ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause issues at home and work. Symptoms of ADHD can also result in depression and anxiety.
A thorough assessment will include a detailed interview with you. It may also involve screening questionnaires for other illnesses that could be similar to ADHD or coexist with it, such as depression or anxiety. Your healthcare provider may also ask you to speak with your loved ones.
Diagnosis
It is important to seek out a licensed health professional to assess you if you suspect that you may have ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist, family doctor or nurse practitioner who is specialized in mental health disorders. The assessment will include a discussion about your symptoms, the issues they cause, and how you've overcome them. The healthcare provider will look over your medical history, including previous mental health issues, as well as any medication you are taking.
The healthcare provider has to be able to recognize at least six symptoms (traits) of ADHD. They must occur in at least two different settings (home or school and social situations) and seriously affect 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 losing things. Problems in school are also common. People with inattention ADHD might have difficulty adhering to instructions, completing assignments or making sure that work is submitted on time. They have difficulty sitting still, paying attention to others, or keeping track of their own activities. They frequently interrupt and blurt out answers before they 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 cause problems at school, at home and at work. These problems are often linked to financial issues and strained relationships.
The person who is doing the assessment might want to talk with your parents or teachers and examine any records of your behavior issues as a child. They'll likely conduct physical examinations to rule out any other medical conditions that may contribute to your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
They may recommend additional neuropsychological, psychological and/or learning disabilities testing if the problems you are experiencing at school, work or in your relationships require it. These tests do not diagnose ADHD, but they can give you important information about the disorder.
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If you suspect that your child or you may have ADHD It's crucial to find a qualified health care professional who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for a referral. Contact your insurance company. You can also search the internet for professionals that specialize in ADHD assessments of adults. You can also join an adult ADHD support group for suggestions.
During the assessment, the person who conducts it could ask you or your child questions about your childhood and present life to help you gain a better understanding of what is going on. They may also want to talk to your teachers and others who were around you as a kid. They might ask about your medical history and past illnesses to see if you have any issues that appear like symptoms of ADHD such as depression or anxiety.
The evaluator also uses ratings scales and questionnaires to determine how often your child or you display certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools can 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 you or your child is in line with the standard criteria for diagnosis. You or your child may be subject to a neurological or physical exam. They can also look for medical issues that may mimic ADHD, such 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 are not ascribed to any other mental disorder like anxiety or mood disorders. The evaluator analyzes the results of the tests and interview to determine the diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will write an outline of his or her findings and offers treatments. They'll likely give you or your child with copies of the report.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can create issues in many areas of life, such as family and work. Some of the signs are impulsivity and forgetfulness, which can cause financial problems or problems at school or work. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people with ADHD overcome the difficulties they confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) can help address the feelings of anger and inadequacy that often accompany the diagnosis of ADHD. It is important to find a therapist that has worked with people who suffer from ADHD and can relate to the unique challenges that this disorder can cause.
Health care professionals use a variety of ways to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD and this includes monitoring them in different environments and asking about their symptoms and how they affect their lives, reviewing their past behavior, taking tests for neuropsychological and psychological testing, and an examination for medical reasons. They may also talk with teachers and caregivers to obtain a complete picture of the individual's daily life. This includes their workplace, home, and social setting.
The symptoms must be present in at minimum two locations and interfere with everyday functioning. They have to be present for at least six months. The symptoms must have occurred before the age of 12 and cannot be explained by other mental disorder, 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 show at least five of the symptoms in a variety of settings.
A therapist can teach skills that can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD by planning ahead and keeping track of timetables, using a planner or notebook and establishing and adhering to routines. They can also teach the skills of communication and problem-solving that can help 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 feel relief after being diagnosed as adults. They feel as if they've finally found out what's wrong. It can also be a time of grief regardless of missed opportunities at school or at work or relationships that have gone awry. Matlen said that it's particularly difficult for women and girls whose symptoms may have been ignored in childhood or were not fully recognized as they grew older.
A doctor or specialist will look over the person's entire life history including childhood and adolescence. adhd diagnosis adult will look over the person's school and work documents and interview them as well as anyone else who knows them well. They will also ask about the symptoms. They will make sure that the symptoms aren't better explained by mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
The specialist may also suggest cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical examination. The purpose of CBT is to help the patient change their thinking and actions to help them manage their ADHD more effectively. The therapist will assist the person develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills, and impulse control. They will also show the person to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may refer the patient to a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. They can discuss the difficulties the person is having at home, at work and in relationships. They can recommend support groups and other resources for adults with ADHD.
If a patient is having difficulty finding a specialized doctor, they can ask their primary care provider for a referral or search their health insurance company's directory online. You can also ask family and friends for recommendations, or contact a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can also help the person find a neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication, and a therapist or life coach to give them practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their day-to-day lives.