ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you gain control over the symptoms that can cause trouble at home and in your professional life. Symptoms of ADHD can also result in depression and anxiety.
A thorough evaluation may include a detailed interview and screening questionnaires to determine other disorders, like anxiety or depression that may coexist or look like ADHD. Your healthcare provider may also request to interview your loved ones.
Diagnosis
If you think that you might be suffering from ADHD and are concerned, it is essential to get an evaluation by an accredited health professional. This may be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a family doctor or nurse practitioner who is specialized in mental health disorders. The evaluation will include a discussion about your symptoms, the problems they cause, as well as how you've overcome them. The healthcare professional will go over your medical history, including previous mental health issues and any medications you may be taking.
To make a diagnosis the healthcare professional must be able to identify at least six traits (symptoms) of ADHD. They must be present in at minimum two different environments (home or school and social situations) and significantly 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.
Signs of inattention include forgetting things, loosing things, and having trouble paying attention. In school, problems are common. People with inattentive ADHD might not be able to follow directions or complete assignments or submit work on time. adult diagnosis of adhd to sit still or paying attention to other people or focusing on their own belongings. They frequently interrupt and blurt out answers before they have finished. They don't want 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 kind of ADHD can cause problems at school, at home and work. These problems are often linked to financial problems and troubled relationships.
The person doing the evaluation will likely want to speak with your teachers, parents, or parents and review any records you have of your issues with behavior as when you were a child. They'll likely conduct physical examinations to rule out any medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms you're suffering from, like thyroid issues or seizures.
They may recommend additional psychological, neuropsychological and/or learning disabilities testing in the event that the issues you are having at work, school or in your relationships demand it. These tests don't diagnose ADHD, but they can provide important information about the disorder.
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If you suspect you or your child may be suffering from ADHD and you suspect that they may, you should consult a qualified health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. Ask your doctor for an appointment. Contact your insurance company. Search online for professionals that specialize in ADHD evaluations of adults. You can also go to an adult ADHD support group to get recommendations.
During the examination, the person conducting it may ask you or your child questions about your childhood and current life to get an understanding of what is happening. They may also want to talk to your teachers or others who were with you when you were a child. They might inquire about your medical history and previous illnesses to determine if are experiencing any symptoms that could be connected to ADHD, such anxiety or depression.
The evaluator could also utilize rating scales and questionnaires to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, and how often they occur. These tools let them 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 meet the standard criteria for diagnosis. Your child or you may also undergo a neurological and physical exam. They could also check for a medical condition that may be a symptom of ADHD or 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 can't be explained by a different mental disorder, like an anxiety or mood disorder. Your evaluator will consider the results of the test and interview to make an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will write an outline of the findings of the test, and recommending treatment options. They'll likely give you or your child with copies of the report.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work and in the home. The most common symptoms include impulsivity and forgetfulness which can cause financial problems or problems at school or work. Family therapy and marriage counseling can aid those suffering from ADHD overcome the obstacles they face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can help alleviate feelings of frustration and inadequacy that are often a result of an ADHD diagnosis. Finding a therapist with experience working with ADHD patients and who understands their unique challenges is important.
Health care professionals employ different methods to assess whether someone has ADHD and this includes watching them in various environments and asking about their symptoms and how they affect their lives, examining the past behavior, performing tests of neuropsychology and psychological, as well as an examination for medical reasons. They can also consult with caregivers and teachers to obtain a complete picture of an individual's life, including their workplace, home and social environment.
For an adolescent or young adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must occur in more than one setting and significantly affect their daily functioning. They have to be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must have developed prior to the age of 12 and cannot be explained by any other mental disorder, 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 demonstrate at minimum five of the following symptoms in multiple settings:
A therapist can teach techniques that can reduce the symptoms of ADHD, such as making plans ahead and keeping track of timetables by using a notebook or planner as well as developing and adhering to routines. They can also teach communication and problem-solving skills 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 people, receiving a diagnosis in adulthood can be a relief and a feeling of finally being able to recognize the cause. It's also a time of sorrow due to missed opportunities in school or relationships or work that have gone wrong. Matlen said it's especially difficult for girls and women whose symptoms may have been overlooked in their childhood or not recognized until they grew older.
A doctor or specialist will examine the patient's life story including childhood and adolescence. They will look at school and work records and interview the person as well as anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about symptoms. They will check to ensure that the symptoms aren't more easily explained by a mental health issue, such as anxiety or depression or that the individual is not suffering from an physical issue, such as low blood pressure or hearing or vision impairment.
The specialist may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in addition to the physical test. The purpose of CBT is to assist the person change their thoughts and behavior to manage their ADHD more efficiently. The therapist will help the client develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills and impulse control. The therapist will teach the patient to recognize and avoid triggers that lead to ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may refer the patient to a psychiatrist who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They can discuss the issues the patient is experiencing at work, at home and in relationships. They will also be able to recommend support groups for adults suffering from ADHD and other resources.
If a person is having trouble finding an expert, they can either request their primary care physician to refer them or look up the directory online of their health insurance company. You could also ask family members and friends for suggestions or find an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can help the person find an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist who can provide strategies to manage symptoms and make positive changes in their lives.