ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause issues at work and at home. Symptoms can also cause anxiety and depression.
A thorough evaluation may include a thorough interview and screening questionnaires that help to determine other conditions, like anxiety or depression that could coexist or appear similar to ADHD. Your healthcare provider may ask to interview the family member of yours.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD or other related disorders, it is crucial to have an evaluation conducted by an accredited health professional. This could be psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician, or nurse practitioner who is knowledgeable of mental disorders. The evaluation will involve talking about your symptoms, the issues they create and the ways you've dealt with them. The healthcare professional will also review your medical history, including any past mental health issues as well as any other medications you are taking.
To determine a diagnosis the healthcare professional must determine at minimum six traits (symptoms) of ADHD. They must be present in at minimum two different environments (home, school and social situations) and significantly impair your ability to function. The symptoms must have been present for at least six months and be constant. 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. School-related problems are also common. People with inattention ADHD can have trouble following instructions or completing assignments. They may also have difficulty making sure that work is submitted on time. They may have difficulty sitting still or paying attention to other people or focusing on their own belongings. They frequently interrupt and blurt out 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 type of ADHD can cause issues at school, home and at work. adhd diagnosis in adult are usually related to a breakdown in relationships or getting into financial difficulties.
The person who is conducting the assessment might want to talk with your parents or teachers and review any evidence of your behavior problems as when you were a child. They'll probably conduct physical examinations to determine if there are any other medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues.
They may suggest additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests in the event that the issues you are having at school, at work or in your relationships demand it. These tests don't diagnose ADHD but they could provide you with useful information regarding the disorder.
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If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD It's crucial to find a certified health care professional who can evaluate your symptoms. Ask your doctor for an appointment. Contact your insurance provider. You can also search the internet for professionals that specialize in ADHD assessments of adults. You can also go to an adult ADHD support group for recommendations.
During the evaluation, the person conducting it will talk with you or your child about your childhood and present life to gain a better understanding of what's going on. They may also want to talk to teachers or others who knew you when you were in your youth. They 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 will also use 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 allow them to examine your child's or your child's symptoms with those of other children and adults who have been diagnosed. This is to ensure that you or your child is in line with the standard criteria for diagnosis. They may also offer you or your child a physical exam and an examination of the brain. They could also check for any medical condition that could be mimicking ADHD or seizures or thyroid issues.
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 also can't be better explained by another mental disorder, such as depression or anxiety. The evaluator will use the results of the tests and interviews to officially diagnose ADHD. The evaluator will write an account of his or her findings and recommends treatment options. They will probably give you or your child with copies of the report.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work as well as in the family. Some of the signs include impulsive and forgetfulness that can cause financial issues or trouble at work or at school. Family and marriage therapy can help overcome the difficulties that people with ADHD have to face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can address the feelings of frustration and inadequacy that are often associated with a diagnosis of ADHD. Finding a therapist with experience working with ADHD patients and who understands their unique challenges is crucial.
Health care professionals employ different ways to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD, including watching them in various situations, asking about their symptoms and how they impact their lives, reviewing past behavior, conducting tests for neuropsychological and psychological testing, and an examination for medical reasons. They can also talk to caregivers and teachers to obtain a complete picture of the individual's daily life. This includes their home, workplace and social environment.
For an young adult or an adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must manifest in two or more environments and severely interfere with their daily functioning. They must have been present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms must have occurred prior to the age of 12 and cannot be explained by other mental disorder, for example 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 show at minimum five of the following symptoms in multiple settings:
Therapists can help students develop skills that can help alleviate symptoms of ADHD like planning ahead and keeping track of timetables using a planner or notebook, and developing and sticking to routines. They can also teach communication and problem-solving skills that can help 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 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 sorrow, whether it's for missed opportunities at school, in the workplace, or for relationships that have gone off the rails. Matlen said that it's particularly difficult for women and girls who's symptoms might have been overlooked in their childhood or not fully recognized as they grew.
A specialist or doctor will review the person's life history, including childhood and adolescence. They will review school and work records and interview the person as well as anyone who knows them well and ask questions about the symptoms. They will make sure that the symptoms aren't caused by a mental health condition like depression or anxiety.
The doctor may also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in addition to the physical test. The goal of CBT is to assist the patient change their thinking and actions so they can manage their ADHD more efficiently. The therapist will teach the person strategies to improve their organization skills, time management and impulse control. The therapist will instruct the person to identify and avoid triggers that can cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may recommend the patient to a psychiatrist who has experience treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to discuss the challenges the person experiencing at work, home and in relationships. They will also be able to recommend support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If a person is having difficulty finding a specialist, they can either request their primary care physician to refer them or search the directory online of their health insurance company. They can also ask friends and family members for suggestions or contact a local support group for adults with ADHD. The specialist can also assist to locate a psychiatrist or neurologist 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 day-to-day lives.