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 cause depression and anxiety.
A thorough assessment will include a detailed interview with you and may include screening questionnaires for other conditions that might resemble ADHD or coexist with it, like depression or anxiety. Your healthcare provider might invite you to speak with the family member of yours.
Diagnosis
It is important to have a licensed health professional assess you if you suspect that you may have ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or family doctor nurse practitioner who has expertise of mental disorders. The evaluation will involve talking about your symptoms, the issues they cause and how you have tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will look over your medical history including past mental health issues as well as any medication you are taking.
The healthcare professional must be able to recognize at least six indicators (traits) of ADHD. They are present in at minimum two environments (home school, at home, and social situations) and be significantly affecting your performance. The symptoms should be present for at least six months and they must be constant over time. 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, losing track of details, and losing things. Problems with school are also common. People with inattention ADHD might not be able to follow directions and assignments, or submit work on time. They have trouble sitting still, paying attention to others or keeping track of their personal possessions. They often interrupt and blurt 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 kind of ADHD could cause difficulties at work, school and home. These problems are often linked to financial issues and strained relationships.
The person doing the evaluation will probably want to talk with your teachers and parents and see any records you have of your behavioral issues as an infant. They will probably do an examination to rule out any other medical conditions that may be causing your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
If you have problems at work, in school or in your relationships, they could recommend additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests. These tests aren't able to diagnose ADHD, but they can give you important information about the disorder.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD, you should find a qualified medical professional who can examine your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for a referral, contact your insurance provider or search the internet for professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also go to an adult ADHD support group for recommendations.
During the assessment the person who is conducting the test will speak to you or your child about your childhood and current life to get a better understanding of what's happening. They might also speak with teachers and others who were with you when you were a kid. They might inquire about your medical background and previous illnesses to determine if have any symptoms connected to ADHD like anxiety or depression.
The evaluator will also use questionnaires and ratings scales to determine the frequency at which you or your child displays certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools allow them to examine your child's or your child's symptoms with those of other children and adults who have already been diagnosed with ADHD. This is to ensure that you or your child meet the criteria for diagnosis. They might also give you or your child a physical and an examination of the brain. They can also look for medical conditions that could be the cause of ADHD, such 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 a different mental disorder, like an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder. Your evaluator will use the results of the test and interview to arrive at an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will draft a report that outlines his or her findings and recommends solutions. Your child or you are likely to receive the report in a paper.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can create issues in many areas of life, such as family and work. adhd diagnosis uk adult of the symptoms are forgetfulness and impulsiveness, which can cause financial difficulties or problems at work or school. Family therapy and marriage counseling can aid those suffering from ADHD overcome the challenges they encounter in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can address feelings of frustration and feeling inadequate often associated with an ADHD diagnosis. Finding a therapist who has expertise in working with ADHD patients and who understands their unique challenges is important.
Health professionals employ different methods to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD and this includes watching them in various environments and asking them about their symptoms and how they impact their lives, reviewing past behavior, conducting tests for neuropsychological and psychological testing, and medical examinations. They may also consult with teachers and caregivers to get a complete picture of the person's life, including the work, home and social environments.
For an young adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must be present in two or more settings and significantly affect their daily functioning. They have to be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must have developed before the age of 12 and cannot be explained by other mental disorder, 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 show at least five of the symptoms in a variety of settings:
Therapists can help students develop techniques that can help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD like planning ahead and keeping track of schedules, using a notebook or planner and establishing and adhering to routines. They can also help with communication and problem-solving skills 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, receiving an diagnosis in the adult years can bring relief and the feeling of finally being able to recognize the cause. It's also an emotional time, whether for lost opportunities in school or relationships or jobs that have failed. It's particularly hard for girls and women, those whose symptoms might have been missed in the early years or not 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 ask about symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't better explained by mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.
In addition to a physical examination, the specialist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The purpose of CBT is helping the person to change their thoughts and actions to help them manage their ADHD more efficiently. The Therapist will teach the person strategies to improve their organizational skills, managing time and controlling their impulses. They will also instruct the person how to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors might refer the person to a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience treating adults with ADHD. They will be able discuss the issues the person is having at work, at home and in relationships. They will be able to recommend support groups and other resources for adults with ADHD.
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 online directory. You can also ask your friends and family members for recommendations or find a local support group for adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can help to locate a neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist to provide them with practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes to their daily lives.