ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD can aid in reducing the symptoms that can cause trouble both at home and in your professional life. Symptoms of ADHD can also lead to anxiety and depression.
A thorough evaluation will include a detailed interview with you. It may also involve screening questionnaires for other illnesses that could be similar to ADHD or coexist with it, such as depression or anxiety. Your healthcare professional may also ask you to speak with a loved one.
Diagnosis
It is essential to seek out a licensed health professional to evaluate you if you think you may have ADHD. This could include a psychiatrist, psychologist or family physician, or nurse practitioner who is knowledgeable in mental disorders. The evaluation will involve talking about your symptoms, the problems they cause and how you've tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will look over your medical history, including any past mental health issues and any medication you are taking.
To make a diagnosis, the healthcare provider must determine at minimum six signs (symptoms) of ADHD. They must occur in at least two different settings (home school, social situations) and seriously affect your ability to function. The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and be consistent. 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, ignoring details, and losing things. Problems with school are also common. People with inattentive ADHD might have difficulty following instructions, completing assignments or finishing work on time. They aren't able to sit still, paying close attention to others or focusing on their own activities. They often interrupt and blurt answers before they have finished their questions. They can't wait their turn during conversations or games.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This kind of ADHD may cause problems at school, work and home. These problems are usually linked to problems in relationships and becoming financially strained.
The person conducting the assessment may wish to talk with your teachers or parents and review any evidence of your behavior problems as when you were a child. They'll likely conduct physical examinations to rule out any other medical conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms you're experiencing, such as seizures or thyroid problems.
If you have problems at work, in school, or with your relationships, they may suggest additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing. These tests don't diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information on how the disorder affects you.
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If you think you or your child may be suffering from ADHD or other disorders, you should find an experienced health professional who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for recommendations, talk to your insurance company, or search online for professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also request recommendations from an adult ADHD support group.
During the examination, the person who is conducting it might ask you or your child questions about your childhood and current life in order to gain a better understanding of what's happening. They might also talk to teachers and other people who knew you as a kid. adhd diagnosis adult might ask about your medical history and past ailments to determine if have any problems that look like symptoms of ADHD like anxiety or depression.
The evaluator may also use ratings scales and questionnaires to determine the frequency at which you or your child displays certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools will help them to compare your child's symptoms with those of other kids and adults who have been diagnosed with the disorder. This is to make sure you or your child meets the standard criteria for diagnosis. They may also offer you or your child a physical examination and a neurological exam. They might also check for a medical condition that may be mimicking ADHD or 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 like anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator uses the results of the tests and interviews to diagnose ADHD. The evaluator drafts an outline of the findings of the test, and recommends solutions. They may provide you or your child with a copy of the report.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work and in the home. Some of the symptoms are impulsivity and forgetfulness, which can lead to financial difficulties or problems at work or school. Family therapy and marriage can help overcome the difficulties that people with ADHD have to face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help address feelings of frustration and feeling inadequate that are often a result of an ADHD diagnosis. It is essential to choose a therapist who has experience working with individuals with ADHD and who can understand the unique challenges this disorder can bring up.
Health care professionals employ various methods to assess whether someone has ADHD, including observing them in several situations and asking them about their symptoms and how they impact their lives, reviewing their past behavior, taking psychological and neuropsychological tests and a medical examination. They can also talk to teachers and caregivers in order to gain a complete picture of the individual's daily life. This includes their work, home and social surroundings.
The symptoms must be present in at least two settings and disrupt the daily activities. They must be present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms must have occurred before the age of 12 and are not attributed to 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 demonstrate at least five of the symptoms in multiple settings:
A therapist can help teach skills that can help alleviate symptoms of ADHD by making plans ahead and keeping track of your schedules, using a notebook or planner and establishing and adhering to routines. They can also help with communication and problem-solving skills that can aid 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
For many people, receiving an adult diagnosis can bring relief and the feeling of being able to recognize the cause. It can also be a time of sadness, whether it's for missed opportunities at school, at work or relationships that have gone off the rails. It's particularly difficult for girls and women, who's symptoms may be missed in the early years or not appreciated when they reached maturity, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will examine the entire life history of the person, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will look at documents from work and school, interview the person and anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about their symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't caused by a mental health condition like depression or anxiety.
In addition to a physical examination, the specialist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The purpose of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is to help individuals change their thoughts and behaviors to better manage their ADHD. The counselor will instruct the patient on strategies to improve their organizational skills as well as managing time and controlling their impulses. The therapist will teach the client to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors will recommend the patient to a psychiatrist with expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able to discuss the difficulties the person is facing at work, at home and in relationships. They will be able recommend support groups and other resources for adults with ADHD.
If a person 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 could also ask family members and friends for suggestions, or join a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can assist the person locate an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication and a life coach or therapist to give them strategies to manage symptoms and make positive changes in their daily lives.