ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause problems at home and work. These symptoms can cause anxiety and depression.
A thorough evaluation may consist of a thorough interview as well as screening questionnaires to determine other disorders, like anxiety or depression, which could coexist or appear similar to ADHD. Your healthcare professional may invite you to speak with your family member.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you might have ADHD and are concerned, it is essential to have an evaluation conducted by an accredited health professional. It could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a family doctor or nurse practitioner who is specialized in mental health disorders. The assessment will include talking about your symptoms, the issues they cause, and how you have tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will also look over your medical history, including any past mental health issues as well as any other medications you are taking.
The healthcare provider must be able identify at least six signs (traits) of ADHD. They are present in at least two different environments (home, school, and social situations) and also significantly affecting your ability to function. The symptoms should 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, ignoring details, and losing things. Problems in school are also common. People who aren't attentive ADHD may have difficulty following directions or completing assignments. They may also have difficulty finishing work on time. They have trouble sitting still or paying attention to other people or keeping track of their own belongings. They frequently interrupt and scream out answers before they have finished. 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 kind of ADHD may cause problems at school, at work and home. These issues are usually related to trouble in relationships and having financial problems.
The person doing the evaluation will probably want to talk with your teachers and parents and see any records you have of your issues with behavior as an infant. They will likely perform a physical examination to rule out other medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms you're experiencing, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
They may recommend 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 do not diagnose ADHD, but they can give you useful information regarding the disorder.
Evaluation
If you suspect that your child or you has ADHD It is important to find a certified health care professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for a referral. Contact your insurance provider. Search online for specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also ask for recommendations from an adult ADHD support group.
During adhd diagnose , the person who is conducting it might ask you or your child questions about your past and present life to help you gain a better understanding of what is going on. They might also request to speak with your teachers and others who knew you as a child. They could inquire about your medical history and past ailments to determine if have any issues that appear like symptoms of ADHD, such as anxiety or depression.
The evaluator may also use questionnaires and ratings scales to determine how often your child or you exhibit certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools allow them to compare your or child's symptoms with those of other children as well as adults who have been diagnosed. This will help ensure that you or your child is in line with the standard criteria for diagnosis. They might also give you or your child a physical and a neurological exam. They could also check 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 other mental disorder like anxiety or mood disorders. The evaluator analyzes the results of the tests and interview to officially diagnose ADHD. The evaluator writes an outline of the findings of the test, and suggests treatments. adhd diagnostic or your child are likely to receive an electronic copy.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work and in the home. Some of the signs include forgetfulness and impulsive decisions that can result in financial issues or problems at school or work. Marriage and family therapy may aid people suffering from ADHD overcome the difficulties they face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can address the feelings of frustration and inadequacy that are often associated with a diagnosis of ADHD. Finding a therapist who has experience in working with ADHD patients and who can relate to their unique challenges is important.
Health professionals use a variety of methods to determine if a person has ADHD. They may observe the person in various settings, ask about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives. They may also review their past behavior as well as conduct neuropsychological and psychosocial tests, and conduct an examination for medical reasons. They may also consult caregivers and teachers to gain a complete picture of the individual's daily life. This includes their home, workplace and social environment.
For an young adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must occur in more than one setting and severely interfere with their daily functioning. They must have been present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms must have occurred prior to the age of 12 and cannot be explained by any other mental disorder, such as 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 minimum five of the following symptoms in multiple settings:
Therapists can help you develop techniques that can reduce symptoms of ADHD. This includes planning ahead and keeping track of timetables and using a planner, notebook or diary and also establishing and sticking to routines. They can also assist you to develop problem-solving and communication skills which can assist you 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 relief after getting a diagnosis as adults. They feel as if they have finally figured out what's wrong. It's also often a time of sorrow for those who have lost out on opportunities in school or relationships or work that have gone wrong. It's particularly hard for women and girls, who's symptoms may have been overlooked in their the early years or not appreciated as they matured, Matlen said.
A specialist or doctor will look over the life story of the individual, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will look over the person's academic and work documents and interview them as well as anyone other person who is familiar with them. They will also ask about symptoms. They will make sure that the symptoms are not more easily explained by a mental health issue, such as depression or anxiety or that the individual does not have physical issues such as low blood pressure or a hearing or vision impairment.
The doctor might also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in addition to the physical examination. The purpose of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is to assist a person change their thoughts and behaviors to better manage their ADHD. The therapist will help the client develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills and impulse control. They will also show 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 experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. They can discuss the challenges the person experiencing at work, home and in relationships. They can recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD.
If a person has difficulty finding a specialist they can ask their primary care provider to refer them to a specialist or search the online directory of their health insurance company. You could also ask family members and friends for suggestions or join a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can also assist to locate a neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication, and a therapist or life coach to help them develop strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes to their lives every day.