ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause problems at work and at home. Symptoms can also cause anxiety and depression.
A thorough evaluation will include a detailed interview with you and may involve screening questionnaires for other illnesses that could be similar to ADHD or coexist with it, like anxiety or depression. Your healthcare professional could also request to interview the loved ones of yours.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you might be suffering from ADHD and are concerned, it is essential to have an evaluation conducted by an authorized health care professional. It could be a psychologist, psychiatrist, family doctor or nurse practitioner who specializes in mental health disorders. The assessment will include a discussion about your symptoms, the issues they cause, and the ways you have overcome them. The healthcare provider will also review your medical history, including any past mental health issues and any other medications you're taking.
The healthcare provider must be able to recognize at least six signs (traits) of ADHD. They should be seen in at least two different settings (home, school and social situations) and significantly impair your functioning. The symptoms must be present for at least six months and they must be continuous over time. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
Attention-deficit symptoms include difficulty paying attention, losing track of details, and loosing things. School problems are also common. People with inattention ADHD might not be able to follow directions or complete assignments or turn in work on time. They have difficulty sitting still, paying close attention to others or keeping track of their own activities. adhd diagnoses interrupt and utter answers before they have finished. They have trouble waiting for their turn in conversations or games.
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 work and at home. These problems are often related to problems in relationships and becoming financially strained.
The person doing the evaluation will likely want to speak with your parents and/or teachers and review any records you have of your behavior problems as a child. They will probably do physical examinations to determine if there are any other medical conditions that may contribute to your symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizures.
They will probably recommend additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests in the event that the issues you are having at work, school or in your relationships require it. These tests do not diagnose ADHD however they could provide you with valuable information about the disorder.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child might have ADHD or other disorders, you should find an experienced medical professional who can examine your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for an appointment, or contact your insurance company or search the internet for professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also seek suggestions from an adult ADHD support group.
During the assessment, 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 might also request to speak with your teachers and others who knew you as a child. They might ask about your medical history and past illnesses to determine if you are suffering from any issues that look like symptoms of ADHD such as depression or anxiety.
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 will help them compare your or your child's symptoms to 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 conduct a physical or your child a physical examination and an examination of the neurological system. They may also check for medical issues that may be a cause of ADHD such as 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 any other mental disorder, such as anxiety or mood disorders. The evaluator will use the results of the test and interview to determine the diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator writes a report outlining his or her findings, and recommending treatments. They may provide you or your child with copies of the report.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work and in the home. Some of the signs include impulsive and forgetfulness that can result in financial issues or issues at school or work. Marriage and family therapy may help people with ADHD overcome the obstacles they face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can help alleviate feelings of frustration and inadequacy often associated with an ADHD diagnosis. It is important to find a therapist that has experience working with people who suffer from ADHD and who can understand the unique challenges this disorder can bring up.
Health care professionals use different methods to determine if a person has ADHD. They may observe the person in different environments, inquire about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives. They may also review past behavior, conduct psychological and neuropsychological tests, and conduct an exam for medical reasons. adhd diagnoses may also talk with teachers and caregivers to gain a complete picture of the individual's life. This includes their home, workplace and social environment.
For an young adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must manifest in two or more environments and severely interfere with their daily functioning. They have to be present for at least six months. The symptoms must have occurred prior to the age of 12 and cannot be explained by any other mental disorder, for example 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 demonstrate at least five of the following symptoms in a variety of settings.
A therapist can help teach skills that help reduce the symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead and keeping track of your schedules and using notebooks, planners or a diary and also establishing and sticking to routines. They can also help you develop communication and problem-solving abilities that will help you manage 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 relief after receiving a diagnosis as an adult. They feel that they've finally found out what's wrong. It can also be an emotional time, whether for lost opportunities at school or at relationships or jobs that have failed. It's particularly difficult for girls and women who's symptoms may have been overlooked in their childhood or not recognized as they matured, Matlen said.
A specialist or doctor will review the person's life-history, including childhood and adolescence. They will review the person's school and work documents and interview them as well as anyone other person who is familiar with them. They will also ask about the signs. They will make sure that the symptoms aren't a result of a mental health condition like depression or anxiety.
In addition to a physical exam The doctor might also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The purpose of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is to assist people change their thinking and behaviors so they can better manage their ADHD. The therapist will help the person learn 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 might recommend the patient to a psychologist or psychiatrist who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able discuss the problems the person is experiencing at work, home and in relationships. They will also be able to suggest support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If someone has difficulty finding an expert, they can either request their primary care physician to refer them or look up the directory online of their health insurance company. You can also ask family and friends for suggestions or find an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can also help the person locate a neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication and an therapist or a life coach to help them develop strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their lives every day.