of ADHD. It is important to choose a therapist who has experience working with individuals with ADHD and who can understand the unique challenges this disorder can cause.
Health care professionals use a variety of methods to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD and this includes monitoring them in different environments and asking about their symptoms and how they affect their lives, reviewing the past behavior, performing psychological and neuropsychological tests and a medical examination. They may also consult with teachers and caregivers to get the complete picture of a person's life, including work, home and social settings.
The symptoms must be present in at minimum two locations and affect daily functioning. They must have been present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms must have occurred from before the age of 12 and they are not explained by other mental disorders, 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 exhibit at least five of the following symptoms in a variety of settings:
A therapist can help teach techniques that can help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD by making plans ahead and keeping track of timetables using a planner or notebook as well as developing and adhering to routines. They can also teach communication and problem-solving skills 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 people, receiving an adult diagnosis can bring relief and a sense of being able to recognize the cause. It's also often an emotional time, whether for lost opportunities in school or relationships or jobs that have gone wrong. Matlen said it's especially difficult for women and girls whose symptoms may have been missed during childhood or not recognized until they grew.
A specialist or doctor will examine the patient's life story, including childhood and adolescence. They will review the person's school and work records and talk to them and anyone other person who is familiar with them. They will also ask about the signs. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't caused by mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
The doctor may also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in addition to the physical test. The goal of CBT is to help the patient change their thinking and actions so they can manage their ADHD more efficiently. The counselor will instruct the patient on strategies to improve their organization skills, time management, and impulse control. The therapist will instruct the patient to recognize and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors will refer the patient to a psychiatrist with experience treating adults with ADHD. They can discuss the issues the person is having at work, at home and in relationships. They will also be able suggest support groups for adults suffering from ADHD and other resources.
If adult adhd diagnoses is having trouble finding an expert they can contact their primary healthcare provider to refer them or search the directory online of their health insurance company. They can also ask friends and family members for recommendations or join an area-based support group for adults with ADHD. The specialist can help the person find a psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication and a life coach or therapist to offer strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their daily lives.