ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A clear diagnosis of ADHD will allow you to manage symptoms that can cause issues at work and at home. The symptoms of ADHD can result in depression and anxiety.
A thorough assessment could include a thorough interview and screening questionnaires that help to determine other conditions, such as anxiety or depression that might coexist or resemble ADHD. Your healthcare provider may ask to interview your family member.
Diagnosis
If you believe you might have ADHD, it is important to be evaluated by a licensed health care professional. This could include a psychiatrist, psychologist, family doctor, or nurse practitioner with specialized knowledge in mental disorders. The assessment will include a discussion of your symptoms, the issues they cause, and the ways you've managed them. The healthcare provider will also examine your medical background, including any previous mental health issues as well as any other medications you are taking.
The healthcare provider has to be able to recognize at least six indicators (traits) of ADHD. They should be seen in at least two different settings (home, school and social situations) and seriously affect your ability to function. The symptoms must have been 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.
Inattentive symptoms include trouble paying attention, losing track of details, and loosing things. School problems are also common. People with inattentive ADHD might not follow directions or complete assignments or submit work on time. They aren't able to sit still, paying close attention to others or focusing on their own activities. They frequently interrupt and blurt out answers before they have finished their questions. They struggle to wait for their turn in conversations or games.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This type of ADHD may cause problems at school, at work and at home. These problems are usually linked to trouble in relationships and getting into financial difficulties.
The person conducting the evaluation may want to talk with your teachers or parents and review any records of your behavioral issues as when you were a child. They will likely perform a physical examination to rule out any medical conditions that could be contributing to the symptoms you're experiencing, such as seizures or thyroid problems.
If you have problems at work, in school or in your relationships, they could recommend additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing. These tests don't diagnose ADHD however they could provide important information about the disorder.
Evaluation
If you suspect that your child or you may have ADHD It's crucial to find a qualified health care professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can ask your physician for a referral. Contact your insurance company. 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 to get recommendations.
During the evaluation the person conducting it may ask you or your child questions about your childhood and present life in order to gain an comprehension of what is happening. They may also talk to teachers or others who knew you when you were an infant. They might ask about your medical history and past ailments to determine if are suffering from any issues that look like symptoms of ADHD such as depression or anxiety.
The evaluator may also use rating scales and questionnaires in order to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, as well as how often they occur. These tools will help them compare your or your child's symptoms to the ones of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. This will help ensure that you or your child meets standardized criteria for the diagnosis. Your child or you might undergo a neurological and physical examination. They may also look for a medical issue that may be mimicking ADHD or 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 any other mental disorder like anxiety or mood disorders. The evaluator will utilize the results of the tests and interview to make an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will draft an account of the findings and offers treatment options. You or your child are likely to receive an electronic copy.
Treatment
Having ADHD can create difficulties in a variety of areas of life, including family and work. Some of the symptoms include impulsive or forgetful decisions that can result in financial issues or issues at work or at school. Family and marriage therapy can help people with ADHD overcome the challenges they confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can help address the feelings of frustration and inadequacy that often accompany the diagnosis of ADHD. It is essential to choose a therapist who has worked with people who suffer from ADHD and can relate to the unique challenges this disorder can bring about.
Health professionals use a variety of methods to determine if someone has ADHD. They might observe the person in different situations, inquire about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives, look over the past behavior as well as conduct neuropsychological and psychosocial testing, and perform an examination for medical reasons. They can also talk to teachers and caregivers in order to obtain a complete picture of the individual's life. This includes their home, workplace and social surroundings.
The symptoms are required to be present in at least two settings and affect daily functioning. They must be present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms must have manifested before the age of 12 and cannot be explained by 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 show at least five symptoms in different settings.
A therapist can teach techniques that can alleviate symptoms of ADHD like making plans ahead and keeping track of timetables, using a notebook or planner and establishing and adhering to routines. They can also help with the skills of communication and problem-solving 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
For many people, getting a diagnosis in adulthood can bring relief and a feeling of finally knowing what's going on. It can also be a time of grief due to missed opportunities at school or at work or relationships that have gone wrong. It's particularly difficult for women and girls, whose symptoms might be missed in childhood or not fully appreciated as they matured, Matlen said.
A specialist or doctor will examine the entire life history of the person, which includes the adolescent years and childhood. They will review school and work records, interview the person and anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about symptoms. adult diagnosis of adhd will check to make sure that the symptoms are not better explained by another mental health issue, such as depression or anxiety and also ensure that the person does not have a physical problem like low blood pressure or hearing or vision impairment.
The doctor might also suggest cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical examination. The purpose of CBT is to help the person to change their thoughts and actions to help them manage their ADHD more effectively. The therapist will teach the person strategies to improve their organization skills as well as time management, and impulse control. They will also instruct the patient how to recognize and avoid triggers for their ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors might refer the person to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to discuss the challenges the person experiencing at home, work and in relationships. They will be able to recommend support groups and other resources for adults with ADHD.
If a patient is having difficulty finding a specialized doctor, they could ask their primary care provider for a referral or search their health insurance provider's online directory. They can also ask friends and family members for suggestions or find a local support group for adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can also help the person locate a neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist to help them develop strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their daily lives.
