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ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause issues at home as well as in your professional life. getting a adhd diagnosis can lead to depression and anxiety.
A thorough assessment will involve an extensive interview with you. It may also include screening questionnaires for different conditions that may look like ADHD or coexist with it, like depression or anxiety. Your healthcare professional may also ask you to speak with your loved ones.
Diagnosis
If you believe you might be suffering from ADHD, it is important to have an evaluation conducted by an accredited health professional. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist, family doctor, or nurse practitioner with specialized knowledge in the field of mental disorders. The assessment will include talking about your symptoms, the issues they create and the ways you have tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will examine your medical history, including any prior mental health issues as well as any other medications you are taking.
The healthcare professional must be able to identify at least six indicators (traits) of ADHD. They must occur in at minimum two different environments (home or school and social situations) and significantly impair your ability to function. The symptoms must be present for at least six months, and they must be consistent over time. 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, losing track of details, and loosing things. School-related problems are also common. People with inattentive ADHD might have difficulty adhering to instructions and completing assignments, or making sure that work is submitted on time. They aren't able to sit still, paying close attention to others or focusing on themselves. They frequently interrupt and blurt answers before they have finished their questions. They have trouble waiting 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 can cause problems at school, work and at home. These problems are usually linked to financial issues and strained relationships.
The person doing the evaluation will likely want to speak with your parents and/or teachers and look over any documentation you have of your behavioral issues as when you were a child. They'll likely conduct a physical examination to rule out any medical conditions which may be contributing to the symptoms you're experiencing, including thyroid issues or seizures.
They may recommend additional psychological, neuropsychological and/or learning disabilities testing if the problems you are having at work, school or in your relationships require it. These tests don't diagnose ADHD but they could provide you with important information about the disorder.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child might have ADHD, you should find an experienced medical professional who can examine your symptoms. You can ask your physician for a referral. Contact your insurance provider. You can also search the internet for professionals that specialize in ADHD evaluations of adults. You can also join an adult ADHD support group to get recommendations.
During the evaluation the person who is conducting it might ask you or your child questions about your childhood and current life to help you gain a better understanding of what's happening. They may also want to speak with your teachers and others who were around you as a kid. They might ask about your medical history as well as past illnesses to see if you have any issues that appear like symptoms of ADHD, such as anxiety or depression.
The evaluator could also utilize questionnaires and rating scales to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, and how often they occur. These tools can help them to compare your child's symptoms with the symptoms of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. This is to make sure that you or your child meets the standard criteria for diagnosis. Your child or you may undergo a neurological and physical examination. They might also check for a medical issue that may be mimicking 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 cannot be explained by any other mental disorder, such as anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator will consider the results of the testing and interview to make an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will write an account of his or her findings and offers solutions. You or your child are likely to receive the report in a paper.
Treatment
Having ADHD can create difficulties in a variety of areas of life, including family and work. The most common symptoms are forgetfulness and impulsiveness, which can cause financial issues or issues at work or school. Family therapy and marriage can help overcome the difficulties that people with ADHD face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can help address feelings of anger and inadequacy that are often a result of an ADHD diagnosis. It's important to find a therapist that has worked with people who suffer from ADHD and who can understand the unique challenges this disorder can cause.
Health professionals employ different methods to assess whether someone is suffering from ADHD, including monitoring them in different settings, asking about their symptoms and how they affect their lives, reviewing their past behavior, taking psychological and neuropsychological tests and medical examinations. They may also consult with teachers and caregivers to get an accurate picture of the person's life, including their workplace, home and social environment.
The symptoms should be present in at least two different settings and disrupt the daily activities. They must be present for at least six months. The symptoms must have developed prior to 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 demonstrate at least five of the following symptoms in a variety of settings:
Therapists can help students develop techniques that can alleviate symptoms of ADHD like making plans ahead and keeping track of your schedules, using a planner or notebook and establishing and adhering to routines. They can also help with strategies for problem-solving and communication that can help 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
Many people find relief in getting a diagnosis as adults. They feel like they finally know what's wrong. It can also be a time of sadness in the form of the missed opportunities in school or in the workplace or for relationships that have gone awry. It's especially tough for women and girls, whose symptoms might have been missed in childhood or not recognized when they reached maturity, Matlen said.
A specialist or doctor will look over the life story of the person, which includes the adolescent years and childhood. They will examine the person's academic and work records and talk to them and anyone they know well. They will also ask about symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't better explained by mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
In addition to a physical exam The doctor might also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to help people change their thinking and behaviors to better manage their ADHD. The therapist will assist the person develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills, and impulse control. They will also teach the person to identify and avoid triggers for their ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors will recommend the patient to a psychiatrist with experience treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to talk about the problems that the person is facing at home, at work and in relationships. They will also be able to suggest support groups for adults suffering from ADHD and other resources.
If a patient is having difficulty finding a specialist doctor they can ask their primary healthcare provider for a referral, or look through their health insurance company's directory online. They can also ask friends and family members for recommendations or contact an area-based support group for adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can assist the person locate an expert psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication and a life coach or therapist who can offer strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their daily lives.