ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause problems both at home and in your professional life. These symptoms can result in anxiety and depression.
A thorough assessment will involve a detailed interview with you. It may also include screening questionnaires for different conditions that might resemble ADHD or coexist with it, like anxiety or depression. Your healthcare provider may also suggest an interview with your loved ones.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you might be suffering from ADHD or other related disorders, it is crucial to have an evaluation conducted by a licensed health care professional. This could include a psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician, or nurse practitioner who is knowledgeable of mental disorders. The assessment will include talking about your symptoms, the issues they cause and how you've tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will also examine your medical history, including any prior mental health problems and any other medications you're taking.
The healthcare professional must be able to identify 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 ability to function. The symptoms must be present for at minimum 6 months and be continuous. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
Signs of inattention include a tendency to forget things, losing items, and having difficulty paying attention. School-related problems are also common. People with inattentive ADHD might not be able to follow directions or complete assignments or complete work on time. They have trouble sitting still, paying attention to others or keeping track of their personal possessions. They often interrupt and blurt answers before the questions are finished. They struggle 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 kind of ADHD can cause problems at school, at home and at work. These issues are usually related to a breakdown in relationships or having financial problems.
The person who is doing the evaluation may want to talk with your teachers or parents and review any records of your behavioral issues as a child. They'll probably conduct an examination to rule out any other medical conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms, including seizures or thyroid issues.
They might recommend additional psychological, neuropsychological and/or learning disabilities testing in the event that the issues you are having at school, at work or in your relationships demand it. These tests do not diagnose ADHD, but they can provide important information about the disorder.
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If you suspect that your child or you may have ADHD, it's important to find a qualified health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can ask your physician for a referral. Contact your insurance provider. Or search online for specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments of adults. how is adhd diagnosed in adults can also join an adult ADHD support group to get recommendations.
During the evaluation the person who conducts it will talk with you or your child about your childhood and present life to get a better idea of what's going on. They may also want to talk to your teachers or others who were around you as a kid. They may ask about your medical background and previous ailments to determine if you are suffering from any symptoms that may be related to ADHD like anxiety or depression.
The evaluator may also use questionnaires and rating scales in order to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, and how often they occur. These tools allow them to examine your child's or your child's symptoms with the symptoms of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD. This will help ensure that you or your child meets the criteria for diagnosis. Your child or you might undergo a neurological and physical exam. They might also check for a medical condition that could be mimicking ADHD, such as 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 other mental disorder like anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator will use the results of the test and interview to arrive at an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will write a report that outlines the findings and recommends solutions. They'll likely provide you or your child with a copy of the report.
Treatment
ADHD can cause issues at work and within the family. Some of the signs are forgetfulness and impulsiveness, which can lead to financial difficulties or problems at work or at school. Marriage and family therapy can assist in addressing the issues that people with ADHD have to face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can address feelings of frustration and feeling inadequate that are often a result of an ADHD diagnosis. Finding a therapist who has experience in working with ADHD patients and who understands their specific challenges is essential.
Health care professionals use different methods to determine if someone has ADHD. They might observe the person in various situations, inquire about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives. They may also review the past behavior, conduct psychological and neuropsychological tests, and conduct a medical exam. They may also consult with teachers and caregivers to get a complete picture of an individual's life, including workplace, home and social environments.
For an adolescent or young adult to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must manifest in more than one setting and seriously affect their daily functioning. They must be present for at least 6 months. The symptoms must have manifested prior to the age of 12 and cannot be explained by any other mental disorder, like 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 a variety of environments.
A therapist can teach techniques that can help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD, such as planning ahead and keeping track of timetables using a planner or notebook and establishing and adhering to routines. They can also help with 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
Many people find relief in being diagnosed as adults. They feel like they've finally found out what's wrong. It can also be a time of sadness regardless of missed opportunities at school or at work or relationships that have gone off the rails. Matlen said it's especially difficult for girls and women who's symptoms were ignored in childhood or were not fully understood as they matured.
A doctor or specialist will review the life history of the individual, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will review the person's work and school documents and interview them as well as anyone other person who is familiar with them. They will also ask about symptoms. They will check to make sure that the symptoms aren't more easily explained by a mental health issue, such as anxiety or depression, and that the person does not have a physical problem like low blood pressure or hearing or vision impairment.
In addition to a physical exam, the specialist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The purpose of CBT is to assist the patient change their thinking and actions to help them manage their ADHD more effectively. The therapist will assist the client develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills, and impulse control. The therapist will teach the person to identify and avoid triggers that 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 person is facing at home, at work, and in relationships. They can also recommend support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If someone is having difficulty finding a specialist They can request their primary care physician to refer them or look up the online directory of their health insurance company. You can also ask family and friends for suggestions or join a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can assist the person find an expert psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication and a life coach or therapist to provide strategies to manage symptoms and make positive change in their daily lives.