ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD will allow you to manage symptoms that can cause issues at home and work. Symptoms of ADHD can also cause depression and anxiety.
A thorough assessment could include a detailed interview and screening questionnaires that help to determine other conditions, such as depression or anxiety, that could coexist or appear similar to ADHD. Your healthcare professional may also request to interview a loved one.
Diagnosis
If you believe you might have ADHD and are concerned, it is essential to be evaluated by a licensed health care professional. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or family physician, or nurse practitioner who has expertise of mental disorders. The assessment will include a discussion of your symptoms, the issues they cause, as well as how you've overcome them. The healthcare provider will review your medical background, including any previous mental health issues as well as any other medications you're taking.
The healthcare provider must be able identify at least six indicators (traits) of ADHD. They must be present in at minimum two environments (home or school, as well as social situations) and also significantly affecting your ability to function. The symptoms should have been present for at minimum 6 months and be consistent. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
Signs of inattention include forgetting things, losing things, and having trouble paying attention. Problems in school are also common. People who aren't attentive ADHD may have difficulty following directions, completing assignments or finishing work on time. They may have trouble sitting still, paying attention to others or focusing on their own activities. They often interrupt and blurt out answers before they have finished. They aren't able to hold their own in conversations or games.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This kind of ADHD can lead to issues at school, home and at work. These problems are usually linked to financial issues and strained relationships.
The person who is doing the assessment may wish to talk with your teachers or parents and review any records of your behavioral issues as a child. They will likely perform physical examinations to rule out any other medical conditions which may be causing the symptoms you are experiencing, including seizures or thyroid issues.
If you have problems at school, at work or with your relationships, they may recommend additional psychological, educational disabilities, or neuropsychological tests. These tests do not diagnose ADHD however they can provide valuable information on how the disorder affects you.
diagnosis of adhd can also visit our website for more details.
If you suspect that your child or you has ADHD, it's important to find a qualified health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for an appointment, or contact your insurance company or search the internet for professionals who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also join an adult ADHD support group to get recommendations.
During the evaluation the person who conducts the test will speak to you or your child about your childhood and current life to get a better understanding of what's going on. They might also request to talk to your teachers and others who were around you as a kid. They could inquire about your medical history and past illnesses to determine if you have any issues that appear like symptoms of ADHD such as 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 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 you or your child meet the standard criteria for diagnosis. They might also give you or your child a physical examination and an examination of the brain. They may also check for medical issues that may be a cause of ADHD such as 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 better explained by another mental disorder, such as an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder. The evaluator will use the results of the tests and interviews to officially diagnose ADHD. The evaluator will write an account of the findings and recommends solutions. read here or you will likely receive a copy.
Treatment
ADHD can cause issues at work and within the home. Some of the symptoms are impulsivity and forgetfulness, which can lead to financial difficulties or problems at work or school. Family therapy and marriage counseling can aid people suffering from ADHD overcome the challenges they encounter 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 is essential to find a therapist that has experience working with people with ADHD and who can understand 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 impact they have on their lives, look over past behavior as well as conduct neuropsychological and psychosocial testing, and perform an exam for medical reasons. They may also consult with caregivers and teachers to obtain an accurate picture of a person's life, including their home, work and social environment.
The symptoms should be present in at least two different settings and affect daily functioning. They have to be present for at least six months. The symptoms must have occurred since before age 12, and they cannot be better explained by other mental disorders, 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 demonstrate at least five of the symptoms in a variety of settings:
A therapist can teach techniques that can help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD like making plans ahead and keeping track of schedules, using a notebook or planner and establishing and adhering to routines. They can also teach strategies for problem-solving and communication which can help with 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, receiving an diagnosis in the adult years can bring relief and a sense of being able to recognize the cause. It can also be a time of sorrow regardless of missed opportunities at school or in the workplace, or for relationships that have gone south. Matlen explained that it's especially difficult for girls and women who's symptoms were missed during childhood or not recognized until they grew.
A specialist or doctor will examine the entire life history of the person, which includes the adolescent years and childhood. They will examine the person's academic and work records and talk to them and anyone they know well. They will also ask about symptoms. They will make sure the symptoms aren't better explained by mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.
The doctor might also suggest cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical examination. The aim of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to assist a person change their thoughts and behaviors so they can better manage their ADHD. The counselor will instruct the patient on strategies to improve their organizational skills, time management and impulse control. The therapist will instruct the person to identify and avoid triggers that can cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors might refer the patient to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able discuss the challenges the person experiencing at work, home and in relationships. They will be able recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD.
If someone is having trouble finding a specialized doctor, they can ask their primary healthcare provider for a referral, or look through their health insurance provider's online directory. You can also ask family and friends for suggestions or join a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can assist the person locate an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication and a life coach or therapist who can offer strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive change in their daily lives.