ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A correct diagnosis of ADHD will allow you to manage symptoms that can cause problems at home and work. The symptoms can also result in anxiety and depression.
A thorough evaluation may consist of a thorough interview as well as screening questionnaires to determine other disorders, like anxiety or depression, which might coexist or resemble ADHD. Your healthcare provider may also suggest an interview with your loved ones.
Diagnosis
If you think that you might have ADHD and are concerned, it is essential to have an evaluation conducted by an authorized health care professional. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist, family doctor, or nurse practitioner who is knowledgeable in the field of mental disorders. The evaluation will involve 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 prior mental health issues and any other medications you're taking.
The healthcare professional must be able to identify at least six indicators (traits) of ADHD. adhd diagnosed are present in at minimum two environments (home, school, and social situations) and also significantly affecting your performance. The symptoms must have been present for at minimum 6 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 loosing things. Problems in school are also common. People with inattention ADHD might not follow directions or complete assignments or complete work on time. They may have difficulty sitting still, paying attention to others or keeping track of their own possessions. They often interrupt and utter answers before they have finished. They can't wait 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 lead to problems at school, at home and work. These problems are usually linked to financial issues and strained relationships.
The person who is doing the assessment may wish to speak with your parents or teachers, and look at any documentation of your behavior issues as a child. They'll probably conduct an examination to determine if there are any other medical conditions that could contribute to your symptoms, including seizures or thyroid issues.
If you're having issues at school, at work or with your relationships, they could recommend additional psychological, educational disabilities, or neuropsychological tests. These tests aren't able to diagnose ADHD however they could give you important information about the disorder.
Evaluation
If you think you or your child may have ADHD or other disorders, you should consult an experienced medical professional who can examine your symptoms. You can request recommendations, talk to your insurance company, or search online for professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also go to an adult ADHD support group for recommendations.
During the evaluation the person who is conducting it will talk with you or your child about your childhood and present life to get a better idea of what's happening. They may also want to talk to teachers and other people who knew you as in your youth. They could inquire about your medical history and previous illnesses to determine if you are experiencing any symptoms that may be connected to ADHD like anxiety or depression.
The evaluator may also use rating scales and questionnaires in order to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, as well as how often they occur. These tools allow them to evaluate your child's behavior with those of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD. This is to make sure your child or you meet the standard criteria for diagnosis. They may also conduct a physical or your child a physical and an examination of the brain. They may also look for any medical condition that may be mimicking ADHD, such as seizures or thyroid problems.
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, such as anxiety or mood disorders. The evaluator will use the results of the tests and interview to diagnose ADHD. The evaluator will write a report that outlines the findings and recommends solutions. You or your child are likely to receive the report in a paper.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can create difficulties in a variety of areas of life, including family and work. Some of the symptoms include impulsive or forgetful decisions that can lead to financial problems or problems at school or work. Family therapy and marriage can help overcome the difficulties that people with ADHD have to face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) can help alleviate the feelings of frustration and inadequacy that are often associated with the diagnosis of ADHD. Finding a therapist who has experience in working with ADHD patients and who can relate to their unique challenges is crucial.
Health care professionals employ different methods to assess whether someone is suffering from ADHD by observing them in several situations and asking about their symptoms and how they affect their lives, reviewing the past behavior, performing tests for neuropsychological and psychological testing, and a medical examination. They may also talk with teachers and caregivers to obtain a complete picture of the person's life. This includes their workplace, home, and social environment.
For an young adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must occur in two or more settings and seriously affect their daily functioning. They must have been present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms must have occurred since before age 12, and they cannot be better explained by other mental disorders, 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 demonstrate at least five of the following symptoms in a variety of settings.
A therapist can assist in teaching skills that help reduce the symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead, keeping track of schedules and using the planner, notebook or diary and also developing and adhering to routines. They can also help with strategies for problem-solving and communication 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
Many people feel relieved after receiving a diagnosis as an adult. They feel as if they have finally figured out what's wrong. It can also be a time of sorrow, whether it's for missed opportunities at school, in the workplace or for relationships that have gone south. Matlen explained that it's especially difficult for girls and women whose symptoms may have been ignored in childhood or were not fully understood as they grew.
A doctor or specialist will examine the patient's life-history, including childhood and adolescence. They will look over the person's school and work documents and interview them as well as anyone they know well. They will also ask about the signs. They will ensure that the symptoms are not more easily explained by a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression or that the individual is not suffering from a physical problem like low blood pressure or a hearing or vision impairment.
The doctor might also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in addition to the physical test. The aim of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to assist individuals change their thoughts and behavior to better manage their ADHD. The Therapist will teach the person strategies to improve their organization skills, time management and impulse control. They will also instruct the person to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors might refer the patient to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to discuss the challenges the person having at work, at 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 search their health insurance provider's online directory. You can also ask family and friends for suggestions or join a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can also help the person locate an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication, and a therapist or life coach to help them develop strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes to their lives every day.