ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD will help you control symptoms that can cause issues at work and home. These symptoms can cause anxiety and depression.
A thorough assessment will include a detailed interview with you and may include screening questionnaires for other conditions that might resemble ADHD or coexist with it, like depression or anxiety. Your healthcare provider might invite you to speak with the family member of yours.
Diagnosis
If you think that you may have ADHD or other related disorders, it is crucial to have an evaluation conducted by an accredited health professional. This may be a psychologist, psychiatrist, 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've tried to deal with them. The healthcare professional will also examine your medical background, including any previous mental health issues and any other medications you're taking.
The healthcare provider must be able to identify at least six symptoms (traits) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two different environments (home, school, and social situations) and be significantly impairing your functioning. The symptoms must have been present for at least six months and be constant. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
Symptoms of inattentiveness include a tendency to forget things, losing things, and having trouble paying attention. School problems are also common. People with inattention ADHD may not follow instructions, finish assignments or submit work on time. They aren't able to sit still and paying attention to other people or keeping track of their own belongings. They often interrupt and utter answers before questions are 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 problems at school, at home and work. These problems are usually linked to financial problems and troubled relationships.
The person conducting the assessment is likely to want to talk with your teachers and parents and see any records you have of your behavioral issues as a child. They'll likely conduct a physical examination to rule out any other medical conditions that could be causing the symptoms you are experiencing, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
They may suggest additional neuropsychological, psychological and/or learning disabilities testing when the issues you're having at school, at work or in your relationships call for it. These tests do not diagnose ADHD but they could provide valuable information about the disorder.
Evaluation
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 an appointment, or contact your insurance company or look online for specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also join an adult ADHD support group for recommendations.
During the assessment the person who conducts it will talk with you or your child about your childhood and present life to get a better idea of what's going on. They may also ask to talk to your teachers or others who knew you as a child. They could inquire about your medical background and past ailments to determine if you are experiencing any symptoms that could be connected to ADHD like depression or anxiety.
The evaluator may also use questionnaires and ratings scales to determine how often you or your child displays certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools let them evaluate your child's behavior with those of other children as well as adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD. This is to ensure that you or your child meet the standard criteria for diagnosis. You or your child may undergo a neurological and physical examination. They may also check for medical issues that could be a cause of ADHD like 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, like an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder. The evaluator will use the results of the test and interview to diagnose ADHD. The evaluator will draft an outline of his or her findings and recommends treatments. They may give you or your child with copies of the report.
Treatment
Having ADHD can create problems in many areas of life, such as family and work. Some of the signs include impulsivity and forgetfulness which can lead to financial issues or issues at work or at school. Marriage and family therapy may help people with ADHD overcome the obstacles they confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can help alleviate feelings of frustration and inadequacy 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 important.
Health professionals employ various methods to determine if someone has ADHD by watching them in various situations and asking them about their symptoms and how they impact their lives, analyzing their past behavior, taking tests of neuropsychology and psychological, as well as medical examinations. They may also consult caregivers and teachers to obtain a complete picture of the person's life. adhd diagnosed includes their work, home and social setting.
For undiagnosed adhd in adults or young adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must occur in two or more environments and significantly affect their daily functioning. They must be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must have manifested before 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 a variety of settings.
Therapists can help students develop techniques that can reduce the symptoms of ADHD like making plans ahead and keeping track of timetables using a notebook or planner, and developing and sticking to routines. They can also teach the skills of communication and problem-solving 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, receiving an diagnosis in the adult years can bring relief and a sense of finally having a clear understanding of what's happening. It can also be a time of grief in the form of missed opportunities at school or in the workplace, or for relationships that have gone off the rails. It's especially tough for girls and women, whose symptoms might 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 review school and work records and then interview the individual and anyone who knows them well and ask questions about symptoms. They will make sure that the symptoms are not more easily explained by a mental health issue, such as 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.
The specialist may also suggest cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical test. The purpose of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is to assist individuals change their thoughts and behaviors so they can 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 teach the patient how to recognize and avoid triggers for their ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may refer the patient to a psychiatrist with experience treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to discuss the problems the person is having at work, at 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 specialist doctor they can ask their primary healthcare provider for a referral or look up their health insurance company's directory online. You can also ask your family and friends for suggestions or find a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can help the person locate an expert psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist who can give them strategies to manage symptoms and make positive changes in their daily lives.