ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD can aid in reducing symptoms that can cause problems at home and in your professional life. ADHD symptoms can cause depression and anxiety.
A thorough assessment will involve an in-depth interview with you and may include screening questionnaires for other illnesses that could be similar to ADHD or coexist with it, like depression or anxiety. Your healthcare professional could also request to interview the loved ones of yours.
Diagnosis
It is essential to get a licensed health professional evaluate you if you think you might have ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or family physician, or nurse practitioner who is knowledgeable in mental disorders. The assessment will include talking about your symptoms, the issues they create and the ways you've tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will also look over your medical history, including any past mental health issues and any other medications you are taking.
To make a diagnosis the healthcare professional must identify at least six signs (symptoms) of ADHD. They must occur in at least two different settings (home, school and social situations) and significantly affect your ability to function. The symptoms should 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.
Inattention symptoms include difficulty paying attention, forgetting details, and losing things. School problems are also common. People with inattention ADHD may not follow instructions, finish assignments or complete work on time. They aren't able to sit still or paying attention to other people or focusing on their own belongings. They often interrupt and utter answers before questions are finished. They 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 cause problems at school, at work and at home. 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 examine any evidence of your behavioral issues as a child. They will likely perform physical examinations to rule out any other medical conditions which may be causing the symptoms you are suffering from, like seizures or thyroid issues.
They will probably recommend additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests when the issues you're having at school, at work or in your relationships require it. These tests do not diagnose ADHD however they can provide valuable information about how the disorder affects you.
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If you suspect you or your child may be suffering from ADHD or other disorders, you should consult a qualified health professional who can assess your symptoms. You can request recommendations, talk to your insurance company or look online for professionals who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also join an adult ADHD support group for recommendations.
During the examination, the person conducting it may ask you or your child questions about your childhood and present life in order to gain an comprehension of what is happening. They may also want to speak with teachers and others who were with you when you were in your youth. They might inquire about your medical background and past illnesses to determine if you are experiencing any symptoms connected to ADHD like anxiety or depression.
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 to compare your child's symptoms to the ones of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. This will help ensure that you or your child meets the standard criteria for diagnosis. They may also conduct a physical or your child a physical examination and a neurological exam. They can also look for medical issues that may be a cause of ADHD such as 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 any other mental disorder such as anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator uses the results of the tests and interview to determine the diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator writes an outline of his or her findings and suggests treatments. You or your child are likely to receive an electronic copy.
Treatment
Having ADHD can create problems in many areas of life, such as family and work. Some of the signs include impulsive or forgetful decisions that can cause financial issues or problems at work or at school. Marriage and family therapy can help overcome the difficulties that people with ADHD face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help address feelings of frustration and feeling inadequate often associated with an ADHD diagnosis. It is important to find a therapist that has experience working with individuals with ADHD and who can understand the unique challenges that this disorder can bring about.
Health care professionals employ various ways to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD by observing them in several environments and asking about their symptoms and how they impact their lives, examining their past behavior, taking tests of neuropsychology and psychological, as well as an examination for medical reasons. They may also consult teachers and caregivers to gain a complete picture of the person's life. This includes their work, home and social environment.
For an young adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must occur in more than one setting and seriously affect their daily functioning. They must be present for at least 6 months. The symptoms must have occurred before the age of 12 and cannot be explained by other mental disorder, like 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 symptoms in a variety of settings.
A therapist can teach techniques that can alleviate symptoms of ADHD, such as planning ahead and keeping track of your schedules using a planner or notebook as well as developing and adhering to routines. They can also help you improve your communication and problem-solving 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
For many people, getting a diagnosis in adulthood can bring relief and a feeling of knowing what's going on. It can also be a time of sadness regardless of missed opportunities at school, in the workplace or for relationships that have gone awry. It's particularly difficult for women and girls, who's symptoms may have been missed in childhood or not recognized as they matured, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will examine the entire life history of the person, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will look at documents from work and school, interview the person and anyone who knows them well and ask questions about the symptoms. They will make sure the symptoms aren't caused by a mental health condition like depression or anxiety.
The doctor may also recommend cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical test. The aim of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to assist a person 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. read review will teach the person to identify and avoid triggers that can cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may refer the patient to a psychiatrist with experience treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to discuss the difficulties the patient is experiencing at home, at work, and in relationships. They will also be able recommend support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If someone is having trouble finding an expert, they can either contact their primary healthcare 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 join a local support group for adults with ADHD. The specialist can help the person find a psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication and a life coach or therapist to give them strategies to manage symptoms and make positive change in their lives.