ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A clear diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause problems at home and work. Symptoms can also lead to depression and anxiety.
A thorough evaluation will include a detailed interview with you. It could also involve screening questionnaires for other conditions that might resemble ADHD or coexist with it, such as depression or anxiety. Your healthcare professional may invite you to speak with your family member.
Diagnosis
If you think that you might be suffering from ADHD, it is important to have an evaluation conducted by a licensed health care professional. It could be a psychologist, psychiatrist, family doctor or nurse practitioner who is specialized in mental health disorders. The evaluation will involve talking about your symptoms, problems they cause, and how you've tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will also review your medical background, including any previous mental health issues and any other medications you are taking.
The healthcare provider must be able to recognize at least six signs (traits) of ADHD. They should be seen in at minimum two different environments (home, school and social situations) and significantly affect your functioning. The symptoms must be present for at minimum 6 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 forgetting things, losing things, and not paying attention. School-related problems are also common. People with inattention ADHD can have trouble adhering to instructions and completing assignments, or submitting work on time. They have trouble sitting still, paying attention to others or keeping track of their personal belongings. They frequently interrupt and blurt out answers before the questions are completed. They can't wait their turn during games or conversations.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This kind of ADHD could cause problems at school, work and home. These problems are usually linked to financial issues and strained relationships.
The person who is conducting the evaluation may want to speak with your teachers or parents, and look at any documentation of your behavioral issues as a child. They'll likely conduct a physical examination to rule out any medical conditions which may be causing the symptoms you're experiencing, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
If you have problems at work, in school or with your relationships, they may suggest additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing. These tests do not diagnose ADHD however they could provide important information about the disorder.
You can also visit our website for more information.
If you suspect you or your child might have ADHD or other disorders, you should find an experienced health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. Ask your doctor for an appointment. Contact your insurance provider. Search online for specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments of adults. You can also go to an adult ADHD support group for suggestions.
During the evaluation the person who is conducting it might ask you or your child questions about your past and present life to get a better understanding of what is happening. They may also want to talk to your teachers and others who were around you as a kid. They could inquire about your medical history and past illnesses to determine if you are experiencing any symptoms that could be connected to ADHD, such depression or anxiety.
The evaluator also uses questionnaires and ratings scales to determine the frequency at which your child or you exhibit certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools can help them to compare your child's symptoms with those of other kids and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. This is to make sure that you or your child meet the criteria for diagnosis. They might also give you or your child a physical examination and an examination of the neurological system. They may also look for a medical issue that could be mimicking ADHD, such as seizures or thyroid problems.
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 are not ascribed to any other mental disorder such as anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator will consider the results of the testing and interview to make an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator drafts an account of the findings of the test, and suggests solutions. You or your child will likely receive an electronic copy.
Treatment
ADHD can cause issues at work and within the home. Some of the symptoms include forgetfulness and impulsive decisions that can cause financial issues or problems at school or work. Family therapy and marriage can assist in addressing the issues that people with ADHD have to face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can help address the feelings of anger and inadequacy that are often associated with an diagnosis of ADHD. It is essential to find a therapist that has experience working with individuals with ADHD and who can understand the unique challenges this disorder can bring about.
Health professionals employ a variety of methods to determine whether someone has ADHD. They might observe the person in various situations, inquire about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives, review past behavior as well as conduct neuropsychological and psychosocial tests, and conduct a medical exam. They may also consult with teachers and caregivers to get the complete picture of an individual's life, including home, work and social environment.
For an young adult or an adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must be present in two or more settings and severely interfere with their daily functioning. They must have been present for a minimum of 6 months. Symptoms must have been occurring from before the age of 12 and they cannot be better explained by other mental disorders, 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 environments.
A therapist can assist in teaching skills that help reduce symptoms of ADHD. This includes planning ahead, keeping track of schedules and using the planner, notebook or diary and also developing and adhering to routines. They can also assist you to 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 feel relieved after being diagnosed as adults. They feel as if they finally know what's wrong. It's also a time of sorrow, whether for lost opportunities at school or at relationships or work that have been ruined. It's particularly hard for girls and women those whose symptoms might have been missed in 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 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 a mental health condition like anxiety or depression.
In addition to a physical examination The doctor may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to assist a person change their thoughts and behavior to better manage their ADHD. The Therapist will teach the person strategies to improve their organization skills, time management, and impulse control. They will also teach the patient how to recognize and avoid triggers for their ADHD symptoms.
adult adhd diagnoses may recommend the patient to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able to discuss the issues the person is experiencing at home, work and in relationships. They can recommend support groups and other resources for adults with ADHD.
If someone is having trouble finding a specialized doctor, they can ask their primary healthcare provider for a referral or search their health insurance company's online directory. You can also ask your friends and family members for suggestions or find an organization that offers local support for adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can help the person find an expert psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication and a life coach or therapist to offer strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive change in their lives.