ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A correct diagnosis of ADHD will help you control symptoms that can cause issues at home and work. Symptoms of ADHD can also lead to anxiety and depression.
A thorough evaluation may include a detailed interview and screening questionnaires that help to determine other conditions, such as anxiety or depression that may coexist or look like ADHD. Your healthcare professional may request an interview with a family member.
Diagnosis
It is essential to get a licensed health professional examine you if you suspect that you might have ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or family doctor nurse practitioner who is knowledgeable in mental disorders. The assessment will include a discussion about your symptoms, the problems they cause, as well as how you've overcome them. The healthcare provider will examine your medical history, including any prior mental health issues and any other medications you're taking.
The healthcare provider must be able to identify at least six indicators (traits) of ADHD. They should be seen in at least two different settings (home, school and social situations) and seriously affect your functioning. The symptoms must have been present for at least six months and be continuous. 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. The school environment can also be a problem. People who aren't attentive ADHD may have difficulty following instructions and completing assignments, or finishing work on time. They have trouble sitting still or paying attention to other people or focusing on their personal possessions. They often interrupt and blurt answers before the questions are finished. They can't wait their turn during conversations or games.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This type of ADHD can cause problems at school, at work and at home. These problems are usually linked to a breakdown in relationships or having financial problems.
The person who is doing the assessment may wish to talk with your teachers or parents and review any records of your behavior issues as an infant. They'll likely conduct physical examinations to determine if there are any other medical conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
They might recommend additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests in the event that the issues you are having at school, at work or in your relationships demand it. These tests don't diagnose ADHD, but they can provide valuable information about the disorder.
Evaluation
If you think you or your child might have ADHD or other disorders, you should find an experienced medical professional who can examine your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for an appointment. Contact your insurance company. You can also search the internet for professionals that specialize in ADHD evaluations of adults. You can also seek suggestions from an adult ADHD support group.
During the assessment, the person who conducts it could ask you or your child questions about your childhood and present life to help you gain a better understanding of what's happening. They may also want to talk to your teachers and others who were around you as a kid. They could inquire about your medical history as well as past illnesses to see if you have any problems that look like symptoms of ADHD like depression or anxiety.
The evaluator may also use questionnaires and ratings scales to determine the frequency at which your child or you exhibit certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools let them compare your or child's symptoms with those of other children and adults who have already been diagnosed. This is to make sure your child or you meet standardized criteria for the diagnosis. They may also conduct a physical or your child a physical examination and an examination of the neurological system. They could also look for medical issues that may be the cause of ADHD like 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 any other mental disorder such as anxiety or mood disorders. The evaluator analyzes the results of the test and interview to officially diagnose ADHD. The evaluator will write an outline of his or her findings, and suggests solutions. You or your child will likely receive an electronic copy.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can create problems in many aspects of life, including family and work. Some of the symptoms include forgetfulness and impulsive decisions that can lead to financial problems or issues at work or school. Family therapy and marriage can help overcome the difficulties that people with ADHD face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, sometimes referred to as talk therapy, can address feelings of frustration and inadequacy that are often a result of an ADHD diagnosis. Finding a therapist who has experience in working with ADHD patients and who can relate to their unique challenges is important.
Health care professionals use various ways to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD and this includes observing them in several environments and asking them about their symptoms and how they impact their lives, reviewing their past behavior, taking psychological and neuropsychological tests and medical examinations. They can also talk to teachers and caregivers to get a complete picture of a person's life, including their work, home and social settings.
For an young adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must occur in two or more environments and severely interfere with their daily functioning. They must be present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms must have developed before the age of 12 and are not attributed to any other mental disorder, like 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 demonstrate at least five of the following symptoms in a variety of settings.
A therapist can assist in teaching skills that reduce the symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead and keeping track of your schedules and using a planner, notebook or diary and also establishing and adhering to routines. They can also assist you to develop problem-solving and communication skills that will help you 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
Many people feel relieved after receiving a diagnosis as an adult. They feel that they finally know what's wrong. It can also be a time of sadness regardless of the missed opportunities in school or in the workplace or for relationships that have gone awry. Matlen said it's especially difficult for girls and women whose symptoms may have been ignored in childhood or were not fully understood as they grew.
A specialist or doctor will look over the person's entire life story, including childhood and adolescence. They will review the records of work and school and interview the person as well as anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about symptoms. They will make sure that the symptoms aren't better explained by mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
The doctor might also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in addition to the physical exam. how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is to assist a person change their thoughts and behaviors so they can better manage their ADHD. The therapist will help the person learn strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills, and impulse control. The therapist will instruct the person to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may recommend the patient to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able to discuss the issues the person is having at home, at work, and in relationships. They can recommend support groups and other resources for adults with ADHD.
If someone is having difficulty finding a specialist they can contact their primary healthcare provider to refer them or search the directory online of their health insurance company. You can also ask your friends and family members for suggestions or find a local support group for adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can also assist the person find an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication and an therapist or a life coach to help them develop strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes to their lives every day.