ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD can aid in reducing the symptoms that can cause trouble at home and in your professional life. ADHD symptoms can lead to anxiety and depression.
A thorough assessment will involve an extensive interview with you. It may also include screening questionnaires for other illnesses that could be similar to ADHD or coexist with it, like depression or anxiety. Your healthcare professional may also suggest an interview with your loved ones.
Diagnosis
It is important to get a licensed health professional examine your situation if you suspect you may have ADHD. It could be a psychologist, psychiatrist, family doctor or nurse practitioner that specializes in mental health disorders. The assessment will include a discussion of your symptoms, the problems they cause, and the ways you've dealt with them. The healthcare provider will look over your medical history, including any past mental health issues as well as any other medications you are taking.
To make a diagnosis, the healthcare provider must identify at least six traits (symptoms) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two different environments (home or school, as well as social situations) and also significantly affecting your performance. adult diagnosis adhd should 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.
Symptoms of inattentiveness include forgetting things, loosing things, and having trouble paying attention. School-related problems are also common. People with inattentive ADHD might not follow directions and assignments, or turn in work on time. adults diagnosed with adhd may have trouble sitting still, paying close attention to others or focusing on themselves. They often interrupt and blurt answers before they have finished their questions. They aren't able to hold their own during games or conversations.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This type of ADHD can cause problems at school, at home and work. These problems are often related to problems in relationships and having financial problems.
The person who is conducting the test will probably want to talk with your teachers and parents and review any records you have of your issues with behavior as a child. They'll likely conduct a physical examination to rule out any medical conditions that could be causing the symptoms you are experiencing, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
They will probably suggest additional neuropsychological, psychological and/or learning disabilities testing if the problems you are experiencing at school, work or in your relationships demand it. These tests do not diagnose ADHD however they can provide valuable information about how the disorder affects your life.
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If you think you or your child might have ADHD, you should consult a qualified health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can request an appointment, or contact your insurance company or look online for specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also seek suggestions from an adult ADHD support group.
During the evaluation the person who is conducting the test will speak to you or your child about your childhood and present life to get a better idea of what's going on. They may also talk to teachers and others who knew you when you were in your youth. adult diagnosis adhd might ask about your medical history and previous illnesses to determine if you have any problems that look like symptoms of ADHD like anxiety or depression.
The evaluator can also employ questionnaires and rating scales in order to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, and how often they occur. These tools let them examine your child's or your child's symptoms with those of other children as well as adults who have already been diagnosed with ADHD. This is to ensure that your child or you meet the standard criteria for diagnosis. Your child or you might be subject to a neurological or physical exam. They could also check for a medical issue that may be a symptom of ADHD, such as 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, like an anxiety or mood disorder. Your evaluator will use the results of the testing and interview to arrive at an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will write an outline of the findings and recommends treatments. They'll likely provide you or your child with copies of the report.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work and in the family. Some of the symptoms include forgetfulness and impulsive decisions that can lead to financial problems or trouble at school or work. Marriage and family therapy can assist in addressing the issues that people with ADHD face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) can address the feelings of anger and inadequacy that often accompany a diagnosis of ADHD. It is important to find a therapist that has worked with people who suffer from ADHD and who can understand the unique challenges this disorder can cause.
Health professionals employ a variety of methods to determine if a person has ADHD. They can observe the person in different environments, inquire about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives, look over past behavior as well as conduct neuropsychological and psychosocial tests, and conduct an exam for medical reasons. They can also talk to caregivers and teachers to get the complete picture of the person's life, including their work, home and social settings.
The symptoms should be present in at minimum two locations and affect everyday functioning. They must have been present for at least 6 months. The symptoms must have developed before the age of 12 and are not attributed to 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 exhibit at least five of the following symptoms in a variety of settings.
Therapists can help students develop techniques that can alleviate symptoms of ADHD like planning ahead and keeping track of your schedules using a planner or notebook, and developing and sticking to routines. They can also help with strategies for problem-solving and communication 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
Many people feel relieved after getting a diagnosis as adults. They feel like they have finally figured out what's wrong. It can also be a time of sadness in the form of missed opportunities at school, in the workplace or for relationships that have gone south. It's especially tough for girls and women, who's symptoms may have been missed in childhood or not fully appreciated as they grew older, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will review the person's life history, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will look at documents from work and school and interview the person as well as anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about the symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't a result of mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
The doctor may also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in addition to the physical test. The aim of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to help people change their thinking and behaviors to better manage their ADHD. The therapist will assist the client develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills, and impulse control. The therapist will instruct the person to identify and avoid triggers that lead to ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors might recommend the patient to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able to discuss the difficulties the person is having at home, at work, and in relationships. They will be able recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD.
If a person has trouble finding a specialized doctor, they can ask their primary care provider for a referral, or look through their health insurance provider's online directory. They can also ask their friends and family members for recommendations or join an area-based support group for adults with ADHD. The specialist can also assist the person locate an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication as well as a life coach or therapist to give them practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their day-to-day lives.