ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause issues at work and home. These symptoms can result in anxiety and depression.
A thorough evaluation may include a detailed interview and screening questionnaires to determine other conditions, like anxiety or depression, which may coexist or look like ADHD. Your healthcare provider might ask to interview a family member.
Diagnosis
If you think that you might have ADHD and are concerned, it is essential to have an evaluation conducted by an accredited health professional. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a family doctor or nurse practitioner who is specialized in mental health disorders. The exam will include speaking about your symptoms, problems they create and the ways you've tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will also review your medical history, including any prior mental health problems and any other medications you are taking.
To diagnose, the healthcare provider must be able to identify at least six traits (symptoms) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two different settings (home, school and social situations) and seriously affect your ability to function. The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and be constant. 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, forgetting details, and loosing things. The school environment can also be a problem. People with inattentive ADHD can have trouble following directions, completing assignments or finishing work on time. They aren't able to sit still or paying attention to other people or focusing on their own possessions. They frequently interrupt and utter answers before questions are finished. click for source have trouble waiting for their turn in games or conversations.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This type of ADHD can lead to problems at home, school and work. These problems are usually linked to a breakdown in relationships or becoming financially strained.
The person conducting the assessment is likely to want to talk with your teachers, parents, or parents and see any records you have of your issues with behavior as when you were a child. They'll probably conduct an examination to determine if there are any other medical conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms, including seizures or thyroid problems.
If you have problems at work, in school, or with your relationships, they may suggest additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD however they can provide valuable information on how the disorder affects you.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD It's crucial to find a qualified health expert who can assess your symptoms. You can request 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 for suggestions.
During the evaluation the person conducting it may ask you or your child questions about your childhood and current life in order to gain a better comprehension of what is happening. They may also want to speak with teachers and other people who were with you when you were in your youth. They might inquire about your medical history and past illnesses to determine if are experiencing any symptoms that could be connected to ADHD, such depression or anxiety.
The evaluator may also use rating scales and questionnaires to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, and how often they occur. These tools will help them compare your or your child's behavior to the ones of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the disorder. This will help ensure that you or your child meets the criteria that are standard for diagnosing. They might also give you or your child a physical examination and an examination of the neurological system. They could also look for medical issues that may be a cause of ADHD like thyroid issue 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 are not ascribed to any other mental disorder like anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator will use the results of the tests and interview to determine an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will draft an outline of his or her findings and suggests solutions. Your child or you will likely receive an electronic copy.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work as well as in the family. Some of the symptoms are forgetfulness and impulsiveness, which can lead to financial issues or issues at school or work. Marriage and family therapy may aid people suffering from ADHD overcome the challenges they confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can help address feelings of frustration and feeling inadequate frequently associated with an ADHD diagnosis. Finding a therapist who has experience working with ADHD patients and who can relate to their unique challenges is crucial.
Health care professionals use a variety of methods to assess whether someone has ADHD, including monitoring them in different settings and asking about their symptoms and how they affect their lives, analyzing past behavior, conducting psychological and neuropsychological tests and an examination for medical reasons. They may also talk with teachers and caregivers in order to get a full picture of the individual's daily life. This includes their work, home and social setting.
The symptoms should be present in at least two settings and interfere with the daily activities. They must be present for at minimum six months. Symptoms must have been occurring from before the age of 12 and they cannot be better explained by other mental disorders, 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 least five of the following symptoms in multiple settings:
A therapist can help teach skills that reduce the symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead and keeping track of your schedules and using the planner, notebook or diary, as well as developing and adhering to routines. They can also assist you to improve your communication and problem-solving skills that will help you 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 find relief in receiving a diagnosis as an adult. They feel as if 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 awry. It's especially tough for girls and women those whose symptoms might have been overlooked in their childhood or not fully appreciated as they matured, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will review the person's life-history, including childhood and adolescence. They will look over the person's work and school records and talk to them and anyone else who knows them well. They will also inquire about the symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms are not more easily explained by a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety or that the individual is not suffering from a physical problem like 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 CBT is to assist the patient change their thinking and actions to help them manage their ADHD more efficiently. The therapist will help the person learn strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills, and impulse control. The therapist will teach the client to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors might recommend the patient to a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. They can talk about the problems that the person is facing at work, at home and in relationships. They will be able recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD.
If a person is having difficulty finding an expert They can ask their primary care provider to refer them to a specialist or search the directory online of their health insurance company. You can also ask your friends and family members for recommendations or find a local support group for adults with ADHD. The specialist can assist the person locate an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist to give them strategies to manage symptoms and make positive changes in their daily lives.