ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can aid in reducing the symptoms that can cause trouble at home and in your professional life. Symptoms of ADHD can also result in depression and anxiety.
A thorough assessment will include an extensive interview with you. It may also involve screening questionnaires for other conditions that may look like ADHD or coexist with it, for example anxiety or depression. Your healthcare provider may ask to interview the family member of yours.
Diagnosis
If you think that you might be suffering from ADHD, it is important to get an evaluation by an authorized health care professional. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or family doctor nurse practitioner with specialized knowledge in mental disorders. The evaluation will involve talking about your symptoms, the problems they cause and how you've dealt with them. The healthcare professional will also examine your medical history, including any prior mental health problems and any other medications you are taking.
The healthcare provider has to be able to identify at least six indicators (traits) of ADHD. They should be seen in at least two settings (home or school and social situations) and significantly impair your functioning. The symptoms should have been present for at minimum 6 months and be continuous. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
getting diagnosed with adhd include trouble paying attention, forgetting details, and loosing things. In school, problems are common. People with inattention ADHD might not follow directions, finish assignments or submit work on time. They may have difficulty sitting still and paying attention to other people or keeping track of their personal possessions. They often interrupt and blurt out answers before they have finished. They don't want to wait for their turn during conversations or games.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This type of ADHD can cause problems at school, work and at home. These problems are usually linked to financial difficulties and troubled relationships.
The person conducting the assessment will probably want to talk with your parents and/or teachers and see any records you have of your behavioral issues as when you were a child. They may also conduct a physical examination to rule out any other medical conditions that could be contributing to the symptoms you are experiencing, such as thyroid issues or seizures.
They may recommend additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests if the problems you are experiencing at school, work or in your relationships demand it. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information about how the disorder affects your life.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child may be suffering from ADHD or other disorders, you should consult an experienced health professional who can assess your symptoms. You can request recommendations, talk to your insurance provider or search the internet for professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also join an adult ADHD support group to get recommendations.
During the assessment, the person who is conducting it might ask you or your child questions about your childhood and present life to get a better understanding of what is happening. They might also talk to teachers and other people who knew you when you were a kid. They could inquire about your medical background and previous illnesses to determine if are experiencing any symptoms that may be connected to ADHD like anxiety or depression.
The evaluator can also employ questionnaires and rating scales to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, and how often they occur. These tools allow them to compare your or child's symptoms with the symptoms of other children and adults who have already been diagnosed. This will help ensure that your child or you meet the standard criteria for diagnosis. They may also offer you or your child a physical exam and an examination of the neurological system. They might also check for a medical condition that could be mimicking ADHD like 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 can't be explained better by a different mental disorder, like an anxiety or mood disorder. Your evaluator will use the results of the test and interview to determine an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will draft an outline of the findings and suggests treatments. They'll likely provide you or your child with a copy of the report.
Treatment
Having ADHD can create issues in many areas of life, such as family and work. Some of the symptoms include impulsive and forgetfulness that can cause financial issues or trouble at work or at school. Family and marriage therapy can help people with ADHD overcome the obstacles they encounter in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can help alleviate the feelings of frustration and inadequacy which often accompany the diagnosis of ADHD. It is important to find a therapist who has experience working with individuals who suffer from ADHD and who can understand the unique challenges that this disorder can cause.
Health care professionals use different methods to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD, including watching them in various settings and asking about their symptoms and how they affect their lives, reviewing the past behavior, performing tests of neuropsychology and psychological, as well as a medical examination. They may also talk with teachers and caregivers to get a full picture of the person's life. This includes their home, workplace and social environment.
The symptoms should be present in at least two settings and affect daily functioning. They have to be present for at least six months. The symptoms must have developed 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 show at least five symptoms in different situations.
A therapist can help teach techniques that can help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD, such as making plans ahead and keeping track of your schedules using a notebook or planner, 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 feel relief after being diagnosed as adults. They feel like they have finally figured out what's wrong. It can also be a time of sorrow, whether it's for missed opportunities at school, at work or relationships that have gone off the rails. Matlen said it's especially difficult for women and girls who's symptoms were overlooked in their childhood or not fully recognized as they grew older.
A specialist or doctor will examine the entire life history of the individual, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will examine school and work records and then interview the individual and anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't more easily explained by a mental health issue, such as anxiety or depression, and that the person is not suffering from physical issues such as low blood pressure or hearing or vision impairment.
In addition to a physical exam, the specialist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The goal of CBT is to assist the person change their thoughts and behavior to manage their ADHD more effectively. The counselor will instruct the patient on strategies to improve their organizational skills as well as time management and impulse control. The therapist will instruct the patient to recognize and avoid triggers that can cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors will recommend the patient to a psychiatrist with expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They can discuss the issues the person is having at home, at work, and in relationships. They will also be able recommend support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If someone is having trouble finding a specialist, they can either request their primary care physician to refer them to a specialist or search the online directory of their health insurance company. You can also ask your family and friends for suggestions, or contact an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can help the person locate a psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist to offer strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their daily lives.