ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you gain control over symptoms that can cause problems at home and in your professional life. Symptoms can also lead to depression and anxiety.
A thorough examination could consist of a thorough interview as well as screening questionnaires to determine other disorders, like depression or anxiety, that could coexist or appear similar to ADHD. Your healthcare professional may also suggest an interview with a loved one.
Diagnosis
It is important to have a licensed health professional evaluate you if you think you may be suffering from ADHD. It could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or family doctor, or nurse practitioner who specializes in mental health issues. adhd diagnosis adult will involve talking about your symptoms, problems they cause, and how you've dealt with them. The healthcare professional will also examine your medical background, including any previous mental health issues and any other medications you're taking.
The healthcare provider has to be able to recognize at least six signs (traits) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two environments (home or school, as well as social situations) as well as significantly affecting your ability to function. The symptoms should be present for at least six months and they must be consistent over time. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
Inattentive symptoms include trouble paying attention, forgetting details, and loosing things. Problems with school are also common. People with inattention ADHD might not be able to follow directions or complete assignments or complete work on time. They aren't able to sit still, paying attention to others or focusing on their own belongings. They often interrupt and utter answers before the questions are completed. 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 kind of ADHD can cause problems at school, work and home. These issues are usually related to problems in relationships and having financial problems.
The person who is doing the evaluation may want to talk with your teachers or parents and examine any evidence of your behavior issues as a child. They'll probably conduct physical examinations to determine if there are any other medical conditions that could contribute to your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid problems.
If you have problems at work, in school, or with your relationships, they might recommend additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests. These tests do not diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information on how the disorder affects you.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD and you suspect that they may, you should find an experienced health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for recommendations, talk to your insurance company, or 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 evaluation, the person conducting it will talk to you or your child about your childhood and present life to gain a better understanding of what's happening. They may also speak with teachers and others who knew you when you were a kid. They could inquire about your medical history and past illnesses to determine if you have any symptoms that could be related to ADHD like depression or anxiety.
The evaluator could also utilize rating scales and questionnaires in order to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, and how often they occur. These tools can help compare your or 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 standard criteria for diagnosis. They may also offer you or your child a physical exam and a neurological exam. They could also look for medical issues that may be the cause of ADHD, such 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 are not ascribed to any other mental disorder, such as anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator will use the results of the testing and interview to arrive at an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will write a report outlining his or her findings, and recommending treatment options. Your child or you will likely receive an electronic copy.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can cause problems in many areas of life, such as family and work. Some of the signs include forgetfulness and impulsive decisions that can cause financial issues or issues at school or work. Marriage and family therapy may aid those suffering from ADHD overcome the obstacles they confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) can address the feelings of anger and inadequacy which often accompany the diagnosis of ADHD. It is essential to find a therapist that has worked with people who suffer from ADHD and who can understand the unique challenges this disorder can bring about.
Health care professionals use a variety of methods to assess whether someone has ADHD, including observing them in several settings and asking them about their symptoms and how they impact their lives, reviewing the past behavior, performing tests of neuropsychology and psychological, as well as medical examinations. They can also consult with caregivers and teachers to get the complete picture of an individual's life, including the work, home and social environments.
For an young adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must manifest in two or more settings and seriously affect their daily functioning. They must have been present for at least 6 months. The symptoms must have developed before the age of 12 and cannot be explained by any other mental disorder, like 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 signs in various situations.
A therapist can help teach skills that reduce the symptoms of ADHD. This includes planning ahead, keeping track of schedules and using the planner, notebook or diary and also establishing and sticking to routines. They can also help with strategies for problem-solving and communication that can help manage symptoms. adhd diagnosis adult 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 finally having a clear understanding of what's happening. It can also be a time of sadness regardless of the missed opportunities in school or in the workplace, or for relationships that have gone awry. Matlen said it's especially difficult for girls and women who's symptoms might have been ignored in childhood or were not recognized until they matured.
A specialist or doctor will examine the entire life history of the individual, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will review the person's school and work records and interview them and anyone else who knows them well. They will also ask about the symptoms. They will make sure that the symptoms aren't better explained by another mental health issue, such as anxiety or depression or that the individual is not suffering from physical issues such as low blood pressure or hearing or vision impairment.
The doctor might also suggest cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical exam. The goal of CBT is helping the patient change their thinking and actions to help them manage their ADHD more effectively. The Therapist will teach the person strategies to improve their organizational skills as well as managing time and controlling their impulses. They will also instruct the person how to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may refer the person to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD. They can discuss the challenges the person experiencing at home, work and in relationships. They will also be able to recommend support groups for adults suffering from ADHD and other resources.
If a patient is having difficulty finding a specialist doctor, they can ask their primary healthcare provider for a referral or search their health insurance company's online directory. You could also ask family members and friends for suggestions, or find a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can also help to locate a neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication, and a therapist or life coach to provide them with practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their daily lives.