ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD will allow you to manage symptoms that can cause problems at home and work. Symptoms can also lead to depression and anxiety.
A thorough assessment will include an in-depth interview with you. It may also include screening questionnaires for different illnesses that could be similar to ADHD or coexist with it, for example anxiety or depression. Your healthcare professional could also suggest an interview with the loved ones of yours.
Diagnosis
If you believe you might have ADHD, it is important to get an evaluation by a licensed health care professional. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist, family doctor or nurse practitioner that specializes in mental health disorders. The exam will include speaking about your symptoms, the problems they create and the ways you have tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will also look over your medical history, including any past mental health issues and any other medications you're taking.
The healthcare professional must be able to recognize at least six symptoms (traits) of ADHD. They must occur in at least two different settings (home school, social situations) and significantly impair your ability to function. The symptoms must be present for at least six months, and they must be constant 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. In how to diagnose adhd , problems are common. People with inattentive ADHD can have trouble following instructions and completing assignments, or finishing 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 answers before they have finished their questions. 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 lead to problems at school, at home and work. These problems are often linked to financial difficulties and troubled relationships.
The person who is conducting the test will likely want to speak with your parents and/or teachers and see any records you have of your behavioral issues as an infant. They'll likely conduct a physical examination to rule out any other medical conditions which may be contributing to the symptoms you are suffering from, like seizures or thyroid issues.
They will probably suggest additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests when the issues you're experiencing at school, work or in your relationships call for it. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD however they can provide valuable information about how the disorder affects you.
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If you suspect you or your child might have ADHD and you suspect that they may, you should consult an experienced health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for a referral, contact your insurance company or search the internet for specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also seek suggestions from an adult ADHD support group.
During the assessment, the person conducting the test will speak to you or your child about your childhood and current life to gain a better understanding of what's going on. They may also ask to speak with your teachers and others who knew you as a child. They could inquire about your medical background and previous illnesses to determine if have any symptoms that could be related to ADHD like depression or anxiety.
The evaluator could also utilize 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 with the ones of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. This is to ensure that your child or you meet the standard criteria for diagnosis. You or your child may also undergo a neurological and physical exam. They may also look for a medical issue that could be mimicking ADHD, such as seizures or thyroid problems.
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 explained better by a different mental disorder, like an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder. Your evaluator will use the results of the test and interview to make an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator is expected to write an outline of his or her findings and offers treatment options. They may give you or your child with a copy of the report.
Treatment
Having ADHD can create difficulties in a variety of areas of life, including family and work. 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 aid people suffering from ADHD overcome the challenges they confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, sometimes referred to as talk therapy, can help alleviate feelings of frustration and inadequacy frequently associated with an ADHD diagnosis. It's important to choose a therapist who has experience working with individuals who suffer from ADHD and who can understand the unique challenges that this disorder can bring about.
Health professionals employ a variety of methods to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. They may observe the person in different environments, inquire about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives, look over their past behavior, conduct psychological and neuropsychological tests, and then conduct a medical exam. They may also consult with caregivers and teachers to get the complete picture of a person's life, including home, work and social settings.
The symptoms should be present in at least two different settings and disrupt the daily activities. They have to be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must have developed before the age of 12 and cannot be explained by any other mental disorder, like 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 exhibit at minimum five of the following symptoms in multiple settings:
A therapist can teach skills that can help alleviate symptoms of ADHD, such as planning ahead and keeping track of schedules using a notebook or planner as well as developing and adhering to routines. They can also help with communication and problem-solving skills 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
For many people, receiving an adult diagnosis can be a relief and the feeling of finally knowing what's going on. It's also a time of grief, whether for lost opportunities at school or at work or relationships that have been ruined. Matlen said it's especially difficult for women and girls whose symptoms may have been ignored in childhood or were not fully recognized as they grew older.
A specialist or doctor will look over the person's entire life history, including childhood and adolescence. They will look at documents from work and school, interview the person and anyone who knows them well and ask questions about the symptoms. They will make sure that the symptoms aren't better explained by another mental health condition, like anxiety or depression and also ensure 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 aim of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to assist people change their thinking and behaviors so they can better manage their ADHD. The therapist will assist the person develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills, 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 psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to discuss the difficulties the person is having at home, at work, and in relationships. They can also suggest support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If a person has trouble finding a specialist doctor, they can ask their primary care provider for a referral or look up their health insurance provider's online directory. You could also ask family members and friends for suggestions, or join an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can help the person find a psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication and a life coach or therapist to provide them with practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes to their lives every day.