ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you gain control over symptoms that can cause problems at home as well as in your professional life. Symptoms of ADHD can also lead to anxiety and depression.
A thorough assessment will include an extensive interview with you. It could also involve screening questionnaires for other illnesses that could be similar to ADHD or coexist with it, such as anxiety or depression. Your healthcare professional may request an interview with the family member of yours.
Diagnosis
It is important to have a licensed health professional assess you if you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or family doctor nurse practitioner who has expertise of mental disorders. The exam will include speaking about your symptoms, the problems they cause and how you've dealt with them. The healthcare professional will also review your medical history, including any past mental health problems and any other medications you're taking.
To diagnose, the healthcare provider must be able to identify at least six traits (symptoms) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two different settings (home school, social situations) and seriously affect 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.
Symptoms of inattentiveness include forgetting things, loosing things, and having trouble paying attention. School-related problems are also common. People with inattention ADHD might not follow directions or complete assignments or submit work on time. They have difficulty sitting still, paying close attention to others or keeping track of their own activities. They frequently interrupt and blurt out answers before they have finished their questions. They have trouble waiting for their turn in games or conversations.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This type of ADHD may cause difficulties at work, school and at home. These problems are usually linked to financial difficulties and troubled relationships.
The person who is conducting the test will probably want to talk with your teachers and parents and see any records you have of your behavioral issues as an infant. They'll probably conduct physical examinations to rule out any other medical conditions that may be causing your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues.
They may suggest additional neuropsychological, psychological and/or learning disabilities testing if the problems you are having at school, at work or in your relationships demand it. These tests do not diagnose ADHD but they could give you valuable information about the disorder.
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If you suspect you or your child may have ADHD or other disorders, you should seek out an experienced health professional who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for a referral, contact your insurance company, or search the internet for professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also join an adult ADHD support group to get recommendations.
During the assessment the person who is conducting it will talk with you or your child about your childhood and present life to gain a better understanding of what's happening. They might also talk to teachers and other people who knew you when you were a kid. They could inquire about your medical history and past ailments to determine if you are experiencing any symptoms that could be connected to ADHD like depression or anxiety.
The evaluator can also employ rating scales and questionnaires to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, and how often they occur. These tools can help them compare your or your child's symptoms to the symptoms of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. This will help ensure that you or your child meet the standard criteria for diagnosis. They might also give you or your child a physical examination and a neurological exam. They might also check for any 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 cannot be explained better by a different mental disorder, like an anxiety or mood disorder. The evaluator will use the results of the tests and interview to officially diagnose ADHD. The evaluator drafts a report outlining his or her findings and recommending treatment options. You or your child are likely to receive a copy.
Treatment
ADHD can cause issues at work and within the home. Some of the symptoms include forgetfulness and impulsive decisions that can cause financial issues or trouble at work or at school. Marriage and family therapy can assist in addressing the issues that people with ADHD face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can help alleviate the feelings of frustration and inadequacy that often accompany the diagnosis of ADHD. Finding a therapist with experience working with ADHD patients and who understands their unique challenges is important.
Health professionals use a variety of methods to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. They may observe the person in different environments, inquire about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives. They may also review past behavior as well as conduct neuropsychological and psychosocial tests, and then conduct a medical exam. They can also talk to caregivers and teachers to obtain the complete picture of a person's life, including the work, home and social environments.
The symptoms must be present in at least two different settings and disrupt daily functioning. They have to be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must have occurred since before age 12, and they cannot be better explained by other mental disorders, such as 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 signs in various environments.
Therapists can help you develop skills that help reduce symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead and keeping track of timetables and using a planner, notebook or diary and also developing 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
For many people, getting a diagnosis in adulthood can be a relief and the feeling of being able to recognize the cause. It's also a time of sorrow due to missed opportunities at school or at work or relationships that have failed. Matlen explained that it's especially difficult for girls and women who's symptoms might have been missed during childhood or not recognized until they grew.
A doctor or specialist will look over the life story of the person, which includes childhood and adolescence. They will review the person's school and work records and interview them and anyone they know well. They will also ask about the signs. They will make sure that the symptoms aren't a result of a mental health condition like depression or anxiety.
In addition to a physical exam The doctor might also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The goal 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 organizational skills, time management and impulse control. The therapist will help the patient to recognize and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors might recommend the patient to a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. undiagnosed adhd in adults will be able to discuss the challenges the person experiencing at home, work and in relationships. They can recommend support groups and other resources for adults with ADHD.
If someone is having difficulty finding an expert, they can either request their primary care physician to refer them to a specialist or search the directory online of their health insurance company. They can also ask friends and family members for recommendations or join an area-based support group for adults with ADHD. The specialist can help the person locate a 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 lives every day.