ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause issues at work and home. Symptoms of ADHD can also result in depression and anxiety.
A thorough assessment could include a detailed interview and screening questionnaires to identify other conditions, like depression or anxiety, that might coexist or resemble ADHD. Your healthcare provider might ask to interview your family member.
Diagnosis
If you think that you might be suffering from ADHD and are concerned, it is essential to have an evaluation conducted by an accredited health professional. This could include a psychiatrist, psychologist, family doctor, or nurse practitioner who is knowledgeable in mental disorders. The assessment will include a discussion about your symptoms, the issues they cause, and the ways you have dealt with them. The healthcare provider will also look over your medical history, including any past mental health issues as well as any other medications you're taking.
The healthcare provider must be able to recognize at least six symptoms (traits) of ADHD. They are present in at minimum two environments (home school, at home, and social situations) and be significantly impairing your functioning. 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. Problems with school are also common. People with inattentive ADHD might have difficulty adhering to instructions or completing assignments. how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult may also have difficulty submitting work on time. They may have trouble sitting still, paying attention to others or focusing on themselves. They frequently interrupt and scream out answers before they have finished. They struggle 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 difficulties at work, school and at home. These issues are usually related to problems in relationships and getting into financial difficulties.
The person who is conducting the assessment may wish to speak with your parents or teachers, and look at any documentation of your behavior problems as when you were a child. They may also conduct a physical examination to rule out any medical conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms you are experiencing, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
They will probably recommend additional psychological, neuropsychological and/or learning disabilities testing if the problems you are experiencing at school, work or in your relationships demand it. These tests don't diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information on how the disorder affects you.
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If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD It is important to find a certified medical professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can request recommendations, talk to your insurance company, or search online for specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also ask for recommendations from an adult ADHD support group.
During the evaluation, the person conducting the test will speak to you or your child about your childhood and present life to gain a better understanding of what's happening. They might also request to talk to your teachers and others who knew you as a child. They may ask about your medical background and previous illnesses to determine if you are suffering from any symptoms that could be connected to ADHD, such anxiety or depression.
The evaluator also uses questionnaires and ratings scales to determine the frequency at which your child or you display certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools allow them to 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 meets standardized criteria for the diagnosis. They might also give you or your child a physical exam and a neurological exam. They could also check for a medical condition that could be mimicking 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 better explained by another mental disorder, like depression or anxiety. Your evaluator will use the results of the tests and interview to arrive at an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will write an outline of his or her findings and recommends solutions. You or your child are likely to receive a copy.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work and in the family. 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 counseling can help people with ADHD overcome the difficulties they face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can address feelings of frustration and feeling inadequate often associated with an ADHD diagnosis. Finding a therapist who has experience working with ADHD patients and who can relate to their unique challenges is important.
Health professionals use a variety of methods to determine whether someone has ADHD. They can observe them 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 then conduct a medical exam. They may also consult teachers and caregivers in order to get a full picture of the individual's life. This includes their work, home and social environment.
For an adolescent or young adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must be present in two or more settings and significantly affect their daily functioning. They must be present for at least six months. The symptoms must have manifested before the age of 12 and cannot be explained by other mental disorder, 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 display at least five symptoms in different environments.
A therapist can help teach techniques that can reduce symptoms of ADHD. This includes planning ahead and keeping track of your 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 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
Many people find relief in getting a diagnosis as adults. They feel like they have finally figured out what's wrong. It's also often a time of sorrow, whether for lost opportunities at school or at relationships or work that have failed. Matlen said it's especially difficult for girls and women whose symptoms may have been missed during childhood or not fully understood as they grew older.
A doctor or specialist will look over the person's entire life history including childhood and adolescence. They will look over the person's work and school records and talk to them and anyone other person who is familiar with them. They will also ask about the signs. They will make sure that the symptoms aren't caused by mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.
In addition to a physical exam, the specialist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The aim of CBT is to help the patient change their thinking and actions to help them manage their ADHD more efficiently. The counselor will instruct the patient on strategies to improve their organization skills as well as time management, and impulse control. They will also teach the patient how to recognize and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may refer the patient to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to discuss the problems the person is having at work, at home and in relationships. They can recommend support groups and other resources for adults with ADHD.
If a person has difficulty finding an expert They can ask their primary care provider to refer them or search the directory online of their health insurance company. They can also ask their friends and family members for suggestions or join a local support group for adults with ADHD. The specialist can also assist 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 in their day-to-day lives.