ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD can aid in reducing symptoms that can cause problems at home and in your professional life. Symptoms of ADHD can also cause depression and anxiety.
A thorough evaluation will include an in-depth interview with you and may involve screening questionnaires for other illnesses that could be similar to ADHD or coexist with it, such as depression or anxiety. Your healthcare professional could also suggest an interview with your loved ones.
Diagnosis
It is important to seek out a licensed health professional to examine you if you suspect that you might have ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist, family doctor or nurse practitioner that specializes in mental health issues. The assessment will include talking about your symptoms, problems they create and the ways you've tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will review your medical history including past mental health issues as well as any medications you may be taking.
The healthcare provider must be able identify at least six indicators (traits) of ADHD. They should be seen in at minimum two different environments (home, school and social situations) and seriously affect your functioning. The symptoms must be present for at least six months and be continuous. 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, ignoring details, and losing things. adhd in adults diagnosis in school are also common. People with inattention ADHD might not follow directions and assignments, or submit work on time. They aren't able to sit still, paying attention to others or keeping track of their own belongings. They often interrupt and blurt answers before the questions are finished. They are often unable to wait for their turn in conversations or games.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This type of ADHD may cause problems at school, work and home. These problems are usually linked to problems in relationships and getting into financial difficulties.
The person conducting the assessment might want to speak with your teachers or parents and review any documentation of your behavior issues as when you were a child. They may also conduct an examination of your body to rule out other medical conditions that could be contributing to the symptoms you're suffering from, like seizures or thyroid problems.
They will probably recommend additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests when the issues you're having at work, school or in your relationships demand it. These tests do not diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information on how the disorder affects you.
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If you suspect you or your child may have ADHD or other disorders, you should seek out a qualified health professional who can assess your symptoms. You can request an appointment, or contact your insurance provider or look online for professionals who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also go to an adult ADHD support group for suggestions.
During the evaluation the person who conducts it could ask you or your child questions about your childhood and current life to get an comprehension of what is going on. They might also request to speak with your teachers and others who were around you as a kid. They could inquire about your medical history and past illnesses to see if you have any issues that appear like symptoms of ADHD like anxiety or depression.
The evaluator may also use ratings scales and questionnaires to determine how often your child or you exhibit certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools allow them to examine your child's or your child's symptoms with those of other children and adults who have been diagnosed. This is to make sure that you or your child meet the standard criteria for diagnosis. They may also offer you or your child a physical examination and a neurological exam. They might also check for a medical issue that could be mimicking ADHD or seizures or thyroid issues.
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 can't be better explained by another mental disorder, such as depression or anxiety. Your evaluator will use the results of the testing and interview to arrive at an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will draft an account of his or her findings and suggests solutions. Your child or you are likely to receive an electronic copy.
Treatment
Having ADHD can create problems in many aspects of life, including family and work. Some of the symptoms are forgetfulness and impulsiveness, which can lead to financial difficulties or problems at work or at school. Family and marriage therapy can aid those suffering from ADHD overcome the challenges they face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can address feelings of anger and inadequacy frequently associated with an ADHD diagnosis. Finding a therapist who has expertise in working with ADHD patients and who can relate to their unique challenges is crucial.
Health care professionals use various methods to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD by watching them in various environments, asking about their symptoms and how they affect their lives, examining their past behavior, taking tests for neuropsychological and psychological testing, and medical examinations. They can also consult with caregivers and teachers to get an accurate picture of a person's life, including their home, work and social settings.
For an young adult or an adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must manifest in two or more environments and seriously affect their daily 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 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 display at least five symptoms in a variety of environments.
Therapists can help students develop techniques that can help to alleviate symptoms of ADHD like planning ahead and keeping track of your schedules by using a planner or notebook as well as developing and adhering to routines. They can also teach communication and problem-solving skills which can help with 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 an diagnosis in the adult years can be a relief and the feeling of finally having a clear understanding of what's happening. It can also be a time of sorrow regardless of missed opportunities at school or in the workplace, or for relationships that have gone south. It's particularly hard for girls and women, whose symptoms might have been missed in the early years or not appreciated as they grew older, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will review the life history of the individual, including childhood and adolescence. They will examine the records of work and school and interview the person as well as anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about the symptoms. They will make sure that the symptoms are not better explained by another 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 a hearing or vision impairment.
In addition to a physical exam The doctor might also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The purpose of CBT is to assist the person change their thoughts and actions so they can manage their ADHD more effectively. The therapist will help the person develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills, and impulse control. The therapist will help the client to identify and avoid triggers that can cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors might refer the person to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to discuss the problems the person is experiencing at work, home and in relationships. They will also be able suggest support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If a patient is having difficulty finding a specialist doctor, they could ask their primary care provider for a referral, or look through their health insurance provider's online directory. You can also ask your family and friends for suggestions or join a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can help the person find an expert psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist who can provide strategies to manage symptoms and make positive changes in their lives.