ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A clear diagnosis of ADHD will help you control symptoms that can cause problems at home and work. These symptoms can result in anxiety and depression.
A thorough assessment could include a detailed interview and screening questionnaires that help to determine other conditions, like depression or anxiety, that might coexist or resemble ADHD. Your healthcare professional could also request to interview a loved one.
Diagnosis
It is important to seek out a licensed health professional to assess you if you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD. This could include psychologist, psychiatrist or family doctor nurse practitioner with specialized knowledge in the field of 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 professional will go over your medical history including past mental health issues and any medication you are taking.
To make a diagnosis the healthcare professional must identify at least six signs (symptoms) of ADHD. They must occur in at least two settings (home, school and social situations) and seriously affect your ability to function. The symptoms should have been present for at least 6 months and be consistent. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
Inattention symptoms include difficulty paying attention, ignoring details, and losing things. School-related problems are also common. People with inattention ADHD might not be able to follow directions or complete assignments or complete work on time. They aren't able to sit still and paying attention to other people or keeping track of their personal possessions. They frequently interrupt and blurt out answers before questions are 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 type of ADHD can lead to issues at school, home and at work. These problems are usually linked to financial problems and troubled relationships.
The person who is doing the evaluation may want to speak with your parents or teachers and review any documentation of your behavioral issues as a child. They'll likely conduct a physical exam to determine if there are any other medical conditions that may contribute to your symptoms, including seizures or thyroid issues.
If you are experiencing difficulties at school, at work or with your relationships, they could recommend additional psychological, learning disabilities, and/or neuropsychological testing. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD however they can provide valuable information on how the disorder affects you.
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If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD It's crucial to find a qualified health professional who can assess your symptoms. You can request a referral, contact your insurance provider or search the internet for specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also request suggestions from an adult ADHD support group.
During the evaluation the person who is conducting it will talk with you or your child about your childhood and current life to gain a better understanding of what's happening. They might also request to talk to your teachers and others who were with you when you were a child. They may inquire about your medical history and past illnesses to see if you have any problems that look like symptoms of ADHD, such as anxiety or depression.
The evaluator can also employ rating scales and questionnaires to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, and how often they occur. These tools let them compare your or child's symptoms with those of other children and adults who have already been diagnosed with ADHD. This is to make sure that you or your child meet the criteria for diagnosis. They may also offer you or your child a physical exam and a neurological exam. They might also check for a medical condition that may be a symptom of ADHD like seizures or thyroid problems.
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 can't be explained better by a different mental disorder, such as depression or anxiety. Your evaluator will use the results of the test and interview to make an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator writes a report outlining his or her findings and recommends treatment options. They may provide you or your child with a copy the report.
Treatment
Having ADHD can cause issues in many areas of life, including family and work. The most common symptoms are impulsivity and forgetfulness, which can cause financial difficulties or problems at work or school. Marriage and family therapy may aid people suffering from ADHD overcome the difficulties they face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) can address the feelings of frustration and inadequacy that are often associated with the diagnosis of ADHD. Finding a therapist with experience in working with ADHD patients and who can relate to their unique challenges is important.
Health care professionals employ different ways to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD, including monitoring them in different environments, asking about their symptoms and how they impact their lives, analyzing their past behavior, taking psychological and neuropsychological tests and an examination for medical reasons. They may also consult caregivers and teachers to gain a complete picture of the individual's life. This includes their work, home and social setting.
The symptoms must be present in at least two different settings and disrupt daily functioning. 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, 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 show at least five symptoms in a variety of environments.
A therapist can teach skills that can help alleviate symptoms of ADHD by making plans ahead and keeping track of timetables, using a planner or notebook, and developing and sticking to routines. They can also help with the skills of communication and problem-solving 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
Many people find relief in getting a diagnosis as adults. They feel that they've finally found out what's wrong. It can also be a time of grief regardless of the missed opportunities in school or at work or relationships that have gone south. 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 matured.
A doctor or specialist will examine the patient's life history including childhood and adolescence. They will look over the person's work and school records and interview 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 better explained by mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
The specialist may also suggest cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical examination. The goal of CBT is to help the person to change their thoughts and actions so they can manage their ADHD more effectively. The therapist will help the person learn strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills and impulse control. They will also show the patient how to recognize and avoid triggers for their ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors might recommend the patient to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to discuss the issues the person is having at work, at home and in relationships. They can also suggest support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If someone has difficulty finding a specialist they can contact their primary healthcare provider to refer them or look up the online directory of their health insurance company. They can also ask friends and family members for recommendations or contact a local support group for adults with ADHD. The specialist can help the person find a neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication and an therapist or a life coach to give them practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes to their daily lives.