ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause issues at work and at home. The symptoms of ADHD can cause depression and anxiety.
A thorough evaluation will include an extensive interview with you. It may also involve screening questionnaires for other illnesses that could be similar to ADHD or coexist with it, such as anxiety or depression. Your healthcare provider may ask to interview the family member of yours.
Diagnosis
It is crucial to get a licensed health professional assess you if you think you may have ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a family doctor or nurse practitioner who is specialized in mental health disorders. The assessment will include a discussion about your symptoms, the problems they cause, and the ways you have overcome them. The healthcare provider will also review your medical history, including any past mental health issues and any other medications you're taking.
To diagnose the healthcare professional must be able to identify at least six traits (symptoms) of ADHD. They must occur in at least two different settings (home school, social situations) and seriously affect your functioning. The symptoms must be present for at least six months, and they must be continuous over time. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
Inattentive symptoms include trouble paying attention, losing track of details, and losing things. Problems with school are also common. People with inattentive ADHD may not follow instructions, finish assignments or turn in work on time. They may have trouble sitting still, paying attention to others or focusing on their own activities. They often interrupt and scream out answers before questions are finished. They aren't able to hold their own during 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 work. These problems are usually linked to financial difficulties and troubled relationships.
The person who is conducting the evaluation may want to talk with your teachers or parents and review any documentation of your behavioral issues as a child. They may also conduct physical examinations to rule out other medical conditions which may be causing the symptoms you are experiencing, including thyroid issues or seizures.
They will probably recommend additional psychological, neuropsychological and/or learning disabilities testing when the issues you're having at work, school or in your relationships call for it. These tests do not diagnose ADHD but they could provide you with useful information regarding the disorder.
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If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD, you should seek out an experienced health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. linked resource site can request a referral, contact your insurance company or search the internet for professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also go to an adult ADHD support group for recommendations.
During the test, the person conducting the test will speak to you or your child about your childhood and present life to get a better understanding of what's going on. They may also want to talk to your teachers and others who knew you as a child. They could inquire about your medical history as well as past illnesses to determine if you are suffering from any issues that look like symptoms of ADHD such as depression or anxiety.
The evaluator could also utilize questionnaires and rating scales to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, and how often they occur. These tools allow them to compare your or child's symptoms with those of other children and adults who have already been diagnosed. This is to ensure that you or your child meets the standard criteria for diagnosis. They may also conduct a physical or your child a physical exam and an examination of the neurological system. They could also check for any medical condition that may be mimicking ADHD like 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 such as anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator will consider the results of the testing and interview to arrive at an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator writes an outline of his or her findings and recommending treatments. They may give you or your child with copies of the report.
Treatment
ADHD can cause issues at work and within the family. Some of the signs are impulsivity and forgetfulness, which can lead to financial difficulties or problems at school or work. Marriage and family therapy can help address the challenges that people with ADHD have to face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can help alleviate feelings of anger and inadequacy that are often a result of an ADHD diagnosis. It is essential to find a therapist that has worked with people with ADHD and can relate to the unique challenges this disorder can cause.
Health care professionals employ various methods to determine if someone has ADHD, including monitoring them in different settings and asking about their symptoms and how they impact their lives, analyzing their past behavior, taking tests for neuropsychological and psychological testing, and an examination for medical reasons. They can also talk to caregivers and teachers to get a complete picture of a person's life, including their work, home and social settings.
The symptoms must be present in at least two different settings and disrupt everyday functioning. They have to be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must have occurred since before age 12, and cannot be explained by other mental disorders, like 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 symptoms in a variety of situations.
A therapist can teach techniques that can reduce the symptoms of ADHD by making plans ahead and keeping track of timetables by using a planner or notebook, and developing and sticking to routines. They can also help you develop communication and problem-solving abilities that can 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
For many people, getting a diagnosis in adulthood can bring relief and the feeling of having a clear understanding of what's happening. It can also be a time of sorrow due to missed opportunities at school or at work or relationships that have been ruined. Matlen said it's especially difficult for women and girls who's symptoms were overlooked in their childhood or not recognized until they grew older.
A specialist or doctor will look over the person's entire life history, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will look over the person's academic and work records and interview them and anyone they know well. They will also inquire about the symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't a result of a mental health condition like depression or anxiety.
In addition to a physical examination The doctor may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The aim of CBT is to help the person change their thoughts and actions so they can manage their ADHD more efficiently. The therapist will assist the person learn strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills, and impulse control. The therapist will help the client to identify and avoid triggers that lead to ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may refer the person to a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able discuss the issues the person is experiencing at work, home and in relationships. They will also be able to recommend support groups for adults suffering from ADHD and other resources.
If someone is having difficulty finding a specialist they can contact their primary healthcare provider to refer them or look up the online directory of their health insurance company. You could also ask family members and friends for suggestions or join an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can help the person locate a psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication and a therapist or life coach to help them develop strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their day-to-day lives.