ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A correct diagnosis of ADHD will help you control symptoms that can cause issues at work and home. These symptoms can lead to depression and anxiety.
A thorough assessment could include a thorough interview and screening questionnaires to determine other conditions, like anxiety or depression that might coexist or resemble ADHD. Your healthcare professional could also ask you to speak with your loved ones.
Diagnosis
It is crucial to have a licensed health professional evaluate you if you suspect that you might have ADHD. This could be psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician, or nurse practitioner who has expertise in mental disorders. The assessment will include a discussion of your symptoms, the issues they cause, and how you have dealt with them. The healthcare professional will go over your medical history, including any past mental health issues as well as any medications you might be taking.
The healthcare professional must be able to recognize at least six symptoms (traits) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two environments (home, school, and social situations) and be significantly affecting your performance. The symptoms should have been present for at least six months and be consistent. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
Inattentive symptoms include trouble paying attention, ignoring details, and losing things. Problems with school are also common. People with inattention ADHD may not follow instructions and assignments, or complete work on time. They aren't able to sit still, paying close attention to others, or keeping track of their own activities. They frequently interrupt and blurt out answers before they 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 can lead to issues at school, home and work. These problems are often related to a breakdown in relationships or getting into financial difficulties.
The person who is conducting the assessment might want to speak with your teachers or parents and review any records of your behavior problems as an infant. They'll probably conduct an examination to determine if there are any other medical conditions that may contribute to your symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizures.
If you have problems at school, at work or with your relationships, they might suggest additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing. These tests do not diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information about how the disorder affects your life.
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If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD It is important to find a qualified medical expert who can assess your symptoms. You can request recommendations, talk to your insurance provider or search the internet for specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also join an adult ADHD support group to get recommendations.
During the assessment, the person conducting it may ask you or your child questions about your past and present life to help you gain an understanding of what's happening. They may also ask to talk to your teachers or others who were with you when you were a child. They might inquire about your medical background and past illnesses to determine if are experiencing any symptoms that may be related to ADHD like anxiety or depression.
The evaluator may also use rating scales and questionnaires to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, as well as how often they occur. adult diagnosis of adhd will help them to compare your child's behavior to those of other kids and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. This is to make sure that you or your child is in line with the standard criteria for diagnosis. They may also conduct a physical or your child a physical examination and a neurological exam. They might also check for a medical issue that may be a symptom of ADHD like 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 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 officially diagnose ADHD. The evaluator drafts an account of his or her findings, and suggests treatments. They may give you or your child with a copy of the report.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work as well as in the home. Some of the symptoms include impulsive or forgetful decisions that can result in financial issues or trouble at work or school. Family and marriage therapy can aid people suffering from ADHD overcome the difficulties they face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can address feelings of anger and inadequacy often associated with an ADHD diagnosis. It is important to find a therapist who has worked with people with ADHD and can relate to the unique challenges that this disorder can bring about.
Health professionals employ a variety of methods to determine whether someone has ADHD. They might observe the person in various settings, ask about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives, review their past behavior and conduct neuropsychological and psychological tests, and conduct an exam for medical reasons. They can also consult with caregivers and teachers to get a complete picture of an individual's life, including the work, home and social settings.
For an young adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must manifest in two or more environments and seriously affect their daily functioning. They must be present for at minimum 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 exhibit at least five symptoms in a variety of environments.
A therapist can teach techniques that can reduce the symptoms of ADHD like planning ahead and keeping track of your schedules, using a planner or notebook, and developing and sticking to routines. They can also teach 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
For many, receiving an diagnosis in the adult years can bring relief and a feeling of finally having a clear understanding of what's happening. It can also be a time of sorrow regardless of the missed opportunities in school or in the workplace or for relationships that have gone south. It's particularly hard for girls and women who's symptoms may have been overlooked in their childhood or not fully appreciated when they reached maturity, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will look over the person's entire life-history including childhood and adolescence. They will review the person's school and work documents and interview them as well as anyone else who knows them well. They will also inquire about the symptoms. They will make sure that the symptoms aren't more easily explained by a mental health condition, like anxiety or depression, and that the person is not suffering from an physical issue, such as low blood pressure or a hearing or vision impairment.
In addition to a physical examination The doctor may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The purpose of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is to assist a person change their thoughts and behavior to better manage their ADHD. The counselor will instruct the patient on strategies to improve their organizational skills as well as time management, and impulse control. They will also instruct the patient how to recognize and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors will refer the patient to a psychiatrist who has experience treating adults with ADHD. They can discuss the issues the person is facing at home, at work, and in relationships. They can recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD.
If someone is having trouble finding a specialist, they can either contact their primary healthcare provider to refer them to a specialist or search the online directory of their health insurance company. You can also ask family and friends for suggestions, or contact an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can also help the person locate an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication as well as a therapist or life coach to help them develop strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes to their daily lives.